DON'T Curb Your Enthusiasm

WOW oh WOW!

Jason and I are so grateful for all of the positive and enthusiastic comments, well wishes, prayers, thoughts, notes, tweets, likes, emojis and LOVE that EVERYONE has displayed since we made our big announcement.

THANK YOU!

We are even more grateful for the understanding and accepting of our situation and having a family member help us out. 

We feel so blessed to have Ashley do this for us and it is very confirming to have so many other people agree.

Sometimes, all you want is a little enthusiasm.

Example: While on family vacation a few weeks ago, I explained to my nephew what was "happening". How he was going to have cousins. And that it was not just one, but TWO!

He processed the information well. Better than most adults.

Later in the week, while at dinner, he looked up from coloring his menu and exclaimed, 

"Aunt Mo, you're going to be a MOM!"

(all done in a very cutesy almost cheesy voice)

My heart melted.

My spirit soared.

All I had been looking for (especially from those close to us) was a little enthusiasm.

The day a close friend saw a video (or I should say, TWO videos) of our first ultrasound.

And she screamed. 

Belted out a sob of joy.

Grabbed me and squeezed me tight.

Tears in her eyes.

Now that is enthusiasm.

 

Even my niece and nephews, Ashley's kids. From the time Ashley and Rob asked how they would feel about her doing this amazing act for us to now, they have had nothing, but pure enthusiasm.

 

The ENTHUSIASM award goes to my sweet nephew Klein. Since it "worked" he has wanted to tell everyone about it.
During our family trip to DC he said proudly, "there are 9 people in the car". And there were. But then he proudly proclaimed, in a whisper, "Actually, there are 11!"

He even made a chart and very enthusiastically wanted to take it to church, before we had made our announcement.
Sadly, he was told he couldn't, and he was so upset.

What a sweetheart.
He is so excited and so proud to have his cousins in his mom's belly.

SO ENTHUSIASTIC!

That's all we have hoped for.
That after all we had been through.....that others would be excited that something had finally worked.
And as unconventional as it is, it is magnificent and truly a blessing.

That someone would do this, out of the kindness of their heart, out of pure love, with no agenda.
Because that's exactly what is happening.
And because of her......our babies,
our last 2 babies,
have a chance.

We have a chance,
to be a family here on Earth.

And in Heaven.


We are approaching 16 weeks on Wed.
I never made it past 16 weeks.
I lost Jack at 15 weeks and 6 days.
(read about it here)

This is my milestone.
Where I commit.

When I start being enthusiastic.

Slowing Down

I apologize for not writing. I have spent this last week doing laundry, cleaning up vomit, cleaning up diarrhea, rushing to the ER (twice), picking up meds, administering meds, changing bedding, sleeping on the floor, skipping the gym and hoping and praying my little pup is on the mend.

Holy Cow! I am a mom.

I won't lie. It has been an adjustment. I have been mostly home bound. I haven't really talked to many people. I have done some backyard workouts and have wanted to shove a whole cake in my mouth (but I didn't). This week is definitely not a normal for me.

Yep, I am getting a taste of what is to be.

Still won't lie. Not my favorite. But yet, there have been a few moments I have enjoyed having to slow down.

Slow down and just be. 

Unlike most women expecting, I don't think about my impending arrivals every day. It is nice that it is not smothering every moment of my every day, but it is a bit intimidating.

One day I will just have babies. They will just be here.

And that is kind of freaky.

I am not going to have that day by day growth or change. I won't see my belly or even Ashley's belly slowly swell. I won't have sleepless uncomfortable nights or achy backs during the day. I won't have tired feet or swollen ankles. (Sorry Ashley.)

One day I will just have babies.

So while I can....while there is time, even amidst the planning and buying and prepping and shopping, I am going to slow down.

I am going to enjoy where I am at, while I can be here.

The last (almost) 9 years being married have been amazing. The relationship Jason and I have built, even amongst the struggles, isn't one I would trade for anything.

We are solid.
We are a team.
And we are in love more than ever.

Together we will approach this next stage, not with the attitude of "why did we decide to do this", but with the attitude, "how lucky are we that we get to do this".

Yes, it has been a struggle and even has been something we didn't think we would get to experience. And I realize more than ever that many still are in that phase - the unsure phase. The standing still phase. And as hard as that phase it - my recommendation?

SLOW DOWN.
ENJOY IT.
LEARN AND GROW.

Because one day, it will change. Things have to change. And they won't always be "for the better'. There will be days where you are swamped in laundry, poo and puke. Days when you never walk out your front door. Days when you want to eat a whole cake.

And that's ok.

I think I will slow down and try to enjoy those moments too.

Because THIS is where I want to be.

Catch-Up: What It Takes and The First Steps

You would think that once you have someone willing to carry a baby or babies for you that things would go rather quickly.

Drug them up. Knock them up.
And BOOM.
9 months later you get a baby.

HA!

It is hard to find someone. There are requirements that need to be met.

CCRM has an ideal candidate.

Non-smoker.
Non-drug user.
Healthy BMI (body fat percentage).
Fit. 
Healthy mentally.
Healthy physically.
Healthy emotionally.
Healthy spiritually (this was one of my requirements).
Social media conscious (and appropriate).
Not older than 40.
Had successful pregnancies.
Willing. Able. Ready.

Needle in a haystack!

We were lucky to have had people offer.  It is such a kind gesture. It always made me emotional when someone would tell me that they would - regardless if they knew they really could. It is such a heartfelt gift.

I was not set on it being a family member.
It didn't even have to be someone we knew.

It just had to be the right fit.
Even though it is an emotional and physical experience, it is also a transaction.
Money, whether it is with bills or compensation, is involved, so everyone needs to be on the same page.

It is very daunting.
Very draining.
It feels that within any moment, someone could change their mind or something could prohibit the process from going forward.

But once you find someone and that decision is reached,

then there is the joy of....


Appointments.
Meetings.
Consents - lots of signatures.
Ultrasounds.
Bloodwork.
Insurance policies.
Lawyers.
Contracts.
Drugs.
Shots.
And more drugs.
Labs.
And waiting....
lots of waiting.

I have been so extremely grateful for Ashley's "tell me what to do next" attitude.
 Even better? Once you tell her what has to happen, she gets it done.

Her willingness.
Her attitude.
Her positive mindset.

As much as I have tried accomplish everything and just leave the "getting pregnant" to her, I couldn't have done it without her getting more involved.

Whether it was finding a "one-day turnaround" for labs.
Trips for blood draws multiple times a week.
Shots.
Drugs.
Not working out.
Limiting other "activities".
Phone calls and texts updating me.
 

She has made this process so much easier and has given me so much peace along that way. I can't tell you how much that has meant to me. To know that a task given is a task completed with a willing heart.

She is amazing.

So getting back to that "first day".

Once we had established that this was going to happen, we had to schedule a day for Ashley and her husband to come out for a One-Day workup. Blood tests, psychological evals, paps, hysteroscopy, forms, waivers, consents.......not to mention the BIG NOTEBOOK they bring out that explains EVERYTHING.

From drug injections to mock calendars. I have 2 of these notebooks and Ashley joined the club when she received hers.

That happened in February. It was a quick trip sadly. Hard for her husband to find time off of work, kids, school etc. Life still was going on.

We tried to make it exciting with the little bit of extra time we had. But it was an emotional day. Lots of angst and excitement surrounded us. We all had to get tested. We met individually, as couples and then as a four-some.

It was a great day all in all. Ashley and her husband got a glimpse of what Jason and I have endured over the past few years. I won't lie, it was nice to feel a bit validated for what I/we have had to go through.

It was also nice to meet as a foursome with the psychologist. It was a chance for all of us to really talk and be heard at the same time.

I was determined to have Ashley and her husband understand that I was not counting on this to work. That her safety and health was more important to me than anything. And that she had to let me do things for her throughout the pregnancy. I mean, how can you ever really thank someone for this amazing gift?

And her feelings and thoughts were important as well. She was determined to let me know that she was doing this for no other reason than to help us have a family. She wasn't looking for fame, fortune or even gifts. She was doing this because she felt that it was the right thing to do. She didn't want me feeling the I "owed" her for the rest of my life.

I told you....she's amazing.

So we made an agreement.

I wouldn't spend my days saying, "but you did this for me."
And she wouldn't spend her days saying, "but I did this for you."

Her husband's concerns echoed the same. Ashley's health was what mattered to him most. Otherwise he supported her in everything because he knows she's strong enough, capable enough and determined. (yep, he's a stud too.)

Jason fell into the same realm. Ashley's safety was number one priority. We could deal with any sort of aftermath regardless of what it was, good or bad.

There were tears shed that day. Lots of them. Mostly mine. Being back in the medical offices and going through the battery of tests was draining.
But yet, peace surrounded my heart.
The spirit lightened up my soul.

We were moving in a direction.
The right direction.

Progress never felt so good.
We didn't even know if it would work, but to take a step, to move forward, to progress -
FELT SO GOOD.

This was our/my best chance.
This was our babies best chance.
If this didn't work, then I knew the Lord had other plans for us.
We could walk away.
We could know we tried.
WE ALL TRIED.

If it did work?
If we did get our miracle(s)?
All of our lives would be changed forever.
For the better.

All because ONE person, ONE family, wanted US to have what they had.

Talk about total love and selfless service.

Prepping for Parenthood

I got my first real dose of parenthood yesterday, last night and today.

They say a puppy is a great way to prepare you for parenthood.

1) You have to care for something besides yourself or spouse.

2) You have to plan your day/time away.

3) Potty-training

4) You learn to love something greater than you have ever loved.

Penny did that for us. And she definitely continues to do that for me.

If you ask, I will say that "Penny saved me". She did. She came into our lives over 5 years ago in between miscarriages. She gave me something/someone to take care of. I poured my heart and soul into her. And if you have met her and seen us together, you would see - she is my best friend, my companion, my girl - my heart.

Penny was an easy puppy. She is an easy dog. People always comment on her behavior and how calm she is. Well, she should be. I have been very blessed to devote a lot of time to training her, exercising her and giving her complete attention.

We all know that will change - to an extent. 

But last night, oh....last night, I got my first dose (tiny in comparison) of parenthood.

 Saturday evening we were invited over for s'mores and Penny was included. We brought some cow ears (a favorite treat) to share with the host's dog as well. The pups happily chewed on the ears, we happily gobbled down s'mores - it was a great night.

Sunday after church Penny was given another cow ear (not uncommon to eat back to back days) while we laid in the afternoon sun.

About an hour later - she threw it up.

Ok, again, not uncommon. She sometimes eats fast and doesn't "savor the moment" so it has happened before. I thought nothing of it.

Then she vomited again.

And again.

And again.

Again.

You get the picture.

I felt horrible!

Once the vomiting somewhat subsided we retreated inside the house to get ready for bed.

She attempted to drink some water and moments later, vomit.

Vomit.

Vomit.

Vomit.

Ugh.

I decided to sleep on the floor with her that night.

She woke up a few times to dry heave. I was right by her side.

I never really slept.

I just kept rubbing her back and belly and telling her it was ok.

We stayed there all night.

On the floor.

My poor girl.

Morning came and I had to go teach spin. Lucky Jason was home to keep an eye on her.

She tried to drink more water.

Vomit.
Vomit.

Vomit.

All over her bed, bedding, blankets, carpet. 

So guess how I am spending my Monday.

Laundry.

Cleaning carpets.

Vacuuming.

Running for Pedialyte and Pepto (yes, you can give a dog both).

Just keeping her comfortable and trying to make her poop and pee.

JUST LIKE A KID.

AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE 2 OF THEM!

(this was Jason's reaction today)

Feel better my girl.

 

BELIEVE

Yesterday we marked 14 weeks.

It's a huge milestone for me.

But I still am a bit apprehensive. I am still somewhat non-committal. 

Non-committal? What? "Bit too late to not commit Molly." 

You probably are saying this to yourself right now.

You see, this is my SCARY time.

I never made it past 16 weeks.

We lost Jack at 15 weeks and 6 days. 

We lost Grace at 14 weeks exactly.

We lost one at 10 weeks.

We lost a little boy at 8 weeks.

And we lost another one at 6 weeks.

This is my scary time.

My sweet sister-in-law, my angel, my hero gave me a gift on our transfer day.

She gave me a necklace with one word stamped on it.

BELIEVE.

 

That's been the hardest thing to do.

Believe that we made the right decision.

Believe that this is going to work.

Believe that I (we) are worthy of this blessing.

Believe that these two little spirits are the ones I will get to raise on this Earth.

Believe that Heavenly Father heard/hears my prayers.

Believe that THIS is finally it.

Thank goodness Ashley has more faith than anyone I know.
I am grateful for how deep her faith runs.

Her faith, her belief - in all of this - is what has carried me this far.

But I am starting to find my legs again.
I am finally starting to stand - on my own faith, my own belief...

I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us.

I know we have been guided to this point and that He will continue to guide us, ME...

I am choosing to BELIEVE.

Catch-Up: The Phone Call

 "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. The Savior has even promised angels on our left and right, to bear us up. And He always keeps his word."
- Henry B. Eyring


For the last two years we have stood still. 

We didn't talk about baby. We didn't look at a calendar. We didn't count days. No measures were taken to "try".

We just lived life.
We loved each other.
We loved the life we had created and we asked Heavenly Father to soften our hearts and help us find peace.

And peace is what he gave US
Peace is what He gave ME.

My mind, spirit and heart were eased.
My burdens felt lifted.
 For the past two years I felt like I was finally myself again.

And I had missed me.

And even though we stood still, we stayed busy.

We worked out.

I got new certifications.

Jason got an MBA.

We traveled.

We adventured.

We slept in.

We ate out.

We accepted new callings at church.

We served.

We were aunts and uncles.

We were friends.

We were just.....US.

We LIVED.

And it was FABULOUS.

But around last summer, I knew we had to start "thinking" about our last 2 embryos in the freezer. We had made a commitment to "use them all" and we had to start outlining the what, when, how etc.

We talked about all the various ways we could approach it.

I could try again. 

We could hire someone.

We could ask a friend.
We could ask a family member.

We could just walk away.

Once again, so many options. So many pros and cons. So many outcomes. 

So overwhelming. 

So we started with one idea and prayed and fasted to see how the Lord would guide us. 

And slowly we made our way down the list.

Then one day, as we drove home from another EPIC adventure, we made the decision to make a phone call. 

Just one more phone call. 

To ask for help.

We called Jason's sister, Ashley.

We tried to approach it very business like. We didn't want to get too many emotions involved.
And we didn't want any pressure added to the already tender situation.

You see, we had made this phone call once before. 

After losing Grace in 2012.

My heart was shattered and I called my sister in law and pleaded to her.
I pleaded to have her carry my baby.

And she declined.

I know that was the hardest decision she has ever had to make and I vowed to never ask her again. 
I didn't want to ruin the wonderful relationship we had built. 
I didn't want to burden her or her family with OUR trials. 

But this time felt different. 

The timing felt different.
The situation was different.
 

Our lives had changed.
Her life and her family's lives had changed.
Time had passed.
And I believe the Lord had soften - all of us.

So I felt prompted to ask ONE MORE TIME.

Why her?
Why not someone else?

Well, you would have to know Ashley to understand why I would want her to carry our baby.

First, she's family and it seemed like a situation that would be so incredible if we could keep it close to home.

Second, she fit the bill - medically speaking. There are SO many factors that have to be considered. It's not just "having a perfect pregnancy".

Last and most important, her heart and spirit were in the right place. 
They have always been in the right place.

There was no one I admired more than her. Not only as the person she is, but as the mother she is. 

I could trust her.

And I knew that if she had enough faith to believe in this process that Heavenly Father would bless us and that His plan would come to fruition, whatever the actual outcome was.

So we called. 

We asked.

Then we waited.

And to be honest, my expectation was low.

I think I was preparing myself - just in case.

Two weeks later, she said yes.

My heart skipped.
And I felt a lightness I had never felt before.

We had a chance.

We finally had a plan.

We were going to try again.

Ashley (my angel) and I before the initial appointment 2/2015

And....WE ARE BACK!

 Ok, so it's not much of a secret anymore. If you and I have developed any sort of friendship in the past year - you probably know. And if you don't know....it's not because we are not friends, it's because I am trying to keep some things under my hat, you know...for the element of surprise.

Well....SURPRISE!

It is our pleasure....to FINALLY ANNOUNCE the impending arrival of

TWINS!!!!!

Say what??!!

When? What? Who? 

HUH?

Well, I am STILL NOT PREGNANT. But yes, we are expecting the arrival of twins in February 2016!

With the help of my wonderful sister-in-law (Jason's sister and our resident superhero), our little family on Earth will be complete!

The whole story from start to finish will be posted on the blog so you can catch up and follow through until the end!

STAY TUNED!