Dear Family & Friends,
Words cannot express our love and appreciation for you all. Your prayers, thoughts, good vibes, whatever it may be, we felt so much support from each and every one of you.
Going through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is very hard physically and emotionally. It is so helpful having a support team. Whether you are family, friends, or an acquaintance, you are a part of our team. We could not do this alone, and you are a huge part of our life and story.
This morning I went in for the HCG blood draw, to find out if I was pregnant or not. The nurse told me that they would call me with the results in the afternoon.
Sadly, they called and told me that the test came back negative.
We have been full of frustration, confusion, anger, and devastation. I haven't been able to talk much, but have been able to cry and scream. I know as the days go on things will get easier, but it will take some time.
As of now, we don't know when we will continue with another round. We will be meeting with Dr. Foulk (our fertility specialist) this coming month on November 21st; we hope to learn more about what issues may have caused the FET to be unsuccessful and to learn what steps lie ahead.
Although this isn't the result we were hoping and praying for, we believe it's all in the Lord's plan and timing...and we choose to accept that.
My dad shared a scripture with me that was perfect for the timing and situation today. "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." (Psalms 27:14)
Thank you again for being there for us. We are so grateful for all of your love and support.
Love,
Ali and Scott
October 31, 2016
October 27, 2016
Patiently Waiting
Some of you may have seen this little video I made on one of my "Princess Days" last week after the transfer. The "Princess Days" were basically the post-op directions, which meant I had to be a couch potato. I didn't complain about that...it is nice every now and then just sit around and read and watch a show or movie all day.
On Saturday we decided to take a drive to meet up with Scotts's sister and her family in Midway. We went to the best creamery I've been to since living in Idaho...and I have been missing that amazing ice cream fresh from those creameries! After having a tasty little treat, we went and drove around looking at the beautiful homes there. My Goodness!!! I will admit it that I have a few dream home up there, and if Scott and I stay in Utah for the rest of our lives, we are moving to Midway!
After my Mom heard I was up in Midway/Heber not sitting at home on the couch being a "couch potato" she gave me those Mom eyes, we all now when we see them. Haha. So when I got home, I put her at ease by doing something she told me I needed to do every day to make those little embryos stick.
Now, we keep waiting until next week to find out if I am officially preggers. Yes...I feel like it is taking for-ev-er but soon enough the day will be here that we can't wait for.
Until the next update!
Here's a small glimpse into what the day of the transfer was like for the two of us.
On Saturday we decided to take a drive to meet up with Scotts's sister and her family in Midway. We went to the best creamery I've been to since living in Idaho...and I have been missing that amazing ice cream fresh from those creameries! After having a tasty little treat, we went and drove around looking at the beautiful homes there. My Goodness!!! I will admit it that I have a few dream home up there, and if Scott and I stay in Utah for the rest of our lives, we are moving to Midway!
After my Mom heard I was up in Midway/Heber not sitting at home on the couch being a "couch potato" she gave me those Mom eyes, we all now when we see them. Haha. So when I got home, I put her at ease by doing something she told me I needed to do every day to make those little embryos stick.
Now, we keep waiting until next week to find out if I am officially preggers. Yes...I feel like it is taking for-ev-er but soon enough the day will be here that we can't wait for.
Until the next update!
October 14, 2016
Next Step: FET
You might be wondering, what does FET stand for?
Frozen Embryo Transfer. That's right! Next Thursday, October 20, is the BIG day!
That means I'm back on a schedule with all the medications again. To give you glimpse of everything that I'm using for the Frozen Embryo Transfer, here is everything...
Last week I started taking two estrogen shots a week, and that will continue. Tomorrow I'll start taking a progesterone shot, which will continue daily. Then Sunday and Monday are big days with the Z-pack and steroids (those only go for a few days of next week). Then, it's Thursday, the Transfer Day!
If things go well and the embryo(s) take - we are implanting two - I'll continue shots for 10 more weeks. I know that's a lot to keep doing, but it will all be worth it!
I still can't believe that the transfer day is here! Just last month we were thinking we would transfer, and plans changed, for my health and a successful transfer. Now, it's really happening and I'm getting all the butterflies about the whole thing every time I think about it. This is such a big step and will completely change our family and future. I am anxious to know how everything will go and what the end result will be.
I know this isn't much for now, but next week it is a BIG week and I'll share with you all as much as I possibly can!
Frozen Embryo Transfer. That's right! Next Thursday, October 20, is the BIG day!
That means I'm back on a schedule with all the medications again. To give you glimpse of everything that I'm using for the Frozen Embryo Transfer, here is everything...
If things go well and the embryo(s) take - we are implanting two - I'll continue shots for 10 more weeks. I know that's a lot to keep doing, but it will all be worth it!
I still can't believe that the transfer day is here! Just last month we were thinking we would transfer, and plans changed, for my health and a successful transfer. Now, it's really happening and I'm getting all the butterflies about the whole thing every time I think about it. This is such a big step and will completely change our family and future. I am anxious to know how everything will go and what the end result will be.
I know this isn't much for now, but next week it is a BIG week and I'll share with you all as much as I possibly can!
October 7, 2016
A Few of My Favorite Things
This time of year is one of my favorite times of year. Who doesn't love fall?! The beautiful colors, the cool breeze, wearing warm and cozy sweaters and scarves...the list could go on and on and on.
During the stressful and busy times of life, I like taking the time to think and reflect on a few of my favorite things.
The Alpine Loop in Utah is absolutely beautiful this time of year. Scott and I took the time during General Conference this last week to drive my sisters up through the Alpine Loop. I don't think words can express the beauty up that canyon, so here's the pictures I got on the drive.
Speaking of General Conference Weekend, I love knowing that there is a living prophet today. He speaks to us and gives us the guidance and direction we need today. Thomas S. Monson spoke as well as apostles and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The words spoken we so powerful and gave me such a boost in my spirits.
One of my favorite speakers talked about Joy and how powerful it is. Joy is incredible and can heal and bless your life and others as well. I can't imagine life without joy. There are so many things like fall, family, friends, school, baking, and more that bring joy into my life each and every day.
Another thing that I love, is loving so close to a place very close to my heart. Temple Square. I spent 18 months as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the incredible Temple Square. Anytime I have a chance to walk around those grounds, I reflect back on those days and remember the sweet people I met and all the incredible experiences I had.
During the stressful and busy times of life, I like taking the time to think and reflect on a few of my favorite things.
The Alpine Loop in Utah is absolutely beautiful this time of year. Scott and I took the time during General Conference this last week to drive my sisters up through the Alpine Loop. I don't think words can express the beauty up that canyon, so here's the pictures I got on the drive.
Speaking of General Conference Weekend, I love knowing that there is a living prophet today. He speaks to us and gives us the guidance and direction we need today. Thomas S. Monson spoke as well as apostles and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The words spoken we so powerful and gave me such a boost in my spirits.
One of my favorite speakers talked about Joy and how powerful it is. Joy is incredible and can heal and bless your life and others as well. I can't imagine life without joy. There are so many things like fall, family, friends, school, baking, and more that bring joy into my life each and every day.
One last thing I love doing, all year long, is working out! I always love trying new things, especially classes. If you haven't heard of the new class HIGH, you're missing out! It is such a fun class and you get the best workout too! I have made some great friends and look up to so man of the teachers for the love and dedication to healthy lives. I was lucky enough to snap the quick (sweaty) picture with two of my favorite teachers, Metta and Rochelle. They have helped me in so many more ways than I ever thought a gym class teacher would. They are more than just a teacher...they're the one's who give me strength, support, bring happiness into my life, make me feel good, and more. If you know these two ladies consider yourself lucky, and if you don't you need to meet them!
Find what makes you happy. What are your favorite things? Figure out what they are and make sure you always have something in your life that makes you happy and brings joy into your life each and every day.
September 24, 2016
Time to Till the Soil
Sorry to have been so MIA this week. After the egg retrieval last Sunday, September18, I have been on a "slow" road to recovery. It's common to have bloating and cramping, and that's what I've been dealing with all week, and it's been the worst I've ever experienced. I'm sure going to work the day after wasn't the best idea, but I can't help spending a day away from my students.
On Friday, September 16, I went in for one of my routine blood draws. A couple hours later I got a call that my levels were all where they needed to be for the trigger shot! I wasn't expecting the trigger shot until the following Monday and retrieval on Wednesday. However, we needed to listen to my body and get those eggs out at the perfect timing.
That night I received a call with all the plans and instructions leading up to the retrieval on Sunday, September 18. The timing of everything is crucial at this point.
At 10:00 PM on Friday I needed to give myself the HCG trigger shot. That was the huge scary needle...then I learned that the huge needle wasn't going into my body, it was used to draw up the liquid, then we switched over to a regular needed like I'd been using.
Saturday, September 17, I was to take a pregnancy test. This would let us know if the HCG trigger shot worked. The test was positive, so that means everything worked the way it was supposed to and we were going in Sunday for the egg retrieval.
Sunday, September 18, Scott, Olivia (my sister) and I all headed to the Clinic to be there at 9:30 AM. I checked in and soon after the anesthesiologist called my back to get things going for the egg retrieval.
The procedure was about 30 minutes. After I woke up I remember the anesthesiologist walking me to the recovery room, and on the way we walked past the lab where they were starting to look at all 15 eggs they were able to harvest! I was pretty out of it, so I don't remember too much beyond that.
This past week I've been getting updates as to how things are going with the embryos. On Monday, September 19, the Clinic called and said that they did a rescue ICSI, which means that they had to inject each egg with sperm to get it fertilized to begin the process of growing an embryo. We weren't expecting that, but we are so grateful that they did it for us. When they checked the embryos that day, 12 of them were maturing (of the other three, two stopped maturing and one did not have a "shell" - that means the fluid was all there, but not contained). By Wednesday there were 10 embryos maturing, and then on Friday we got the shocking news that only 3 embryos were maturing, but possibly 4. They explained to us that days 3-5 are the biggest "growth spurt" they go through. The embryo is at about 8 cells on day 3 and by day 5 to be maturing correctly it should be split into 150 cells! That was so fascinating to learn that they grow and split that much in just those few days.
Yesterday, Friday, I got another update saying that 3 of the embryos were frozen and they were watching the last embryo over night and checking it this morning to see how it was looking.
We went to a boutique show last night in Pleasant Grove and happened to drive past the clinic on our way home. We cheered our little embryo on to keep growing and we have been saying many prayers that the last embryo would mature enough to freeze with the other 3, to give us a total of 4. Not too long ago, today, we got a call from the Clinic that the 4th embryo had matured and was going to be frozen with the other 3. YAYY!!! We have 4 embryos being frozen and will be ready to implant next month.
That's a change in the timeline, that we knew could potentially happen. Dr. Foulk called me on Wednesday and explained to me why he wanted us to wait until next month. He said that because my ovary reacted so quickly to all the medication, he suspects that not much of he medication was able to prepare the uterus to accept implantation. He put it into terms that I could understand and said that my uterus wasn't ready this month, and we needed to "till the soil" in my uterus to get it ready for implantation next month.
As of now, I am not taking any medications and will begin preparing for implantation with more medication in a few weeks. The date we have planned for now is to implant on October 20th or 21st. Then two weeks after that we'll know how many of the embryos took (we're planning on implanting two of the four embryos).
It's hard to believe that everything is happening, and now we're being reminded that our Heavenly Father has a hand in everything. When Scott and I were trying to plan everything originally, we were hoping to go through IVF in October. As we told the clinic that's what we wanted to do, they informed us that Dr. Foulk wouldn't be in the office that month, because he'd be visit his other clinics in various states. Surprisingly, the timeline we were hoping for is going to work out. The days that we have set to implant are the exact dates that Dr. Foulk will be attending a conference here, in Salt Lake. So, he said he would absolutely be here on the day we chose to implant.
We know that things are working out in perfect timing and we know that prayers are answered. Through this whole experience, Scott and I lean on one another, but most importantly our Heavenly Father. He is the one that is there to strengthen us and guide us in these big decisions we are making in our life. We have longed to be parents for a few years now, and it is finally going to happen.
Thank you to those who continue to love and support us through this journey. We know we are not alone, and feel your love each and every day.
On Friday, September 16, I went in for one of my routine blood draws. A couple hours later I got a call that my levels were all where they needed to be for the trigger shot! I wasn't expecting the trigger shot until the following Monday and retrieval on Wednesday. However, we needed to listen to my body and get those eggs out at the perfect timing.
That night I received a call with all the plans and instructions leading up to the retrieval on Sunday, September 18. The timing of everything is crucial at this point.
At 10:00 PM on Friday I needed to give myself the HCG trigger shot. That was the huge scary needle...then I learned that the huge needle wasn't going into my body, it was used to draw up the liquid, then we switched over to a regular needed like I'd been using.
Saturday, September 17, I was to take a pregnancy test. This would let us know if the HCG trigger shot worked. The test was positive, so that means everything worked the way it was supposed to and we were going in Sunday for the egg retrieval.
Sunday, September 18, Scott, Olivia (my sister) and I all headed to the Clinic to be there at 9:30 AM. I checked in and soon after the anesthesiologist called my back to get things going for the egg retrieval.
The procedure was about 30 minutes. After I woke up I remember the anesthesiologist walking me to the recovery room, and on the way we walked past the lab where they were starting to look at all 15 eggs they were able to harvest! I was pretty out of it, so I don't remember too much beyond that.
This past week I've been getting updates as to how things are going with the embryos. On Monday, September 19, the Clinic called and said that they did a rescue ICSI, which means that they had to inject each egg with sperm to get it fertilized to begin the process of growing an embryo. We weren't expecting that, but we are so grateful that they did it for us. When they checked the embryos that day, 12 of them were maturing (of the other three, two stopped maturing and one did not have a "shell" - that means the fluid was all there, but not contained). By Wednesday there were 10 embryos maturing, and then on Friday we got the shocking news that only 3 embryos were maturing, but possibly 4. They explained to us that days 3-5 are the biggest "growth spurt" they go through. The embryo is at about 8 cells on day 3 and by day 5 to be maturing correctly it should be split into 150 cells! That was so fascinating to learn that they grow and split that much in just those few days.
Yesterday, Friday, I got another update saying that 3 of the embryos were frozen and they were watching the last embryo over night and checking it this morning to see how it was looking.
We went to a boutique show last night in Pleasant Grove and happened to drive past the clinic on our way home. We cheered our little embryo on to keep growing and we have been saying many prayers that the last embryo would mature enough to freeze with the other 3, to give us a total of 4. Not too long ago, today, we got a call from the Clinic that the 4th embryo had matured and was going to be frozen with the other 3. YAYY!!! We have 4 embryos being frozen and will be ready to implant next month.
That's a change in the timeline, that we knew could potentially happen. Dr. Foulk called me on Wednesday and explained to me why he wanted us to wait until next month. He said that because my ovary reacted so quickly to all the medication, he suspects that not much of he medication was able to prepare the uterus to accept implantation. He put it into terms that I could understand and said that my uterus wasn't ready this month, and we needed to "till the soil" in my uterus to get it ready for implantation next month.
As of now, I am not taking any medications and will begin preparing for implantation with more medication in a few weeks. The date we have planned for now is to implant on October 20th or 21st. Then two weeks after that we'll know how many of the embryos took (we're planning on implanting two of the four embryos).
It's hard to believe that everything is happening, and now we're being reminded that our Heavenly Father has a hand in everything. When Scott and I were trying to plan everything originally, we were hoping to go through IVF in October. As we told the clinic that's what we wanted to do, they informed us that Dr. Foulk wouldn't be in the office that month, because he'd be visit his other clinics in various states. Surprisingly, the timeline we were hoping for is going to work out. The days that we have set to implant are the exact dates that Dr. Foulk will be attending a conference here, in Salt Lake. So, he said he would absolutely be here on the day we chose to implant.
We know that things are working out in perfect timing and we know that prayers are answered. Through this whole experience, Scott and I lean on one another, but most importantly our Heavenly Father. He is the one that is there to strengthen us and guide us in these big decisions we are making in our life. We have longed to be parents for a few years now, and it is finally going to happen.
Thank you to those who continue to love and support us through this journey. We know we are not alone, and feel your love each and every day.
September 11, 2016
IVF is a GO
If you're not familiar with our story, here's a little refresher.
Scott and I met back in 2013 while we were living in Alpine, Utah. We then moved to Provo, Utah where Scott finished his last 2 years going to school and playing rugby for BYU. During that time I was teaching elementary school - first and second grade. Last year we moved to Lehi, Utah so we could both be closer to our jobs.
Over the past 2 years Scott and I have been wanting to start a family of our own, but we've had a few set backs. After an ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy, we decided it was time to go through with IVF.
As of August 22 it started and we couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead. Yes, we have our moments of question and worry, but we know that there is a plan for us to have a family and this is the way it is going to happen. We put our trust in Heavenly Father and know that everything will work out.
August 22: Scott and I officially started taking medications to prepare for IVF. We both needed to take an antibiotic to clear our systems of any infections or any infections we could be carrying.
August 27: I began taking Lupron. This drug overstimulate's the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily.
September 3: We participated in a 5k with some family and friends to promote infertility awareness. Footsteps for Fertility provides grants for those who apply. There is a big lottery at the end of the race, which we were hoping we would receive a grant. Sadly, we did not receive a grant, but it was such a special experience where we got to see and meet so many other couples struggling and fighting through infertility.
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| These are all the tickets wee added into the lottery. |
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| Thanks for all the love and support from those there and those that chose the "sleep in" option. |
September 9: Scott needed to get some blood work done, and I had my baseline ultrasounds. We found out from my ultrasound that there are 16 (or more) follicle's in my right ovary. That was some great news!
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| Our future Gowdy Babies are somewhere in this picture. |
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| Everything it takes to get pregnant through science. |
March 2, 2016
A Change of Perspective
As you may have noticed by now, my life isn't where I thought it would be. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, let me give you a little run down.
Right now I thought life would be rowdy in a different way. I thought I would be a stay at home mom with one kid, and thoughts of a second kid. I would have mom friends that I could lean on to help me learn what to do and what not to do. My days would be a little busier trying to raise a kid with diapers being changed, feeding, teaching, loving, laughing, and keep the house clean.
Currently, my life is pretty rowdy with teaching my wonderful students, supporting Scott, working on my dreams, and serving with the youth in my church. I am definitely not complaining about my life, because life is still great!
With the way my life has gone now, I've been noticing I've had a change of perspective of what I want to do and can do with this blog.
From here on out I will continue sharing with you the story of our life, along with a few extra things.
With my love of teaching, I'm going to share ideas and crafts you can do with your little ones. I will try and focus on crafts that are related to a book, so you can read the book together and then do the craft. Reading with your children is so important and beneficial for both of you, so I'm hoping to create opportunities for you and your families.
I have such a love for fitness! I enjoy exercising regularly and recognize the benefits of staying physically active in your life. I find different things that help me in a variety of ways, and I look forward to sharing them with you to help you be more happy and confident with your life.
I may or may not have a love for food, especially treats. Growing up, my mom would always let me help her make treats. Eventually, I would make the treats on my own for our family and friends. It has become a stress reliever for me to bake, and we all need to have something to help us relieve a little stress. Prepare yourself for some awesome recipes to try out on your own!
I find happiness each and every day by keeping balance in my life with the three things I have mentioned: crafts, fitness, and occasional sweet tooth favorites. This blog is going to be more focused on those three things, and I hope that it can be something that still interests you. I may not personally know you, but I hope to bring happiness into your life. So please continue to share with me your hopes, dreams, and ideas.
Let's change the world together with our confidence and beauty!
Right now I thought life would be rowdy in a different way. I thought I would be a stay at home mom with one kid, and thoughts of a second kid. I would have mom friends that I could lean on to help me learn what to do and what not to do. My days would be a little busier trying to raise a kid with diapers being changed, feeding, teaching, loving, laughing, and keep the house clean.
Currently, my life is pretty rowdy with teaching my wonderful students, supporting Scott, working on my dreams, and serving with the youth in my church. I am definitely not complaining about my life, because life is still great!
With the way my life has gone now, I've been noticing I've had a change of perspective of what I want to do and can do with this blog.
From here on out I will continue sharing with you the story of our life, along with a few extra things.
With my love of teaching, I'm going to share ideas and crafts you can do with your little ones. I will try and focus on crafts that are related to a book, so you can read the book together and then do the craft. Reading with your children is so important and beneficial for both of you, so I'm hoping to create opportunities for you and your families.
I have such a love for fitness! I enjoy exercising regularly and recognize the benefits of staying physically active in your life. I find different things that help me in a variety of ways, and I look forward to sharing them with you to help you be more happy and confident with your life.
I may or may not have a love for food, especially treats. Growing up, my mom would always let me help her make treats. Eventually, I would make the treats on my own for our family and friends. It has become a stress reliever for me to bake, and we all need to have something to help us relieve a little stress. Prepare yourself for some awesome recipes to try out on your own!
I find happiness each and every day by keeping balance in my life with the three things I have mentioned: crafts, fitness, and occasional sweet tooth favorites. This blog is going to be more focused on those three things, and I hope that it can be something that still interests you. I may not personally know you, but I hope to bring happiness into your life. So please continue to share with me your hopes, dreams, and ideas.
Let's change the world together with our confidence and beauty!
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