One year ago today we were in Knoxville, TN for our first visit to the National Embryo Donation Center for our "trial transfer." The NEDC likes to do a mock embryo transfer and the procedure is performed but without the actual embryos of course.
WARNING: mild graphic information below! You've been warned ;)
Prior to going you take estrace (basically birth control medicine) for several weeks a couple of times per day. They check things like your cervical lining to make sure its thick enough (7 is the magic number if I remember correctly) :) for an embryo to implant and make a decision whether or not to increase your dosage. The transfer consists of a catheter, just like the real transfer, going into your uterus and they measure the length and size needed based on the size and shape of your uterus. Its a bit painful (cramping ect) but not too bad. I remember it was so nice to finally be there and to be doing something instead of just waiting. It would be another two months exactly until we received our family donor "match" from Bethany our adoption agency. What an exciting day that was!
We are so thankful, beyond words to our "donor" (aka "genetic") family!!! We're so thankful to be matched with a couple (and family) who is so kind and loving and even so similar to us! You're more than we could have ever asked or prayed for! It is truly amazing how the Lord placed us together and matched us perfectly! We love you with all our hearts T, J and little guys R and E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (used first initial to protect their identities)
PS - On the way home from the NEDC we received a phone call that my Uncle Darwin had passed away and lost his long battle with cancer. It was an exciting day but we also remember the day as a sad day as we remember the man he was and his family (Daughter Barb, Gary and the boys, daughter Melissa and Jim and the girls and wife Cheryl and her family, also brothers and sisters, spouces and families - Wickie, Murle, Rex, Kathy, Karen and Debbie my mom). We love you Uncle Darwin and know you're in heaven eating chocolate gravy (and probably dressed as a clown!) with your mom - my Grandma Roy (Aunt Millie and Uncle Gary too)!
PSS - Tomorrow, June 2nd 2010 would have been Grandma's 92nd birthday! Happy Birthday Grandma! This year must be the best ever as you're celebrating it with Jesus! I love you and miss you so much! (holding back the tears...but they don't listen)
WARNING: mild graphic information below! You've been warned ;)
Prior to going you take estrace (basically birth control medicine) for several weeks a couple of times per day. They check things like your cervical lining to make sure its thick enough (7 is the magic number if I remember correctly) :) for an embryo to implant and make a decision whether or not to increase your dosage. The transfer consists of a catheter, just like the real transfer, going into your uterus and they measure the length and size needed based on the size and shape of your uterus. Its a bit painful (cramping ect) but not too bad. I remember it was so nice to finally be there and to be doing something instead of just waiting. It would be another two months exactly until we received our family donor "match" from Bethany our adoption agency. What an exciting day that was!
We are so thankful, beyond words to our "donor" (aka "genetic") family!!! We're so thankful to be matched with a couple (and family) who is so kind and loving and even so similar to us! You're more than we could have ever asked or prayed for! It is truly amazing how the Lord placed us together and matched us perfectly! We love you with all our hearts T, J and little guys R and E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (used first initial to protect their identities)
PS - On the way home from the NEDC we received a phone call that my Uncle Darwin had passed away and lost his long battle with cancer. It was an exciting day but we also remember the day as a sad day as we remember the man he was and his family (Daughter Barb, Gary and the boys, daughter Melissa and Jim and the girls and wife Cheryl and her family, also brothers and sisters, spouces and families - Wickie, Murle, Rex, Kathy, Karen and Debbie my mom). We love you Uncle Darwin and know you're in heaven eating chocolate gravy (and probably dressed as a clown!) with your mom - my Grandma Roy (Aunt Millie and Uncle Gary too)!
PSS - Tomorrow, June 2nd 2010 would have been Grandma's 92nd birthday! Happy Birthday Grandma! This year must be the best ever as you're celebrating it with Jesus! I love you and miss you so much! (holding back the tears...but they don't listen)