Wishing4One

7 weeks today

2010-03-13T16:23:00.001+02:00

Yesterday we went to one of Super S's nieces house for dinner. Two of his sisters were there and another one of his nieces; both nieces have kids too so it was a full house.

Screaming I said "I AM FINALLY PREGNANT AND ITS TWINS! These gatherings will include our kids in about 7 to 8 months or so, I will finally be able to bring MY babies here too!" This screaming was just in my head, LOL we still haven't told anyone. It was so hard, I wanted to share our excitement with them, but we are still so scared, both Super S and we keep putting "the next" ultrasound as our "marker" to share the good news.

Should we tell people at 9 weeks 4 days, the next ultrasound, if all is well? Is it too early? Who decides whats too early anyway? I think its more pyschological than anything, duh of course it is. But deep down we want just want so badly to embrace that this is really real. I mean Super S and I, we have, to a point. We are still so cautious but want so badly for the cautiousness to subside, alittle bit anyway. Truth be told, this feeling will stay with us until our babies arrive, God Willing, that I know.

The other morning Super S hit one of "my girls", by accident, I was like "oh man, ouch!" He said and I quote "I get so scared when you say your breasts are sore, I think of how they get before your period and I think its coming..." Habibi. My baby. I told him they will be sore like this, I think, while I am pregnant he was so relieved. So not only do us, the infertile women experience thoughts like this, our husbands so do too and sometimes voice their fears as well. It was such a moment for me. For us.

All else is well. Still no sickness. A nausious feeling sometimes comes, but then it goes and I have not got sick at all. I was very relieved to read some of your comments the other day, alot of you seem not to have had morning sickness and have delivered healthy babies, so that made me feel good.

Cairo has been unseasonably hot. I mean it was like 95 yesterday and they forcast 100 tomorrow. Its usually in the 70's in March but this is like summer. Not complaining, but its hot really early this year. We didn't have much of a winter either. Maybe a few weeks of cold and that was it in December.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend wherever you are.

6 weeks 4 days

2010-03-10T23:29:00.001+02:00

(These are stills from the DVD we got today.

Not too good but good enough right...)

All went well today. We still have two little ones on board. Heard their heartbeats and saw their precious little bodies.

Next appointment is March 31st, I will be 9 weeks, 4 days then.

I finished my last IViG iv today, yeah! But I will continue Prednisolone, low dose aspirin, Clexane and my vitamins daily.

I feel good. No nausea yet, well not really. I sometimes feel like I want to throw up, but it passes. I read online that not everyone gets sick, so maybe I will be one of those who doesn't, that would be awesome. Funny cause I am so the one who murphy's law applies to most times.

I am so tired right now, (and most of the time these days) its 11:30pm here in Cairo but wanted to share our good news. Peace and love.

6 weeks and cherry yogurt

2010-03-06T15:42:00.000+02:00

Yogurt. Yoghurt. However you spell it, do you like it? I never have, ever. I think yogurt is one of those foods you either really dig or you don't, at all.

My mom always ate yogurt with fruit and I just could never get into it. Super S has always loved it. I used to buy plain yogurt for him and sometimes add fresh fruits or nuts to it, but I always passed on trying any.

Then when we moved to Egypt about 5 years ago, I started trying it slowly, especially during Ramadan and now I absolutely love me some yogurt.

They have shops here in Egypt that are like milk stores. I don't know what they are called actually, but they sell fresh milk, unpasterized, you have to boil it before drinking, (I haven't braved that yet) cheeses and fresh yogurts. The yogurts are yummy though and those I have to add some sugar to eat.

But my favorite yogurt here is a store bought brand called Beyti and it has fruit at the bottom. I just finished one now with cherries, OMG! I have blackberry and some strawberry like in the pic above in the refrigerator.

When my mom was here last time she commented on how much more creamier the yogurt is here in Cairo as compared to the ones in the US. It is damn good and I am glad I like it.

I don't drink milk, never have and at least I am getting some calcium in addition to my vitamins this way. Funny thing, both my sister and I do not drink milk. We never did growing up, we were breast fed but my mom never gave us milk after. Till this day neither one of us drink milk.

So, do you like yogurt?

Oh and its 6 weeks today. Next ultrasound Wednesday. Its still surreal to hear myself say or type I am pregnant, its like I'm dreaming man. I hope the dream continues on for awhile....

5 weeks, 4 days

2010-03-03T23:00:00.001+02:00

I am going to calculate my pregnancy time as Dr. K does. I asked him today why he and I were off by 3 days. Like online it tells me I am 6 weeks today, based on my egg retrieval date. He said he counts day 3 of our embryos as 14 days into my cycle, (or something) and we transferred on day 5 so that made it 16 days, being 5 weeks, 4 days today. I have not tried honestly to figure it out, so I will go with his calculations.

So...

I got another IViG infusion today. Dr. K said when I finish to come up and he will do a quick ultrasound.

He didn't do any measurements, take any photos or make a dvd as he was on his way out, but the two ~~sacs~~ babies are larger, the yolk sacs look perfect, not too large which is very good he said, and the fetal poles were present. Then a few seconds later...

We saw the first heartbeat, clear as day!!!

Then he moved the wand a bit and we saw the second heartbeat, not as clear but we saw it pumping as well.

Next Wednesday another small dose round of IViG and an ultrasound.

Wow, this is amazing you guys, just amazing! I can't even describe what it felt like when I saw the heart beating, then the second one. I did feel a sigh of relief honestly, just to see that these babies are actually still here and that they are growing and their little hearts are beating, wow, just wOw!

_____________________________________________

My daily cocktail is:

- 10mg Prednisolone

- 40mg Clexane

- Prenatal vitamin

- Anti-Oxidant vitamin

- 400mg x 2 Prontogest suppositories

- One low dose aspirin

I have also taken 50ml of IViG via an IV infusion 6 times.

As for symptoms... the constipation has gotten better. I still have that full feeling, no nausea yet, although the past two nights it seems like it wants to come but then I go to sleep and I am ok. I am peeing alot. Also the past two days I felt a bit light headed, not bad, but a different feeling than normal.

Again, wow, just OMG wow!!!

Perfect Moment Monday: Just chillin

2010-03-01T14:03:00.000+02:00

Perfect Moment Monday is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between. Go share yours at Webbles Wobblog....

E.T.

The very pregnant Naranja

Our baby the loveable, cuddly Charlie

Now this tan and white cat is Charlie's friend.

She (he?) loves him and always

comes around to lay or play with him.

Isn't she/he adorable, just beautiful! The tail is so fury I haven't been able

to inspect and give it a proper name yet.

Fiona the mommy of Charlie, E.T. and Naranja

Naranja contemplating something. See the mystery

cat in the background?

Waiting for dinner...

Wishing4One-ology

2010-02-28T14:15:00.002+02:00

Saw this on Leslie's Blog and thought hey its a good Sunday post and what better then to read some completely useless info about me right?

FOODOLOGY:

What is your salad dressing of choice? Caesar or balsamic on salads, ranch for dipping raw veggies

What is your favorite sit-down restuarant? Sweet Tomatoes... LOL yes really.

What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Arabiata (in Cairo)

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? All kinds of potatoes

What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushrooms and green peppers

How many televisions are in your house? Sadly just one, we need so many more.

What color cell phone do you have? Stainless Steel

BIOLOGY:

Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? All 4 wisdom teeth, both fallopian tubes, a 6 week fetus (ectopic), adhesions on tubes, fibroid from uterus

Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Once. I tripped and fell down stairs, Super S said I did not respond for like three seconds.

Have you ever fainted? Not that I can remember.

BULLCRAPOLOGY:

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No thank you.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Gabriella

How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Waaay too many, they are my favorite!

Last person you talked to? Super S

FAVORITOLOGY:

Season? Love em all, but prefer dressing for cold weather

Holiday? Christmas in the US, even though I don't do it, love the time and ambience.

Day of the week? Friday

Month? December

Color? Brown

Drink? Cold water

Alcoholic? None

CURRENTOLOGY:

Missing someone? Mom and Dad

What are you listening to? My fingers hit the keyboard

What are you watching? My laptop screen

Worrying about? March 10th u/s

What's the last movie you saw? Avatar

Do you smile often? I do

If you could change your eye color what would it be? I have the best, I would never change!

What's on your wish list for your birthday? A big belly

Can you do a chin-up? I wonder if I can?

Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited and nervous.

Have you been in a car wreck? Yes

Have you caused a car wreck? Nope

Do you have an accent? I don't think so. But when i get excited sometimes my eastcoast comes out

Last time you cried? Last Wednesday

Plans tonight? Skype with Mom, then Dad

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? I have.

Name three things you bought yesterday? Clexane, Milk and an antibiotic for my cat Charlie

Have you met someone who changed your life? Super S

For the better or worse? Better

How did you bring in the New Year? At home

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? I think I would.

What songs do you sing in the shower? None at all

Have you held hands with someone today? Nope

Who was the last person you took a picture of? Super S in Dahab

Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Neither actually. I have a few old good friends and a few new, but not too many of either, by choice.

Do you like pulpy orange juice? Love it

Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? Wow too long to remember although my mom eats one everday for lunch at work.

What were you doing at 12 a.m. last night? Watching CNN

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? How hungry i was.

My Mad Limerick for 2010

2010-02-27T20:27:00.004+02:00

Lori at Weebles Wobblog brings us the Limerick Chick Contest for 2010.

This is the first time I have participated, check out my skillz.... and I mentioned not one blogger, but THREE yo!

Oh and VOTE FOR ME by clicking the button at the end of this post and at the top right of my blog page. VOTING BEGINS AFTER MARCH 2ND, DON'T FORGET!

I live in the land of pharaohs
where baby makin's been dry as scarecrows

Been sayin' is 2010 my year yet?
And saying over and over again Are We there Yet?

Hey I'm Trying not to scream
but damn i'm an Anxious Mummy indeed!

Enter by March 1.

Vote after March 2.

On WeeblesWobblog.com

2 hours, pain and 2

2010-02-24T19:19:00.001+02:00

We got to the center today at about 11:30am. Waited until 1:00pm to get my IViG IV. The problem is we have to wait for an available room, as the center is not huge and all the rooms were full after operations/transfers, whatever.

When they finally called us, Super Nice Nurse Girl number 2 came in. (This is the one I mentioned before who asked me if I wanted twins, she only did my IV once before). She is so sweet, very young and I am guessing kind of new at her job? Anyway, she inserts the IV catheter into my hand and man it was not right. She noticed right away and asked Super S to hold it while she left the room. LOL, we were like ok....

She came back, removed it and I had a bug bump on my hand. I asked her for Super Nice Nurse Girl number 1 and told her no hard feelings. Super Nice Nurse Girl number 1, my usual one, came right in and got the job done.

After I was finished I called Dr. K told him I was downstairs and just finished the IViG. He said come on up.

Went to his office and got called right away despite a packed waiting room.

He told me to come next Wednesday for another IViG session and then an ultrasound in 2 weeks from today, approx, March 10th but will confirm date with me next week.

He asked me to get on the table today. He wanted to do a quick ultrasound...

We saw TWO sacs..... no heartbeats yet, and a bit unclear, but defintely two dark sacs could be seen. He gave me a DVD but I can't figure out how to capture a still photo of it to post.

He also mentioned that I am 4 weeks, 3 days pregnant. I asked him how, as online it says 5 weeks today based on retrieval date and 5 day transfer date? He whipped out this little spinning wheel thing, and said something, I did not catch what he said well, but he did say yes that I was only 4 weeks, 3 days and that the ultrasound he saw today reflected that as well. I will clarify next week, I want to be sure.

So two sacs for now, lets hope they both stick around and beat nicely for us in a few weeks. Maybe twins... how amazing could this be!

*** Oh if someone knows, I have seen many of your cool sigs at end of your posts, how can I insert a cool signature at the end of my posts, please share if its not too hard. Also, anyone feeling charitable or knows someone who is, I would LOVE to redo my blog design. Nothing fancy, keeping the same header but maybe widening the middle and adding three columns instead of two. Doesn't hurt to ask does it? xoxoxoxo

16dp5dt

2010-02-24T08:39:00.000+02:00

So today is 16 days past our 5 day transfer of our 3 blastocysts on February 8, 2010. According to my beloved IVF Pregnancy Calculator at ivf.ca, I am 4 weeks 6 days pregnant today, amazing i tell you, freaking amazing!

How am I feeling? Full. I feel like really full. Its kind of like I can feel my uterus and its feels full. Make any sense? But I am not full after eating, oh no, I feel i could throw down a whole nother meal, but I don't.

My bowl movements are different, sorry guys. Like while we were in Dahab I barely had any and it was hard trying- that is so not usual for me, at all. Now they are better but different. Again sorry for TMI.

I sometimes have some slight pain when I get up from bending down or get up from laying down too fast, its in my left side. Doesn't happen everday but has a few times.

I feel like I am peeing alot. Alot more frequently anyway.

Are these real or pyschological? (well the bowel and pee are real, so is the pain i think) Isn't it too early too early for this stuff?

I go in today for another IViG infusion, and I will find out when Dr. K will do my first ultrasound. That is the day I am ~~dying~~ waiting for.

Super S is besides himself you guys. He is so so so cute. He goes around saying "mommy, mommy" I always smile and hold back the tears most times, I love this man so much can I tell you. Its so amazing to see him so excited and I pray, pray, pray that all will go well for us.

Should I continue doing betas? If so for how long? I have not asked Dr. K and I am guessing he is going to say no need to, but I have read so many people continue beta testing.

Clexane is still a bitch. My stomach looks so terrible and Super S says he cringes each time he gives me the injection. Poor guy he feels sorry for me, I told him there is no pain it just looks horrible! The older brusies are fading which is cool but I still seem to bruise pretty bad. Maybe I should have Super S make like a picture or a word or something with the injection sites, like a tatoo.

Other than that guys all is good. It still surreal, I am pregnant. I cannot get used to saying that. I walk around holding my tummy alot and talking to the baby(ies) in there, asking them to stick around awhile. We'll see. xoxo

2nd Beta- 14dp5dt

2010-02-22T13:18:00.000+02:00

Second beta came in today at 2370 mIU/ml

Went to our center yesterday and had another IViG infusion. It should take 30 mins or so but it always ends up dripping slower. Which is not bad, as the side effects seem to be connected to the speed of the drip. Thankfully I have not experienced any side effects other than feeling really drained afterwards, I mean really tired.

I will go in again for another dose of IViG on Wednesday or Thursday and Dr. K said our first ultrasound will be next week.

I told my mom and then my dad yesterday via Skype. They are SO SO SO happy and understand my cautious happiness. I asked them not to tell anyone until we are more certain. We have not yet told any of Super S's family and probably won't for a month or two.

Man, this may really be happening, for now at least, huh?

I am going to have so many questions for you guys in the upcoming weeks, pregnancy related of cousre, cause you know I have no idea, so hopefully you can help educate me.

Going now to start dinner preparations downstairs while I do my super freakin corny ass happy dance. I just can't believe this you guys...

IComLeavWe February 2010

2010-02-21T20:00:00.000+02:00

Its that time again, IComLeavWe where we turn into super hero commentors and find really cool new and some not so new blogs. I love it and I hope those of you who are participating have as much as fun as I do. If you haven't done it before, try it you will be amazed at how many amazing blogs and people you will come across.

Anyway, welcome if this is your first time visiting me.

Alittle about me... I'm Wishing4One. Super S is my husband. We live in Cairo, Egypt and used to live in the USA and are Americans.

We just finished IVF for the 4th time. We transferred three 5 day blastocysts on February 8th, 2010. This time around we added some medications (IViG, Clexane, Prednisolone, low dose aspirin) to address some possible immune issues (I had slightly elevated ANA, ACA & Natural Killer cells were a bit high) and maybe just maybe this has done the trick, finally.

I got a great first beta of 910 mIU/ml on Saturday. I will take a second test tomorrow and really hoping that 910 increases.

So after 12 years of TTC and the last 5 years or so IVF-ing, this could be the real deal now. I am so, super cautious and very scared, but also super excited at the possibilty of being pregnant and maybe delivering the child(ren) that we have waited for for so very friggen long.

So have a great week commenting! Be sure to come back anytime, its not all IVF related here you know. I blog about life in Egypt, travel and sometimes cooking. I'm a real winner and you will love me. Promise.

Nope

2010-02-20T16:46:00.002+02:00

Nope, I CANNOT ~~fathom,~~ ~~understand~~, ~~accept~~ believe this yet...

Right now visualize me thanking God, happy, beyond grateful, extremely cautious, jumping, screaming, crying, nervous, overjoyed, thanking God again, thanking Super S, Dr. K, all of you, OMG, could this really be true???

*EDIT: FYI we transferred 3 blastocysts on day 5. I am wondering how many will stick around? It seems to be a high beta for 12dp5dt (which i think is like 17dpo) according to online beta charts. I talked to Dr. K he wants me to come in tomorrow for an IViG transfusion. He was so so so happy too, what a great doctor. OMG again guys... cautious, really cautious I am. More soon. xoxoxo

Saturday NOT Sunday, OMG!

2010-02-19T12:56:00.000+02:00

For some reason I was thinking Sunday is my beta day, its Saturday, as in tomorrow the 20th. How good is that? I am so excited as I was thinking and I know I wrote here the 20th, but for some reason was thinking the 20th is Sunday.

I was so close to buying a HPT last night. We had some friends over, after dinner we all walked to get ice cream. While at the souk, I literally stared at the pharmacy, even forming in my mind what I would tell Super S, maybe that i had to go grab something, not saying what, but I didn't- I totally punked out.

I will post results either way, but can you imagine if its positive and the numbers are good... I think, I feel this time they are.

In the meantime here are a few picks from our trip to Dahab, it was awesome and can't wait to go again.

Sunset first day there

Sunset with people riding horses

Super S... kidding LOL!

Seafood...

A boy who wanted us to ride his camel

Cafes on the water

Cafes from afar

The Red Sea calm

The one looking up looked so much like our

baby Charlie...

Wadi Ghanea, still very primitive

Perfect ambience

Even the camels were happy

Sun, Fish and Cramping

2010-02-17T17:03:00.000+02:00

Well sadly its our last night in this amazing place. We are sitting on our balcony now looking at the Red Sea, calm waves, beautiful weather, just amazing!

We spent the whole day by the water and just totally relaxed and vegged out. Super S had his guitar and it was very cool to listen to him playing in such surroundings.

Seafood extravaganza for dinner tonight, we always eat seafood on our first and last night and sometimes in between too. We get a mixed dish, shrimp, fish, calamari, clams, something else I don't know what it is, but it is so good. They gril it all and it comes with seafood soup and many salads, (mezzes) hommos, babghanoug, green salad just awesome. So i will so be rolling out of the restaraunt this evening.

Baby wise, LOL, baby wise sounds funny huh? I have had some cramping daily and yesterday saw a little brown spotting, then just a touch of red, but today nothing. I am so hoping this is from our babies deciding to stick around awhile, we'll see. I do Beta on Sunday and will not home test, never have and I won't this time either. Don't think I don't want to, I do, but I will wait.

Please go visit my friend Fran, she got some crappy news today. But she and I will both have babies this year, so its all good. She is very positive and just THE sweetest and most supportive lady, so go show her some love until she tries again.

I'll post some pics when we get back to Cairo.

Wishy xoxo

Perfect Monday Moment: Serenity

2010-02-15T17:39:00.000+02:00

Sunset February 14th, 2010.

Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt

87

2010-02-13T12:57:00.001+02:00

Forecast predicts 87F degrees today. Eighty seven man.

Its only the second week in February!!!

Right now it says its 82F in Cairo.

Tomorrow we head to the Aqaba Gulf, Dahab where I bet its even hotter, always is.

SPF 30 packed and ready.

Warm Sunny Cairo Friday

2010-02-12T20:22:00.000+02:00

(The pic above shows you the location of Dahab in regards to Cairo, a six hour drive through the Sinai, its amazing!)

Today was a warm, very sunny Friday in Cairo. What's new huh? Around noon I listened to the loud speakers broadcast the Friday khutba. The khutba is a sermon given at Friday prayers in the mosques. Here where we live we have only 6 mosques in this compound as opposed to the thousands in "Cairo". So when your in the city you hear so many loudspeakers simultaneously it gets crazy. Here on the other hand, less broadcasts, more relaxed and very calming actually.

How am I? I am good. Feeling fine, no different really, its 4 days past my 5 day transfer. The time is passing rather fast believe it or not. We leave for Dahab Sunday and I know it fly by while we are there too. I am anxious and hope next Sunday brings us some good news.

Some cramping today, good? Bad? Just don't know what to think. But I remain positive and optimistic that this time is our time.

I'll tease you all with some Red Sea treats in a few days. Peace & love... Wishy xoxo

Red Sea Bound

2010-02-10T14:31:00.000+02:00

We are so going to Dahab this weekend. I feel it'll be fine for me and your comments helped me solidify my decision, thanks. All we do in Dahab is lounge by the water, walk alittle, well alot, but this time I will take only short walks. So loungin' on the Red Sea, feeling like a Bohemian traveler will suit me just fine for a few days I think.

Oh and the Clexane having to be refrigerated, don't think it has to be. It says on package DO NOT STORE UNDER 25C, which is like 77F, so not thinking it has to be stored in fridge, its not that hot here yet. The reason I thought it should be stored in fridge is when we buy from the pharmacy they give it to us with ice in the bag? Which they do with all meds that should be stored cold. Anyway next time I buy I will ask them, but at least I read package and know its not necessary. So i can just bring enough along with us.

For those of you who are not familiar with Dahab from one of my many previous ~~ravings~~ writings about it, it is located in the South Sinai, the Aqaba Gulf of Egypt. Its about a 6 hour car drive for us from NE Cairo and the drive itself is awesome. Its all desert, the mountains and oasis' you see along the way are incredible!

Many Bedouins still live and farm off the desert land and you can see their little communities occassionally along the way, its amazing. A few have even set up little "stops" along the road where they serve their very sweet Bedouin tea or sell little handmade trinkets its quite an experience.

If you have to use the bathroom while on the road, tough shit. Literally. There is a stop like half way called Nakhl. There are a handful of "coffee shops" with restrooms that alot of tour buses and drivers like us stop at. There is one we always stop at, which we determined is the best of out of the three or so there.

Then the next main stop is Taba, this is an Egyptian border crossing into Israel. It feels a bit scary when you reach here. The "gates" are manned with soldiers that have rifles and there are alot of them. They check your passports here and ask where you are going and for how long, then they waive you through. The first time I passed through here I was like damn this is scary, now I know what to expect LOL. The military presence is everywhere in Egypt, it was strange and a bit scary at first but I am used to it now. Just so different than back in the US, as we don't have soldiers everywhere with guns do we?

Foreigners are forbidden to go off the main road in many places while in the Sinai, and you see signs posted to this effect both in Arabic and English. Um, I would not want togo off road I think anyway, so it works out just fine. There is so much to see on this "main road" itself you wouldn't need to start any off road adventures.

Sorry this all sounds scary huh, LOL, but believe me its not. Its a part of life living in this region and it really is for safety. I feel safe everywhere I go and Egypt is one of the most tourist friendly and safe places I think in the region. They go the extra mile to protect and keep safe visitors to Egypt, really they do.

So today is 2dp5dt, (2 days past 5 day transfer) and I feel good. Nothing strange or different, I just think, oh I'm pregnant now and my babies are nestling into my lining, God Willing.

We will test when we get back to Cairo, don't think we will stay in Dahab until the 20th. Then again, we always get sucked in there and may end up staying longer, we'll see. But for now we are intending to come home before test day.

3 blasts baby

2010-02-09T11:28:00.000+02:00

We transferred 3 blastocysts yesterday, yeah three. Super S was like "what if we have 3, that would be so cool.." I just smiled, he is too cute. I am hoping for at least one first.

So they were three Grade 1 blastocysts that were transferred. The lab vitrified a total of 6 embryos. Not all blasts, but 3 are. I misunderstood Dr. K when I thought he said all were blastocysts. I have the detailed report now and photos of all of our embryos.

Transfer went well. I held onto my Grandmothers prayer beads during transfer and it felt so right. We watch the whole thing on the screen and I just cried, I do every time thinking this is the one.

After the transfer I laid there while Super S and Dr. K talked about photography and astronomy, LOL. I chimed in every couple minutes and I just laughed to myself. Here I am, legs up, naked half down, but covered and curtain drawn and my husband, doctor and I talking about hobbies and technical aspects of camera lenses, LOLLLL! But you know what it was great, it relaxed me in a strange way and I felt totally comfortable.

Then we went to another part of the clininc, I laid down and took my IViG infusion. Super nice nurse gal was so cute. She asked me if I like Egypt or America better, and if I want a girl or a boy... just small talk, she was cute though.

So my test day is February 20th.

Super S made reservations for us to go to Dahab this Sunday. I am not sure if I should go? Why? Not sure really. I am not on bedrest, I am taking it easy but not always laying down, is this ok? Dr. K said it is, but I read so many of you after transfer are in bed a few days, should I be too?

While I LOVE Dahab and we have not been since last year, and have been itching to go, I am thinking to wait until after the 20th and go then. A few reasons... my daily injections of Clexane they have to be refrigerated and I am not sure if the pharmacies there carry it. I bet they do, but then again not sure. I guess I could call our friend there and have him ask a pharmacy for us? The suppositories and prednisolone I can take with us no problem.

What do you guys think, should we just go? It would be cool to test there and find out we are pregnant at our favorite spot in all the world really.

So I will try to decide in the next day or so be sure to give me your opinions too ok? Super S has to call and change reservation if we decide to go later.

So thats it. I feel good, positive and pray that this time we will be pregnant.

Thank you for all your well wishes and I ask you now to channel positive thoughts, prayers and vibes to Cairo. Much love... xoxoxoxoxo

Nine: The countdown begins

2010-02-06T15:42:00.000+02:00

Today is Day 3 for our embryos.

Dr. K said as of 11am this morning we had 5 grade 1 and 4 grade 2 embryos. (Our center uses a grading scale with 1 being the best and so on.)

So out of the 10 ovum we got 9 embryos, not bad huh?

They will culture all to blastocyst and we plan to transfer two on Monday, with me calling in first and if anything changes of course he will call us.

If more than two make it to blast, (and they will, they will, they will) we will freeze those.

I will also do another IViG infusion on Monday as well. So this is it, grow babies grow for mama.

Thank you all for your comments on Clexane. My bruises seem to appear the next day, not immediately, just as someone said they do, and the injection site becomes a red dot, bigger in size than any other dot I got with previous, different medication injections.

But its all good man. Just looks horrible, no pain really, soreness but then it goes away.

So today I iced after Super S gave me the injection and it seems a bit better, I will know later or tomorrow as thats when the bruises come. My Dad emailed me and said to rub alittle Vitamin K cream on the bruises, that may work too, I'll try it.

The leftover Chinese that I made yesterday for dinner is calling. I made beef broccoli, egg drop soup and vegetable spring rolls. However there are no spring rolls for today we killed em all last night. I would post a pic but you know what, it is not beautiful at all. It is so very delicious, but so not very pretty. Maybe the soy sauce makes it dark and ugly? I don't know. Then again if I took a pic it may not be bad... naw.

Clexane... the devil?

2010-02-05T18:32:00.000+02:00

This is the first time I am taking Clexane (a.k.a. Lovenox, Heparin) injections with an IVF cycle. I took the second one today and man do they leave bruises or what???

All the other subcutaneous injections I have taken did not bruise like this. Is this normal? I did not Goo.gle it cause I know alot of you have taken these, so tell me does it get any better? Please say it does.

I ice my tummy before so it feels fine going in and then later the place is bruised and sore. I can bear it but wanted to see what your experiences were/are.

Did I tell you we are so addicted to American Idol again this year? We get it here in Cairo on Thursday and Friday, a few days after it airs in the US. When my news reader comes up i have to scroll past anything Idol related so it does not spoil my delayed watching here on Thursdays and Fridays.

Funny thing is when we lived in the States we had no interest. The auditions are a friggen trip and I think today will be the last of them and then on to Hollywood. I just need to know though, some of these people can.not.be.serious can they?

2 short of a dozen

2010-02-03T19:53:00.002+02:00

They retrieved 10 ovum today. So now we wait to see how many little blasties will grow. I will call the center Saturday to check on the progress. We are shooting for a 5 day transfer, so maybe Monday.

Funny thing happened.

When super nice Nurse girl came to get me to go to surgery room, she took me to alittle room adjacent to surgery room. (This always happens before I enter the surgery room, i wait in this little room).

So when i walked in today, I sat on the bed, turn around and theres a little baby under the blankets sleeping! Shes in a red jumper, sound asleep with her arms stretched out straight on each side. I was startled, then laughed and was like "Oh a baby..." I asked who's it was, i THINK she said someone that works there, but couldn't get all of it. Wow.... I took it as a good omen man.

After I woke up from the anesthesia, Dr. K came to our room to see us. He told us about the number of ovum collected, that Super S's boys were all good and told me he will give me another IViG infusion today. I asked if it was too soon as I had on Saturday. He said he likes to do this low dose IViG (Immunoglobin G: 50ml- 2,500mg- approx. 2.5grams) usually 3 times, 3 days apart. So I took one Saturday, one today and will take another infusion on transfer day.

So i am taking an antibiotic now for 3 days to combat any infection, resumed my low dose aspirin, continuing my 10mg daily of Prednisolone, and will start Clexane (40mg) injections tomorrow. Also added the super fun Progesterone suppositories (400mg twice daily). Dr. K prefers these over the injections, which i did do last cycle.

And thats it. I am really sore this time, like my ovaries feel like they are ~~exploding~~ bloated still and I have alot of pressure, but its bearable.

Off to rest now. Thanks for all your wonderful comments and for following along, it means the world to me really. It will mean even more in few weeks when you come back and congratulate me on my BFP! Night. xoxoxo

Basketballs and books

2010-02-02T15:18:00.000+02:00

I'm all triggered and ready for egg ~~excavation~~ retrieval tomorrow morning.

This time around I feel like I am carrying 8 basketballs across my abdomen, like my ovaries are competing in the olympics and taking home the Gold for weight lifting.

I am eating like a freak too, always hungry. I'll eat dinner for example and feel like I could eat right away again. (Though I do not look like I am carrying twins as nice RN girl thought the other day.)

You know when you've been at this for as long as we have, you get it. Well sometimes, ok not always. Ok not ever really, but you are somewhat prepared on dealing with each result after the 2ww, as hard and shitty as it may turn out sometimes.

Seriously, this time I am prepared either way as usual, but of course leaning towards wanting to celebrate 2010 as the year of the IVF baby. Anyway this is THE cycle guys lets just keep that feeling for now.

So Super S and I went to the Cairo International Book Fair. Every year we say we will go, never made it so we went yesterday.

Its been in existence since 1969 I think I read. It is also said to be the largest and oldest book exhibition in the region.

So many many many books, on every topic imaginable. Mostly Arabic books but I did manage to find some American, German and British vendors. Super S bought two books he's been looking for for along time, so that was cool.

While I was browsing one publishers venue I saw a J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye, shoved behind some books and just barely sticking out. I immediately thought of Mel and her post the other day. I picked up the book, dusted it off, put it on the front top shelf, in a place by itself, standing alone, wondering if anyone would pick it up that day.

Here's some pics from the Exhibition.... These are just from one hall, there were many halls spread out over the convention center.

2010 Africa Cup of Nations- Egypt WINS!

2010-01-31T20:43:00.001+02:00

They did it!!!

The Pharoahs beat Ghana 1 - 0.

Egypt is now the 2010 African Cup of Nations Champions. This is the 3rd consecutive win for them in this tournament, winning in 2006, 2008 and now in 2010.

The party has started and will go all night long, again. Remember a few days ago?

Congratulations Egypt, yeah baaaby!!!!!

Egg retrieval Wednesday Morning

2010-01-30T20:03:00.000+02:00

Excellent visit with Dr. K today. He was very happy with everything. So here's what we know....

- 7 follicles on the right ovary measuring 15-16mm

- 5 on the left same measurements

- blood flow in uterus is excellent

- Endometrium lining at a nice 12mm

- IViG infusion went fine. Took about 45 minutes or so. I felt alittle lightheaded but other than that all good. The girl administering it says to me, in Arabic, "oh so you are pregnant with twins now..." I didn't understand fully, so I asked Super S what she said. LOL twins?? I did not gain that much weight this cycle, and I was laying down too! So when i answered " no not yet, but soon God Willing.." She asked me if I wanted twins. I laughed and said I want anything, one, two, just healthy....we laughed. She knows us from going there the past 4 years, so maybe she was just assuming. She had to be because I so don't look pregnant man, for real!

So i will trigger with Chorimon on Monday night and then egg retrieval at 9:30AM Wednesday morning.

We are shooting for a blastocyst 5 day transfer again this time.