Our MicroSort story

Coloring ~

2012-02-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

Rainy days are good for coloring and rainbows!

Christmas

2011-11-30T10:33:00.001-08:00

This was my oldest daughters 1st Christmas dress she wore 13 years ago...today Ella wears it.

My little monkey

2011-11-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

And here she is with her 3 brothers and big sissy

Americas Funniest Home Videos

2011-09-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

So exciting! Our Microsort baby won Americas Funniest Home Videos and we fly out in 8 days for L.A. You can watch it October 23, 2011 on ABC. Wish us luck=)

I just wanted to UPDATE you all: we took 2nd place and won $3,000.00. It was an amazing experience! It aired last Sunday and El was awake to watch it, when her clip came on, she sat straight up and pointed at the TV! lol I can't wait to tell her all about it when she's older, but for now she has a few memorabilia pieces: stuffed gerbil the hotel gave her, AFV tshirt, and a copy of the show on DVD.

2011-08-07T05:06:00.001-07:00

The family

2011-07-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Our Microsort baby is ONE

2011-07-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Ella turned one on June 28, 2011. We celebrated with family on July3rd. That morning my husbands parents and his sister drove up from Fairfax, VA to spend the day with us. My parents were also present and visiting from Alaska. It was a Sunday so we all attended church where we had Ella dedicated to God. Here is a photo of our whole family: Pastor Coon, baby Ella, John (Daddy), Sarah (Mommy), back row: Jen (John's sister), MomMom Sue (John's mother), PopPop Rich (John's father), Noni Robin (Sarah's mother), Papa Don (Sarah's father), Front row siblings: Tavin, Tanton, Torin, and Megan.

After Church we went for Brunch at IHOP, this was Ellas Favorite place to eat when i was pregnant with her.

Then it was home for the festivities. I made the fabric banner, the cake, and the cupcakes. You will notice in the photos that Ella does not like to be messy=) Daddy's face gets the cake and she helps him get cleaned off by eating the cake on his face. lol

11 months

2011-06-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

SERIOUSLY FUNNY! She's mastered the fit and it turns off as quick as it turns on. ahahaha

2011-05-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Fun in the sun; El and her siblings=)

2011-05-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

Ella's new Kitchen

2011-05-25T12:17:00.001-07:00

I love her tippy toes<3 my little ballerina!

10 months

2011-05-10T09:16:00.001-07:00

Genetics&IVF Institute 25th Annual Baby Reunion

2011-05-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending the 25th Annual Baby Reunion, it was our very first time;as Ella is only 10 month old. Dr. Jones was not there, he's recently retired. And Nancy Gallucci was also absent, due to a family emergency. You both were missed and prayers have been sent your way Nancy! I spoke with Stephen R. Lincoln, MD, FACOG, he was my main hands on doctor when we made Ella. He spoke of his twin 15 year old boys. I said, "O, so you used IVF as well?" He replied that he in fact did not and believes God has a sense of humor considering his profession. lol Ah Yes, you have to laugh with God on that one:) Here is a photo of Dr. Stephen and Ella:
I also spoke with Joseph D. Schulman, MD the GIVF founder. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised that he knew of this blog! We spoke for quite some time on all matters. I asked more about when Microsort was to be FDA approved and he stated that they are still gathering the study data and waiting on a court date. I was honored that he asked if i would consider speaking at the hearing. I believe wholeheartedly in Microsort and have tried to be a voice for them through this blog, www.in-gender.com, and personal conversations. Currently Microsort is closed to gender selection and they are only open to those with genetic disorders at this time. I spoke with several families at this renuion and each one had their own unique story. It seemed that in every direction there were single, double, and even triple blessings! The very first GIVF baby was in attendance with her husband=) How awesome is that! Here is a photo of her, in the white sweater cutting the cake:

There was another mother and daughter (daughter in her twenties), my mind drifted off into thoughts of when Ella grows up and how year after year this will be such a special event. Everyone was so friendly and it felt as if it was an extended family. There was yet another family with their two red headed boys ages 8 and 3. She told me how they were created at the same time, but the younger child was frozen until they went back again to conceive. Trying to wrap ones mind around that is baffling. Twins, yet born years apart! All these families, all these very much wanted children, all the love you could feel, gratefulness, and gratitude. And the gracious, friendly doctors who feel like they are part of the family, THANK YOU! I must add that the stuffed animal they hand out is an already adored lovey:

Here's additional photos of my older 4 who enjoyed the clowns and face painting.

El's old man laugh...she cracks us up!

2011-03-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

~ Eight months ~

2011-03-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ella playing baby dolls

2011-02-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

7 Months old

2011-01-31T12:06:00.000-08:00

6 months

2011-01-08T20:40:00.001-08:00

6 months old

2011-01-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

12-28-2010 Ella turned 6 months old. On that day we were at Mount Vernon touring George Washington's home where Ella got her 1st tooth. This will be such a loved memory. I purchased a Christmas ornament to remember that day as well as a 2007 ornament to remember the day my Hubby and i were there in 2007 while on our honeymoon=) Here are some photos of Ella and one of us at G.W.s home.

Ella's birth

2010-11-27T06:40:00.001-08:00

Tutu cute

2010-10-26T08:31:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin baby

2010-10-08T15:39:00.001-07:00

Ella's dollies, made by mommy

2010-10-07T07:58:00.001-07:00

Ella and her siblings

2010-10-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

3 months and 3 days

2010-10-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

This baby girl is such a joy! She started to roll over yesterday and is so proud of herself:) She will squeal and smile so big. Ella is 3 months old and weighing in at 15 pounds...she's simply perfect<3

Ella El

2010-09-22T14:30:00.001-07:00

2 months

2010-09-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ella had her 2 month apt. and she weighed 14lb 4oz 97%, length 23.5" 76%, and head circum 25" 74%.

2010-09-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

hair bows

2010-08-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

Ella posed to show off her hair bows i made her. The photos are a bit blurry.

1st Pedi

2010-08-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

I painted Ella's piggy's today=) And Meg and i went and got our very 1st pedi together.

2010-08-20T11:49:00.001-07:00

Irish heirloom hankie

2010-08-20T11:48:00.001-07:00

Irish heirloom Hankie

I'm a lacy hankie, as pretty as can be. With a wee bit of stiching, a bonnet has been made out of me.

I'll be worn home from the hospital or perhaps on my christening day, and then i'll be carefully pressed and enatly tucked away.

On the Wedding Day, i have been told, every well dressed Bride must have something old.

What would be more fitting than to find the treasured bonnet in a box sealed. A few stitches with ribbons snipped and a Wedding handkerchief is revealed.

EED

2010-08-10T15:41:00.001-07:00

My baby doll

2010-08-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

2010-08-08T06:16:00.003-07:00

Going to GIVF on Friday to introduce Ella to her makers
I spoke with MS this a.m. and they are just as excited as we are! All 3
docs that worked with me will be in the office as well as Nany G.
I am hopeing to get a photo of all of them together with El. I'm so
excited...it's like closure from this wild adventure=)

2010-08-08T06:16:00.001-07:00

Thought i'd post who Ella will be meeting=)
Stephen R. Lincoln, MD, FACOG is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Lincoln is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), non-surgical sperm aspiration, donor egg and advanced hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures.

In addition to his extensive experience in clinical practice, Dr. Lincoln is the author or co-author of over 30 book chapters and peer reviewed journal articles. He is a peer reviewer of articles for Fertility and Sterility, the monthly publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Dr. Lincoln lectures at numerous national medical and scientific meetings and review courses. He also has been interviewed by national and local media on various aspects of infertility treatment.

Dr. Lincoln graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1982 with a degree in biology. He completed his medical school training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1986. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at East Carolina University (1990) and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology (1992) at the University of Louisville.

Dr. Lincoln has served as a faculty member at three university medical schools: the University of Louisville, the University of Mississippi and the University of Tennessee at Memphis, where he was Director of Clinical Services of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and rose to the rank of Associate Professor before joining Genetics & IVF Institute in 1999. He is a member of several national professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Lincoln was named one of “America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists” by the Consumer Research Council of America in 2007 and 2008. He was honored as one of the “Best Doctors in America” by Best Doctors in 2008, featured in Northern Virginia magazine’s January 2009 list of “Best Doctors," and featured in Northern Virginia magazine’s February 2010 list of "Top-Rated Doctors."

Dr. Lincoln provides services in infertility, donor egg IVF, and family balancing.

2010-08-08T06:15:00.002-07:00

Laurence C. Udoff, MD, FACOG is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Udoff joined the Genetics & IVF Institute from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where in addition to maintaining a clinical practice, he was Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. During his tenure at the University of Maryland, Dr. Udoff was Director of the Residency Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) program. He taught hundreds of students and residents. Prior to joining the Maryland faculty, Dr. Udoff practiced at the highly successful infertility program of The University of Utah School of Medicine, where he helped to establish the first PGD program in the Intermountain West.

Dr. Udoff’s special interests include PGD and methods to improve IVF outcomes. Dr. Udoff graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Delaware with a degree in Biology and received his medical degree from the University Of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Maryland. He completed one fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Maryland and another at the University of Utah.

He is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (full member), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society.

Dr. Udoff has been the author or co-author of numerous book chapters, abstracts and peer-reviewed articles on topics in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Udoff speaks frequently at meetings around the country and has appeared on local and national TV to discuss infertility. He was also featured in Northern Virginia magazine’s February 2010 list of "Top-Rated Doctors."

Dr. Udoff maintains his affiliation with the University of Maryland, where he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and shares his medical expertise with medical students and residents.

Dr. Udoff provides services in infertility, donor egg IVF, and family balancing including MicroSort IUIs. Dr. Udoff is also the lead physician on donor egg and egg vitrification.

2010-08-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ervin E. Jones, PhD, MD, HCLD, FACOG* is Senior Physician and Scientific Director. Dr. Jones is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Jones is former Professor and Director of the Assisted Reproduction & in vitro Fertilization Program at Yale University School of Medicine and former Associate Director of the Yale Fertility Center, New Haven, CT.
Dr. Jones earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, his MD from the University of California at Irvine and his PhD in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana. After completing his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, where he served as Chief Resident, Dr. Jones was a National Institutes of Health Post Doctoral Fellow in Reproductive Physiology at the University of California School of Medicine, Harbor – UCLA and a Mellon Foundation Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology at Yale, where later he also served as a professor and director of medical education in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Jones has more than 25 years of experience in teaching and in the practice of reproductive endocrinology, infertility and assisted reproduction. He has authored over 170 publications, including book chapters and abstracts. He has received numerous awards, including the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology teaching award, the National Medical Association’s Distinguished Physician, Teacher and Scholar award and the Dean’s Medical Education Farr prize,Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Jones’s expertise extends beyond teaching and medical practice – he is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Bioanalysts and a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) in Embryology,Andrology and Endocrinology. Dr. Jones has served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for NIH/NICHD Collaborative Programs in Reproductive Biology.
Dr. Jones is a member of numerous medical societies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the National Medical Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Named as one of “America’s Top Docs” by Ladies Home Journal, Dr. Jones was honored as one of America’s Leading Physicians by Black Enterprise magazine. In 2000, he was awarded an honorary Master of Arts Privatim by Yale University. He was also featured in Northern Virginia magazine’s February 2010 list of "Top-Rated Doctors."

Dr. Jones provides services in infertility, donor egg IVF, and family balancing including MicroSort IUIs. Dr. Jones is also the lead physician on MicroSort IUIs.

Daddy and El

2010-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Ella 1 month old

2010-08-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

El

2010-07-29T15:07:00.001-07:00

footsies

2010-07-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

Siblings

2010-07-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Ella's 2 week apt.

2010-07-16T07:12:00.001-07:00

Ella's 2 week apt. stats: 8lb 4 oz, 46th percential for weight, 20 1/4 inches, 65th percential for length, 13.8 inches head, and 26th percential for head cercum. She's just a tiny thing♥

July 4, 2010

2010-07-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ella has arrived

2010-07-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful and perfect baby girl arrived June 28, 2010 at 4:30 a.m. weighing 7lb 7oz and 20 inches long.
June 27, 2010 ~ My mother and I and the four children arrived at church at 10:30 a.m. and while walking across the parking lot i felt a gush. My water broke:) So we all jumped back into the SUV and headed for the hospital while i tried to call my husband, who was at work (USCG station working a 72 hour shift). His co-worker answered the phone and said he was out on the boat doing a boarding.

John~ he was reached by the station and was told my water broke. He attempted to call me but didn't get through. He told the boat he was inspecting to have a nice day and that he was off to have a baby. Full lights and speeding across the water. Once he docked he realized he had blew up the out drive=o He jumped into his SUV and drove to the hospital.

At the hospital ~ I was given my 1st round of cefilex antibiotics to treat my strep B. But the next round had to be given 8 hours later. I was not contracting. After my 2nd anti they hung pitocin and the contractions starting coming and strong. My mother and my 4 children were present and we had one sofa with 2 sleeping kidos and another sofa back on the floor for the other sleeping children. I decided to get an epidural this time as it seemed things were going slow and at only a 2 i was having great pain. John stood in front of me as i held him close while getting my epidural which was not painful...but the contractions were very painful, especial sitting up. John's knees were locked due to how high the bed was and he started to turn white...the nurse told him to go sit down but i wouldn't let him go. Finally he sat and re composed and came back to relieve the nurse from my grips:) LOL They checked me after the epidural and i had gone from a 2-4 with in those 12 minutes. Only 30 minutes later i had gone from a 4-10 and ready to push. I can only imagine how painful that would have been to go so quickly=o The nurse asked me to do some practice pushes and after a few called for the doctor who barley made it in time to catch Ella:) The doc was impressed with how well behaved the kids were. Ella captured all our hearts from the first cry. The kids, daddy, and i can't keep our lips off her=)

June 24 2010

2010-06-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

I have def. forgotten to post. A few days ago i went into the hospital to be checked b/c i had had contractions for 4 hours about 3-5 min. apart. Doc said yes they were contractions but not strong enough to do the job. I was dialated to a 1 and 80% effaced. We were sent home and everything stopped.

Today:
I had my membrains stripped today at my OB apt. I've never had that done before and boy did that hurt!!! Doc said i was dialated to a 2, -2 station, and 80% effaced. I've been having contractions here and there for the past few days. I had 12 more tonight, but they stopped again. (SIGH) Here in DE they say they won't induce until a week or two past ones due date and set up a tentative induction for me on July 15th...i highly doubt i'll make that date. Waiting these last few days is the hardest! Oh and i had glucos in my urine...so they will be doing another glucos test next.

June 10, 2010

2010-06-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Ella's HEAD DOWN!!! And low too! She was so adorable and smaking and licking and sucking with her lips. Those are Def. daddies lips=) So Ella will be picking her own D day and we'll all be surprised:)

June 8, 2010

2010-06-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

I had an OB apt this a.m. They did a group strep B on me and i'll get those results back at my next visit. Also Dr. Wong checked me and said i was dialated to a 1 and he wasn't sure if Ella was still breech. My next apt. is on the 15th, as i go weekly now. I have an ultrasound in two days to see if Ella is breech. If she is i will be scheduling a c-section.

June 1, 2010

2010-06-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

I had an OB apt. today with Dr. Wong...LOVE HIM! I've had a few high blood pressures and MASSIVE swelling:( Doc said my swelling is reaching my knees and that's not good. I will go back and see him in 1 week. I also have an ultrasound on June 10th, just to confirm that Ella is still breech and as far as today...she still is. Doc said he'd like to try and turn her in the hospital, but i've just had a friend do this and it failed...so i'm thinking i'll just opt for the c-section!? Here's a nasty photo of what my feet have been doing:

May 18, 2009

2010-05-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

I had an OB apt. this a.m. My BP was 90/60...so that's great=) They scheduled an ultrasound for June 10th to see if Ella is still breech. That's about it...i go back in for another OB check up in 2 weeks.

May 4, 2010

2010-05-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

I had an OB appointment this a.m. with the midwife, Mimi=) Ella's heart beat was 146 and YES she's still breech. Mimi spoke of the chance i may need a c-section, but says Ella does have time to turn. I HOPE SHE TURNS! That's about it:) I have another apt. with her in 2 weeks.

April 29, 2010

2010-04-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today the kids played hooky and we all went to see Ella in 3D=) I was quite surprised when they told me that what i thought was a knee or thigh was in fact her head! They also said she is a footling breech with one foot under her bum on my cervix and the other foot near her head. She is turned inward looking at my spine and even though i drank OJ she was sound asleep and not posing for us:( LOL They had me lay on my left side and tried to maneuver the ultrasound wand to get these few photos. She still has such chubby cheeks and DEF. has daddies nose=o hehe She weighed in at 3lb 4oz wich is the 48th percentile, but she measures right at 30 weeks. So i may get my small baby after all:) The ultrasound tech also showed us just a tiny bit of fuzz on her head, but she said she'll most likely be a balled baby. LOVE bald babies! They did not measure my cervix and i won't have anymore ultrasounds unless they need to see her position when D day gets closer. Just a few weeks left and we'll get to see ELLA<3

Fell behind

2010-04-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well i missed a post. I went to the docs early about a week and a half ago b/c i had a yeast infection:( But i am a-okay again=) I have my 3D ultrasound in 2 days and i've been wondering if they'll find Ella holding a few of the oreo cookies i've been giving her;p LOL If ultrasounds did really show all...i'm sure they'd find something like this:

April 12, 2010

2010-04-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

I had another ultrasound today. Ella was very squirmy, even though she has NO room to move! Her knees were smooched to her chest. We got a new photo, but it's a bit blurry...the tech said she had her fingers resting on her forehead=) My cervix measured shorted today at 3.5. In two weeks we have one last ultrasound that we know of and it will be in 3D. The whole family will be attending this one and we are all quite excited=) Ella is super cute!

April 6, 2010

2010-04-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today i had an OB appointment. They did my glucose screen and drew my blood. I'm not worried about it and know i'll pass with flying colors=) My blood pressure was wonderful at 92/62 and i have no swelling this week. Surprising for this hot weather we are having, yesterday was 86 degrees. Ella's heart beat was great at 150:) Next monday i'll have another ultrasound/cervical length and then two weeks later we have another but it will be in 3D! 13 more weeks and i can't wait to hold Ella<3

March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today i had another ultrasound/cervical length. Ella has been VERY active! I have felt some jabbing pain on my right lower belly and had a feeling it was her elbow, because every time i push there Ella moves over=) The ultrasound tech confirmed that in fact it's her shoulder and said, "that must be her comfy spot." LOL Ella's heart beat was 150 and my cervix measured longer at 4 cm....wonderful news! 14 more weeks and she'll be in my arms, i'm so excited! I have one more cervical length in 2 weeks and then 2 weeks from then i'll have my BIG 30 week 3D ultrasound and get to find out how much she weighs. Here are 2 photo's form today:

March 17, 2010

2010-03-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today was our 6th ultrasound=) I got Megan and Torin out of school early and Daddy met us on the door step as we left! It was Meg and T's 1st time seeing Ella. She was squirming so much that everyone got to see my belly move. Ella is head down now and looks wonderful and getting chubby<3 My cervix actually measured longer today at 3.5, so that was good news! Here are some photo's from today:

March 16, 2010

2010-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

My 2x monthly ultrasound was supposed to be yesterday, but the doc asked to reschedule. So i am going in tomorrow, St. Patty's day=) I have decided to get the kids out of school to come along. Oh that reminds me, i better go start backing cookies for the ultrasound dept! LOL I hope i'll have a new photo of Ella to post tomorrow! BTW here is Ella's 1st dress i=)

March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

March 1, 2010

2010-03-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

I had my 5rd ultrasound yesterday for my every 2 week cervical length. The ultrasound tech said that Ella is folded in half. I said yes she is laying sideways and she agreed saying i have a LOT of baby head on my let side. The doc then examined me and said that this is good b/c she is not putting pressure on my cervix, but the reason for my discomfort as the top of my uterus is free floating amniotic fluid. I hope she spreads out soon, she is so LOW! They gave me one photo, but she was moving so her face is a bit blurred, but it also shows her knee and foot=) I love watching her grow. They said at my 30 week ultrasound they will give me a 3D ultrasound, which is very exciting b/c my hubby and 4 children will be present=) Here is her most recent pic:

Feb. 22 2010

2010-02-22T11:26:00.001-08:00

Feb. 18 2010

2010-02-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

All 4 kids were inspecting Ella tonight and counting stretch marks:( LOL They asked which one did i give you!? I said these are all from Megs.....she didn't want me ever to forget she was here=p LOL
And earlier i was in the tub shaving my legs and Tavin said i had a FAT belly:( Even baths are not sacred;) And i said no it's Ella and she is still growing. Then he held his hand higher than my head and said she's going to grow this BIG before she comes out=o

Feb. 17 2010

2010-02-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

My darling hubby made Ella's OB apt today for 7:30 a.m. So sleepy eyed we go!

We are back. Ella was quite active and her heart rate was 150:) The doc does not have a light touch and John said "poor Ella, she's going to come out with her fists up daring the next person to touch her;p" LOL Everything checked out well and i only gained 5 pounds in a month. When we were listening to her heart rate she kept punching and kicking. My boys enjoyed that! hehe We have another cervical length in about a week.

Feb. 14 2010

2010-02-16T09:45:00.001-08:00

Feb. 12 2010

2010-02-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

We had our 20 week ultrasound today and everything is perfect and she is so beautiful! She measured 10 oz today and if you go by this ultrasound she is due July 8, 2010. She was so active and would not hold still! We have photos from hands to the ballet pose and then my fav. her temper tantrum when she went straight out from frog position as if to say "enough poking!" LOL We currently have 5 more ultrasounds scheduled: the 1st 4 are for cervical lengths (i measured 3.0 still today) on March 1, March 15, March 29, and April 12. And then at 30 weeks i have a BIG one hour ultrasound to check her out and play around on March 29th. Which all 4 of my children and hubby will be able to attend=) John is so in love with Ella and he kept staking claims on what she has of his...legs, nose, lips, feet, and hands!

Feb. 12 2010

2010-02-12T08:13:00.001-08:00

I had to tell my husband John that he is NOT wearing this to our ultrasound today! HAHA

Feb. 12 2010

2010-02-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

I am headed to Ella's 20 week ultrasound:) I'll be posting photos today...but for now here's Ella and I.

Feb. 8 2010

2010-02-07T08:13:00.001-08:00

Feb. 1 2010

2010-02-01T04:43:00.000-08:00

Ella sure is packing those punches=)

Jan. 29 2010

2010-01-29T04:33:00.000-08:00

I got my results back from my cervical measure and i measured at 3.0. The normal is 3-6. So i just made it and i won't have to have a cerclage, but will def. be playing it safe. I don't want this baby falling out of me! The will check it again later on down the road. But for now i have my BIG ultrasound in 14 days.

Nov. 25 2010

2010-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today i went in for my cervical length. First the tech. did a quick outside ultrasound and i got to see Ella and her fingers and toes and beautiful little self. She has the most perfect nose and i'm so in love with this little human! BTW that nose looks like daddies=) Then she did a trans vaginal ultrasound and she did not say if it was good or not, but it looked pretty long to me and calmed my fears. I read earlier today that a normal length is 3cm - 5cm. I will call the doc in two days if he does not get back to me on the results. I was not able to get a photo from this ultrasound, but will have one in 18 days when i have my big ultrasound. Until then......i'm on cloud nine<3

Jan. 24 20010

2010-01-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Jan. 22 2010

2010-01-23T04:34:00.000-08:00

I went to the docs today. I have been concerned because my cervical length had never been scheduled. Ella's heart beat was strong at 154 and that set my mind at ease:) After my apt. they decided to have my cervical length done on Monday the 25th. And my ultrasound is set for Feb. 12th. This pregnancy seems to be going by so fast, but the fact that i am high risk makes me want that day to come when they place Ella in my arms!

Jan. 18 2010

2010-01-17T06:00:00.001-08:00

Jan. 11 2010

2010-01-13T03:55:00.003-08:00

Jan. 4 2010

2010-01-13T03:55:00.001-08:00

Jan. 1 2010

2010-01-01T08:19:00.001-08:00

Dec. 29 2009

2009-12-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

We saw the Midwife today. She was great with all the humor my husband brought to the OB apt. We heard Ella's heartbeat with the doppler. She poked and prodded so much that Ella was moving quite a bit and that got her heart racing. The first reading was 152 and then another of 165 and another of 198. She is very active!
Because I've had a LEEPS procedure where they cut the tip of my cervix off due to pre-cancer cells, i will be getting ultrasounds of my cervix every 2 weeks. If there is any thinning, then they will stitch my cervix closed.
I was measuring larger for my date. We will just have to wait until Feb. 12 for our BIG ultrasound until we can see what is going on in there:) I have been feeling a lot of flutters that are getting stronger and stronger. John is very excited to feel the baby move, even though that is a ways off.

Dec. 28 2009

2009-12-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today i am 13 weeks pregnant and entering my second trimester=) I called this a.m. and pushed my OB apt forward to tomorrow so that my parents from Alaska who are visiting can come along. We will hear Ella Elyse's heart beat for the first time by doppler at the appointment. We have heard her heart beat twice already by ultrasound.

Nov. 22 2009

2009-12-22T04:10:00.000-08:00

John named our baby Ella Elyse. Ellen is his mother's middle name and it's sort of like Ella. And Elyse is his sisters middle name. So it's final and we are expecting sweet Ella Elyse July 5, 2010!

Nov. 21 2009

2009-12-20T06:11:00.001-08:00

Dec. 19 2009

2009-12-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

I have 12 more days until my next OB visit. I stopped my progesterone shots 7 days ago and feel human again. No more aching butt and i have had no ovarian pain. I kinda think i was over doing the progesterone and my body was just over loaded. The docs never know who is and who isn't producing enough to support a pregnancy, especially in IVF. So they give everyone the same dose. I'm happy and more at ease to be moving on to my 2nd trimester! It's finally sunk in that this is really happening and John and I will soon be holding a new baby girl=)

John loves my ever growing tummy and will have little conversations with baby. He says "I love coming home from 3 days of work to find you always a little bit bigger.....WE"RE HAVING A BABY (with a goofy smile on his face!" I hope we can agree soon on a name......

Dec. 14 2009

2009-12-13T06:25:00.001-08:00

Dec. 8 2009

2009-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

10 weeks 1 day
I just made my level 2 ultrasound for Feb. 12 2010 @ 2pm. I was quite disappointed when they told me that their policy did not allow children under 16 to come along. This then worried me as to if my children would be able to witness the birth. So i called up OB at Kent General and spoke with a nurse. She said the sign in the front of the hospital recommends no one under 16 in the hospital as a visitor, but is only a recommendation. She said some nurses will support me and some may not and that i need to tell every Doctor that i see my intentions. My children have all witnessed each other's births and we've done IVF/microsort as a family......every one of us has done our part to bring this new one into the world! That calmed me down to hear i can and will have them present at the birth in July.

Dec. 4 2009

2009-12-04T15:34:00.001-08:00

Dec. 4 2009

Today I had an OB appointment. There are around 7 doctors at my OB clinic. Today I met Dr. Wong and he is such a sweet man. He called me sweet heart just a few hundred times, listened intently, and calmed all my fears. He even brought in the in-office ultrasound, which gave us a fuzzy photo of baby who is healthy and growing. My cysts are shrinking and everything looks good=) I had all the 1^st routine stuff done like a pap smear, urine sample, blood pressure, weight check (which I have so far gained 2 pounds). We were offered an ultrasound and blood work at week 12 to scan for diseases such as Down syndrome, but we’ve opted out. So I will have another ultrasound, a level 2 that I have to schedual between weeks 15 and 18. I think I’m going to schedual it for 17 weeks so that we can get a 100% on the sex of the baby. I go back for another OB appointment on Dec. 31.

Nov. 30 2009

2009-11-30T04:30:00.000-08:00

Nov. 30 2009

I'm still having pain in my ovaries and i'm going to call the doc today. I only have 14 days left of the progesterone injections/shots and then my body gets to take over from there:)

Nov. 24 2009

2009-11-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still having duel aches in my right side and back:( I've been using the heating pad and it relaxes me enough. I called Dr. Chow today to find out the results of my labs, but they were not back yet. I guess i'll just find out more at my apt. on Dec. 4th.

Nov. 24 2009

2009-11-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

8 weeks pregnant ~ not a good pic....i need my own personal photographer;p

Nov. 23 2009

2009-11-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

Nov. 23 2009

My pain was minimal yesterday and gone today! I am just going to lay low and not over do anything so I don’t rupture another cyst. So this a.m. while I was injecting progesterone I think I hit a blood vessel, because blood shot across the kitchen floor. 3 more weeks and I’ll be done giving myself shotsJ YAaAa I just wanted to keep you all informed and let you know I’m doing better. Now I just have to decided if I’m going to make the 3 hour trip (on a good day with no traffic) to VA for Thanksgiving.

More info

2009-11-21T17:44:00.001-08:00

Hemorrhagic cyst
A third type of functional cyst, which is common, is a Hemorrhagic cyst, which is also called a blood cyst, hematocele, and hematocyst.[2] It occurs when a very small blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, and the blood enters the cyst. Abdominal pain on one side of the body, often the right side, may be present. The bleeding may occur quickly, and rapidly stretch the covering of the ovary, causing pain. As the blood collects within the ovary, clots form which can be seen on a sonogram.[3][4] Occasionally hemorrhagic cysts can rupture, with blood entering the abdominal cavity. No blood is seen out of the vagina. If a cyst ruptures, it is usually very painful. Hemorrhagic cysts that rupture are less common. Most hemorrhagic cysts are self-limiting; some need surgical intervention. Even if a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, in many cases it resolves without surgery. Patients who don't require surgery will experience pain for 4 - 10 days after, and may require several days rest. Studies have found that women on tetracycline antibiotics recover 25% earlier than the majority of patients, a surprising correlation found in 2004. Sometimes surgery is necessary,[5][6] such as a laparoscopy ("belly-button surgery" that uses small tools inserted through one or more tiny slits in the abdomen).[7]

Nov. 20 2009

2009-11-21T06:24:00.001-08:00

Nov. 20 2009

I had my first visit with my OB doc today. This is the third docs opinion in the past week. Dr. Chow agreed I have large cysts on my ovaries causing me much pain, but as for them leaking into my uterus she does not agree. She believes the blood to be near where the baby has implanted. She wrote down that I am a threatened miscarriage. But I came home and read that at my point in pregnancy the placenta is attaching all it’s vascular connections and can leak blood. So I am holding on to that. It’s very emotional! And after a month of pain I’m really not holding up as well. My next OB visit is Dec. 4^th. Oh I forgot to mention that she had my labs done, all 23 tubes of blood to check everything in the book. I can call on Tuesday to see how everything checks out, but if something is wrong, then they will call me.

Nov. 19 2009

2009-11-19T06:28:00.001-08:00

The doc from the OB clinic called me this a.m. and said he wants to see me tomorrow instead of waiting until Monday.

More info i found:

Cysts are generally tricky, but nothing can be trickier than cysts on ovaries during pregnancy. This is because, not one, but two lives are on the line - the mother's and the baby's. However, by knowing the nitty-gritty and the risks involved when cysts on ovaries during pregnancy are involved, you'll find that it's not really as bad as it sounds.

A Bundle With Your Bundle

The formation of cysts in your ovaries is part of your regular menstrual cycle. In essence, a fluid-filled sac builds up on the inside or on the surface of your ovaries. This is the egg that is starting to mature. When the egg has fully matured, the sac will burst and the fluid, along with the mature egg, will then enter the fallopian tube to wait for fertilization. These are called functional cysts, and are rarely found during pregnancy.

The cysts on ovaries during pregnancy which should be of concern are the large, solid, or semi-solid masses that form not out of the regular bodily processes, such as dermoid cysts. The problem with cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, regardless of size and whether they're benign or not, is that these cysts may rupture and cause sepsis, or torque (twist on themselves). Needless to say, this will cause a lot of pain.

A cyst is considered large when it exceeds six to eight centimeters. These types of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy will not only place the woman in significant pain, they can also put pressure on the developing fetus, considering the fact they are in the same general area and are essentially competing for space. One can only imagine how cramped it can get in there with the presence of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy.

Treatment and Removal

The removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy is not a new procedure and is often necessary to save both the mother and the child. In fact, a vast majority of the procedures for the removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy have led to successful deliveries. But before the removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, an ultrasound must be performed to determine the best course of action, seeing as how two lives will be affected by any treatment - surgery or otherwise.

If surgery is warranted, the best time to remove cysts on ovaries during pregnancy would be sometime in the second trimester - that is to say, between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy - when the child is well into its development. Very rarely do cysts on ovaries during pregnancy turn out to be cancerous (the odds are around 1 in 25,000), but they do have to be removed as they pose a danger for miscarriage or pre-term labor.

While surgery may be needed to remove cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, which may include a large and open incision, most of the time, all that is needed is a laparotomy - a procedure that's not as invasive, but one that easily takes care of the problem.

Werner Wichmann from http://www.cure-cysts-on-ovaries.com helps numerous women around the world who struggle with cysts on ovaries and cannot find any relief from drugs prescribed by doctors and face the scary prospect of surgery often not necessary or successful.

Nov. 18 2009

2009-11-18T21:10:00.001-08:00

Nov. 18 2009

After yesterday’s ultrasound and no explanation to why I had been cramping for over 2 weeks and why I had blood in my uterus, I decided to go to ER. I did a urine sample; hopping maybe I just had a kidney/bladder infection. Nope it was fine. Then they drew blood to check my liver function, white blood cell count, and if the HCG levels were rising. Liver fine, white blood cells fine, and a perfect HCG level of 14,000. So then I had an ultrasound. I got to see baby who was comfortably oblivious to it allJ After the doc saw the images it all made perfect sense, like why couldn’t I figure that out. I have Hemorrhagic Cysts on both ovaries. So the cramping and pain I’ve had is due to that and they are leaking blood into my uterus. I found this on line about Hemorrhagic cysts:

Hemorrhagic Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within the ovary that is surrounded by a thin wall. Many types of ovarian cysts exist, and many do not exhibit any symptoms. Ovarian cysts can be small or large in size but usually range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized.

Most ovarian cysts, about 95 percent, are harmless and benign. They can occur in women of any age but most often affect women who are in their childbearing years. Some ovarian cysts can rupture, bleed or cause pain and may need to be removed through surgery.

One common type of ovarian cyst is the hemorrhagic cyst. Hemorrhagic cysts are also known as blood cysts, hematoceles and hematocysts. Hemorrhagic cysts occur when a blood vessel in the wall of a cyst breaks, causing blood to enter into the cyst.

Hemorrhagic cysts are a type of functional cyst, meaning that they occur normally during the course of the female menstruation process. Functional cysts, also known as simple cysts, have nothing to do with disease. They can be treated normally and often resolve themselves without the need for treatment or any type of surgery.

Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Generally, hemorrhagic cysts will cause abdominal pain, usually just on one side of they body and they may also cause bleeding and the rapid stretching of the wall of the ovary, which will also cause pain. Blood clots will generally form in the ovary and can be seen using a sonogram.

Hemorrhagic cysts can sometimes rupture and release blood into the abdominal region. This will cause severe pain for the woman, but rupturing hemorrhagic cysts are far less common. Most often, hemorrhagic cysts will regulate themselves. They may, however, require surgical removal. In some cases, even hemorrhagic cysts that rupture can resolve themselves without the need for surgery.

For minor pain and symptoms of hemorrhagic cysts or other types of ovarian cysts, medication or pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be prescribed. Narcotics and prescription pain medications may also be prescribed by a medical professional.

Heating pads, hot water bottles and ice packs can also be helpful for hemorrhagic cyst symptoms and can release tension and stimulate circulation, as can certain herbal teas, vitamin supplements and avoiding caffeine.

Women who have hemorrhagic cysts or any type of ovarian cyst that lasts longer than two or three menstrual cycles and women with a family history of ovarian cancer should speak to a medical professional about their symptoms and treatment options to avoid more serious problems in the future.

I have my 1^st apt with my OB doc on Monday. One of the docs from the OB clinic was there tonight. The doc said I’d be observed carefully and have more ultrasounds so see if the cyst are growing or getting better. Oh the reason I have these cyst is due to Hyper stimulation of the drugs I was on to produce multiple follicles/eggs and grow them. I just can’t wait to have the weeks go on so we can get out of the woods. This is a bit nerve rattlingL

Nov. 17 2009

2009-11-17T17:13:00.001-08:00

Nov. 17 2009

Today was bitter sweet! One of our babies did not make it. We had our ultrasound today and saw our little bean’s heart beat at a healthy 125 beats per minute. There is a BUTL I have a lot of bleeding in my uterus and we’re not sure why. So far it posses no threat to the baby, but it does explain my painful stabbing cramp’s I’ve been having for 2 weeks. The doctor wants to do another ultrasound in a week and a half, the day before Thanksgiving to see if my body has absorbed the blood. This does scare me, because at 6 months gestation with my last child I had 50% abruption. I am hopping our little bean is a fighter! Baby is measuring smaller than my estimated due date. This is normal in IVF pregnancy’s because she may have been a late implanter. I had a lot of things on my calendar the next few days, but it looks like I’ll be in bed with my feet up.

Nov. 14 2009

2009-11-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

6 weeks and 5 days. And to think i was so thin less than two months ago:)

$$$

2009-11-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

I have no words to thank my parents for the gift they have given us. They are truly the most amazing grandparents and dote over the four grand children they already have. THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!
I'm posting this to help other's know all the hidden financial costs. We did not expect a few.

Single IVF Cycle = $8,900 but they are giving us a 25% military discount

Micro sort consultation = $150
IVF consultation = $300
IVF = $6,675
Micro sort = $3,500
Prescriptions = $3,017.66
Hystosonigram = $998
ICSI = $1,850

For a grad total of = $16,490.66

Growing

2009-11-10T14:25:00.001-08:00

Make a pregnancy ticker

Nov. 10 2009

2009-11-10T10:40:00.001-08:00

Nov. 10 2009

I drove to VA this a.m. for a blood draw. The nurse just called and said my Beta HCG levels were great at 2,500. I believe this is 19 days after our transfer. We schedualed the ultrasound for Nov. 17. We are all so excited!!!

Nov. 7 2009

2009-11-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday and I am 30 =o I just wanted to update a bit. I drive to VA again for another blood draw on Tuesday. I will have my ultrasound a week from then. I have been having pains in my lower side. I experienced this with my second child 10 years ago, so i'm not to worried. It's said to be my ligaments or uterus stretching. It happens when i'm over doing it, like cleaning the house. Anywhos i'm still trying to comprehend that i'm pregnant. Seems to good to be true! I can not wait to have that growing reminder on the front of me:) LOL Here's a photo that only shows the 10 extra pounds i gained while on progesterone and the bloated feeling. My hubby wants to do monthly photos as my tummy grows. So this is the first one.....today i am 4 weeks and 6 days. BUT if you go off the 1st day of my last period like every doc does, then i am 6 weeks pregnant.