So it begins.....

Today we started our IVF journey (which I am calling the first day of the rest of my life.)  A journey that is long awaited and very scary to say the least.  Dealing with infertility is something that many people deal with yet there are many people who know nothing about it.  The pain that it causes is sometimes unbearable but you learn to be strong and live through it. Those who have never experienced this have NO idea what it is like. I do a great job of hiding the hurt and pain it has caused and everyone should know that this is definitely a life changing experience for us.  It makes you really realize what you have and it makes you cherish it more then ever!  My husband and I have went through hard times in our marriage because of this (which was only due to the stress that infertility can cause.) But of course we are stronger and better then ever because of this. 

For those who may not know what IVF (in-vitro fertilization) is let me break it down for you easily.....I am currently going through ovarian stimulation which is where I am giving myself daily injections of certain hormones that are causing my ovaries to produce a larger number of eggs then usual.  I will be closely monitored on a day to day basis.  Once I am at the peak I will give myself what they call a "trigger" shot which induces ovulation. 36 hours later I will have my eggs surgically removed and my husband will have to ejaculate in a cup (all jokes aside) and the specialized doctors will then take the strongest of his sperm and individually inject one sperm into each one of my eggs that they remove (This is called ICSI.)  The more eggs that come up and they are able to get out the higher the chances are.  After they inject my eggs they were monitor them on a daily basis and "grade" them.  On the third day after removal I will go in and have sit down with them on how they are doing and if the embryo's don't seem very strong they will insert the best looking one that day, but if my embryo's are strong they will hold them out for another two days and make sure they fully fertilize. On the 5th day (if they are still monitoring them) they will insert the strongest embryo back into my uterus and then we just cross our fingers that it attaches :) 

I arrived in Bethesda, Maryland last night.  It was a tough day for me.  In the morning when I left my house I had an emotional break down because it's finally happening.... plus I have to leave my doggies and husband for up to two weeks. I have rented an adorable basement apartment with another women (Milena) that is under going the same thing as myself!  We met on Facebook and have become friends!  We are excited to have each other's backs through this entire thing considering our husband's can't be here the whole time! Milena will be arriving tomorrow....  The neighborhood we are staying in is so nice and we are really close to downtown Bethesda where there are lots of cool shops and dining choices!  We hope to get out and explore.  Today was an easier day appointment wise, all I had to do was go in for blood work.  They will do this daily to check my hormone levels to make sure they are increasing and this also lets them know if they need to adjust the amount of medication we are injecting in ourselves.  After my appointment I slept for a little bit considering I had to go in at 5:45am and then I headed off to work.  I have a great job that has provided me the opportunity to work while I am up here on a open door basis.  If I can go in then I will and if not I don't have too, I can just come and go as I please depending on my appointments and my body!  This has allowed me not to use all of my vacation time, thank gosh! 

Love this house!  Down a few houses from where I am staying!

a view down the street!

The kitchen of my apartment!

One of the many beautiful houses on the street

Right outside of my apartment door!

The only problem we are having at this point in time is picking out names that we both agree on. With trying to stay positive through out this entire thing we have went to stores and looked at stuff we want, we have purchased baby books and also baby name books etc.  I can deal with this being the only issue we are having right now!  :) 

On another note though Deuce and I would really like to extend our gratitude for the prayers and love during this time.  We are really excited for this time in our lives and we are so glad that we can share with those we love! Please continue with the prayers..... We love you all! <3