29 Weeks - Dr. Appointment

Today marks 29 weeks, and things continue to go smoothly. The Dr. was pleased with how things were going, so I left with no restrictions yet...looks like I'll continue to work 40 hours/week. I go back in 2 more weeks to be rechecked and have another ultrasound.
He checked both heartbeats with the dopplar and they are both doing great, one was in the mid 140's and the other was in the low to mid 120's. I think we'll have one intense baby and one laid back baby (just like their mom and dad).
He also measured me and assured me my 'discomfort' is not in my head (I wasn't thinking it was), I'm measuring 35 1/2 weeks so I've definitely grown...or someone is growing anyway :)

Week 28 (posted 1 week late)

Time is going so quickly, before I know it it's time to post another picture :)
Things continue to go well with the babies and they are succeeding at making their mommy look and feel about as big around as I do tall. I feel like I can finally just 'relax' and not worry too much more about what would happen if they came early, they would be ok now if they opted to come this early (I'd prefer to keep them in the oven at least 6 more weeks, but that is not up to me).

Happy New Year to all, hopefully this year will bring many of you what you've been longing for...BABIES or another baby!!!

Blessings-
Gretchen

Discouraged or Disgusted

Well...as if we haven't waited and been patient enough with Dan's job situation...here we wait again!!!
We have been strung along by this same company for the past 2.5 months, and it looks like the end will not be this year...UGH!
We were told to expect an offer last week, only to be told by the HR person (who he's had to contact EVERY time), that it would be THIS week Monday. So after waiting all day Monday, Dan finally got in touch with her and now it's to be expected with in the next 5 minutes to 5 days...REALLY?!?!?!?
Well, today he got a call from someone entirely different (b/c apparently this other HR person is out for the year...would you believe this), and was told there would be no offer until the beginning of next year!!! So MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! While I'm beginning to doubt whether or not there will really be an offer, Dan is still confident it WILL happen...just not anytime soon.

So, to all of you out there unemployed...we feel your pain!!!

27 Weeks

I had my 27 week appointment today as well as an ultrasound. Both little rascals are now head down with all four feet in a heap on my right side IN MY RIBS!!! I was wondering what it was up there making my 40 minute commute to and from work rather unpleasant (I would take 40 weeks of this "unpleasant" feeling anyday). We are going to have a nice surprise when they are born because this entire pregnancy, they've both been very "shy" and have hidden their faces. With the parents they've been blessed with, I'm quite sure they will be anything BUT shy!!! It's amazing to think that 11 weeks would be the absolute longest we will have to wait for their arrival, we have a little more preparation but all in all we are ready.

Thank you for your continued prayers through this incredible journey.
We are currently waiting on Dan's job offer, and then we can have a sigh of relief there too.
Please continue to pray for...
-Couples struggling through infertility
-Families grieving the loss of a loved one(s)
-Our Troops
-Unemployed
-Health of our growing boys

Blessings-
Gretchen

Baby Steps

We are slowly getting more prepared for our long anticipated little ones to arrive.
This past weekend my in-laws were so kind, and picked up our furniture for us, and then stayed a few hours to help us assemble everything. Even though it didn't quite fit the way I had hoped it all would, I just feel so blessed to even need 2 cribs.
I spent Saturday evening putting a lot of stuff away, and just "playing" in there, it still just all feels so surreal. This is by far the best Christmas gift I could have ever asked for, but my heart still breaks for all of the families out there struggling through infertility and loss at the holidays. I must say, I am missing my third little boy more than ever right now, as the time draws nearer for them to arrive. I know that he is in his Heavenly Fathers arms now, but it's so hard not to be selfish and want to see him here with his earthly father. I have peace knowing I will someday hold that sweet baby again, but it just doesn't seem to ease the struggle and emotions that go with losing a baby.

Please continue to pray for:
Health for the boys and me
Dan's job situation
Those struggling through the Holidays


Blessings
Gretchen

24 Weeks and SO Much to be Thankful for....

At 24 weeks, I continue to just be in awe of the changes and growth of these little boys.
It's amazing to look back to the past couple of years and think of how far we've come. We are so THANKFUL for what we have been blessed with, and how God is continuing to work in our lives. As I reluctantly recall the painful emotional times we endured over the Holidays in previous years, I thank God for how much Dan and I have grown as 1 through all of it. I don't know that our marriage would be what it is today if we hadn't had the struggles that we've had (and to many it feels like all we've had is struggles, since the week prior to our wedding). So, with that said, all you ladies out there in the blogger (infertility) world...hang on, pray and trust God that he will carry you through these times. I pray for you often, and believe me...I will always know that "pain" you are struggling with, it simply becomes less consuming.

Blessings-
Gretchen

No Shortage of Love here....

Saturday, my mom and one of my very best friends had a baby shower for me, and a shower it was.
These are just a couple pictures of the absolutely adorable (and delicious I might add) cake. We had a great turn out of about 40 ladies, and it was just an awesome day. I have never felt so spoiled in my life, and I think that is just the beginning of what our little boys are going to experience. As of now, I think they have more clothes than Dan does (it will take years to catch up to their mommy's wardrobe):)
Some of the fabulous gifts we received were...a pack-n-play, very stylish double stroller (these boys will come out w/a real sense of fashion), 2 high chairs, a baby monitor, an exersaucer, a cradle swing, 2 chair travel seats to hook on the table,2 papasan bouncy seats, a video camera, a leather rocker/recliner for late night feedings, oodles of toys, gobs of clothes, and several gorgeous handmade blankets and hats.
These are a couple of pictures to just give you an idea of the gifts we were showered with, and the boys' now very full closet.
We are truly blessed with the most loving, supportive and generous friends and family. We know God made no mistake in choosing this large group of people to be part of our children's lives.

23 Week Update

Today was my 23 week appointment and ultrasound. I must add that one big bonus (of the many) to having multiples is the frequent ultrasounds. It was so incredible to see how much these sweet little babies have grown and developed over the past 4 weeks. They were about 7 oz each last time and today they weighed in at 1 lb 4oz and the other was 1 lb 2 oz. They both have what appears to be very healthy little hearts and brains...Bless God!!!! It has truly been miraculous to feel these little babies moving so much, we are so excited to meet them (when the time comes of course).

Blessings-
Gretchen

22 Weeks

How quickly these weeks seem to be going, especially now that I have no energy (hence the late blog post). So far, I'm still feeling pretty good, but I must say getting a good nights rest seems to be more and more difficult to achieve.
In other news, we would still appreciate prayers for Dan's job situation. He has had a couple of interviews, but due to the specific nature of his field, the process can easily take 2 months. He has a couple new prospects, and at this point we'd just be thrilled to have him working by the first of the year. I thank God everyday that we've been able to hang on this long, and I know now that we can hang on even longer :)

Thanks for all of the continued prayers.
Please keep praying for
-Healthy baby boys
-My rheumatoid to stay under control with the steroids
-Dan's job situation

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen, and the Boys!

Birthing Class

As we were advised, we took the birthing class a few months early (too avoid the Holidays as well as bedrest). Despite the fact that it was a full work day, 8-5, we really can say it was worth our time. Dan said he learned a lot, and claims he didn't get queasy until they showed the diagram of a C-section and when they later showed the instruments for the circumcision. I informed him, it will be his job to accompany the boys for that part of it, so now he has to work himself up to be able to handle that...PATHETIC (try childbirth)!!!
I really thought I'd leave the class feeling more nervous, but honestly I left feeling pretty confident that I'd survive :) We are getting excited to meet these little boys, and its been a lot of fun getting ready for them so far. I'm sure w/the upcoming holidays, these next few months will fly by.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, enjoy the week~

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen and the Boys!

Week 20 Update: Growing like weeds

At 20 weeks, I can honestly say...WOW!!! I'm getting really BIG!!! I just can't help but think how totally miraculous this is. These boys are by far the biggest blessing I have ever experienced. At 20 weeks, they are very active and it's such a neat experience to feel them move.
After learning last week that they were both boys, my mom and I started on our quest to get their closet "stocked", needless to say, these boys are going to be the best dressed little guys ever.
Dan and I also had a fun time registering for all of the necessities, and I must say I felt a little funny registering for that much stuff...but I'm certain it will all be used.
As for Dan's job situation (or lack there of), we are still praying for something to open up. We know and trust that God won't close any windows without opening doors, so we are hanging on tight to that, knowing we will be just fine.

Thanks again for all of the continued prayers and support, words can express how much we appreciate all of them.

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen and the boys!

Drum Roll Please....

We will be welcoming 2 sweet boys into our family this March. We couldn't be happier, especially once we learned they are both HEALTHY!!!!
Everything measured right on track for this stage so we are so thankful. There daddy is looking forward to purchasing 2 sets of ice skates :)

Thanks for all of the prayers, please keep them coming.
I have experienced a significant amount of swelling and stiffness in the last few days, so I'm headed to Battle Creek this afternoon to see my rheumatologist (please pray that this is only a flare up and not the return of my rheumatoid).

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen and the BOYS!!!!

18 Weeks and Growing RAPIDLY

At 18 weeks, I must say I'm not loving the look of pregnancy on me, but I'm loving the blessing that it is.

Not a whole lot new to report, other than the obvious.

Today officially marks what could be my half way point, and that is one of the most exciting points of all of this :)

I go to the Dr. next week Tuesday, and we will find out the genders at that time, Stay Tuned!!!

Please continue to pray for:
-Healthy Babies
-Relief from the migraines
-Uneventful Ultrasound
-Dan's upcoming job interview

God's Timing

At 17 weeks, I don't have a whole lot new to report on...so I thought I'd have some fun with this post.

Things I've learned over the last 29 years life, more so in the last 1 year than anything.

I have always had this picture in my mind that I would be a mom by the time I was 25...low and behold here I am at 29.

God has blessed me with the greatest birthday gift of ALL, pregnancy!!! After several painful months of wondering if we were ever going to have children of our own, I must say this is by far the greatest gift ever. However, we have not gotten to where we are today without several bumps in the road, but through it all I have learned 1 thing for sure...everything will happen in God's time.

With that being said, please continue to remember Dan in your prayers as he continues the difficult road of being unemployed (both financially and emotionally)!!!

Thanks to all of my wonderful friends and family for the "Happy Birthday" wishes, all of my dreams are coming true :)

16 Weeks and counting

Wow...I can't believe how the time is flying by.
At 16 weeks, I'm getting bigger by the day, and last night I think I actually felt the start of the flutters.
I'm truly enjoying being pregnant and thank God daily for these little miracle babies.
I'm getting very antsy to find out the genders so I can start shopping, but truthfully I will be thrilled with whatever God blesses us with.
Over the past few weeks I've battled some pretty nasty headaches, and am trying so hard not to be a complainer about them, but....it's no fun. The Dr. prescribed me Tylenol 3 last week, and it's just not even taking the edge off, so yesterday they moved me up to Vicodin...and fortunately that helped. I just get really nervous about taking all of these hardcore drugs being pregnant even though they are considered to be safe.

As far as Dan's job situation, I think we are coming down the home stretch. My hope is that within the next few weeks he'll be back to work, and loving where ever he lands.

Please Continue to Pray for:
Health of the babies and me
Dan's job situation
Relief from the headaches


PS....Guinness wanted you to see how she is maintaining her beautiful profile :)

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen and the babies

Week 15 Update

Sorry to disappoint anyone, but I've opted to only do a picture every other week until there begins to be a more noticable difference from week to week.
Anyway, we had a Dr.'s appointment this morning, and everything looked GREAT, praise the Lord. I didn't have an ultrasound today, so we have to wait until October 21st to find out the sexes of the babies. They said I'm actually measuring on the smaller side for twins, which is just fine at this stage of the game. As far as weight gain goes, they said I'm right on target...so bring on the donuts :) I was able to hear the heartbeats with the Doppler today as well. They are starting to slow down a tad (but nothing to be concerned about) at 12.5 weeks they were both about 162, today one was at 157 and the other was bouncing back and forth from 145 to 147.
I'm still feeling great, and am so blessed to be doing so well. Thanks to everyone for all of the prayers.

Please continue to pray for:
Dan's job situation
Growth and health of the babies
God's guidance as we make relocation decisions (depending on job offers).

Thanks for all of the prayers and support
Love-
Dan, Gretchen, and the babies :)

Week 14 - HELLO CHUBBO

WOW!!! Now I know why I didn't want to have progressive pictures of this pregnancy, with NO exercise at all...this is how quickly I get chubby!!! I've gained 10 pounds as of now, but I think it's all in my face and arms (and of course the belly) YUCK!!! Ok, enough of my vanity. I'm committing to a picture of this sort every week from here out (by request).

Please continue to pray for:
-Health for me and the babies
-Job for Dan
-Us to trust in the Lord as we go through these VERY uncertain times

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen, and the babes

Back home on the couch

Well...here we sit again on the couch. I woke up this morning to much more unfavorable site than the past few mornings. Unfortunately, my Dr.'s office didn't even open until 9 so I called them right away. They told me that I was to remain on the couch for the duration of the day and return to them on Friday for yet another ultrasound.

Please continue to pray for:
-The Babies Health
-Peace of Mind for Us
-Wisdom for the Dr.'s
-Dan's job hunt

All Clear

After my 2 hour visit to the Dr.'s and another ultrasound we are all clear. The babies are already about 2 inches long and wiggling like crazy in there. The ultrasound tech seemed to still question whether or not these 2 are also identical...meaning we would have had identical triplets (talk about confusion)!
Thanks again for keeping us in your prayers, we know those are what are helping to keep our heads above water. Adios to the life of no worries :(

Home on the Couch

Well...the concerns of being a mom start already. I had some unfavorable symptoms yesterday and they still seem to be lingering today. After a call to my Dr. on both days, has landed me flat on my back on the couch. I came home around noon from work today and was told that I can't return to work until after the Dr. see's me tomorrow...so I'll enjoy an extra long weekend :)

Your prayers are so greatly appreciated as forge on.

Blessings-
Dan and Gretchen

**Job update on Dan:
***We could certainly still use your prayers in these areas
-Several Resumes have been sent out
-NO interviews on the horizon
-The job at JCI is done tomorrow

Good News, Bad News

Hello my faithful prayer warriors. I'm thrilled to report that our little babies are doing MARVELOUS!!!! After shedding many tears of fear, I was glad to shed several of joy. One of them was busy dancing around itching its face, and the other was a rascal to get measurements on...this one is going to be our future olympian, with its legs wrapped around its neck :) After a little coaxing we were able to measure both, and they are both measuring about 38mm with heart rates right around 180 bpm. The Dr. said things couldn't look better, and we were able to graduate. It was a bittersweet feeling for me to leave there because I've grown so comfortable with Dr. Dodds and confident in him, but I was so thrilled to be able to feel like a "normal" pregnant person leaving there and only having 1 Doctor.

The bad news followed about an hour later when Dan called to let me know, as of next Friday his contract has ended for work....so that means he's jobless. Fortunately, he has a little break from school and can focus on finding something else. While we are confident God will provide, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a tad nervous now...or more than a tad! The good news is, he has a week, and his current contract house was really hoping to get something lined up for him soon...to me soon means, like next Friday...but reality is, it usually takes a little longer than that. Please pray that the right job will cross his path, and we won't have to be on the "financial fence" too long.

Blessings-
Gretchen

Thankful for family and friends

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had a chance to really reflect on what my family and close friends mean to me. You really start to see who are the genuine people, when you experience a loss of any kind. I was just blown away by the amount of support we received, and I know I should have always known the support network existed with the family and friends we have. I want to just thank those of you who sent cards with beautiful words of encouragement, flowers, and even gave your time to help us out in a time of need, our yard has never looked better :) We are so appreciative of your kindness, and must say it's very humbling to be on the receiving end (I much prefer to be the giver...and of course have everthing go MY way too).

On a side note, thank you to those of you who kept Dan in your prayers, as he was trying to prepare for his finals and grieve at the same time. He successfully completed his FIRST FULL YEAR of law school, and as his wife...I couldn't be more proud of him. This was by far the hardest semester on me, considering all that we went through in the past few months, but I know now that I can endure just about anything...with a lot of prayer.

Thanks again, you guys are amazing and we love all of you~

Dan and Gretchen

Heart Broken

Well, today we received the news nobody ever wants to hear, we have lost one of our babies. We certainly know that God has a plan for our family, but it doesn't seem to ease the pain right now. Please continue to pray for the health and continued growth of the other two.

Baby Steps

Slowly but surely the reality of having 3 little babies is sinking in. This was today's big purchase. My mom and I took a road trip to Battle Creek today to pick up this dandy. The lady we purchased it from was full of words of wisdom, and I see her being a GREAT resource for me to leverage in the future. I was thrilled to get a great deal on this stroller, and amazed the condition of it...considering we are the 3rd family to use it. It won't be long and those seats will be occupied by Larry, Curly and Moe!!!!
I'm still feeling great, other than running on ZERO energy. I go back to see my Dr. on Tuesday and will get more information at that point. I see disability in my near future, which will be nice for my worn out body...but a little tough financially as we prepare for the babies. We are confident God will continue to provide...and I'm trying not to worry too much :)

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen & The Babes!

Reality is Sinking in

WOW!!! I must say that I'm still in shock, but I'm looking forward to all of the fun changes our future has in store. I think Dan is adjusting to the reality much more quickly than me. He will probably have a whole new appreciation for the peace and quiet he will get while away at school :)
I will go back to Dr. Dodds on August 5th for another ultrasound. The impression I got from him at that appointment was, I will then be given a referral to a high risk specialist in Grand Rapids (one of which he would select), and then have the babies at Spectrum. We realize we are far from "clear" at this point, so please continue to pray for my body to handle this as best as possible, and continued health and growth for the babies (eeek, it still feels weird using plural there).
Again, thanks for all of the prayers, calls and encouraging words...they are so appreciated.
Dan and Gretchen

Brace Yourself....

We prayed and God delivered, we found out today we are having TRIPLETS!!!! We so thrilled, but scared to death as well. We know a lot can happen between now and the end of January (is where they hope I make it to), but have a lot of choices to make and things to buy...WOW!!! God is Great, and we know he wouldn't give us more than we are capable of handling...but I think he's stopping just short of it this time.
We will have 2 identical babies and a fraternal.
Please pray for:
1. Continued Health for me
2. Healthy babies
3. Dan and I as we process what the future holds for us

Numbers are UP!!!!

Praise the Lord...my numbers more than doubled this morning. The Dr. is back to thinking there may be two little ones in there.
Thanks for all of the continued prayers and support. This truly and incredible experience.
I'm feeling pretty well other than just feeling EXTREMELY tired...nothing too unusual for me.

Have a fabulous weekend, I'm going to for sure enjoy mine. This is the first one in a long time that I've not had something to worry about (because I'm giving this one to God).

Gretchen (and Dan too)!

Tomorrow

Not a whole lot to say for today, but prayers please. Please just pray that the blood work comes back tomorrow w/double (or better) the numbers that I had yesterday!!!! I'm pretty nervous, but I know God has gotten us this far, he surely won't abadon us without a plan.

Blessings-
Gretchen

Today's Results

Well, let's just say they weren't exactly encouraging. I got the call from my Dr.'s office this morning saying they usually like to see the hcg increase by 80% every 2 days, and on Monday I was at 223 and today it was 403. The nurse said this could very possibly be that my numbers were so high on Monday they simply didn't increase as much this time. They also said it's possilbe that 2 may have implanted intially, but we are down to 1 now therefore not increasing so rapidly. They have ordered a repeat blood draw for Friday, so please pray that everything is "normal".

Happy Anniversary Dan!!!! What a wild and eventful 3 years we've had....here's to many more :)

Gretchen

Excited

We can't even put into words how excited we are, but we are well aware that we are not in the clear. Please continue to pray that everything goes well and God will protect this little one or these little ones!!!!
On that note, July 22 will be the date that we will find out if there are more than 1 Blakeslee to be babies...as well as "Graduate" from Dr. Dodds office until he is needed in the future :) We will trust him with our 6 other frozen children in that time.
We know that we have been very blessed to have this work the first time, and thank all of you for your continued prayers and support through the last year of many ups and downs. I know that God has a plan to use this experience to glorify him, and I'm anxious to see where I will be used. Like I've said before, this is such a sensitive topic for those experiencing it first hand...and I'd love to be able to help others through the highs and lows as I've been helped through it.
I will have one more blood draw tomorrow morning to make sure that my numbers are increasing appropriately, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous for it....but nothing like Monday's nerves :)

Stay tuned for updates~
Dan and Gretchen

POSITIVE

Yes....that is the call I got this morning. We are most definitely pregnant, and will have a double check blood draw on Wednesday. I'll post more later!!!!

Thanks EVERYONE for your prayers!!!!! God is sooooooo good!!!!

Fun Weekend

After a weekend of laying low, we enjoyed each others company at a ball game on Sunday. It was our friend Andy's surprise 30th birthday party...but you wouldn't know because my lack of pictures :( We had a great time with everyone, and it was so nice for Dan to be able to just relax for a change.
We are looking forward to a nice anniversary get away this weekend (I can't say where because Dan doesn't know where), but I'm going to make an effort to capture some Kodak moments :)
All of this busyness should help pass the agonizing days until we find out whether or not we've succeeded. You can tune in to the blog for a results update, please, please, please do NOT call us, we promise we will let all of you know. This has been a very trying time for us, and after several failed attempts of other previous methods we've learned it is much easier if we don't tell people the date we are waiting for. For those of you who do know the date....multiply your anticipation by 1000 and that is what we are feeling right now :)
Thanks again for your continued prayers as we now just wait it out. The nerves are shot, but we are trusting that the Lord has a plan for where he has us.
Love~
Dan and Gretchen

OUT OF BED

Wow, does it feel good. I have a new appreciation for what hospitalized people go through. Let's just say that I don't do the relaxation thing very well. I did enjoy having Dan wait on me a little bit, but truthfully I missed being able to just get up and get a drink or whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. A special thanks to my buddy Haley a.k.a. YADEY for coming over and doing my nails today and just loafing in the bed with me for a bit. I feel enormous after eating as well as I have and getting absolutely no activity.
All in all I feel great, just a little on the tired side and a weird feeling stomach.
Now we just start the waiting game, and we are beyond excited to find out what God has in store for us. We have learned a lot about trusting Him through all of this, and I don't know why it took me so long to figure this out, but life sure is easier when you just give it to Him.
Again, thanks so much for the many calls and encouraging words. We figure not too many people get the chance to see their babies at this stage (and certainly wouldn't wish this on anyone), but what an amazing experience this has all been.

Blessings-
Dan and Gretchen

Blakeslee Babies

Well, here they are....I think the one on the right looks just like Dan. He swears that one has my nose :)
We are thrilled and are going to be biting our nails until we get our confirmation blood draw in a couple of weeks.
Dr. Dodds was thrilled, and said that both embryos are what they consider to be "grade 1" (the best possible), and they said they'd be shocked if they don't both take, but anticipate 1 to for sure attach.
Please continue to storm the throne of God on our behalf, and pray for continued health.
As for now, I'm stuck in the bed until 6pm on Friday but I'm going to enjoy a little relaxation.
Again, we can't possibly thank you for all of the prayers, concern, calls and care you have all shown us.

We love you all-
Dan and Gretchen

All is well

I received the call from the Dr.'s office this morning. Of the 12 eggs they retrieved yesterday, 1 had a broken outer shell, 1 was immature, leaving 10 to fertilize and 8 fertilized. Tomorrow morning I will go back at 10:30 for the transfer of 2 of them. So as of today Dan and I have 8 "beautiful" frozen children :) To my understanding I will have pictures of our 2 tomorrow, so I'll be sure to post them, and you can let us know if you think they look more like Dan or me!!! I asked for a blonde hair blue eyed girl and a brown hair green eyed boy...we'll wait and see. It does seem really weird to me that they are totally choosing our child for us...thank you Lord for modern medicine...truly miraculous!!!!

Thanks again all of you faithful prayer warriors, we love all of you.
Love -
Dan and Gretchen

Tuesday for sure

I got the call yesterday that my retrieval will for sure be on Tuesday at 9:30. I plan to just take Monday off to rest, as I've just not felt very well.

Once again, please just pray that everything goes well.

Ugh!

Yet another change...today the Dr. suggested I wait until either Tuesday or Wednesday for my retrieval. I begged him to at least let me go Tuesday because I haven't felt well since last Thursday. This Dr. wasn't my favorite, and appears to lack compassion and just told me he was glad I felt crappy (b/c that means things are working). Anyway, please pray for patience for me as I tend to lack in this area on a good day.

Blessings-
Gretchen

Please Continue to Pray for Our Troops

Last night Dan and I had dinner with my brother Andy and his wife Amber. Andy just returned from his second tour of duty over to Iraq. I'm convinced it was all of the faithful prayer warriors that brought him home safely. We had a wonderful time catching up with them before they head back to North Carolina.

A Collage of the past few days

I'm really working hard at taking more pictures....I'm terrible about this. Dan and I will come home from a vacation and have 3 pictures...one of him, one of me, and one of the dog (before we left her). So I thought maybe this blogging thing would help me do this too. I will feel horrible when we have children if I don't take a few pictures, after all, I still harass my mom about the lack of pictures of me (fondly called...second child syndrome).
Sunday I spent Father's Day at my mom's house cooking out with my step brother and his family and my step sister and her friend.

Monday!!!

At my Dr. appointment this morning, I learned that I am running right on target for my retrieval on Monday and transfer on Wednesday. The nurse was very encouraged by the number of "mature" follicles I had...more specifically 14 on my right and 10 on my left. She asked me if I was feeling "full" and all around crappy, and I said "How did you know"? I don't think crappy is a good description, but not myself would describe it better. Right now I could just sleep all day, I can't seem to find enough time to sleep and I pretty much constantly feel nauseated. Now, you may be thinking welcome to what you'd feel like pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I would welcome all of those symptoms if and when I'm pregnant...maybe not w/open arms, but I promise I won't be a complainer.
So I return to the Dr. on Saturday to find out for sure what my time frame is, but by the way things had progressed from Tuesday to Thursday...Monday is my big day.

Please continue to pray for peace of mind, health, and success.

Gretchen~

Moving Right Along

This morning I had another Dr. appointment, and judging by the ultrasound, I will be going even earlier now. As of now I will either have my retrieval this Sunday or Monday. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous, but I'm so excited at the same time.
I'm thankful for all that I've learned from this process, but by all means am ready to have it be over with. I feel like I have grown in a big way spiritually and wouldn't change that growth for anything. Thanks again for all of the prayers, and please keep them coming as we are a long way from being done.

Love-
Gretchen

Ups and Downs

As I'm writing this, I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. Last night was a night of panic, worry, frustration, anger.... At times I just really struggle to come to grips with why God chose ME to experience such a load. I wonder what I ever did to deserve this, how am I supposed to grow from something that has made me so bitter at times? How does God intend to use this experience to grow me? Then there are days where I feel like I've grown so much and wouldn't change this experience for anything. Please continue to pray that God will give us peace, and that I will be able to let go of some of this "worry", and not play the "what if" game with myself all of the time.

A Kid in the Candy Store

That's about the best way to describe my anticipation for the upcoming weeks!!!! I had a Dr. appointment Wednesday morning, and learned that things could not have gone better...YEEHA!!! It appears that I have numerous small follicles so the egg retrieval should be a success...and we should have several frozen children as of June 24...I always knew I wanted at least 3 children...but we are looking at some where in the neighborhood of 20 children!!!!
Tonight I get to learn what a human pin cushion is, as I will be doing 3 different injections tonight and tomorrow. Saturday I will head back to the Dr. for more blood work and another ultrasound. With each visit, I get a better idea of what my actual retrieval date will be but as of now it's June 24th...did I mention I'm super excited :)
Anyway, that's my update in a nut shell.
Thanks as always for all of your prayers for us as we continue on this roller coaster we like to call "Life".

-Gretchen

In-Vitro Update!!!

After much anticipation, it appears our target dates will be June 25th and 27th (subject to change one or two days). On June 25th I will have my egg retrieval which is done with a needle guided ultrasound (thank you Lord for drugs) and on the 27th I will go back to have my transfer procedure. Following the transfer I will have a strict 24 hours bedrest (the first 4 hours are NO movement what so ever). The second 24 hours will be "relaxed" bedrest...where I will at least be able to eat dinner at the table. I must say I'm kind of looking forward to a couple of days where someone has officially told me I'm to do absolutely NOTHING for 48 hours...sorry Dan :) Please continue to pray for peace of mind for us and that I stay healthy during all of this.

Blessings-
Gretchen

I LOVE spring time!!!!

This is the time of year I can actually say "I LOVE MICHIGAN". I look forward to the weekend of Memorial Day every year, as it marks the day of color around the Blakeslee house. These are just a brief sampling of this years "investment". I think the greenhouses prey on us Michiganders because we are so desperate for color by this time of the year, we'll spend virtually any amount of money.

Overcoming My Needle Phobia

So things have started off on a positive note. I received my huge box full of drugs and hit the road running this past Saturday with my shots. Hopefully I don't end up with major bruises on my stomach like I have in previous months...apparently I tend to be a bit careless in doing the injections (however, if I do...I suppose it would be a photo opportunity). Anyway, it appears we will be wrapping this whole process up toward the end of June, please pray that it works :)

10 Things I've Learned in the Past Year...

10. Time REALLY does fly
9. Things certainly don't happen in the time frame/order I would like (Rather God's timing)
8. Make time spent with Dan intentional
7. It's okay to question God
6. Never lose sight of your goals and aspirations
5. A little bit of sensitivity goes a long way
4. I have a lot of emotions I never even knew existed (Thanks to all my friends and family for your patience with me)
3. Attitude is EVERYTHING
2. I really am capable of overcoming my needle phobia...who knew?!?!?! (Check back for pictures tomorrow)
1. Trust God, Have Faith, and WOW the power of prayer is incredible

Getting Started

I have decided to create an online journal with access for our family and friends. I figured this would be a good place to keep those who are our faithful prayer warriors up to speed with where we are in our latest journey. I've found other's blogs to be rather therapeutic for myself as I'm dealing with some of the most challenging chapters of life, and thought I'd give it a try for myself.