tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39332999109942447622024-02-18T19:25:32.222-08:00Our Journey as Intended ParentsJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-90613508951117247312011-12-15T07:35:00.001-08:002011-12-15T07:35:10.027-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvaJQ5w0nP2gv0qvsORZm1b3XRPpHhZ0yJFXvVQ9qaLwVgbPPji3L4fbrQgbyB7oibaO_sn3ycZuThJLm0PZjwqSABDWEsFP8HBiyMepcCLatYRD0OpwvVcNt99gQX-Wj1O9qFNjj5TE/s1600/final+chrsitamsshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvaJQ5w0nP2gv0qvsORZm1b3XRPpHhZ0yJFXvVQ9qaLwVgbPPji3L4fbrQgbyB7oibaO_sn3ycZuThJLm0PZjwqSABDWEsFP8HBiyMepcCLatYRD0OpwvVcNt99gQX-Wj1O9qFNjj5TE/s320/final+chrsitamsshot.jpg" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-8121269525656797842011-11-16T17:06:00.000-08:002011-11-16T17:06:49.207-08:00I finished the baby book! The book can be viewed here!<div id="badge" style="position:relative; width:240px; height:120px; margin:0px; padding:10px; background-color:white; border:1px solid #a0a0a0;"><div style="position:absolute; top:10px; left:10px; padding:0px; margin:0px; width:118px; height:100px; line-height:116px; text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2649397/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=280x160" target="_blank" style="margin:0px; border:0px; padding:0px;"> <img src="http://www.blurb.com//images/uploads/catalog/41/1841841/2876180-31d1334d36c17ed9e844765724a13bac.jpg" alt="William and Michael" style="padding:0px; margin:0px; border:1px solid #a7a7a7; width:116px; vertical-align:middle;"/> </a> </div><div style="position:absolute; top:58px; left:138px; overflow:hidden; margin:0px; padding:0px; border:0px; width:120px; text-align:left;"><div style="width:105px; overflow:hidden; line-height:18px; margin:0px; padding:0px; border:0px;"><a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2649397?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=280x160" style="font:bold 12px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #fd7820; text-decoration:none;">William and Mi...</a> </div><div style="font:bold 10px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#545454; line-height:15px; margin:0px; padding:0px; border:0px;">Your first 6 months </div><div style="font:10px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#545454; line-height:15px; margin:0px; padding:0px; border:0px;">By Jessica Miranda </div></div><div style="position:absolute; bottom:8px; left:138px; font:normal 10px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#fd7820; line-height:15px; margin:0px; padding:0px; border:0px;"><a href="http://www.blurb.com/books/2649397" force="true" only_path="false" style="color:#fd7820; text-decoration:none;" title="Book Preview">Book Preview</a> </div><div style="position:absolute; top:10px; right:10px; padding:0px; margin:0px;"><a title="Photo book" href="http://www.blurb.com/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=280x160" target="_blank" style="border:0; padding:0px; margin:0px; text-decoration:none;"> <img src="http://www.blurb.com/images/badge/photo-book.png" style="border:0; padding:0px; margin:0px;" alt="Photo book"/> </a> </div><div style="clear: both; border: 0px solid black;"></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-83367388552332863012011-08-07T20:39:00.000-07:002011-08-07T20:39:53.329-07:00The boys are 3 months!It has been really rough, I mean the first three months. I don't do too well with sleep deprivation. I mean I really lose my mind without uninterrupted sleep. With two 6 week premature babies, one being growth restricted and born at 3 pounds....you can imagine my stress level has been through the roof. I am finally starting to level out and my life is .... well ....it is my life now..... The past 8 years of my life has been spent thinking of how I was going to complete my family. I would not rest until I found a solution to the mountain of problems that piled up year after year. I was always one step ahead of the latest obstacle. Now I have reached my goal. We are complete! I can say it...but something has kept me from feeling it...a sort of grieving process that I need to get through. I think I may be grieving all of the losses, and all of the setbacks and disappointments over the past 8 years of infertility and health crisis. I am seriously overjoyed with my family of 5! My sons are the most beautiful creatures in the world!<br />
I know that it will take a little time for me to discover who I am again and to grow into my newest role; Mother of 3 boys. I look back at all of the struggles we went through to have our family, and I cannot believe we are here! We are finally here! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7F9OVt36B3S_8Uq29O2l0BOUMpsr_piWi7JoqR0U8_wwpzC6fTELz1OHz9aEVjLoEMLxs3P43PlkjQSb9Wt7abhdmNgh4yOfdlQsqpnNUZJdtcMD9pdPysTpQECiwp8dBUXKmkIhFDY/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7F9OVt36B3S_8Uq29O2l0BOUMpsr_piWi7JoqR0U8_wwpzC6fTELz1OHz9aEVjLoEMLxs3P43PlkjQSb9Wt7abhdmNgh4yOfdlQsqpnNUZJdtcMD9pdPysTpQECiwp8dBUXKmkIhFDY/s320/IMG_7962.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE96NVmAxaOdxoLkwQpUhIkSldCFsBNv_SjGp9mYP7vwSNfYgCY5sQMGiKjDAhO-iPNtNuBcA5vr9cBHAzIc-mQDRkwPXdvVeKq4zdB-eI_84DivIlZZayvECBuBZlz0DrPS-Ax4aXeI/s1600/IMG_7907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE96NVmAxaOdxoLkwQpUhIkSldCFsBNv_SjGp9mYP7vwSNfYgCY5sQMGiKjDAhO-iPNtNuBcA5vr9cBHAzIc-mQDRkwPXdvVeKq4zdB-eI_84DivIlZZayvECBuBZlz0DrPS-Ax4aXeI/s320/IMG_7907.JPG" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-46678788464151600632011-05-22T22:31:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:33:09.433-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0zo2mxTIQJG8aKq0XngRCFZcFizJmxboWMQxOE0CnTI8AmgyCVvKvEm28xAEVFhRw1og4e3nQAJ_8MSORwf3_MbZBUmcX1V9Pz84b3qVyyFUIBSEx0IRymsJLTEVJ9S_YkT1CKUvONI/s1600/Michaelface+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0zo2mxTIQJG8aKq0XngRCFZcFizJmxboWMQxOE0CnTI8AmgyCVvKvEm28xAEVFhRw1og4e3nQAJ_8MSORwf3_MbZBUmcX1V9Pz84b3qVyyFUIBSEx0IRymsJLTEVJ9S_YkT1CKUvONI/s320/Michaelface+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609780098745812594" /></a><br /><br />Here's Michael..... Dimples!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-17509615379214205512011-05-22T22:28:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:30:39.685-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qo60_tPEVR6C1aKq5xYPkRSBkNaPBqxQrkqWhaoKxRzEr8Bk0B0w1Tc-UzqdoSVoFHTyVDCcxYg8704G3h8DElzRL9S3LRWs93KD5-KV_YIpIki4w8xNlPEqvnNZafShd-JPnFzltHA/s1600/William2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qo60_tPEVR6C1aKq5xYPkRSBkNaPBqxQrkqWhaoKxRzEr8Bk0B0w1Tc-UzqdoSVoFHTyVDCcxYg8704G3h8DElzRL9S3LRWs93KD5-KV_YIpIki4w8xNlPEqvnNZafShd-JPnFzltHA/s320/William2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609779643285069154" /></a><br /><br />William looking so cute at 3 weeks old...and not even 4 pounds at the time!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-91742804133594946602011-05-22T22:27:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:28:23.823-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADZeulhSLOlnFTu3yZH-x-ni-MrJp7kowFtT3C-g2wMXtS_KOuBwBMjzO4NbK1NUFjxCJKrKQ3ujYt-qNtjUXSFDOInZowV8-SRmc3_4XF6-3JyHXx9v1VV0CE9SxCWTGNsVCIIG7zhI/s1600/twinshot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADZeulhSLOlnFTu3yZH-x-ni-MrJp7kowFtT3C-g2wMXtS_KOuBwBMjzO4NbK1NUFjxCJKrKQ3ujYt-qNtjUXSFDOInZowV8-SRmc3_4XF6-3JyHXx9v1VV0CE9SxCWTGNsVCIIG7zhI/s320/twinshot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609779082136141794" /></a><br /><br />3 weeks old! William is on the left...Michael is on the right!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-37089616537938690192011-05-22T22:22:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:26:31.647-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw3vnzgwwyLhjjaaPJ2UmxK1hrAB5ITmqvnMAr1UKjoJOTj1l4tWvWINYtEP9t9in15POP_6LPv98mtnAOeBdYo82sFsYlgDSFFNRy9PqYGOUKKJ27etH4x9Hjw-9ZKgzZ3g2hyB_Kho/s1600/ANNOUNECMENTrevised.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw3vnzgwwyLhjjaaPJ2UmxK1hrAB5ITmqvnMAr1UKjoJOTj1l4tWvWINYtEP9t9in15POP_6LPv98mtnAOeBdYo82sFsYlgDSFFNRy9PqYGOUKKJ27etH4x9Hjw-9ZKgzZ3g2hyB_Kho/s200/ANNOUNECMENTrevised.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609777841927137442" /></a><br /><br /><br />I feel terrible about not updating this blog since THANKSGIVING! <br />Since then a lot has happened! <br /><br />Welcome Michael and William! Born 6 weeks early! <br /><br />We could not be happier! Or more tired! Or more in love!<br /><br />We can't thank Jen enough for making this happen for us.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-4620194928185901872011-05-19T07:33:00.001-07:002011-05-19T07:33:22.160-07:00Stationery card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AbuGjNu2ZMWjA/0AbuGjNu2ZMWjOLA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1305815543000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Square Noir Collage Birth Announcement</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Announcements for every life event: <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery style="color: #6666cc;">graduation</a>, wedding & baby.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-80015588122310743802010-11-24T08:02:00.000-08:002010-11-24T08:09:19.291-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKLIYb6bm_lZtwTtKFeuhSngSjB7KbFI1ZkBK-yVT_VfvHSHvjhMND9-lHaVM_JdPUg7BAjx6GUnLRDfeA3K0jITzt98MUXaPS28oTr4DnAFq7PwfBPSyz7gcNEl2wmbrkbH_Y2Qq7NQ/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKLIYb6bm_lZtwTtKFeuhSngSjB7KbFI1ZkBK-yVT_VfvHSHvjhMND9-lHaVM_JdPUg7BAjx6GUnLRDfeA3K0jITzt98MUXaPS28oTr4DnAFq7PwfBPSyz7gcNEl2wmbrkbH_Y2Qq7NQ/s200/IMG_3767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543149013208697826" /></a><br /> <br /><br /><br /> Happy Thanksgiving<br /><br /> As I prepare the traditional fare and my home for our guests on this Thanksgiving, I am caught up in thoughts about how lucky I am and Thankful to be expecting our twin boys in May. How extremely blessed we are to have each other and to have our health. I can’t help but think of how lucky we are to have our home. No matter how tight it may get with the twins and Nicholas…it is my favorite place to be and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am also so thankful for Jennifer and her family…without Jen and the full support of her family it would not be possible for us to be a family of 5 someday. Tonight I will cook and bake and clean….set my table and drink a glass of wine and be thankful for all that I have and all that I will have. I hope all of you enjoy a wonderful day spending time with the people who are most important to you. Here’s to a moist turkey to boot!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-21057452315777312362010-11-17T20:00:00.001-08:002010-11-17T20:01:15.205-08:00Baby B<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtASAEBljbXs7sCq4T52V4dmaC2NNnemTBYtZXX72ESwlMfjVB6GAnrBOv44dw0ZjhCzoPP1L_P-iDMaLyKB_YLLrsI3QkuRx84sIp5yifx8ocss4apNZire6c-6Sm4cPBRFglLqAl4IA/s1600/bb+b+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtASAEBljbXs7sCq4T52V4dmaC2NNnemTBYtZXX72ESwlMfjVB6GAnrBOv44dw0ZjhCzoPP1L_P-iDMaLyKB_YLLrsI3QkuRx84sIp5yifx8ocss4apNZire6c-6Sm4cPBRFglLqAl4IA/s200/bb+b+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540734840629863746" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-70829531956511252562010-11-17T19:59:00.000-08:002010-11-17T20:00:21.769-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb86NKMlbUsRs-SKdf4YXaQsgHzCw-gQDoCfhMQfCEQrOa5EMJ1G3M7bMcxG9N2qvIo3T93kT2fGOvW-6VEAUWJgji_KPPaLMI6QOMNywf1TeKEEvW3HJnADBg66Pq75qEACrVg_Hhmo/s1600/Baby+A+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb86NKMlbUsRs-SKdf4YXaQsgHzCw-gQDoCfhMQfCEQrOa5EMJ1G3M7bMcxG9N2qvIo3T93kT2fGOvW-6VEAUWJgji_KPPaLMI6QOMNywf1TeKEEvW3HJnADBg66Pq75qEACrVg_Hhmo/s200/Baby+A+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540734637660299442" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-74488304451811250182010-11-17T19:57:00.000-08:002010-11-17T19:59:37.602-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ow59beW6tRKEjYmCh0SeStBezruN2v-3NftGNyaARPQdBTNVec_gxjNPRQ2M2g_hmGfrnObi3ODJLoB2_SP3wsc57uy7ewL_ddv_k3juNw5Hl53Z4cpkCyNk-Ny_PEGw49_N_RRXjV8/s1600/mejenmig12weeksono.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ow59beW6tRKEjYmCh0SeStBezruN2v-3NftGNyaARPQdBTNVec_gxjNPRQ2M2g_hmGfrnObi3ODJLoB2_SP3wsc57uy7ewL_ddv_k3juNw5Hl53Z4cpkCyNk-Ny_PEGw49_N_RRXjV8/s200/mejenmig12weeksono.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540734211246203346" /></a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-50727410481215793112010-11-16T08:11:00.001-08:002010-11-16T08:16:06.639-08:00Second Trimester Here we come!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yNLiw3UVIms60wm8MIwnonyBQKgv2vXVaR2lPGEwEX-reELmuNXnvIeK4s0c4TDGFW60beoDK_UZ4VncIGhrRg6Rfja0PKfdNt0tHcdLbQ3VcAIaCv6MxYwk6Ddx62xm8qgs8HsRCXU/s1600/Photo+95.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yNLiw3UVIms60wm8MIwnonyBQKgv2vXVaR2lPGEwEX-reELmuNXnvIeK4s0c4TDGFW60beoDK_UZ4VncIGhrRg6Rfja0PKfdNt0tHcdLbQ3VcAIaCv6MxYwk6Ddx62xm8qgs8HsRCXU/s200/Photo+95.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540180984740349058" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">We made it to the second trimester! Tomorrow is our first trimester screening ultrasound! Miguel and I are headed out to Connecticut to see the babies!<span style=""> </span>I cannot wait to see those baby boys swimming around in there! Jen has been an absolute trooper in these early months of pregnancy. She has endured morning sickness, Fatigue, and all the other first trimester symptoms I wont mention!<span style=""> </span>I can’t imagine how she has managed while taking care of her little ones at home and working and going to school!<span style=""> </span>I am hoping that as we approach our 13<sup>th</sup> week she will begin to get her energy back and the food aversions will turn into the heightened taste buds that will allow her to taste foods and enjoy them so much more than the non pregnant. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I am so grateful to be in this situation! I am scared to death at the same time…but grateful beyond words.<span style=""> </span>I have been doing my research on baby gear for twins…and figuring out our sleeping arrangements for the first 6 months. I have been reading up on feeding schedules for twins and sleep training…We all know that none of this information will really prepare us for what is really coming! Sleepless nights and major paranoia! But with that comes long loving gazes at our two newest additions to the family, and a heavenly place on earth, which will become our house when the babies get to come home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Well tomorrow I will go to my appointment with Jen, equipped to the hilt with recording devises…I hope to have video and still photographs to post soon.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> One other milestone we have achieved this week is the public announcement of my pregnancy, that was made to the 50 plus colleagues by my high school principal.<span style=""> </span>This was kind of anti climatic and funny…because my principal said…and I quote…” and we have another baby on the way(gesturing to me in the second row of the stadium seating lecture hall) Mrs. Miranda is expecting….(awkward pause)…SURROGATLY (if that’s a word) Major pause….(while the faculty was trying to figure out what that meant….then someone in the faculty audience yells out) “twins” then there was a light applause and the spotlight went to other news….(While the faculty was still trying to figure out what had just happened….) I am just happy that everyone knows…But I still have not told my students, grade 9-12….I might just spring it on them spontaneously any day now, that is if it doesn’t leak! <!--EndFragment--> </p> <span style=""> </span>Can you believe we’re here? Starting our second trimester?!?!?!?! Reality is finally sinking in!<span style=""> </span>Oh yeah! We are looking at minivans! But I think we like the Chevy Traverse…which is considered a crossover….In my definition, a crossover is a masculine minivan!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-6827688222942315622010-10-11T20:35:00.001-07:002010-10-11T20:36:24.511-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfqJEZdXzMu9kJ-6tAJFrMCgjq0rRQZTT_KJCTPe4YNrsJ5kvCbz5VR-KVc-oT1L2LePm0MdIwqM60e1UvVp2xrrQCqaIFSmekoy7CTy-jbkNIguFqNilIIr3KEpnUfS8XN8VItu4tBE/s1600/CIMG0183-1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfqJEZdXzMu9kJ-6tAJFrMCgjq0rRQZTT_KJCTPe4YNrsJ5kvCbz5VR-KVc-oT1L2LePm0MdIwqM60e1UvVp2xrrQCqaIFSmekoy7CTy-jbkNIguFqNilIIr3KEpnUfS8XN8VItu4tBE/s200/CIMG0183-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526998267580511522" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">A year and a half ago I met Jen.<span style=""> </span>Jen is a<span style=""> </span>gestational carrier aka surrogate mother.<span style=""> </span>We met on a website specifically for social networking between surrogates and Intended parents.<span style=""> </span>Miguel and I are intended parents.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now a year and a half later, through countless emails, texts, message board entries, phone calls and social meetings we are here……After psychological evaluations, physical exams, infectious disease screening, home studies and criminal background checks ….here we are! Through IVF cycling, genetic testing and embryo transfers…Here we are!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>We are finally pregnant! Jen is Pregnant! We are having a baby! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">No Wait!<span style=""> </span>This gets better……</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are not just having one baby! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>WE ARE HAVING TWO BABIES!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>IT’S TWINS! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!<span style=""> </span>WE COULDN’T BE MORE TERRIFIED!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>BUT MOST OF ALL… WE THANK GOD FOR GETTING US HERE!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last Friday We got to see two heartbeats and two babies….. We are speechless!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We can’t thank Jen enough for this unbelievable selfless act.</p>Did I mention they are both Boys! We are having twin boys!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-72337977862359986682010-09-16T09:41:00.000-07:002010-09-16T09:46:36.054-07:00Our Faint Positive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTsVyNkjJpwlXU4mrcyUckamvb070djQecNoQslzxlZbhT6vceZVfCR3nJZOLrDGNtrUwqy6LvbHdQCPBFg_ICOTTYfEPXgMXIEwbaePx3MO0ynUoU3F6SS33jcXn7iQuJLGHj6YSBRU/s1600/CIMG0183-1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTsVyNkjJpwlXU4mrcyUckamvb070djQecNoQslzxlZbhT6vceZVfCR3nJZOLrDGNtrUwqy6LvbHdQCPBFg_ICOTTYfEPXgMXIEwbaePx3MO0ynUoU3F6SS33jcXn7iQuJLGHj6YSBRU/s200/CIMG0183-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517553174437434578" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Jenns test from this morning, 6 days past the embryo transfer!<br />I know it's faint but it's there! Here's to darker tests in the coming days...Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-80711064585212734322010-09-15T20:47:00.000-07:002010-09-15T20:57:10.971-07:00Could it really Be?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRTQoBIki9ZHqU6XBiuMfFGJnQi68kyixDqH4g9TZnWLKQGZtjlVsTbwW5Y0_qJqBL8ZTEZ7SAikO5WJ8s_o4q2RzvPtNthrCXQ-6QJo45gbSS_m9wfyMDJyQwKEg3Qoe-vCrBm-06Fs/s1600/scan0002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517354773866959874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRTQoBIki9ZHqU6XBiuMfFGJnQi68kyixDqH4g9TZnWLKQGZtjlVsTbwW5Y0_qJqBL8ZTEZ7SAikO5WJ8s_o4q2RzvPtNthrCXQ-6QJo45gbSS_m9wfyMDJyQwKEg3Qoe-vCrBm-06Fs/s200/scan0002.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I should really wait before putting this out there! I know most people wait till they are "in the clear"....at like three or four months... but Jenn and I had our frozen embryo transfer on Friday September 10th at 2:15 in the afternoon. Jenn got <strong>two</strong> "day 6 hatching blastocycsts" put in the uterus and now 5 days later we have a positive pregnancy test! It's faint, but it's positive! Now we wait to see what the blood test says on the 20th! I am just praying for one little healthy bean! If there are two, I'll be even more happy! Keep us in your prayers! We want this in the worst way and it's soooooo early!<br />Miguel and I are over the moon with joy!<br />Keep this to yourself! It's so early, I just wanted to share with you guys following my blog!<br />Check back for an update, Beta test is on Monday the 20th..Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-64596975368825477342010-08-01T14:37:00.000-07:002010-08-01T14:45:23.197-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw761V1hUjAbsOfe8kEGZ9qEgk-5dFx4729vw3tAVKbFP8iJilBFP9Kr3sg1e9IzUX5mPphN9UBNnT1tlpN-vHBZahiA6UiJwbMnje-_0oY8sagRAojiltqjhEdvAzFThkfPrgLVYlxI/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500560687283351362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw761V1hUjAbsOfe8kEGZ9qEgk-5dFx4729vw3tAVKbFP8iJilBFP9Kr3sg1e9IzUX5mPphN9UBNnT1tlpN-vHBZahiA6UiJwbMnje-_0oY8sagRAojiltqjhEdvAzFThkfPrgLVYlxI/s200/DSC_0310.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Today I am married 7 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Today is August first 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can honestly say that I am still happily married. But my thoughts are diverted once again to the idea of making babies…and as I am now 40 years and 3 months old it is more urgent than in the past. But I have found some peace in knowing that as the clock ticks we will reach an end of the road….as we all know this road has been way too long and has spanned my entire marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband and I were married 7 years ago and although we wanted to have a baby right away, we waited a year to go by before trying to conceive….But even though we waited…our minds were still on the idea of baby. We were waiting for my TENURE at the new high school I had recently switched to. Well…you know the rest…or at least you could look it up in this blog…lol</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">We are ready to do another transfer! And I know I have not been a good blogger….because when things are not going my way or when new exciting stuff is not on the horizon, let’s just say I am a little less than motivated to write about it.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">So back to my latest news…..</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Jennifer, the amazing women who will hopefully become pregnant with our baby/babies is gearing up for a new transfer. As many of you remember the transfer of two embryos in January did not work and she did not become pregnant.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Well since then I went through what is called an IVF cycle to make more embryos….and We also went through a process to check 24 chromosomes on each embryo due to my radiation history etc… and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>we have three frozen healthy totcicles ready for transfer.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">We are looking at the last week of August for Jenn to have two of the embryos put back in her uterus.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What makes this even more excited is the fact that we know the sex of all three embryos…and they are all the same sex!</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">But I am not ready to share that information yet.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Please pray for us and wish us luck….it’s almost the end of the road for this chapter.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Love Jess</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">xoxo</span></p></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-7958485312449799522010-02-05T10:33:00.000-08:002010-02-05T10:39:09.965-08:00The Bad News<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJD2bnYexRvB3fysd11hgvr7ZSZzfjikB63rIFwXMgH45Fs-VdX9j0dTnUJzB4bliYgqHUYKH8UleKfyrHL-xbvd9K945Uvqq4doXUEnc0cRqXptfs8EWjYg5DrKAmVLjnAEKNMFJe1A/s1600-h/shark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJD2bnYexRvB3fysd11hgvr7ZSZzfjikB63rIFwXMgH45Fs-VdX9j0dTnUJzB4bliYgqHUYKH8UleKfyrHL-xbvd9K945Uvqq4doXUEnc0cRqXptfs8EWjYg5DrKAmVLjnAEKNMFJe1A/s320/shark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434830663777503362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />My dream of Sharks<br /><br /><br />Last night I dreamt I was in a house sitting in the middle of the ocean with an opening in the middle of the floor. The floor boards were wooden and rustic. The cold ocean water rushing by the large open rectangle near my feet and sharks were bumping up into the room every so often.<br /><br />I looked up a dream analyzer and found that…..<br />“ Sharks can often symbolize resentments and bad feelings which are building up in our minds. They refer to bad moods and a sense that trouble is about to happen. They can also link to risk in general and emotional doubts and worries.”<br /><br />This makes sense because yesterday after a long and grueling two week wait we found out our Frozen Embryo Transfer did not work and the cycle failed. Jennifer is not pregnant with our next child/children. We have an appointment with our fertility clinic to find out what went wrong and to make a new plan.<br /><br />We are surprisingly ok…. All of us are in well enough spirits and we are looking forward to trying again in a couple months.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-58711968784513792222010-01-28T09:47:00.001-08:002010-01-28T09:56:39.524-08:00Surviving the Big Chill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYB2K7sde0NtDrbVY4j45j-d7bsQKOZVur6ko6SM2UbVPKe60fzM9ne0_zvpZNa5wGt2PXoUPQPrCW2wLkVoeaUlsu9phtymYMMWhj-9SfiTlSBXiHVVe7nvshtnjf9vswvjy1q6hOIY/s1600-h/scan0022.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYB2K7sde0NtDrbVY4j45j-d7bsQKOZVur6ko6SM2UbVPKe60fzM9ne0_zvpZNa5wGt2PXoUPQPrCW2wLkVoeaUlsu9phtymYMMWhj-9SfiTlSBXiHVVe7nvshtnjf9vswvjy1q6hOIY/s320/scan0022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431851024010481346" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Well we did our transfer on Tuesday January 26th at 2:15 pm. As Jenn and I waited in the Pre Op room Dr. Garrisi came to tell us the embryo report. she said...."We thawed the first two and one did not make it, then we thawed the third and final and we are now left with two good looking embryos" Jenn followed Dr. Garrisi into the OR and I went to the waiting room. Miguel had a coffee waiting for me and Nicholas was running around the room like a little monkey.... 10 minutes later they called me to the recovery area where Jenn was resting. We had to rest for 20 minutes and then we could get Jenn to her hotel room for her 24 "bed rest". I cannot describe my overwhelming excitement and hope. Jenn swears she will start to POAS on Friday! I think if she is going to see a positive line on an HPT it will be on Sunday or Monday....I hope I am wrong and it's earlier. Well heres to a long Two week wait! Oh I hope they stick around and grow and develop!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-31182197776619756142010-01-24T16:13:00.000-08:002010-01-24T16:24:21.645-08:00We thaw the embryos this week!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFluGHGN8gRG5DIvKaRPKy3kCzSYCq77elri1imAom7W8MjeFOk8twWq08ngx6VSpvzYI3siK5Triu8UJLoMYXOrqOfcDsq_46ONuClV9lYQKITRilRSMfKKMG35abT1hWv-VQFBXc8k/s1600-h/IMG_0738.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430466353628211906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFluGHGN8gRG5DIvKaRPKy3kCzSYCq77elri1imAom7W8MjeFOk8twWq08ngx6VSpvzYI3siK5Triu8UJLoMYXOrqOfcDsq_46ONuClV9lYQKITRilRSMfKKMG35abT1hWv-VQFBXc8k/s320/IMG_0738.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I just got the call this afternoon and found out that Tuesday.....THIS TUESDAY at 2:00 pm we will be doing the embryo thaw and transfer. What this means is that Jenn ( our gestational carrier) will have two of our embryos put into her uterus and then go on bed rest for 24 hours. we should know if..... by the grace of God that she gets pregnant....we should know by February 2ndish... I cannot believe this is happening this week. I should have gone to church this morning.... instead I cleaned my house like a crazy woman....something I do when I am nervous....I SCRUBBED EVERYTHING! My house looks good enough for Christmas! Well wish us luck. We are beyond excited!</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-57344351839239766162010-01-18T19:45:00.001-08:002010-01-18T19:47:28.934-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbihPhUSyQt4KdhfjDDBUx9kFZI60Zv_3YHkCqhZa5l0wDZm7z9VEXGVGSkK-FRHpH5TVfcAP9jCaeUqneZ_SNh1wb1IB4qlqNc8_zsOiv0FpZHcgIVoW1F5pbc-SNeM0YVNPD8KiQFwQ/s1600-h/IMG_3811.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbihPhUSyQt4KdhfjDDBUx9kFZI60Zv_3YHkCqhZa5l0wDZm7z9VEXGVGSkK-FRHpH5TVfcAP9jCaeUqneZ_SNh1wb1IB4qlqNc8_zsOiv0FpZHcgIVoW1F5pbc-SNeM0YVNPD8KiQFwQ/s320/IMG_3811.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428292245557617090" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And Away we go……</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We Transfer in one week!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am at my computer feverishly shopping and looking for things I can put in a gift basket for Jenn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am planning to put a few goodies in her hotel room before she gets there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She checks in on the 25<sup>th</sup>, we’ve invited her for dinner Monday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The embryo transfer will take place on Tuesday the 26<sup>th</sup>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jenn will return to her hotel room after the transfer and she will be on bed rest until Wednesday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The she will return to CT and wait 10 days before the official blood test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She will more than likely POAS (pee on a stick) before then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think we should know for sure by the 2<sup>nd</sup> of February if this was a success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can’t believe this is really going to happen a week from tomorrow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We hope our little embryos make it through the thaw.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jenn is also going through acupuncture treatments to help increase blood flow and oxygen in the body, which will help implantation. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I cannot stop thinking of the possibilities…. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">A singleton?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Twins?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Boys? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A Boy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Anything?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Something?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are drenched in Hope.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-63102904225643952272009-12-21T17:15:00.000-08:002009-12-21T17:23:59.888-08:00This is really going to happen!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZqZs69WoKi7NTe5h9nr_vwIAGE2V6tYICf_Ny9npmIU4EeuoroCpuRc33PukOwRx3uNx7QACwk8dJ_mzEaF_uIdGyquIvei8FZy70JYdpcE6EHP3bxxzrUPuIAtJtwYdhKMTGW67EYY/s1600-h/7+months.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZqZs69WoKi7NTe5h9nr_vwIAGE2V6tYICf_Ny9npmIU4EeuoroCpuRc33PukOwRx3uNx7QACwk8dJ_mzEaF_uIdGyquIvei8FZy70JYdpcE6EHP3bxxzrUPuIAtJtwYdhKMTGW67EYY/s320/7+months.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417863205122741746" /></a>I am recently looking back at my pregnancy with fondness and excitement. It was a blur of doctors and hospitals and fear. Now a year and a half later I can appreciate what a miracle it is. I have only a small handful of pictures of myself during my pregnancy. This is one of my favorites. I hardly had any maternity clothes, I think a couple shirts and pants. I am looking towards this next month and I am really getting excited with the anticipation of Jennifer becoming pregnant with our baby, Nicholas's sibling!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-59925263479976990172009-12-10T10:48:00.000-08:002009-12-10T10:56:10.626-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"> We have a tentative date!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) On December 28th, Jennifer will begin taking injections to prepare her uterus for the FET. She has been on birth control for a couple of months in preparation for the FET cycle. Estimated time frame for injections is 2-3 weeks so we should be doing the actual transfer of embryos in Late January! The only major concern I have is that the frozen embryos wont survive the thaw. I have to remain positive. If two make it through the thaw the clinic will transfer those two, if one or both of the first two thawed don't look strong they will thaw the third and hopefully that will look good. Oh I hope it works....</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933299910994244762.post-84059620345634601222009-12-03T17:30:00.000-08:002009-12-21T17:12:06.922-08:00Our Journey as intended parents<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMspKB3RFTpzGSOcXYr8O7-5r_zD1rmwePz6kRt6TPmDsQuC6N2IpNPJKu-zuOQx69hQZjA5TMKrCod0_ByBr8FS52jFoJrElQhIpyGaREfK9_uY1OUGeqfcaQDsyZGo5DT9uRfegitw/s1600-h/jessmig.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMspKB3RFTpzGSOcXYr8O7-5r_zD1rmwePz6kRt6TPmDsQuC6N2IpNPJKu-zuOQx69hQZjA5TMKrCod0_ByBr8FS52jFoJrElQhIpyGaREfK9_uY1OUGeqfcaQDsyZGo5DT9uRfegitw/s320/jessmig.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417860852791339634" /></a><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My Story…..My infertility….My Journey as an Intended Parent</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">December 1, 2009</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am not in control….In any way shape or form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am totally out of control actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My mind is full and I have nothing to do, nothing that would make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first time I went through IVF I was so excited at the possibility of finally achieving a successful pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After 5 years of struggle and multiple losses I was on my way to a scientifically proven method to get me pregnant with a healthy embryo that would possibly result in a beautiful baby.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did somebody say Carefree Childhood? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was 12 when I was diagnosed with cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I underwent treatment including experimental radiation to control my tumor. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When little girls get cancer in 2010 it is medically recommended to remove the ovaries and freeze them, once radiation therapy is complete the ovaries are replaced back into the healthy cancer free body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This ovarian preservation wasn’t heard of 23 years ago.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was 12 and the year was 1982, I had the best doctors in NYU, Lenox Hill and Mt. Sinai.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After Chemical therapy and radiation my tumor went into remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have lived a healthy cancer free life since then, no limitations whatsoever.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One is a lonely number but two is the loneliest number. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Especially when you have a house full of bedrooms…..</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">20 years later I was ready to start a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>2004 my husband and I got pregnant the very first time we tried naturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were elated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We went to my OBGYN and we had a scan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our eyes locked in on the tiny black and white monitor as we saw a little sac with a heartbeat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My doctor on the other hand saw 3 large fibroids (benign uterine tumors) threatening the life of my little unborn baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A few weeks later we were told that the fibroids were growing at such a rapid rate from the hormone increase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tragedy was inevitable and the uterine tumors would inhibit the baby’s growth causing a miscarriage in a few weeks time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were just waiting for it to end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Exactly two weeks later I was teaching my 3<sup>rd</sup> period 2D3D design class and I felt a terrible pain in my abdomen, I left school immediately and met my husband at the hospital. At 12 weeks the heartbeat was no longer and we had our first D&C.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6 months later I underwent a major surgery to remove my fibroids and preserve my uterus, a myomectomy; a surgery comparable to a c-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All went well and I was on the mend both physically and emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I stayed home all summer and painted large works on canvas while my stomach healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back in the saddle</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6 more months passed and my incision was healed, I was aloud to try to conceive again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This time it took 6 months to get pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were so happy to finally see those two pink lines on the HPT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(By the way…I am a POAS Addict…translation; Pee On A Stick!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would by them in bulk on line and pee 2-3 times a day on a tiny strip of paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Babyhopes.com” delivers right to your door, a plain brown bag wrapped package of pregnancy strips! We went back to the doctor elated, finally our troubles were behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After two visits to the OB it was clear that the fetus was measuring small and the heartbeat that should have been, never came. Our second D&C was scheduled and followed out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Keeping the Faith</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6 more months passed and I was still not getting pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was 36 at this point and I thought maybe I should seek fertility help.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My OBGYN told me to “be patient and it would happen”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Reluctantly I listened and it did happen, I had another positive pregnancy test within two months of that discussion! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again my numbers did not climb as they should and my fetus was measuring small with no heartbeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After the devastating news my husband and I were told that we could have a D&C that night and we agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The time between getting that news and going to he hospital for the D&C seemed to play out in slow motion. We went to a diner near by and sat across from one another in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tears did not come so easily this time and we were just shocked and numb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My third D&C was performed that night and we went home to cry and heal together. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I remember not being able to cry to anyone…and everyone wanted to listen and help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not cry, I think for fear that I might not stop crying, or that I might become inconsolable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I cried on my way to work alone in my car, it became a regular part of my routine. I screamed and yelled at God and cried all 35 minutes and I would stop my hysterical meltdowns just a few miles shy of the faculty parking lot so not to look too disheveled. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What is wrong with me?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The third D&C came back with some tests performed on the fetus and we found out it was a girl and she had a trisomy 13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>An extra chromosome # 13 and we were told how lucky we were that the pregnancy aborted naturally because in some cases the pregnancy could go to term only to result in a baby who’s life would be just days long at the most.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why are we going through this without HELP!?….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We went to a well-known fertility clinic Called RMA in West Orange NJ on the suggestion of my neighbor who had three successful pregnancies through IVF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>RMA prescribed 1 round of Clomid (a drug used to make a woman’s ovaries drop multiple eggs at once… to create more than one target so to speak) in conjunction with an IUI (Inter uterine Insemination Via Catheter). We did not get pregnant.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I did some research and found that down the road, literally just down the road, was a world renowned clinic called IRMS in Livingston NJ. IRMS was prepared to treat me more aggressively.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was now 37 and with a cancer/radiation history I was at high risk of never having a successful pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was brought to my attention that perhaps my eggs were damaged from radiation therapy, causing chromosomally abnormal embryos. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">IRMS suggested an innovative treatment called IVF with PGD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>PGD is Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They would remove 1 cell from each embryo created to check for genetic abnormalities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>I made 20 eggs on my first round of stimulation meds, I made 12 embryos from those 20 eggs and 7 were “Normal” after PGD screening.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3 were placed in my uterus and my Son Nicholas was born on July 16<sup>th</sup> 2008.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What I did not mention yet was the horrible effects pregnancy had on my body, more specifically my heart behaved in a mysterious way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My heart was beating irregularly and I was diagnosed with unexplained Tachycardia with arrhythmia in the 4<sup>th</sup> month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I approached my 5<sup>th</sup> month many doctors told me I should terminate my pregnancy in order to save myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I refused and I was asked to leave Hackensack Medical center because they could not be responsible for what could happen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My High Risk OBGYN at Hackensack University Medical Center came to my room and told me “the only thing we can do for you is to terminate your pregnancy, we can transport you to Colombia if you like” I left the hospital with the support of my cardiologist who guided me to a group of doctors who were willing to help me. I went under the care of 2 cardiologists and a new high-risk group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After 2 trips to the ER via ambulance from collapse at my home, I was placed on medication to control my heart rate. I was put on bed rest with a wireless heart monitor attached to my chest for 3 months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I received calls from doctors around the clock checking on me after seeing irregular beats or a run on PVC’s through the monitoring. I finally got to see my son born via c-section 3 weeks early and unharmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After my sons birth I suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and Post Partum Depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first few months on Nicholas’s life I was a mess, thankfully I was successfully medicated for a year and I am now free of all meds and back to my old self.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Only Child?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My husband and I knew from the start we wanted more than just 1 child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Don’t get me wrong…we are so grateful for Nick and we know how lucky we are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the past 8 months we found out we have 3 frozen embryos left from the batch of embryos we made with Nicholas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Three Frozen Babies…1 girl and 2 boys….we know the genders because of the genetic testing done to each embryo.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know I cannot carry again, and we are not willing to let those frozen babies go to waste. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We knew we needed someone to carry for us. We began to search for our gestational carrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How chic! A Gestational Carrier is so in Style! Didn’t Sarah Jessica Parker do that?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well now it’s almost time for Jennifer from Granby Ct. to have our babies put in her belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jennifer is 26 years old, married with two beautiful children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She has had uncomplicated pregnancies and delivered easily. Jen lives a healthy lifestyle, she is a vegetarian and her family owns a successful health food store.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We met on a social networking site for surrogates and intended parents called Surrogatemother.com.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After months of criminal background checks, medical screenings and psych evaluations we are ready to go!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We used Melissa Brissman, a specialized lawyer in Montvale NJ to draw up the contracts and handle the escrow account. Jennifer should begin her meds in a couple of weeks and hopefully she will become pregnant with a singleton or twins in the next few months. We hope to God it works! Please pray for us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stay Tuned for updates, we’ll keep you posted!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12031558280726811353noreply@blogger.com3