A long week

People always refer to the ups and downs you experience while dealing with infertility as the "IF roller coaster". It's a good description. I'm finding that when you get pregnant you don't get off the roller coaster - you just switch tracks. This week was definitely full of ups and downs for me.

It started up with my second ultrasound and graduation day! It got even upper on Monday when I received the most beautiful baby blanket ever from Packer. Just as I hoped, seeing the blanket that Packer made for me helped me feel like this baby is real. I was happy. We'll come back to this...

Later that night things went slightly downhill. I went to the bathroom to find that I had been spotting pretty heavily, though I had no cramps. I called my older sister and we talked and decided that there were plenty of harmless reasons that would explain the spotting (I'd had an ultrasound, an exam, and sex). I was really anxious and cried a bit, but I was okay when I went to bed. I called the nurse in the morning and she confirmed that there was likely nothing to worry about. As the day went on, the spotting seemed to get less an less. Though to be honest, I was still pretty nervous. Even though I could explain the spotting and the mild cramps (thanks giant ovaries and cysts) I was having a hard time believing the baby was fine.

By Wednesday, the spotting was almost gone. Until that night when it got heavy again. My PaIF buddies reassured me that it was probably fine, but that it would be okay to call and ask to be seen so that's what I did on Thursday morning. I went in and met my new OB who is awesome. She said if I ever feel like I need an ultrasound or exam, I should just ask. She also has endometriosis and went through IVF at the same clinic so she said she understands what it's like to be "a little nuts". Anyway, she did an exam and confirmed that my cervix was bleeding but otherwise everything looked fine. The ultrasound confirmed that baby is fine too (measuring ahead at 9 weeks 6 days with a heart rate of 167).

The only issue was that because my blood type is A-, the doctor wanted me to get the Rhogam injection. After a dozen phone calls and two different hospitals, I finally got it done this evening. It fucking hurt. If IVF injections felt like that there is no way I would have made it through one cycle.

So. All is well for now. I can't wait for this week to be over. I'm going to try the home doppler again once I'm over 10 weeks. Seth, the pups, and I are also going to take a mini break to the Keys during the week!

And now to AW my beautiful blanket. Packer really does an amazing job. If you have any knitwear needs, you should definitely check out Packer's Etsy shop (see her blog for details). The blanket that she made for me is a gorgeous deep blue-teal color. It is so snuggly and warm and it will be perfect for a January baby. I am so thankful for such a beautiful gift from such a wonderful friend.