Big news

We're pregnant! This was our third try, and we implanted 2 embryos this time to increase the odds of success. I was just starting to feel defeated, and wondering at what stage we would give up, so I was surprised when the test came out positive. Wow! (Now I just hope I don't have twins...) The due date is calculated as 38 weeks from the moment of fertilisation, which makes it mid August.

For the curious, the IVF timeline was:

• 23-Aug...start treatment (nasal spray)
• 28-Aug...start injections (twice daily in the tummy, self-administered)
• 11-Sep...egg pick up (13 eggs)
• 13-Sep...1 embryo transferred, remainder frozen
• 20-Oct...1 frozen embryo transferred
• 24-Nov...2 frozen embryos transferred

Day 22

FET (frozen embryo transfer) today. Yesterday I had to decide whether to put in one or two. I decided on one. During the procedure I mentioned that it had been a tough call, and Dr Kilvert said he thought I made the right choice.

Changes Imminent

A lot has happened since my last post and a lot is happening soon! Family: negative result on the IVF cycle, but due to try again soon (we have 3 embryos left from the egg pick-up and fertilisation). Work: someone sort of offhandedly offered me a job, I pursued discussions, and they should get back to me soon with a firm offer. Home: David has pushed ahead with getting builders and architects to visit us, to discuss renovations for our house, so we'll be committing to a course of action soon (yikes!)

Foremost in my thoughts recently is my work/life balance, as I feel quite tired all the time, and at the same time constantly yearn to spend more time with Anya. Meanwhile, I actually like working, but have gotten burned out on my current role. At the same time, when I'm with Anya, she's so full throttle that I get tired out and wish I could get a break! Oh, if only I were rich and could have a nanny and work only as many hours as I felt like...

In any case, I'm very hopeful that this prospective job turns out to be as imagined. It's with a software company that makes hydraulic modelling software that I've used in both my current and last jobs. This would mean getting to focus more on my favorite aspect of work, computer analysis, plus getting to deliver training, also something I enjoy. Even if this doesn't pan out, it's made me think about what I really enjoy in my work.

Eggs

Monday (11th) was egg pick-up day. Thirteen eggs... no wonder I felt so bloated... After getting home I told David I'd like a nap, and the next thing I knew, I woke up at 9 pm having missed Anya's entire dinner-bath-bedtime routine.

Tuesday I went to work, but operating at half-speed, so decided to go home a bit early. Typically, I didn't actually manage to leave until an hour after deciding to leave.

Wednesday was embryo transfer day. At Dr Kilvert's recommendation only one embryo was put in. David sat next to me holding my hand and we were discussing the difference between American and Australian TV when Dr Kilvert, who'd been poking around down below, said it was done. I was a bit surprised, as I didn't see the scientist come in with the egg (last time it was shown to me), and I had no idea that he wasn't just prepping.

I'd intended to go to work in the afternoon, but went home instead and rested and napped. I wasn't this exhausted the first time we did this!

We now wait fifteen days before we can test for pregnancy. Meanwhile, every morning and night I top up my progesterone levels with refrigerated pessaries (wax pellets that I insert... /shudder). Sunday I also inject HCG to help things along. I feel like a pincushion with all this self-injecting.

Work is of little interest to me at this point and I find myself fantasizing about just quitting, or getting some mindless sort of work to do, like running a video rental store.

Next Steps (IVF)

Today is Day 6 of my cycle (Day 1 is when your period starts) and I will be starting FSH injections. Looking back over notes from last time (pre-Anya) I found that on Day 12, the doctor identified how many eggs I had, and on Day 19 the eggs were extracted and fertilised. By Day 22 the fertilised eggs were implanted. In other words, by Sept 13th I might be pregnant. Yikes!

Meanwhile I was also a little freaked to realise that I'm 38, while filling out forms. Dumb, I know, but I don't normally think about my age any more except in the vaguest terms.

This weekend we drove up the coast to Peregian and stopped to look at display homes on the way. The prevailing plan at the moment is to remove our house from the property and build a new one, since we've been unable to find a house that meets all our requirements. I've been feeling quite reluctant to get into building or renovating as I know how time-consuming and frustrating it can be, but I feel quite excited after looking at the display home! http://www.civicsteelhomes.com.au/

IVF Round 2

I went back to see Dr. Kilvert this morning, who guided us through IVF last time. It certainly felt odd knowing that I was committing to possibly being pregnant again by early September. However, as David pointed out, we were very lucky last time in succeeding right away. Still, it's nervewracking. I don't feel ready, but I didn't feel ready for Anya, either!

For my birthday (tomorrow) I'd decided I wanted to go whale watching. We last went a few years ago as a present for Raema (David's mum) to celebrate her 70th birthday and found it quite exhilarating. Due to work pressures I didn't have time to make a booking until today, so I was very happy to find out that places were still available on the boat for this Friday.

I also got motivated and went to the gym after work tonight. It was my first visit in months. I had to give up spending the evening with Anya, though. It's really hard having to choose between Anya time and health time...