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Mindset and Recap of Today's Egg Retrieval


Here are some of the things I think about when going through an IVF cycle after failing the two previous IVF cycles:

1.  What's on the calendar for us after 6/22 and 6/24 (the days of my pregnancy tests)?  Thankfully, we were invited up to Kellen's step moms lake house with her and my father-in-law the weekend right before, so that will be a great little getaway.  We always have a good time hanging out with them.  We're heading up to one of Josh's series in July with Katie and Brian for another fun getaway.  I've also got their wedding, and my friend Lauren's wedding coming up shortly after this cycle - including some crazy fun bachelorette parties to attend!  There are many fun things in my near future, and I get to enjoy these times with some of the greatest people in my life.  No matter what happens this month, I have a lot to look forward to.
2.  What can we do and where can we go as a family of three?  We're looking to move/build early next year, and keeping it all in perspective by looking for things for the family that we currently have is humbling and realistic for me.  I think about activities Khloe can get involved in and the advantages she has as an only child.  I also think about planning a vacation in the future versus spending our money on fertility treatments.  Making memories for the three of us is important to both Kellen and I.

During IVF, I don't get anywhere near the mindset of a pregnant person.  Meaning, I don't think of baby names, I don't think of maternity clothes, I don't think of due dates and decorating a nursery.  Wow, just typing those things out was weird.  Keeping things realistic in my mind helps ease the pain of possible failure in the near future.  I find happiness during this time by hanging out with friends, continuing with my regular schedule that includes working part time at my gym and trying to get in a few workouts here and there, and being grateful for all the amazing things already in my life.

To recap today, I went in early this morning for my egg retrieval surgery.  Everything went really well.  Dr. Jarrett is great and came to talk to me before surgery and after.  He always gives me a hard time for smiling so much and today he did the same and commented on how pleasant and happy I seemed so early in the morning -- and before surgery!

He was able to retrieve 11 eggs.  THIS.  IS.  GREAT.  We'll get a call in the morning from the embryologist letting us know how many of those eggs have fertilized.  For the next five days, our embryos will grow in the lab until we have our transfer next Thursday.  There's a chance we could do a "day 3" transfer, which would be set for Tuesday, but it's most likely that, if things go well, the transfer will be Thursday.   I have pain medication to take while I recover this weekend and I'm hoping that after a few days, I'll feel back to normal again.

Filling out paperwork

Loving the nurses big flower pen!

Post surgery (photo cred: Kellen) and teddy grahams snack


Thanks for the prayers for us and for my friends!  She received a call today and one of her eggs had fertilized!  Please pray that their babies and our babies continue to grow in the lab. <3


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