Getting Closer

     I am 32 weeks gestation now. I feel like its taking forever. I can't wait to actually hold Nicholas in my arms. I have swollen ankles now and have gotten huge! I am counting down the weeks until I get to go on maternity leave.

     In the recent weeks, I've experienced many emotions. I have noticed and felt the love and excitement from my friends and family who understand how much I want a baby. And then I have felt the coldness from friends who may not truely support me or have drifted away. It is a time when I'm finding out who my real  friends are.

     I go for non stress testing 2
times a week now. I have a history of high blood pressure and take medicine for it. I also have an abnormal placenta. And since I am 38,  I'm considered advanced maternal age for pregnancy. My after visit summaries state "Elderly Primigravida". That sounds hilarious.

     So far my pregnancy has gone well. Never had morning sickness. Just tired but that is expected.

     Yesterday a patient reached out to me and touched my stomach. She was probably in 70's. She said its so nice to feel your tummy. She said "It's so beautiful. I wanted a baby for so long but could never have one." I really felt for her and know she must have gone thru a lot.

     This is the happiest time in my whole life. I never realized until now, how awesome woman are. I feel my baby Nicholas moving around inside of me. Life is amazing.


 

My Decision To Have Artificial Insemination

     A couple years ago, the thought crossed my mind to have artificial insemination. I was 36 years old, single, and had no children. I was still doing the online dating thing, but not successful in finding "Mr. Right".
     I was 28 years old when I graduated from nursing school. I became a Mother/Baby OB/GYN nurse. I enjoyed taking care of the babies. I worked in the hospital as a Mommy Baby nurse for about 6 years. I wondered, "when will that ever be me, when will I be the one having the happy family and baby". I know that sounds bad but it is really how I felt. It was hard to see my dream played out in my job and never have that dream come true in my own life. I left the hospital and went to work in the clinic. It was easier  for me not to see the babies and happy families everyday.
     I realized last year that in December of 2010, I would be 38 years old. My mom told me that since she would be retiring in 2011, she would watch my baby if I decided to have artificial insemination. I decided that I was getting older and needed to make a decision soon. I did not want to be in my 40's and have difficulty getting pregnant. In March of 2010 I decided that I would have artificial insemination. I still did not have a special man in my life.
     I had to follow a very strict plan to become pregnant. I had to have ultrasounds, blood tests, and used progesterone suppositories. I injected myself in my abdomen with a medication called Repronex. Repronex stimulates your ovaries to produce eggs in each ovary. I taught my friend Scott how to give me the injections. It was easier when he helped me because those things hurt. Then I went through more ultrasounds and blood tests. I taught my sister Angie how to give me the Intramuscular injection of HCG which stimulated ovulation. My ultrasound showed I had 2 follicles in my right ovary.
     On August 20, 2010 I had the IUI procedure.  I had to wait for 16 days to test my urine to see if I was pregnant. It was hard waiting. If I tested it too soon, it would be a false positive because of the HCG injection. HCG shows up in your urine when you are pregnant. But it also stimulates your ovaries for ovulation. On day 13 I couldn't wait, I did a pregnancy test and it was positive. Then I did one again the next day and the next day. They were all positive. I was one of the lucky few who got pregnant on the first try.
     I am 25 weeks along now. I bought my first townhouse in November. It is very close to my parents. I would not be able to do this without my Moms commitment to be my babysitter. I am very happy and excited. I wanted a boy and my amniocentisis showed it is a boy for sure. I have such wonderful support from my family and friends. Nicholas should be born on May 14, 2011.
     What I am doing is not that common. There are a bunch of movies out now about women who chose to have artificial insemination and gay couples who chose it too. I guess it has become more accepted now and reminds of the the TV show "Modern Family". I am soooo excited to have my own Modern Family.