Time is flying by!

Gosh, I feel like I am always starting these off with 'sorry its been so long since my last blogpost', but I seriously feel like weeks are just passing by and they feel more like days!

LOTS has happened since I last updated almost 2 months ago!

In July, I had my 20 week ultrasound.  Everything looked great with the baby and he was just SURE he wanted to remind me that he was still a boy ;)  Here is a cute one of his legs crossed. The ultrasound tech kept saying how long his legs are.  Makes me smile now, but around 36 weeks I might not find it so cute! haha.

Originally Kellie and Chris planned to be there for this ultrasound but as we got to planning it, the logistics of them flying to Iowa right before the 4th of July just seemed too difficult.  So, instead we scheduled a fun ultrasound at a place in Florida called 4D Sprouts!  We were all planning to be there in July for an It Works conference, so it just made sense to plan one while we were there instead of just flying out to Iowa for a day or 2.  Baby Kaufman was less than cooperative for this ultrasound though!  All he wanted to show off were his boy parts... AGAIN!  Boys will be boys ;)  He had his feet up in front of his face and was being really shy.  Regardless of being able to see his face, I know the Kaufman's were thrilled to just see him moving around and see what a perfect, healthy baby he is!   Here are a few cute photos we got after they loaded me up with some chocolate to try to get him to move!

In July, my family and I went to Martha's Vineyard for 2 weeks.  We had a blast while we were there. This has become an annual trip for us and its something that we will continue to do for years to come.  It's absolute paradise there and such a hidden little gem.  It allows us some wonderful family time away from it all.  Here are a few highlight photos from the trip.

and one that shows the bump!  (this was 22 weeks)

Here are a few photos of when we were in Florida.  One of Kellie and I at a top leader dinner and then also one of us with hubbies and friends on a catamaran cruise!  

After Flordia, the traveling still wasn't over quite yet!  15 of us girls were planning a weekend in Chicago to attend a large leadership summit.  We had planned this about a year ago and it snuck up on all of us.  It worked out perfectly that both Kellie and I were planning to go, so it was more time spent together.  PLUS, while in Florida we tried so hard for Kellie to feel Baby Kaufman kick, but after several tries, he was just being too shy for his mama.  Well, while in Chicago, we were all sitting around late one night and he started moving around quite a bit!  I laid on the floor and had Kellie come over and see if she could feel it.  SHE DID!  It was such a special moment for us.   I am sure it just got much more real to her when she could feel her own baby move from the outside!  And the ironic part of it was, the 15 ladies that we were with were a large majority of the same ladies who were the very first to know that Kellie and I were going to be on this journey.  In october of last year we had signed the contracts but just weren't ready to make it public knowledge yet until we knew for sure I was going to be able to be medically cleared to do so.  However, we both really wanted the support of some close friends.  So, Kellie and I made the announcement to a group of women we trusted and SO many of the women who were in Chicago were part of that same group.  Pretty special.  Even Baby Kaufman likes them ;)  

Here is a photo of that special moment...

Now, on to the 'how I am feeling' question!  Seriously... I feel SO good.  Almost too good.  I have a ton of energy (for the most part) and I am not to the uncomfortable stage at all.  I haven't gained much weight yet because my appetite is a little weird.  I am just not hungry or get full very fast.  I am SURE that will change and I am probably jinxing it right now. haha.  I am 26 weeks pregnant today and I felt like by now I would start feeling big and maybe start moving slower.  So far, so good!   

A few days ago we did have a little bit of a 'situation' arise.  I started having really sharp pains in my upper abdomen above my belly button.  It wasn't anything I had experienced before and I was so confused what they meant.  It didn't come and go and it was sometimes worse when I would stand or walk.  After several hours I felt it was just best to go to my doctor to be seen.  I am not normally one to run to the doctor for a pain but since this baby isn't my own, I feel even more responsible to take care of him and be sure he is okay!  The comforting thing thru it all though was he was SO active.  He was almost trying to tell me "hey lady, I am fine!"  :) 

I went to the doctor and after an exam she said I most likely have something called, diastasis recti.  Which is the separation of the muscle in my abdomen.  It can tear in half while pregnant and can cause a pretty uncomfortable pain there since the uterus is rubbing directly on it.  My doctor said it most likely tore when I was pregnant with my twins but I just didn't notice it.  I was on hospital bed rest from 24-27 weeks so I am sure since all I did was lay around, it wouldn't have bothered me much.  The dr said there isn't anything that can be done for it now and after the pregnancy some women have surgery to repair a lump in their stomach it will leave behind.  She said to think of it like a 'pregnancy hernia'.  That first day was kind of rough.  VERY painful especially to get up and down off the couch.  I was kind of worried for the days to come and if this is how I would feel for the next 14 weeks.  

Well the next day I pretty much just laid around and was lazy.  The pain felt SO much better from that day of rest and I was feeling much more optimistic that there would be good days and bad.   Yesterday I relaxed and swam in my pool for 2 hours.  When I got out I realized that I had NO pain at all.  Even getting up and down off the couch or bed didn't cause pain.  YAY!!  I am not sure if the pool is what helped so much but it really seems like it did!  So thankful I have one in my backyard so I can go in there whenever I am feeling like I need a break from the pain.  Something about being weightless must really ease it.  Today I feel wonderful again!  Back to myself and NO pain at all.  I do have a feeling that on Tuesday (when all this began) Baby K was up in that area a lot.  Seems like his head was directly in that spot since it was pretty hard and even the dr noticed it.  So, as I get larger it might not be possible to avoid the pain since he will have to be sitting in that area as he will run out of room.  But, we will just have to see!  The dr did recommend using a pregnancy belt, which I still have from my twin pregnancy so I can use that as needed.  But, for now, I am thrilled to feel good again and happy that I found something to help the pain if I need!  

I still can't believe I am already 26 weeks pregnant with this little guy!  I thought that since we literally knew the day we put this cell into my body, that the pregnancy would feel it dragged on and on.  But, its been the complete opposite.  Since I feel so great and truly feel like myself, the time is passing and I often forget I am even pregnant!   In 2 weeks I will schedule the c-section and so that will be crazy cool to have the 'finish line' date all set!  We are also chatting with our attorney to be sure we are all squared away for the birth and the legality side of it.  I know there is some stuff she recommended we work on now and so it will be good to feel like we are checking some of those items off our list!  

Well, I think thats all for now!  Sorry about the long post!  I'll leave you with a photo of Kellie and I that I love!!  Makes us look a little like sisters, don't you think??  If you agree that I look even a small portion like Kellie, I would be a very happy girl!! haha :) 

HE's making this much too easy!

Hello friends!!!

It's been a few weeks since I've posted an entry and I know its time because we do have some exciting updates for those of you who may have missed the Facebook announcements.

First things first... 3 weeks ago, Kellie & Chris had several friends and family over to their home to do a gender reveal party!  They had the silly string wrapped in a neutral color so no one knew what would spray out of the bottle.  Oh, how fun to see BLUE!!!!! yes... It's A BOY!!!

I know, I know... they couldn't be a more perfect family if they tried!  Well... except when they add this sweet baby boy to the mix!  :)

As most of you know from following along, the Kaufman's have 2 healthy girls, Campbell and Kenley.  Kellie was able to carry both of them herself until many issues arose with Kenley's pregnancy which was the reason she was told she couldn't carry another child.  And when you look at photos of these 4, they seem pretty picture perfect!  But, I also couldn't imagine being in their shoes and not feeling like their family is quite complete yet.  Having that decision made for you would feel so debilitating and, quite frankly, unfair.  I know that Kellie and Chris would have loved to have another little girl BUT... I know that deep down, a boy would really just be the icing on the cake to this whole journey.  And looky here... a BOY.  I mean???  This whole thing couldn't have been written out to be so smooth!

Which brings me to ME!! I am feeling fabulous!  Seriously.  Most days I forget I am even pregnant.  I truly feel no different!  Starting to get a bump (see updated photo below) but for being 18+ weeks, I would say that I am feeling pretty good about everything!  We've gotten to hear baby Kaufman's heartbeat several times and lately its been 140-150's.  My OB doctor has been so wonderful, she lets me record the heartbeat so I can send it to Chris and Kellie.

Baby Kaufman is a mover and a shaker!!  I would say I feel him moving about 3-4xs a day, sometimes more!  He likes to hang out pretty low which is maybe why I feel him so regularly, this early on.  And, its funny because I can usually tell when I've had something more sugary because that's really when he gets going.  Such great reassurance from him telling me he's doing well and always reminding me to tell his Mommy and Daddy how much he misses them and how excited he is to go live with them when this 9 month babysitting arrangement is all done :)

Here are a few photos of him from our ultrasound a few weeks ago!

Everything health-wise has looked great for both of us.  This week I have a bad UTI, but I'm on meds for the next week so hopefully that clears it all up.  Bright side was I got to hear his heartbeat again today and he's been having fun with the cranberry juice I've been drinking.  haha.

Next Thursday, July 2, we have the big 20 week ultrasound!  So that will be exciting to get some really good photos (as long as he cooperates!) of him to send to his parents!
CRAZY to think that I'm nearing the half-way mark already!  It's flying by.

So here are a few updates of me!  One from a few weeks ago and one more recently from a few days ago!

Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and comments sent our way.  It's made this whole process even more enjoyable to know how many are following along and cheering for a smooth journey.  I know the Kaufman's appreciate it, as do I!

Until the next update! :)

Hello, 2nd Trimester!

Hey everyone!

Can't believe its been so long since my last blog entry.  I guess no news is good news, right?  Well, yes, that's been the case!  Today I am 15 weeks pregnant with Baby Kaufman!  He/She is doing well and growing perfectly.  I had an ultrasound at 13 weeks and the baby was measuring right on schedule and heartbeat was 176.  Here are a few photos from that ultrasound.  The tech said that the baby has LONG legs.  No surprise with Kellie and Chris as parents! :)

There is nothing more exciting to me than walking out of the ultrasound and texting Kellie and Chris!  My appointments always are first thing in the morning and since Kellie lives on the West coast, she is 2 hours behind me in her timezone.  So, it always is such a long wait for her to wakeup and see photos of her precious babe!  We also heard the heartbeat at 12 weeks and my doctor was so awesome to let me record it on my phone to send to the parents.  Melted my heart to hear how Kellie cried listening to it!!

I've been feeling great.  Honestly, can't complain about much.  I had slight nausea for a few weeks around 8-10 weeks but nothing since then.  I have noticed I get out of breath more often but the doctor said thats completely normal because of the blood doubling for baby.  Sometimes I feel like I ran a mile when I go up the stairs!  haha.  But over the last week, I have noticed that seems to be a little better too.  I have SO much energy!  I was pretty tired for a few weeks in the 1st trimester but that has been gone for a while too.
I just got back last night from a girls trip to Cancun.  It was such a blast!  Kellie came too and we had so much fun together and she loved being able to see the small bump that I've got going on :)  Here are some photos from the trip. And, of course, we had to take an awkward family photo one just for fun but ended up just laughing through it.

We have created such a strong friendship through of all this and I couldn't have wished this to be any smoother of a process.  I often think about the days in November that all of this gets to come full circle and I can not wait.  I am so anxious to be able to hand this baby over to his/her parents and see the looks on their faces knowing that this baby was SO wished for, SO cared for, SO wanted and created with so much love.  Kellie and I were talking while in Mexico about the amount of support we've gotten through all of this. It's been so incredible for both of us.  We are both leaders with It Works and so we often hear how much our It Works story has inspired other people.  But, lately, we hear how much our surrogacy journey has inspired them.  And, we just love that.  It's so amazing being able to help give back and show the world how to love out loud, all the while inspiring others, just by sharing our lives.

I know I got so behind on this blog that I never posted my bump photos!  Here is the 14 week (from last week) and the 12 week (from a few weeks ago).  We should have a 16 week bump photo next week... and hopefully a gender announcement!!!  Eeeeeek!!  What do YOU think? Boy or girl!?

Thanks again everyone!  Love to you all!  I won't wait so long in between posts next time... I promise!  And.. I think its time for another guest entry from Kellie (and/or Chris!), wouldn't you say so, too?  ;)

Waiting for the bump...

Hello!  It's been another few weeks since I've updated and we have some fun photos to share! 

First off, today I'm 8 weeks pregnant!  Very exciting to get to 2 months.  I really feel like it's been just a few weeks from the transfer!  Kellie had this cute idea to document the process from both sides.  So we will continue to update every month with these photos.  This is Chris & Kellie's hands holding a raspberry since that's the size of Baby Kaufman right now!  And then there's me!

I haven't started showing yet.  I am just to the awkward point where I'm starting to feel a little tight in my clothes.  Since my only other pregnancy was twins, I feel like the chances of showing early, are pretty good!  So, we'll see what the next few weeks bring!  

I'm feeling pretty good!  Weeks 6-7 I was sooooo tired.  Couldn't get through the day without a short nap .  And just had no energy to do much!  But week 7-8 has been good to me on energy levels.  I'm feeling much better.  However, nausea kicked in this week.  I had several days I almost felt like I could get sick.  Never did get sick... and the key to me is to drink something often (decaf iced tea has been my favorite lately; too much flavor in anything isn't helpful right now!). 

Another weird thing I've had is my heart skipping beats!  Did anyone out there experience this with pregnancy?  It's such a weird feeling!  I've had 2 days this week where it happens several times in an hour throughout the whole day.  Luckily, I have my handy OB nurse (my mom) on-call all the time and I called her and she told me it's totally normal with pregnancy.  I had no idea! It's not something I experienced with my boys.  

My mom said to pay attention and if it keeps up more regularly, I will want to mention it to my OB.  So far today I've not noticed it much.  But it does tend to flair up more in the evening.

Otherwise I'm feeling really good!  We move into our new house in a few weeks so getting the house packed up doesn't sound too fun :) luckily we are hiring movers to move everything so I'm glad I don't have to worry about overdoing it.  

Another thing is I realized I never posted the debut photo of Baby Kaufman!!  Here he/she is at 6 weeks 3 days!  Heart rate was 126 and everything looked great!  

I have another ultrasound in 10 days to confirm baby is still looking good... (And I know it will!!).  

I am still on daily injections of progesterone, progesterone suppositories 3xs a day, estrogen injections 2xs a week and daily baby aspirin and prenatal vitamin.  Everything meds wise is going well... I just can't wait for the day that I'm done with those darn suppositories!  

I think that's all the exciting information I have for now!  

Thanks for the continued support!  Now we just #GrowBabyGrow!! 

Keep the good news coming!

Just a quick update with my beta numbers from this week.  On Thursday I had another blood draw and they would have liked to see the number at least double from where it was on Monday (288).  Well, looks like Baby Kaufman is sticking to his/her overachiever status because the number was 1,042!  The nurse at the clinic said this is a very good number and they are more than pleased with it!  They told me to continue on my meds the same as I have been and then to schedule an ultrasound in 10 days!! Wahoooooo!!  How exciting for the first ultrasound!  I called and scheduled it for March 30 @ 8am.  You better believe I got the first appointment in the morning, haha!

I have been feeling pretty good!  A few small spells of nausea here and there but it is not bad at all.  I think the biggest thing I need to remember to do is to eat small snacks throughout the day.  I realize when I get hungry is when the nausea starts and then makes me not want to eat and then makes me feel worse by not eating! haha.  I never got sick with my boys but I did have this similar feeling so hopefully Baby Kaufman is going to go easy on me too! 

That's about all for now.  Just wanted to update on the numbers.  I am officially 5 weeks 1 day pregnant.  Crazy that the transfer was just 2 weeks ago and I am already 5+ weeks pregnant!  Have a good weekend!

It worked! I'm pregnant!

Wow, SO much to update on!  It's crazy how a week sneaks by me anymore. 

And, its been a pretty eventful, exciting week, to say the very least!  So last Monday (just 5 days after the transfer), despite many friends telling me not to, I decided to take an at home test.  Kellie and I had made this decision ahead of time that we would wait until Monday and we knew going in that the chances were still slim that it would show a positive.  So, we were mentally prepared for that going in.  Well, I took the test and it should a Big Fat Negative result.  i was okay with it because I felt in my heart that it was a positive that just wasn't showing quite yet.   I texted Kellie with the result and her response was to be expected, "Okay, we knew this was likely to happen :)"  I knew with her response that she felt the same way I did but with some disappointment in her text too.  Oh how I would have LOVED a positive to show up. 
A few hours later that day I thought… maybe I should try again?  Is that crazy?  But, my thinking was this.  Yes, it was technically 5 days after the transfer however Portland is 2 hours behind us AND we lost an hour with daylight savings time the day before so when I took the test at 7am, it was really more like 4.5 days after the transfer.  Yes, okay, I admit I am crazy. 
I got home around 3pm and decided to take another test.  And guess what?!  A {super} faint line appeared!!!!!!  I did everything in my power to try to get a good photo to send to Kellie and Chris so they could see the faint line.  After my 3rd photo to them & finally showing her the negative next to the positive one, Kellie says "Okay, I think I see it!!" Chris told Kellie he could see it right away!  Just for kicks, here is the photo :) 
Yes, you really have to squint to see it.. but I promise that in person it was definitely there!!!

The next morning I thought I might as well try again to get confirmation that I wasn't seeing an imaginary line.  I still had several pink line tests in the cabinet but I also had a few digital ones.  I thought 'maybe I should try a digital?'  But almost talked myself out of it because I know those sometimes aren't as sensitive and since the line was so faint, I would probably see a big fat 'not pregnant.'  But I thought I would just do both and see what happened.  Well, this baby showed a big ole'  PREGNANT across the digital test within seconds!!!!  I was screaming and jumping up and down and texting Kellie photos!  I could not WAIT for her response!!  I said "I don't think it gets ANY clearer than this!!" 

She was soooooo stoked to see that and what wonderful peace of mind for her and Chris… and okay, me too!!  We still had several days before the beta blood test results so anything to make those days go quicker was awesome. 

And, let's be honest, Kellie and I figured that I had the tests in the cabinet so why not use them.  Okay okay.. I admitted already that I am crazy!  haha.  But it was fun seeing the pink line start to get darker each day. 

You've never seen so many pregnancy tests on a blog post before, have ya?  Well, now you've officially seen it all!  So glad I could help you out with that item on your bucket list.  haha. 

Then, Friday came!  The day we've been waiting and waiting for!  We thought 9 days seemed like it would be soooo early for blood test but those 9 days seemed more like weeks!  I went in at 8am and they said the results would take about 2 hours to get to the clinic in Portland.  We waited.  The number we were looking for was at least 50.  This is the HCG and at this point at least a 50 would show a definite pregnancy.  They called me with the results and I could immediately tell in the nurses voice that it was good news, it was an 83!!!!!!!!  Wahoooo!!!  Kellie and I were SO excited that our at home tests hadn't let us down! 
Then the moment we've all been waiting for… the announcement!!  I took this photo for Kellie after another announcement she had seen and it turned out SO cute (if I do say so myself). 

I could not believe the response we got from sharing the big news.  It was so amazing to see how many people have been following along and praying for us. 

Monday I went back to the lab to have another beta to see that the HCG has at least doubled.  So, we were looking for at least 160+.  The nurse called and I was 288!!!!  Go, Baby Kaufman!  Total over achiever! 

Tomorrow I will have 1 more beta blood draw and again we will want that 288 to at least double.  I have absolutely no doubts that it will! 

How am I feeling?  I have been getting that question a lot.  When people ask me that I kind of have to remember why they ask.  Oh yah, some people feel icky pregnant!  Well, so far I feel great!  I have had a few small spells of nausea but its very short lived.  And in the afternoons I get a little tired but honestly its stuff that I probably wouldn't even think twice about if I wasn't pregnant! 
The meds are going great.  I am currently do 1 ml of progesterone in oil injections at night and those haven't been bad at all.  When I was in Portland the nurse told me that she saw my injection sites and said I needed to move up a little bit (she said, go above your butt crack).  OH!  That makes such a difference!!!!  I have had a little tenderness but the lumps are no more and much easier than when I was injecting them lower and more on my butt!  I am doing estrodial injections 2xs a week on Mondays and Fridays.  Then, just recently they had me start on suppositories 3xs a day.  Lets just say I would rather the larger injection of progesterone than the icky suppositories.  But, that's okay.  It will be temporary.  Then I am also continuing 1 baby aspirin per day and of course my prenatal vitamins!  Just for fun, here is my current sharps container with my past syringes!

  And, I'm not near done yet!  There is no way to know how long I will be on the estrogen and progesterone injections.  They check my levels regularly (just checked them this week) and eventually my body will understand that I am pregnant and will make this naturally like it would with a natural pregnancy.  But, with IVF, the baby is just put into your uterus so you body isn't naturally producing these hormones because it doesn't know to!  So both of these help support the pregnancy.  They are SO vital to the baby staying attached and strong.   Can NOT miss a dose.  It's become second nature to me. 

Tomorrow I have my next beta results and I know they will be great.  Then, we get to find out whats next!  I am anxious to hear when the 1st ultrasound will be. 

As always, thank you for the positive energy, thoughts and prayers.  I KNOW its because we have this army of support behind us that things are moving along so smoothly.  We cannot than you enough for all this amazing support. 
Now, its time to GROW BABY GROW!  Due date is November 20!

The transfer is over... now what?

Tuesday I flew to Portland for the transfer.  After much travel delays I finally arrived in the early evening and the Kaufman's all picked me up.  We went to a nice dinner and got to catch up and then headed to their home.  I was greeted with a gift bag full of goodies for bedrest; warm socks, some favorite snacks, magazines & even the most gorgeous necklace in a little blue box.

 It was completely unnecessary but so appreciated.  Kellie said she has this necklace too and she just loves it and couldn't help but feel like the 3 circles symbolized this exciting journey, in a few different ways.  I LOVE IT.  My husband had also mailed a large box full of bedrest items ; more socks, movies, my favorite kind of blanket, & a candle.  So extremely sweet of him.

  Wednesday last week was the BIG day!  Kellie and I spent the morning with a warm tea, light breakfast and then headed near the clinic to have lunch together.  We had eaten at this place before the mock cycle so a little superstition played a part in this restaurant choice, because we felt like we had good news with that appointment, so why wouldn't we get good news for this one? :) 
We got to the clinic at 12:40 for my 12:45 arrival time.  Kellie and I were so nervous in the waiting room.  But, this selfie helped ease our nerves ;)

I was called back right on time and headed back to the prep room.  Got my sexy hospital gown on and they scanned my bladder to be sure it was nice and full.  They can get a better picture when its full so they had me drink a few more glasses of water.  Kylee who is the surrogate coordinator at the clinic came to see me so I finally got to meet her!!  It was so exciting since I have been working with her for months but hadn't officially met in person.  Definitely had to get a photo with her!

Chris joined us at this point and I think that's when it got really real!  All 3 of us in this hospital room just waiting to go back.  They gave me a Valium to help me be able to really relax.  They only allowed 1 person into the procedure room with me, so Kellie got all gowned up.  She was under strict instructions not to make me laugh or crack any jokes because that could cause me to move and mess up the transfer.  And, In case your wondering, nope, she can't look ugly even in an astronaut space suit. 

So, they took me back into the room to get me all ready for the transfer.  A few minutes later Kellie entered the room.  There was a tv screen really high up on the ceiling and as I was looking at it all of a sudden this beautiful photo popped up. 

BABY Kaufman!!!!   Or, the start of!  :)  In that moment, my eyes got teary.  That little cell can potentially be a human life in just a few months.  And I am going to help that become reality.  Talk about crazy.  The doctor had me all prepared and then said "Okay, you are doing wonderful being still.  The embryologist is about to come in the room with the embryo so I need you to continue to not move at all." WHOA.  Talk about pressure!  When someone specifically tells you not to do something, it really messes with your head!  I felt like its never been so hard in my life not to make a move. I don't think I even took a breath.  The embryologist walked into the room with a long catheter and 'dropped' it right into whatever the doctor had prepared already (another catheter?)  Trust me, I wish I could have had a mirror to see this part since it is SO interesting!
About 30 seconds later the doctor said the embryo was placed and everything went as perfect as possible!!  ahhhhhh!!!  So exciting.  They took me back into the prep room where Chris was waiting for Kellie and I and they had me lay completely flat for about an hour.  Then, they wheeled me out to the car.  Here is a photo of Kellie and I (in my wheel chair) just as we were leaving!  I PROMISE Chris missed these photo ops by just a few minutes (he was in charge of child care for their girls so he was coming and going as he could!)

Next up... bedrest!  I had in my head that bedrest was going to be just sitting on the couch taking it easy for 2 days.  I had no idea it was going to be pretty strict!  They informed me that I am ONLY to get up to go to the bathroom and I cannot sit up more than 45 degrees.  They even suggested to prepare my injections while in bed and then administer them when I go to the bathroom so I don't need to be up anymore than possible.  I know that all clinics have different suggestions on bedrest vs. no bedrest but ORM (Oregon Reproductive Medicine) said they have a very high success rate so they continue doing the bedrest.  The embryo implants itself within 12-24 hours after the transfer so they feel its important to be on bedrest for best chances of implantation. Bedrest was fun!  Kellie was such a trooper and stayed with me the whole time.  Well, maybe I should say Chris was the trooper!  haha.  He waited on us hand and foot for the entire 36 hours.  At one point we had all 5 of us plus 2 dogs on their bed, haha!! We HAD to take a photo (minus 1 dog) 

So, on Friday I was officially FREE!  It felt really good to be able to get up and shower and move around a little bit!  We did lunch, some shopping and then ended the evening with a great dinner with friends and some games.  Here is a photo of Kenley and I at dinner.  She really became my 'best buddy' (as she says) during the 4 days I was there.

Saying goodbye was really tough!  It's so weird to think that I won't see them for several months!  We had such a great few days together.
Okay, the part you REALLY want to KNOW.  So.... what's next?  WHEN do we find out?  Well, we have a bloodtest on Friday!  Yes, THIS Friday already!  Crazy right?  I know!  So, on Friday we are praying that the beta number on the bloodtest will be at least 50.  If it's 50 or more, that's very promising positive pregnancy.  On Monday they will have me re-test to see if that number has at least doubled.  If so, then we are on our way to #BabyKaufman being here in 9 months!
We need the prayers!!  This wait is tough on all of us.  When I first heard that I would test 9 days after the transfer, I remember saying "Wow, that's so fast, that's awesome!"  But now, it seems like eternity!!!  I cannot wait to know if this baby is attached & thriving in my belly! 

Sorry for the long update, I had so much to say after such a wonderful week.  THANK YOU to the Kaufman's for taking such great care of me.