So Monday was a routine scheduled appointment for a blood draw to check on my estrogen levels. After the nurse was done she told me to sit around the corner and my rep wanted to chat for a minute. I figured it was just to go over the protocol for our transfer day on Thursday. She sat down and said So…. change of plans. Then paused. Immediately I thought we had to postpone the transfer. She continued… So transfer is now
TOMORROW!!! It was a
HUGE surprise! My levels were perfect and everything was ready for the transfer. They realized we were transferring a 3 day embryo and not a 5 day embryo so the defrosting had already been preparing for the next day transfer. I couldn't wait to talk to my IP's (Intended Parents) They were so
thrilled!!!!
We talked about the meaning of Tuesday in the Bible which means "Double Good" I found it very fitting that the transfer got moved from Thursday to Tuesday and we are transfering two little embryo's. It was going to be a
DOUBLE GOOD DAY!! I also learned about the number 18 and its meaning in Hebrew which is
"Life". I would be resting all day on Wednesday the 18th in hope for new life!
These embyro's traveled all the way from Israel last November. They were frozen on day 3, each at beautiful 8 cell embryos. My IP's wanted to transfer them immediately after defrosting instead of growing them in a lab till day 5. I completely supported their decision on allowing these embryo's to grow where they are meant to be! I wanted to make this experience as natural as possible for all of us.
I tried to get all the rest that I could but I was like a little kid on Christmas Eve.
The excitement and anticipation!!! EKKK! I managed to finally get some rest and so the day of the transfer began...
February 17, 2015
I arrived at ORM at 11:15am where they took us back to a room to get dressed in those stunning gowns! HA!
Stacie made sure I took a photo before I went in to the OR. In preparation they did an ultrasound to check the position of the uterus and how full my bladder was. It was prefect (of course!) so they gave me Valium to help relax.
I was able to Skype with my IP's before the procedure and the embryologist came in to discuss the quality of the embryo's. She said they were 100% - all 8 cells each and beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes and my heart became very full! Everything has just been
PERFECT!
My excitement on Skype with my IP's
After waiting for about 45 mins for the valium to kick in, they wheeled me into the OR across the hall. When the doors opened I immediately saw on a large screen the two embryo's. My heart could have burst out of my chest right then and there! The lights were dimmed with relaxing music playing as if I was entering a Spa!
It was a very spiritual experience as I stared at the little embryo's up on the screen. I am amazed by wonderful technology we have these days. Life is truly a miracle and gift we have been given. I felt so humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility to bring these children into this world. What an honor!
When I first met my IP's they told me that what I was doing an act of altruism for them. To give something of yourself where one can not repay you. I feel these next 9 months of my time, for a life time of joy to this family is truly the least I can do! Its priceless!
The procedure was quick and painless. Dr. Bankowski said the transfer was just as he had hoped it would be -
PERFECT!! It was now important for me to lay flat for 45 mins and just rest. I remember closing my eyes and day dreaming. How could these last 8 months in the process have gone by so fast and here we are on this amazing journey together!
Discharge papers and instructions were given and I was wheeled down to our car. It was mandatory to be on bed rest for the next two days. My friend
Stacie came over and brought me a pizookie from BJ's restaurant! She ate this as her "sticky" dessert treat, which is tradition and worked for her last surrogacy! It was DELISH!
Steve picked up the girls from our good friend and when Madison walked in the door that night she came up to me and said:
Madison: "Ok, Mom! Daddy and I are going to make dinner. Then I am going to play with my little sister. You just stay right there and rest. Remember? Rest is best!"
Me: (Eyes watering) Thank you sweetheart!
Madison: Cause you have these little babies growing in your belly and your belly is going to get really REALLY big like this (shows me how big - with her back bent and arms wide around her belly)
Me: Thats right! And do you know whose babies these are?
Madison: Yes ( then tells me their names ) and they are going to be with her sisters too!
My heart was so incredibly full! She is only 4 years old and continues to amaze me! She is so excited to give these babies to their family! I hope to raise her knowing how important service is. I love the scripture in Mosiah 2:17.
I was overwhelmed when I realized the scripture is the date of the transfer. 2-17!! It may be silly but it that moment I knew we were being watched over!
I have had time to reflect a lot on the love of our Heavenly Father these past few days. He has entrusted my husband and I with two beautiful daughters to raise, love and teach them that they are children of God. He knows the desire of our hearts and the good that can come forth from this journey.
I will cherish these moments forever.
I cannot imagine what more this journey could have in store for us. Its been amazing and so excited for the next few weeks in paticular. Our first Beta "blood pregnancy test" will be Friday, February 27th! The following week we will have our second Beta where they hope to see the levels rising! Then we will schedule our first ultrasound to see how many of these "M&M's" nested right in! I love and adore my IP's and honored to be growing these little "M&M's"
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
So many of you have been checking in on us and how everything went. Many sharing your personal stories and support! I have some of the best friends and neighbors who have come and helped with my kids and brought me lunch/dinner. You all don't understand how much this means to me.
I am blessed!
love,
Ashley Dawn
