A Bump in the Road

This week would have been egg retrieval if everything had gone according to plan, but it didn't. On Saturday afternoon, our IVF cycle was cancelled. Pretty much everything our doctor saw in me wasn't normal. I am not the typical IVF patient. My cause is unknown, which makes it harder to pinpoint. After almost calling off IVF four times last week (roller coaster!), the straw broke the camel's back Saturday afternoon, and our only solution was to cancel (we had five things working against us. It would take an hour to explain them all here.) I didn't think it would work the first time, but I thought we'd at least make it to retrieval. That has been the disappointing part--how many mountains we climbed to even make it to the second week. It also counts for one of the three tries that we signed up for, even though we still had two weeks of IVF left.

BUT we feel blessed we have two more tries. We know that the Lord is in this, and that if He wanted this to happen now, He would have ensured it did. He can move mountains, after all, and I know He has His hand in this. I learned a lot of things the last few weeks: how to be a pincushion every night and day, the effect the medicine has on me for next time, and to feel more compassion for those who are sick--how miserable it must be to feel unwell all the time; I only experienced a fraction of that. Our doctor learned some things to do for next time and was so kind and supportive through it all, even when he called to break the news. I have received sweet texts from dear friends near and far, support from family, and some delicious cake from a neighbor to lift my spirits! I definitely felt Heavenly Father's comforting hand as I attended church yesterday...He knows the BEST thing for us!

We are looking at the May IVF as our next step, but need to meet with our doctor first to discuss some more things. Onward and upward!

Our first day of IVF. We already had our first scare of it not happening that day.

Ben became a chemist during this whole process. So much precise mixing and syringing...

Ben was the best, most gentle nurse ever. It was his first time giving shots, and he did it like a pro. 

Some of the bruising from the shots. 

The first time we thought we might have to cancel Ben brought me white roses. They have survived the last two weeks of construction; they bloom even in chaos. A great reminder to me. 

On top of it all, our kitchen remodel started last week. It has been a perfect excuse not to cook and just take it easy. Our cabinets get installed this week. It has been a good distraction amidst all the kaffufel. 

Our makeshift kitchen--perfect for grilled cheese, Marie Calendar's pot pies, and popcorn :)

The Before!

 The current...To Be Continued!

Calm Before the Storm

I am already behind in my goal of writing on my blog monthly! I was determined to do it yesterday, and then life got crazy. February was a wonderful month, best described as "the calm before the storm." A very busy calm, though--more remodeling choices, logistics, IVF appts, IVF class, lots of phone calls, being on hold, and, you know, laundry. 

Along with the busy calm, there have been some golden moments--like meeting new neighbors, having an entirely unscheduled Monday off for President's Day (it has been a couple of years since that has happened) that turned into errands and exploring downtown Ogden's beauties and eating Tony's pizza, playing rounds of Skip-Bo (our new favorite game, thanks to our neighbors for showing us), going to St. George with Ben's parents for a warm getaway and a chance to see the St. George Home Show, going down to Provo to see family and for a BYU basketball game, meeting a new niece and nephew, seeing more of my family in Alpine now that they're around a lot more, and making homemade chocolate buttercream truffles and chocolate almond truffles and trying not to eat them all.

IVF starts on Thursday and the kitchen remodel starts the following Wednesday. It's going to be a wonderful whirlwind!

At the Provo City Center Temple Open House. Love this place. "Beauty for ashes"

Ben surprised me with dinner on a stressful day! 

Oreo uses her stuffed bone for many purposes--chewing, pillowing, and bribery. Our nephews bequeathed her with this treasure for Christmas. She loves it so much. 

The beautiful mini roses Ben gave me for Valentine's Day

Ogden's Eccle's Mansion. I wish it was a prettier day. Pictures don't do it justice!

Our free Monday with matching shirts

The crazy views people have in St. George!

Alien chairs

IVF meds came!

We have absolutely loved our temple trips. I have so many special memories in this temple.

This Gonzaga vs. BYU game almost gave me a heart attack. We were so close to winning! I had a Cougar Tail to console my sorrows. I miss this place so much! I have so many memories of devotionals, games, and graduation in the BYU Marriott Center.