8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 WEEKS!!!

8 Weeks:   

   The Munchkin and I have been monitored very closely by our friends at Coastal Fertility. They've been so good to us. We went in for an 8 week check-up and they did a routine ultrasound. Everything looked normal and the doctor was so pleased that he released us from his care.
       
      It was kind of a bittersweet moment. It was exciting because it means we are both healthy and moving right along. But, we have had such good care at Coastal, and we've made so many friends. The staff was so considerate, caring, and empathetic during each part of our journey...it was hard to say "goodbye". They were such a big part of our journey thus far; it's hard to imagine finishing it without them.

     They sent us off with a picture of the Munchkin, and a goody bag. Inside the goody bag was a sweet little stocking cap!!!

It's a little blurry...but we take what we can get! :)

                                                 

Somehow I think it will be a while before the Munchkin's head can fit in that hat...and I pray to God I am correct because...that would require a kill-sized noggin (if you catch my drift).


9 Weeks:
     Right after being released from the fertility specialists, we scheduled an appointment with our regular OB/GYN. We were happy to return, because my regular doctor had been a big part of my journey too. Plus, it was just another sign telling us things are going good.

     Of course, each doctor's office requires their own ultrasound images, so we went in and had another ultrasound (even though we've had one about every 2 weeks since the IVF procedure). Hey! I'm not going to complain about seeing the proof of a little miracle swimming around inside the house Jesus made for him/her.

    Kevin had to work so he couldn't be with us (which wasn't a big deal because we literally had one like 3 days earlier), so Mom and my sister Cierra came. It was fun to be able to experience it with them! We even got a video of the ultrasound. It shows the baby moving a good bit. Maybe he/she has LOTS of energy like daddy! :)

10 Weeks:
    The following week we went in to see my OB/GYN to gather all the routine measurements and stuff. I love when I get the question, "So when is the last day of menstrual cycle?" I respond with, "I'm really not sure, but my due date is Sept. 29th." Then they ask the most annoying question, "How do you know that if you don't know the last day of your last cycle?" I always give the annoyed stare. 

     I know these people are just doing their job but like...really? You are questioning the due date I'm giving you? It says RIGHT THERE on my chart that I did IVF...and it was sent straight over from the fertility specialist that I was referred to by YOU GUYS! It just really blows my mind. They want proof of a menstrual cycle, but how much more proof can you get when your chart says the DAY your baby was returned to your body?
     
    Anyway...let me step down off that soap box to tell you that once again, mommy and baby were found to be healthy, normal, and moving right along. No symptoms of pregnancy, just the lack of energy and a menstrual cycle. It's proof enough for me.

A lot changes in just a week!

Interesting Fact: I STILL haven't peed on a stick. 

I guess it's because I've peed on so many sticks over the past 5 years and never gotten a positive. I have a small fear of them to be honest. When I think about it...it kind of makes me panic. That fear of disappointment sits right on the surface...still. So, I just avoid the sticks.

Maybe I'll be brave...one day. When my belly is undeniably in everyone's face. 

Until then...I'll just "stick" to the opinion of the medical professionals. ;)