#Vidovich Adventures

Monday, January 29, 2018

Update on FET...

Last week I posted about our upcoming FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) and was so touched by the overwhelming response. The love, support, and prayers are incredible. I wish there was a way to adequately express my gratitude.

When you open up about something so personal and intimate, it's really scary and you never know how it will be received. Every message, email, comment, and text were read and so appreciated.

I also wanted to thank those of you who trusted me enough to share your own personal struggle with infertility. I know how hard it is and feel honored that you felt safe enough to share it with me.

Today we met with our REI (Reproductive Endocrinologist...doctor) to go over the results of all our tests and make a game plan for our FET.

The one factor in question is my thyroid. I have hyperthyroidism but it goes into remission during my pregnancies and while nursing. I just weaned Bea and right on cue...my TSH levels are off.

With that in mind, we are looking at a March transfer...around St. Patrick's Day. Hoping we have the luck of the Irish on our side. 😉

Every time we walk into Reproductive Partners and meet with Dr. Huang, it's as if he lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. It's no longer my problem. My infertility becomes his infertility. My stress melts away and I can breathe.

This next month will consist of more tests...more blood, a saline ultra sound, and a trial transfer. Then starting in March, we will start estrogen pills, progesterone shots, more blood, more ultrasounds, then our transfer.

It's exciting and scary and incredible and amazing. This is exactly how Drew and Bea started. That in itself is mind blowing.

This next month, I'm going to eat all the sushi and drink lots of wine. Because I am looking optimistically ahead and as Andrew perfectly stated, "Hopefully you won't be able to have any of this for 40 weeks!"

Last Embryo. Last Chance.

Motherhood isn't easy for me.

I don't mean the all day morning sickness, the colicky baby stage, or the toddler tantrums...although those were freaking brutal.

The hardest part of motherhood for me was waiting for it to begin. The actual getting pregnant part.

For a lot of people, getting pregnant is easy...wham, bam, thank you ma'am...you know what I mean?!

For many, including myself, trying to have a baby isn't easy. Nope. Getting pregnant is a real B!

For two and a half years, we tried and failed at creating a family the good ol' fashioned way. Each month was more devastating than the last. This was the hard part. Not the drugs, shots, or bedrest...the waiting. The disappointment. The heartbreak.

We've been through it all already...the harvesting, retrieval, hyperstimulation, freezing, embryo transfer, wait.

This year we will be trying for our last baby.

This time around is a bit different. It's our last embryo. Our last chance at having another baby. And truth be told, I am as scared as I have ever been.

There are pros & cons to being "open" with our journey. I would say without a doubt that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. When I opened up about our struggles, we received an unbelievable amount of support, love, and so many prayers. It was incredible. The cons are opening yourself up for judgement, the occasional insensitive comment, and the fear of the unknown.

These next few weeks will consist of paps, blood work, doctor visits, ultrasounds, and if all looks good...drugs and an embryo transfer next month.

This is not easy to share (a little scary and very emotional)...and I'm sure these posts aren't always easy to read (TMI, against your beliefs, too sad) but it's part of our journey.

Sharing my story has helped me heal and hopefully helps someone else who may stumble upon this post. If by being open I can give hope to at least one person struggling then this is totally worth it.

As we anxiously start this process, I would very much love and appreciate prayers, good vibes, and positivity. 🖤

As always...thank you for reading my posts and caring about our journey. This little space on the internet has become a second home. It's my safe place...and for that I am forever thankful.

Sick Baby Survival Kit

Sick time is never any fun.

Unfortunately, it's inevitable.

Even the most calm, cool-as-a-cucumber, and collected mommas freak just a tad when their little is sick...and even more so when fevers are involved.

Nothing is worse than seeing your sweet baby miserable.

We just got through a houseful of sick babies...the pits.

Because littles get sick...here are my must haves for surviving a sick baby.

1. Medi Frida

This Paci-style baby medicine dispenser is incredible. Prevents spit-ups and ensures the accurate dosing of medication by bypassing baby's tastebuds and sending the medicine to the side of the cheek, as recommended by doctors. 🙌🏼 I wish I would have had this with Drew when we got home from the NICU.

2. Saline Snot Spray

This saline spray helps to moisten the nasal passages and clear boogies from those cute little noses.

3. Thermometer

Get a good and easy to use Thermometer. You'll use these bad boys A LOT!

4. Humidifier

Adds moisture to the air to help ease coughing and congestion.

Warning: It is very important that you clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from spreading into the air.

How I clean our humidifier: Pour white vinegar in to the base of your cool mist humidifier and let sit. Remove any residue by gently scrubbing with a towel. Rinse thoroughly. Gently spot clean any remaining pieces with a little vinegar and a damp cloth.

5. Baby Tylenol

Keep your little comfortable and that Fever at bay.

6. Nose Frida

Whenever boogies are a problem, we use the good ol' Nose Frida. Allows you to clear those nasal passages for littles that can’t blow their noses yet. Don't worry...there is a filter. They will not shoot up the tube and into your mouth. Trust me. I'm a pro thanks to my little boogie girls.

7. Breathe Frida

At the first sign of a runny nose, I start using these wipes. These wipes are tough on boogers but soft on little noses so they don't leave you baby's nose chapped or dry. Think chest balm meets tissue combo, all the benefits of a chest balm in a easy wipe form. Chamomile, aloe, & vitamin B provide cooling relief to tender noses, and the all-natural menthol and eucalyptus leave baby feeling refreshed.

8. Last, but definitely not least...You.

Breastfeeding Mommas...my secret weapon is nursing on demand. The best thing you can do when your baby is sick is nurse them. Not only is it comforting...think of drinking a warm cup of tea while snuggled into the coziest blanket but you breastmilk is jam packed with with vitamins, nutrients, and antibodies that will help your little get better a lot faster.

All littles need their momma's love, affection, comfort, and nurturing. So...stay in you jammies, snuggle up on the couch, grab a cup of coffee, and watch whatever makes you both happy.

May the odds be ever in your favor, momma. Sending good vibes, lots of positivity, and wishes for a speedy recovery! Xo.

*Disclaimer: The Frida Baby items were gifted to me in exchange for a review. All opinions in this post are my own. Also note that all opinions expressed on this blog are based on my own thoughts, knowledge, and experiences. I am not a Doctor or other health professional.