Graduation Day.

Today was the 8 week, 1 day ultrasound with my RE.  Our little blasto baby is growing.  We saw arm buds, leg buds, and the remainders of the tail and yolk sac (so many things I never knew a baby had!).  The heart beat is strong and the doctor was pleased.  So pleased, in fact, she informed us we were "graduating" from SGF to a regular ob-gyn.  Graduations are joyous occasions  and we're thrilled by her optimism, at the same time though - we'll miss the care they've given us over the last couple of months.



Our official due date is October 22.  That's a special day in our house, as it's also our wedding anniversary.  The second anniversary guideline for gifts is to give cotton.  A baby is way better than cotton.  A baby in a cute cotton Burberry outfit ... well, I'd take that too.



I guess all this means our IVF ride is more than likely over.  In the span of a lifetime, a few bumpy months doesn't amount to much, but we learned a lot during this short period.  We have a deeper sense of love for one another, a unique perspective on the miracle of life, and a good feeling about our future.  What happens to us, shapes us and I think we're stronger people having gone on this "adventure."  We're ready for the next (more joyful) journey.

Another Two Week Wait

I find myself a midst another two weeks of waiting.  The next ultrasound is on March 13th.  Almost one week has gone by, but I can't say it's been easy.  I've driven myself a little nuts wondering how the blasto is developing and have decided that I need to find new ways to pass the time.  Obsessing over symptoms (or lack there of) has not proven helpful.  And so, I am revisiting my last post re: waiting (see Where will the time go?).  Here's an update on what I accomplished and some new goals for the next week and a half:


Goals:
1.  Do not read blogs or forums re: early pregnancy symptoms.
This can really mess with my mind - desperately seeking signs leads to nothing more than torture.

Unfortunately, after the positive pregnancy results I did not continue following my own advice and proceeded to read way. too. much. about miscarriages.  I wish I hadn't and am now trying to forget everything I read.

2.  Do not take an early pregnancy test.
(It may be positive, it may be negative; but, I'm not really going to believe anything until the doctor tells me so)

Success!  I managed to stay away from these, but had some help from the OHSS because it forced the doctors to test two days early.

3.  Read this book.
(I'm told it'll make me laugh)

I read part of this.  The first few chapters did make me laugh and based on a friend's tip I paid close attention to the stories about Fey's father and her Old Rag trip.  But, after that, I lost interest.  I think it is because I had just read Mindy Kaling's book and the writing style of the two is somewhat similar.


(Mindy's book - also funny)

4.  Finish this project.
(Clearly it still needs some work)

Got this looking a little better!

5.  Make some dinners.
(H and I will do this together so I'll look forward to coming home to cook)

I made one.  The enchilada hyperlink above.  It wasn't that great.

6.  Go back to work.
(As long as I'm productive and focused)

Returned.  Plenty to do.  Need to improve focus.

7.  Plan home improvements for my mom's visit next week.
(Pretty sure it's going to be project window treatments)

We did some measuring, but didn't make it to any stores.  Plans were revised when I became the bloated whale.

8.  Go to the new Courthouse movie theatre.
(You get to reserve your own seats!  Those who know me, understand the importance of this, since more than a time or two, I've ditched sitting with friends, so that I can sit middle seat, middle row at the movies)

Still haven't been!

9.  Try Yoga
(This is H's idea.  I'll give it a whirl and hope it doesn't bore me to tears)

Couldn't bring myself to do it.  Write-ups like this keep me uninterested:  Each class opens with a sharing circle to allow you to freely discuss the exciting new changes you and baby are experiencing as well as the discomforts and concerns that arise.

No thanks!  Instead, I've signed up for a deep water aerobics class at a nearby indoor pool.  Can't wait to see who else signed up.  It isn't justified, but I have visions of the elderly in my head.  Class starts on the 30th.



10.  Learn photoshop
(This may also require I take the camera out - need warmer weather please!)

Sadly, another stalled effort.  I do have good intentions...  I bought a book...  I just haven't taken my camera anywhere.  To help, a friend and I started this blog http://ataleoftwoquadrants.blogspot.com/ but, my iPhone has been the source of all my photos thus far.  I'm still waiting for that warmer weather.  Unfortunately, with the supposed impending snow storm this week- I don't think better temps are coming any time soon.

11.  Have positive thoughts
(esp about our embryo)

No problem there.  We love our little embryo.  H is eager though for me to come up with a new nick name as the blasto's little cells have progressed far beyond that early stage. 

So, it seems I still have work to do from the old list.  And here are some new ideas for the coming week:

1.  Expand on the refurbished dresser project, I'd like to find some cute lining for the drawers.  I saw this and was inspired:



2.  Attempt another enchilada dinner.


3.  Clean closets.  Mine isn't this bad, but it's close:


4.  Do a snow dance.  Despite the storm bringing colder weather everyone loves a snow day and if I'm feeling brave, I just might find a good spot to take a pretty pic of snow covered SE DC.



All this should help tide me over until the 13th.  Stay tuned.