Retrieval

The retrieval went well this morning. I was scheduled for 8:00 so I had to be there at 7:00. Clint's aspiration was at 9:00 so he was able to help me get dressed in my gown, booties and cap and get hooked up to the IV. He was sweet. When my nurse had a bit of trouble getting the IV in his eyes got a little moist. I asked him what was wrong and he said that he didn't like to see me get poked. I thought to myself, "a little late for that!" since I've been poked constantly in this process.

My mom and our family friend, Susan were with me when I woke up. Susan conceived both of her children through GIFT, which I guess was the predecessor to IVF so she knows exactly what I am going through. The doctor reported they retrieved 11 eggs which, while less than last time, is still a good number. After I dressed they wheeled me down to wait for Clint. Clint's doctor reported they only had to aspirate the left side and that they found "happy swimmers." I love the image that language provides me!

So, we begin the waiting period while my healthy eggs and Clint's happy swimmers get it on. I'm a bit sore, and I know Clint is very sore so we're just going to take it easy this weekend. My mom is here which is a help, and I'm sure she'd be happier if I moved around a lot less. She helped me prepare dinner, washed the dishes (and my stovetop, which was slightly embarrassing), and even brought in the trash cans since our sanitation guys aren't comeing for another week. My poor mother; she spends most of her winter in south florida and comes up here to help me during the coldest week of the winter season. Thank God for the maternal instinct.

We are incredibly appreciative of the many messages of support and love from our friends and family we have received lately. We are also grateful for all of our friends who are bringing food and entertainment to us, and are helping us with our household chores (particularly those associated with our four-legged crew). We are lucky people to have such a network of indiviuals who care for us. So, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

We will have a fertility report tomorrow afternoon and will report back then. In the meantime, please keep up your prayers!