36 weeks

I am almost 37 weeks (a couple days). I had both doctors appointments this week. Today and yesterday. My OB appointment was uneventful, which is good.  Heart rate and belly measurements were all good.  Blood pressure is still good. Weight is a little higher than I was hoping for with a few weeks still to go but it’s not technically a problem. No cervix check this weeek. I thought I would get checked but not this time.  Not that I think anything is happening anyway. The last few weeks have also been uneventful. Lots of the same.
I have been doing the weekly non stress tests.  Everything has been good there too.  Fluid and blood flow and movements have all been good. Nothing to concern anybody.
I had my last growth ultrasound and baby boy was looking good.  He’s still head down and has moved his butt up to my ribs. Which I have noticed and it’s not exactly comfortable for me.  He’s low too and it’s uncomfortable for my bladder. The tech estimated his current weight at 7 lbs and 7 oz. which is 80th percentile.  Even with a possible pound in either direction difference, little guy will be on the bigger side if we make to full term. They did give me a length measurement for him but I assume he’ll be around 20 in T birth, just like Alex was.
I’m hoping that if he really is going to be on the larger side that he comes a little early.  Anywhere in the 38-40 week would be great.  Really hoping to not have to be induced this time around.
Braxton Hicks contraction are in full force. Possibly even a few real one. Definitely had a few take my breath away. Another week and I’ll start trying all the old wives tricks to start labor, even though none of them worked on getting Alex here before her due date.

32 weeks!

I am so late posting about my 32 week check up.  Have been so busy with life that typing this up got pushed down the list of things I needed to do.

But anyway,  Both checks with the OB and the specialist went well.  OB appointments are fairly uneventful right now. Weight, blood pressure, heart rate and belly measurements are checked and that's been it.  Blood pressure has been normal ever since the one week of high measurements. Weight is getting high, for me. I'm definitely going to end up a little heavier than I was with Alex. Oh well I suppose. 

I had a growth ultrasound at the specialists office and baby boy is looking good.  He's still in his folded up position. Head down in the middle, back around by the left hip, butt by belly button and legs over by my right hip.   He moves around quite a bit and thankfully keeps out of my ribs for the most part but he enjoys hitting my hips. He was measuring about 17 in and about 4 lbs 9oz. The tech said he is measuring average but those measurements seems a little large to me. Especially because they estimate that he will be over 8 lbs at full term. Another big baby for us it seems. Everything else they looked at was great. He is developing as he should be.

As I am typing this I am now just shy of 34 weeks and I am anxiously waiting for the next 6 weeks to go by. I messed up my hips and back and have been pain. There isn't much that can be done, since my big belly restricts the chiropractic work I can have done and can't have any pain medication except Tylenol. My doctor did get me a back support belt which has actually helped some and referred me to physical therapy.  Which I couldn't get appointment for until 2 weeks from now. I feel so bad for Alex, I haven't been much fun the larger I get and now my back has restricted my movement even more.  I really wanted Alex to enjoy her last month as an only child and I feel like I take the fun out of everything. She does however seem to be excited about her baby brother being here soon. I hope her excitement stays after baby brother arrives.  

We think we have a name picked out but we aren't 100% decided yet.  And probably won't be until baby arrives.  

In the meantime, I am going for weekly nonstress test monitoring and a simple u/s, to check fluid and blood flow and baby's heartbeat and practice breathing movements.  Also, doing bi weekly checks with the OB, until 36 weeks when I start going weekly. I'll have one more growth ultrasound at 36 weeks. 

29 weeks

I am really late posting about this weeks appointments.  We have been so busy getting Alex's back into all her activities and prepping for the start of preschool. I kept putting off updating. But here I go...
I had appointments with both my OB and the specialist this week. Got slightly off my off on my weeks due to scheduling. Anyway, at the specialist's office, I had my usual check of my vitals and my blood pressure was slightly up. About 120/88.  I was sent for blood work and a urine test to check for preeclampsia. Also, got my monthly ultrasound. Baby looks great and so did everything else. Placenta is still out of the way, fluid and the placenta were all good.  Baby is growing as expected. He is approximately 15 inches and 3.3 pounds.  He is above average in size so far.  I looked back at Alex's stats and at 28 weeks she was about 2.4 pounds.  Really hoping this guy doesn't go over the 9 pound mark at birth.
I had my OB appointment a few days later and again my blood pressure was still slightly up. Around 120/86. They didn't send me for more blood work but did check my results from the few days before. All my results were normal. So at the moment no serious concern for preeclampsia but I will visiting each office every 2 weeks. Which puts me at an appointment every week because the way scheduling has worked out so far.  The OB office scheduled my appointments for the remainder of my pregnancy and I have been scheduling appointments 2 at a time with the specialist.
I have been experiencing more Braxton hicks contractions and possibly some real contractions as I have some that were painful. But nothing serious or regular enough to warrant a trip to the hospital.  Baby boy has been very active lately and I'm not entirely sure if I was feeling contractions or very strong movement from baby.  I have felt strong movements and body parts poking out from my belly. This little guy seems to move more than Alex did and she was a wiggler. Although this little guy is in a different position than Alex was.  She stayed head down, feet up the whole time. And this guy has been hanging out with his head in my right hip and his feet are up by his face.  Hopefully he makes a big shift to head down in the near future.
On a side note, right before my appointment with the specialist, I slipped and fell on some stairs twice. Didn't fall or hurt my belly but managed to twisted my ankle up pretty bad.  Still swollen after over a week of injurying it.  The slight limp makes my big belly waddle walk even more ridiculous.
Recently, Alex has been helping get things ready for baby brother in his room.  We have washed and organized some clothes, blankets and towels.  We got his crib all put together, even though he won't be sleeping in it for a few months.  Makes the room look put together.  We hung a start mobile but I have yet to find any other decor.  Finding space themed decor is proving more difficult than I had anticipated. I got the car seat all washed up and the swing too. And in the next month we will get everything else washed and set up.  Pack and play, activity mat, etc all need set up in their spots.  Along with getting car seats set up in my car just in case baby brother makes an early appearance.
We are so close and yet so far away from the end.
More updates the follow as I have my next couple of appointments

25 Weeks

Time for another update after what feels like a long time since my last post.  We did go on our two week trip to Germany, which was amazing! It was fun to do and experience new things. Being 6 months pregnant wasn't so bad while traveling except that Greg had to do all the heavy lifting of the luggage and Alex and I had to use the airplane bathroom about every hour.
On to the baby stuff. I had my OB check and specialist ultrasound check.
OB appointment was as usual quick and easy.  Still gaining weight at what seems like a greater rate than I did with Alex. Not super happy about that. But other than that, all was good.  I need to go get my glucose test done before my next appointment. Belly was measuring on track.
Then I had my ultrasound at the specialist's office.  Little guy is doing great. He's measuring about a week ahead. 1 pound 13oz and 12.5 inches.  He even cooperated for all the measurements they needed to get of him.  And I got good news that the placenta has moved out of the way of my cervix so a c section is not necessary, unless something new comes up. That is a huge relief even though having a scheduled date would have been nice.
Little guy still has no name, though we haven't really talked it about it much.  We should probably work on it soon.  His room is coming along though. Greg has it all painted except for some finally touch ups.  We got a dresser and I started sorting out all the hand me downs I got and the stuff left over from Alex.  Alex has been trying to be helpful when I sort stuff out in his room.  She's very interested in his toys and that she wants to hold her brother and help put him in the crib.
I'm still working on the decor but decided on space theme.  I did get a star mobile for over the crib. Like the butterfly one I had over Alex's crib. Already in full nesting mode. Seems worse than it was with Alex but maybe that's just because I have more to clean and more going on.  I still want to get the carpets cleaned, clean the curtains and crib skirt, sheets and the clothes that I have for little guy.  Also been in full deep cleaning mode for the rest of the house too.  Though that's slow going with our trips.
Only 15 more weeks and we have so much going on before baby arrives.  Alex's birthday and a trip to Az to celebrate with family, Alex starting up with her activities again, dance, swim and starting preschool. Greg's birthday and a new nephew arriving. Hoping we are ready ish before baby comes!

20/21 Weeks

As of today I am 21 w 1 day.
I'll start with last week's OB visit.  Although it was an uneventful appointment. I'm up a total of 9 pounds.  Seems like I put on a bunch of weight in a week or so and have leveled off for now.  Everything else was good and normal.  Baby's heart rate was good. And he's been extra wiggly lately.  And he had dropped down lower in my pelvis. My belly has gotten way bigger too. Not hiding anything now. Back to the OB after 5 weeks, since we will be in Germany at 24 weeks.
Today, I went to the specialist for an ultrasound.  Baby is doing well.  Measuring a little ahead still, at 11 inches and 1 pound. (Interestingly I checked back to see how big Alex was around this time and at 22 weeks she was 11.25 inches and 1.1 pounds). The tech was able to get most of the measurements they needed except for some heart measurements because baby rolled to the side and was casting a shadow.  Though the doctor said everything else looked normal and they were not concerned but will check his heart again at the next ultrasound.  The tech was able to finally confirm that we are having a boy. Since little guy has been shy up until now.  And he did change positions, he's now head down and low.  He did have his feet and hands covering his face.
And on the note of my placenta position.  It is still extremely close to the cervix. I was having a contraction while they were trying to measure my cervix and had to estimate the distance but the placenta is about half a centimeter away from the cervix.  So still not great. Doctor anticipates that it will move out of the way but I will need it checked again at my next monthly appointment.
Everything else is going well.  Having Braxton hicks contractions daily, usually at night.  No one is concerned about them yet especially since they checked and I'm not currently at risk for preterm labor. Baby being down lower does mean that with some movements I have to pee right away.  Had the same issue with Alex but at least I'm not working as much and don't have that feeling while ine middle of cutting hair.
We are going one trip to Germany in a week and half and will be there for a couple of weeks.  We are excited to have a family adventure before little guy arrives. And Alex will get to see and play with her first friends, Max. Who moved back to Germany last year.
Updates in a month after I have my next appointments and we are back from our trip.

16/17 Weeks

Tomorrow I will be 17 weeks. Last week I had my rgukar check up at the OB's office.  Nothing new to report from there. Heard little guy's heart beat and had to get some blood work done. Apparently I was suppose to do it after my 12 weeks appointment but the doctor forgot to mention that she sent over the orders.  But anyway 6 vials of blood later and everything seems fine. Thyroid is a tiny bit off again but it's similar to the situation I had with Alex.  Off but not enough to require medication. 

Today, I had my ultrasound appointment at the high risk specialist.  Baby was wiggly today but still managed to stay curled up. Making it little difficult at first  to get all the measurements they needed.  He finally uncurled enough to get almost everything, except for verifying that he's boy.  He was too shy. So maybe next time. Baby is actually measuring a week ahead.  Approximately 7.7 inches and 7 oz. Baby is doing great according to doctor and the ultrasound tech. 

One issue did come up.  The placenta has attached very low and  dry close to the cervix.  The doctor was optimistic that as the uterus stretches and grows that it will move and up out of the way.  However, if it does not then I will need c section.  But for now nothing to be concerned with. Just something they will continue to monitor. 

I feel like this might explain why baby seems to have to been hanging out up higher than Alex did and maybe why I haven't notice as much movement.  Alex was always so low and I was constantly being hit in the bladder by her. 

I've finally gained a few pounds, which I think isn't too bad for being almost half way. The nausea I had been having has moatly gone away. Although there seeem to be quite a few more foods that makes me nauseous then with Alex. And I haven't been as tired lately.  Making it through most days without naps. I seem to have picked up some allergies though and that hasn't been great. Headaches are still happening through.  I have been craving chips and salsa and coffee.  I feel like some days I can't make it though the day without some caffeine. Been feeling more tumbling around but still no kicks.  Even though I could see baby kicking on the ultrasound, I couldn't definitely feel it.  Hopefully I'll feel more soon. 

Greg started painted baby's room.  Lime green to go with the navy blue curtains left over for when Alex was in nursery. And I think we'll be going with a space or airplane theme but I haven't decided for sure yet. 

That's all for now. Back at the OB in 3 weeks and another ultrasound in 4 weeks.  

13 weeks

A few days late on this update but a few days ago, I had my appointment at the specialist's office and had an ultrasound. We ended up not meeting with the genetic counselor like we were originally scheduled for.  The counselor said that since we had seen her before and there was nothing new in my medical history, that we didn't need to see her again.  We did get the NT ultrasound. The ultrasound that measures the fold in baby's neck's which can be an indicator of Down's syndrome and heart defects.  Baby's measurements were right where they should be.  As we expected since the prior genetic testing showed no down's. It is nice being able to see and check on baby.  All his other measurements were on track for this stage.  We go back to the specialist for another ultrasound at the end of the month for another growth check and to check for a few more possible anomalies, like spina bifda.  Again not too worried about anything crazy happening but I like the checks. I feel more comfortable being able to make sure baby is growing as he should be.
So far I haven't been able to feel movement.  With Alex, I felt a bubble popping sensation by now. I feel what feels like tickles but usually just went I'm going bed and holding still and being quiet. I'm hoping with in the next few weeks  I'll be able to feel him moving.  He also seems to be hanging out up higher than Alex did.  When I look for his heart beat with the Doppler, he's up at the top of my uterus.  Where Alex use to hang out towards the bottom. So far these 2 kids are giving me difference experiences. I am starting to feel much better.  Nausea is mostly gone.  As long as I stick to smaller meals and eat a little throughout the day.  I'm still gettting headaches/migraines and I've been tired less frequently.  Still could use a nap on some days.

On top of all my appointments and growing belly, we are going up to Colorado for a wedding this weekend.  It will be nice to get out of town and go some where new.  We haven't ever been up to Denver except for the airport. And after my appointment at the end of the month, I am going to Dallas to spend a weekend with my friend, while Greg and Alex stay home.  Staying busy as the weeks go by.
Oh we did pick a paint color for baby's room.  A lime green to go with the navy blue that still in the room left over from Alex. Hopefully Greg will get the wall painted within the next month.  Still have to clean out the room, get a new dresser and reorganize.  All of the baby stuff Alex outgrew got put on the room and left there.  Definitely have a summer/fall project.

12 Weeks

We have made it to the 12 week mark. I had my first OB appointment. Which went well and was uneventful.  Mostly just being asked basic health questions and getting the basic do's and don'ts again. Also I got to hear the baby's heartbeat which is always great.  And scheduled for another appointment in 4 weeks.
This last week I was able to find little guys heartbeat on my Doppler. He's been tricky to find.
Now we are waiting for my next appointment, next week at the perinatal office.

10 weeks and graduating from fertility clinic

Today was our last appointment with our fertility doctor.  It's always a good day and a sad one.  I really like my doctor and the staff at the office. They have been so great to us and Alex loves going there too.  But we have reached the point where baby is growing and everything is going well so we have been released to my regular OB and the perinatal office.
Already have my appointments made for those doctors. Because I'm a planner and I like to have everything set.  2 weeks until a check with my OB and 3 weeks until I'm seen at the perinatal office for 1st trimester screening, which should all be fine considering little baby was already tested.. the genetic testing done on the embryos is not 100% accurate though so the screening is recommended for us.
I am officially off all my meds as of today.  I stopped my estrogen after my last appointment but stayed on a half dose of my progesterone injections.  But I got the call that I can stop those now too.  Yay no more injections!!!!!!
Overall, things have been going well. Even though we still have 2 more weeks before we are completely out the scary first trimester. Alex knows she has a brother in my belly though I'm not quite sure she completely understands. Maybe once my belly gets bigger...
Updates to follow after my next appointments.

8 weeks

Today was my 8 weeks check and everything went as expected.  Little baby is growing appropriately and the heart rate went up to the 160's. All good news today!!

Also had my blood drawn again, to check my hormone levels to see if I can start coming off my meds. I'm looking forward to getting off the meds.  My back injection spots are so sore and I'm tired of the suppositories.

I'm still not feeling too great. Nauseous most days though it's on and off throughout the day.  Still no throwing up, thankfully.  I feel dehydrated all the time despite drinking tons of water. Though my need to nap isn't as bad as it was, I can get through the day without a nap. I would still like to nap. 

I go back for another check in 2 weeks, again to check for growth and heart rate.  10 weeks is still a big deal for me.  Since before Alex we never got past 10 weeks. Though 12 weeks is still the biggest milestone. 

Updates as my blood results come in.

6 weeks

Today, we had our 6 weeks ultrasound and there was tiny little baby and a heart beat. Just like we were hoping for.  Heartbeat was the in the 90's which the doctor said is just where it should be for 6 weeks.  No ultrasound picture to post this time. Maybe next check, which is in 2 weeks.
Also, got my blood drawn to see if my meds need any adjusting.
While I am excited for the news that we have a bay with heartbeat, I am also still nervous that something could go wrong. An unfortunate side effect to having multiple miscarriages. Hoping that this first trimester goes smoothly and we get in the second trimester with a healthy baby.

Got my blood draw results and levels were good. Continuing on my current doses for now. Hopefully after my next appointment I will be able to start tapering off.

Also, I have been feeling much more nauseous then I did with Alex.  No throwing up, just feeling gross after eating. I've been really tired too, though I feel like my meds have something to do with that. And I've been having issues with my hips getting out of place. Going to have to do something about that later I'm sure.

Blood test results are in

I'm a little late posting my results because I wanted to keep it to myself for a bit. But I kept my posts updated when going through this process with Alex that I feel I should keep that transparency with this cycle too.
So, my first blood tests came back positive with a HCG level of 71.  Very similar to the level I had when I got pregnant with Alex.  I went back for my second blood test 48 hours later and my level doubled almost exactly to 143. Which is what the hormone level needed to do for this to be a viable pregnancy.  I am officially pregnant!  And 4 weeks and 5 days now.
I am cautiously optimistic.  After the 2 chemical pregnancies from the last two cycles and I'm still being cautious until we get through a couple of ultrasounds.  I have an ultrasound scheduled in a couple weeks that we will hope to see a heartbeat and growing baby.
In the meantime, Alex is excited by the idea of being a sister though she doesn't know that being a sister is in her future. Not really going to tell her that we are having a baby until we get through the first trimester.
As for how I am feeling, since everyone asks, I feel good for the most part. After my second blood draw, my estrogen and progesterone levels came high so my doctor lowered my medication dosages in half. I may even get off one medication if my first ultrasound goes well. With that drop in my medication I noticed a little more nausea. Also, I'm tired by most afternoons. I wish Alex would nap some days so that I could nap too. But she is not so accommodating. It's early bedtime for me most days.
I am anxiously waiting for the ultrasound appointment. I want to know that everything is going well. I feel almost more nervous this time then with Alex because we had the two failures and everything with Alex went so well from the beginning.
Updates to follow after that appointment.

Transfer Day

Today was the day! Transfer has been completed.
I started my morning off with some acupuncture, which was relaxing and calming. Exactly what I needed before my transfer.
At the doctors office I had to wait almost a hour with a full bladder before we were actually ready for transfer.  The embryologist said our little embryo look great and she is hoping this one will be the one.  Which was good news since it was rated as a 3 quality when it was frozen, which isn't great.
But since the embryo thawed out so nicely we are more hopeful.
Also, my doctor said that I should not be on bed rest. I need to resume my usual activity.  So that's good. A little hard to do with Alex around even with help from my mom.
So now it's the dreaded two week wait!  Hoping for a much better outcome then the last two attempts.  Going back for acupuncture on Friday for my relaxing treatment. Updates to follow as I get them!

2 Weeks Away

Only a couple more weeks until the transfer. Wanted to post an update even though not much interesting has been happening. Had another hysterectomy, while the experience wasn't great the results were good. Nothing out the ordinary.  My thyroid blood results came in with my level being a little low. And I had to get more blood drawn to test for thyroid antibodies and that test came back normal so for now thyroid is not an issue.
Everything is progressing along as it should. I go back in for my lining check and blood draw next week. Hopefully everything is good as well. I'm so ready for it to be the 21st.
I have been continuing to go to acupuncture. and that seems to helping control my stress and keep me calm. And an early Valentine's date this weekend is something fun to look forward to that doesn't include needles.

Transfer #3

It's that time again! I decided to try another transfer. My transfer date is February 21st.  It took me a while to decided that I was ready to go through everything again. But in the end I thought it would be better to try one more time before I turn 30. 

I am trying a new medication protocol. This time including a steroid to suppress my immune system. I am still concerned about taking it but it seems to be a pretty common medication for IVF patients who have trouble with implantation or multiple chemical pregnancies. I am hoping that this will be the thing that makes this embryo stick.

We have decided to transfer only a single embryo again. But we have yet to decide which gender we will have transferred. I have no preference either way this time.  Just want one to stick.

I start my first round of injections on Saturday, the 21st.

And I am also going to try having acupuncture during the cycle to see if that makes difference. Acupuncture seems to be helping me with some other issues I have and acupuncture has been shown to improve ivf cycle success rates. 

I'll try to keep updates as things progress but as usual these frozen transfer cycles tend to be pretty boring.

Hoping that the third time will be the charm for us. And that we can at last complete our family and be done with all this infertility stuff.