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Saturday, January 6, 2007

Riley's Loot

I've posted pictures of Riley's Christmas Loot to our Flickr site --- > http://www.flickr.com/photos/90553432@N00/sets/72157594386382935/

As you can see she was a very lucky (spoiled) girl at Christmas. She has so many wonderful family and friends that love her already.


Shelly and I have been doing great. The news on Wednesday brought such hope and relief. We know we're not out of the woods yet but we just feel better now. Riley's getting bigger (Shelly's belly) and stronger everyday (she's doing a triathlon in her Mama's belly). We're expecting the final Amnio results no sooner than Wednesday and hopefully no later than Friday. In the mean time we're being positive and hoping positive energy and every one's thoughts and prayers will help Riley fight, fight, fight!

Today I'm spoiling myself, or some might call it routine maintenance. I'm getting my hair cut and colored (roots are way too prominent), nails filled, and pedicure (it's been over a month!). All of this girl stuff will take place why Shelly's working, but at least she works at home. Tonight I think we're going to splurge on Salad Bar, Beer (for me!!), and Trivia at Ruby Tuesday's!

Thanks to everyone again for your thoughts and prayers! Keep it coming!!!
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Wednesday, January 3, 2007

One Hurdle Crossed

Today we received the results from the Amniocentisis FISH test. This is the preliminary screening that tests for the major chromosomal abnormalities. Riley was negative for Turner Syndrome which is what they thought she might have. She is also negative for the other major chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs and the Trisomies. This is good news. One step in the right direction. One hurdle crossed.

We expect the definitive chromosomal testing results mid to late next week. There is a chance something could show up on that test. If it's not chromosomal there is something else wrong. Possibly her heart, kidneys, etc. The Cystic Hygroma is an indicator that something is wrong. We just have to try to figure out what IT is. If the chromosomal tests come back negative then they'll schedule a Fetal Echocardigram and another Ultrasound.

For the remainder of the pregnancy we'll be treated as high risk. We'll have monthly Ultrasounds up to 30 weeks. After 30 weeks we'll continue with monthly ultrasounds but have weekly heart tests. If Riley makes it to 30 weeks we have a much higher chance of her making it through the pregnancy. We also hope that in the next Ultrasound the Cystic Hygroma will go down in size.

Thank you to EVERYONE for your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers!!! It's been a terribly stressful 5 days and knowing so many people out there had us in their hearts and thoughts helped more than you could ever imagine. Thank you!

One last piece of positive news. Riley is kicking Shelly like crazy. She's a fiesty little one. She's now starting to kick as Shelly's trying to sleep. The more she kicks the better we feel about her beating this. I say kick away Riley!! Your mom can sleep when your 20!
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Our Conception Story

After eight years together we were pretty sure we'd spend our life with our four legged kids, doing lots of camping, and traveling the world. On August 12, 2004 that all changed with the birth of our God Daughter Tate. We immediately fell completely in love with her and soon began to re-think our decision of not having kids.

In October 2005 we began the process of trying to conceive. As soon as we started trying Shelly began having very erratic cycles which made the process that more complicated. After four tries over six months we decided to schedule a consultation with the a Reproductive Specialist. We were desperate to conceive and on a limited time frame since Shelly had just turned 41. Dee was 35 at the time but not able to conceive due to a medical procedure.

Our first appointment with the Repro Man was May 2006. He suggested we try IVF using Dee's eggs and Shelly as the gestational mother. He felt this scenario would give us the highest chance for success of a healthy pregnancy. We spent a short amount of time weighing our options and decided this was the best choice. We began our first IVF cycle in August. They did the Egg Retrieval and Fertilization on 8/31. Three days later, 9/3, they transferred three embryos into Shelly. Then the wait began.

Shelly promised not to begin the home pregnancy test too soon. Dee had to travel out of state for business a week after the transfer and asked Shelly to please wait to test. BUT, the wait was too much for her and she started testing after a week. At first there was no line. But after a couple of days testing a faint line started to appear. When Dee came home from her trip Shelly told her, "I know I'm pregnant." Dee didn't believe her and insisted the line wasn't dark enough so she tested herself to compare. There was absolutely no line. She began to believe Shelly was pregnant but still had doubt. Dee went to the store and bought another brand of testing strips. After five home tests, we were convinced we we're pregnant due to all positive results. A blood test at two weeks confirmed it; we were going to have a baby!