The meds have begun!

Here they are!  I was a little surprised at how many goodies arrived at my doorstep last week!  But, it was very interesting to read about each medication and what it will do as part of this process.

Monday was my big "meds" day!  I start the day off with a dose of doxycycline which is an anti-biotic and my husband Steven actually takes this as well.  Then, I take 81mg of chewable Aspirin.  Then, my birth control pill (I am finished with this tomorrow; this is to regulate the cycle).  Next, I take my prenatal vitamin.  Then, during the day is pretty uneventful for the meds but in the evening, Steven and I both take another dose of the doxycycline and the evening is also when I give myself my Lupon injection in my stomach.  These are about as easy as it comes. They are a small needle (used for insulin injections) and I can't feel it when I inject into my stomach.  This is the medication known to have some crazy side effects (hot flashes, moodiness, acne, tired, sweating, headache).  So far, I feel pretty lucky!  I have only noticed feeling a little more tired than normal but otherwise I don't notice anything else.  I hope that continues, but if not, the side effects seem manageable! Here I am on day 4 of Lupron:

See?  You can barely even see the needle I am holding!  So small!  Now... the progesterone ones that will start in March will be a different story ;)

On Monday I got this very beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to my door.  Kellie and Chris are so thoughtful!  They sent me this with an incredible kind message wishing me a "Happy Meds Day!"   I couldn't ask for a better family to be on this journey with.  I just love them even more as I get to know them. 

Speaking of the IP's.  Kellie has asked for some prayers for her egg retrieval process.  She started her meds early last week and so far, besides some migraines, she has been feeling well.  She has ultrasounds every other day to monitor the follicles & growth.  Her first scan showed she had 9 follicles, they had hoped for more, but 9 isn't too terrible either and the doctor was confident he wanted to continue.   Since then, the scans haven't shown too much growth with those follicles, like the doctor wants.  So, he has upped Kellie's meds a few times and hopes this is the answer to make those follicles grow!!! She will have another few ultrasounds over the weekend and we are praying for some good news.  So far the doctor hasn't mentioned this being too much of an issue, so I have told Kellie not to worry too much until you have a reason to.  I think sometimes its easy for the doctors to forget how we over-analyze every word they say while in that room and sometimes it would be easier if they just spelled it all out so we know what the magnitude of the situation really is!  So, for now, I told her to remain positive and we will pray those follicles have some good growth over the next few days.  Right now, she is still planning on a egg retrieval for the middle of next week.
Well, I think that is all I have for now! Thanks for reading... and thanks for all the support, as always! 

42 days til go time!

My husband and I just got home from an amazing conference in Florida with so many of our It Works friends!  It was an inspiring event, as always, and we loved seeing everyone and leaving so filled up and ready to rock 2015!  While there, we had the pleasure of spending time with Chris & Kellie (IP's) and having fun, which is no surprise ;)  We did a day at Universal with them and rode rides all day long.  Such fun!
You have yet to see a photo of the guys, so here is one!

While we were at the conference, we had so many people inquire about the surrogacy journey and where we are at with it currently.  I think a few friends even thought I may already have a bun in the oven... but, no, not so fast!  :)
I figured it was probably a good time for a quick update and reminder of where we are on this crazy ride.  Kellie will start her meds this week for her egg retrieval.  Her egg retrieval will be in 2 weeks and we are praying that everything goes smoothly with that.  She will have an ultrasound every day leading up to ovulation and then as soon as her body is ready, she will give herself a trigger shot and 35 hours exactly they will do the retrieval.  Interesting, huh?
In the meantime, I have my psych evaluation on Friday (to be sure I am not a crazy-goon! .... ha, kidding.  Just standard with any surro) and that will take all day (4-5 hours) and will be both an evaluation for Steven and I.  I am anxious to get the last piece of the 'to-do' list finished.  THEN, I will start my meds on Monday!
The transfer is just 42 days away!  It is set for March 4 and I will fly out to Portland for this procedure.  I will be on bed rest for 2 days following the transfer and we will cross all fingers, toes and say all the prayers in the world that it is a successful transfer.
I will update once I officially start meds because this time around will be different than the mock cycle... hopefully I don't have too many side effects from everything!  And, everyone please say some prayers and send positive thoughts to Kellie and Chris that her egg retrieval goes smooth. They are hoping for 20 eggs, however, one of her ovaries has a large cyst so they will just be using the 1 side.  So, we will hope that ovary goes into overdrive and gives them as many as possible!
Here are a few more photos from this weekend in Florida.

Kellie and I had the honor of presenting a panel on stage together!  Of course I have to share one of those photos a friend took, too!  :)