Happy 1st Anniversary,

Michelle & Jarrod!!

Boston!

Where have I been you might ask?! I was in Boston for a conference since Saturday...what an amazing city! We got in on Saturday afternoon and were able to spend a little time shopping and going out to dinner. Here's a photo of our hotel at night - the Boston Park Plaza. Nice hotel, but also pretty expensive - $170/night!On Sunday and Monday, we made it to more sessions and out for a little more shopping. Here's the Boston Commons and the start of the Freedom Trail - a 2.5 mile walking route through Boston pointing out many historical places.
We didn't have too much time so we made a stop at Faneuil Hall where we saw these kids performing.
Monday night was an off-site event at the New England Aquarium. I have to say that I wasn't all that impressed with the aquarium itself. There just wasn't much to it.

Tuesday was filled with sessions and a final gala dinner. Here's Tracy and I at the dinner.

The group we hung out with - Illinois State University, Brenau University, Duke University, Wake Forest University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Trinity University are all represented. Playing Left, Right, Center in one of the suites. This game is fun if you have never played and so easy. All you need is three quarters and the dice.
There is so much to do in Boston, I am hoping to be able to go back. I'd love to get to Fenway Park, the Sam Adams brewery (okay, so this is really for Jason!), and just tour around a little bit more.

Consultation

Can I just say that I love my RE?! I called the office last Monday hoping to be able to meet or talk to Dr. J last Wednesday for a couple of reasons - 1) I knew he was going to be in Urbana, 2) I had my list of questions ready, and 3) I want to know what the next step was going to be as soon as possible so I didn't want to wait another week! He didn't have any cancellations, but we were able to talk to him over the phone. I asked him some of the questions I mentioned the other day and these were his responses.

1. He felt that our hcg was still from the boosters I did the week before (hmmm....).
2. He wasn't concerned about the missing inner cell mass. He said we had beautiful embryos, and we shouldn't be concerned either.
3. The genetics testing and blood clot testing are not covered by insurance unless you have had recurrent pregnancy loss and they would run a "couple thousand dollars". He was happy to order them, but didn't think they were necessary at this point. We decided against doing them at this time.
4. He also didn't recommend the laparascopy unless we have another failed cycle. I believe this is just his way of doing things based on his experience.

Dr. J doesn't see any reason why we wouldn't produce high quality embryos again, he is just hoping for more and to be able to freeze some next time. So, he is going to increase the protocol, and we are starting things again the next time my cycle starts...IVF #2 here we come!

Thanks, ladies!!

Oh my gosh...this is awesome! Thank you so much to everyone who had suggestions for me. I really want to see what else we can do before we try this again. I had thought about a couple of the things mentioned, but it was good to know that I was on the right track.

To answer a few questions,

1. Yes, I have had an HSG. It was in January 2008 and it appeared to be normal.

2. I didn't do Lovenox. I have been taking a baby aspirin daily (and the prenatal vitamins), but that's it. I'll ask about it.

3. I'm not sure if the beta came back at 16 due to the hcg booster. I am going to ask, but I wouldn't think so since it was diluted and over a week before my test. Who knows.

4. I'm asking about blood clotting disorders...thanks!

5. A laparoscopy is on my list to ask about. Dr. J did offer that as an option before we did this IVF cycle, but since my insurance covered the IVF he suggested that first.

6. YES! I definitely want to know more about this missing inner cell mass. I have no clue how that happens and what that means so it is on my list.

7. I have read about PGD and it's on my list of questions, too.

Our meeting is next week so we'll see what Dr. J says. Thanks again, ladies!!

This sucks!

Why in the world is this happening??? We had 2 awesome embryos transferred and still no good news to share! Yep, it's official, this cycle is a bust. I'm compiling my questions for Dr. J now, so if you have any suggestions, let me know! Our consult is in 2 weeks and hopefully we'll walk away feeling good.

We've been down this road before.

Today was the first beta test - at 12dp3dt...and my hcg was at 16. Not a yes, not a no. Now we just wait until Thursday when we have another test and pray that the number doubles or more.

I'm trying to keep positive especially considering what GREAT embryos we had transferred, but I can't help remembering what we went through in October. We're praying that this time there will be a different result...a baby!

I know that I have done what I can and now it is up to God and His plan for us.

Bowl for Kids Sake

Last night was Big Brothers/Big Sisters annual fundraiser - Bowl for Kids Sake. Thanks to our friends for raising money for this great organization!Rich, Emily, and Mel

Jenny & Eric

We won lots of great prizes, too! Jason and I won 3 free McDonald's sandwiches, BWW gift card, Girl Scout cookies, and free appetizer at Logan's!

Sorry we couldn't hang out longer, but hope you guys had fun, too!!