Embryo Transfer Day!

This verse sums up why we chose embryo adoption. God has knit these tiny lives together from the moment of conception and they deserve a chance.

For all of you who have asked for a more detailed update, here it is! We are thrilled to announce that 2 healthy 8 cell three day embryos were implanted into my uterus this morning. I was thankfully able to sleep pretty well last night in the hotel, which doesn't always happen the first night in a new bed. But, I did wake up at 5 AM (3 AM Colorado time!) wide awake and I knew I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep so I read and took a shower.

Our hotel serves a yummy Bob Evans style continental breakfast so we went down for that and then just came back to the room to wait out the 2 hours before we'd have to leave for the clinic. I took it as a good sign that I hadn't heard anything from the clinic by the time we got in the car to drive there because I knew they had either thawed the embryos yesterday evening or this morning. The only thing I had any real anxiety about was whether or not the embryos had survived the thaw.

Shaun and I both had some nervous energy this morning just waiting to leave for the clinic so we did 100 jumping jacks and some other calisthenics to get our blood pumping and to use up all that energy:-) Once we got to the clinic we found out right away from the nurse that all four embryos had survived the thaw! I was so relieved and excited to hear that. She told us we'd be using the 2 that are eight cell and that they won't know for a few more days if the other two will be viable to be refrozen. I don't understand all of that scientific stuff but it sounds like they have to stay in culture for now, they can't just be immediately refrozen. I trust the Lord's hand with those 2 remaining embryos and will let you know what happens to them.

We were ushered into the procedure room where the embryologist showed us a picture of our two baby embryos. It was so amazing to see! Those tiny microscopic lives have everything they need to become the babies God created them to be. Then I had to have an ultrasound right away to get pictures of my uterus and make sure my bladder was full enough. Boy, was it full enough! I had to pee so bad, which is what they want, but it wasn't very comfortable as she pressed down onto my bladder.

 Seeing our two babies for the first time!

The doctor came in and did the transfer which only took about 5 minutes. It was slightly uncomfortable, the worst pain being some minor uterine cramps. We got to see the embryos get scooped up into the catheter by the embryologist and then the doctor implanted them. Laying there for 30 minutes on my back afterward was the worst part because I had to use the bathroom SO bad. I felt such peace and joy though. Finally those little lives are safe where they belong rather than being frozen in time.

Joy and relief that 2 embryos are now safe and snug

We fly home tomorrow evening and until then it will be lots of resting in bed as well as some low activity so I keep my blood flowing. Shaun and I are enjoying the peace and quiet and relaxation while our girls are having a blast with Oma and Opa.