Embarking

We're ready to embark on a journey this week...we're starting IVF treatment. Plans are underway to begin the medications on Thursday, and we're approaching this very relaxed and hopeful. I'm surprising myself by how unstressed I've been (minus some aggravation with my new insurance/pharmacy plan). I've not been scouring the internet for information & statistics, not reading the IVF discussion boards, not thinking about it 24/7. It certainly doesn't reflect a lack of desire or interest, but rather a need to not let this take over our lives. Don't get me wrong...the schedule & commitment required to do IVF is intense (and somewhat overwhelming). It requires lots-o-drugs, close monitoring with ultrasounds and labs, time away from work, and precise scheduling. It involves emotional and financial investment, and a knowledge that you can do everything right, and still walk away unsuccessful. It necessitates putting a lot of trust in the providers & technicians at the clinic . You've got to check your modesty/pride at the door, and have a healthy sense of humor.

I'm so thankful that we have the opportunity to do this, and fully realize that even if things don't turn out the way we hoped, our lives are already richly blessed by raising & loving Emerson. Interestingly, she asked me if I had a baby in my belly last weekend (nope, just pudgy around the middle...thanks for noticing!). She asked Keith the same thing, as she patted his belly while sitting next to him on the couch. She knows nothing of our attempts to get pregnant again, but seems to have a babies on the brain as well!