One phase down

Those of you who know me, know that I am a very "list oriented" person! Yes, I like to have things in order and I like to be able to see what needs to be done. I enjoy nothing more than crossing off something from my list. Yes, I even write things on my list that are already done...just to cross them off!! I feel a sense of "empowerment" when I've accomplished something!

Today is one of those days. We can cross off the first big phase of this whole process!!! :)

Yesterday, we were at the clinic bright and early! My appointment was at 6:45am and we were ready to go back to surgery by 7:00. I was was given some medicine to put me out, although it didn't put me completely out this time. The procedure happened and then I was recovering. We were in the car headed home by around 10:00am. So to say the least, it was a pretty quick morning.

As I was coming to, the nurse informed us that they were able to retrieve 23 eggs! She said that was great. Then the nurse called today and informed us that of the 23 there were 19 that were fertilized. The other 5 were just fluid sacks or they degenerated before fertilization occurred. As I talked with the nurse today, she informed us that we have 12 embryos that are growing right now as we speak. Now will all of those embryos survive, probably not. The way I look at it is, does every egg that is fertilized in the womb survive and turn into a pregnancy?... no. This is no different. The embryos are stored in a very climate controlled incubator and they are growing and changing every minute. Obviously, we know that the hand of God is the creator and sustainer of life. This type of situation looks different because it is taking place outside of the body, BUT in both cases, there needs to be SUSTAINMENT in order for life to occur. How many times in a woman's body does this occur and we not even know it?!? Does an egg become fertilized but never come to a full term pregnancy?!?! Probably a lot more than we will ever know. I believe that this is no different. In both cases, we believe that God is the Creator and sustainer of life.

On Tuesday, we will go down for 2 embryos to be transferred into my womb. They will also tell us how many embryos are still growing and maturing. If there are still some growing and maturing, we will freeze them to use at a later time.

Again, we can't thank you all enough for your thoughts, prayers and kind words in this time. We praise God for such loving friends and family that can surround us in this time. We humbly ask that you continue to pray for us as we still have a long road ahead of us. Pray that these embryos continue to grow and mature. Please pray for our hearts to be open and willing to do whatever it is that God desires of us. We desire to be obedient to His calling for us.

Also, continue to pray for the healing of my body. I'm still in quite a bit of discomfort and have been really trying to nurse myself back to normal.

We have learned that the power of prayer is immeasurable. To feel the prayers of many is unbelievable and to know the surpassing PEACE that the good Lord provides is indescribable.