Well, I went into the RE's Office today for my FSH and E2 hormone levels.
FSH = 7
E2 (Estrogen) = 70
According to our RE, an FSH of 7 is still excellent and not an indication of reduced ovarian reserve. However, an E2 of 70 is borderline. The E2 isn't bad but it isn't great either. When we did our BW this time around, I had been on BCP up until 5 days ago when they had me discontinue the BCP then come in for the blood tests. It was my understanding that you should really be off the BCP for at least a month to have truly accurate results.
Now we will have to wait to find out whether or not we remain in the Shared-Risk program.
We are keeping our options open. I would consider going to Canada for IVF and seeing Dr. Vero or doing Embryo Adoption.
Pam
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
2007 Concordia Christmas Concert
Mike and I had a wonderful evening at the Concordia College Christmas concert. The concert was at Orchestra Hall and this was also Mike's first trip to Orchestra Hall. I was disappointed to see that there was no Christmas Mural but I had forgotten that the artist had passed away 2 years ago after a long bout with cancer.
The murals were always so beautiful and intricate in design. I feel that they really do add so much to the concert in the way they highlight the selected theme for each years Christmas Concert. Even though I was disappointed that there was no mural, the music by the orchestra and choirs were absolutely stunning.
I am thrilled that we were able to attend the concert. This was also Mike's first Concordia College event!
The murals were always so beautiful and intricate in design. I feel that they really do add so much to the concert in the way they highlight the selected theme for each years Christmas Concert. Even though I was disappointed that there was no mural, the music by the orchestra and choirs were absolutely stunning.
I am thrilled that we were able to attend the concert. This was also Mike's first Concordia College event!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Thoughts of Infertility and Trying to Conceive (TTC)...
We have been TTC for just a little over 2 1/2 years. It seems like it has been a lifetime of trying with so much disappointment. I figured we might have some difficulties achieving a pregnancy but I never dreamed we would go through everything we gone through to date. Mike admits that he thought I was just blowing steam and blowing things out of proportion. Now we both look back and wonder at our naivete at the whole process.
The Endometrial Cancer was an unexpected roadblock that slowed us down briefly. The doctors all said that the cancer shouldn't have an effect on our ability to conceive once it had been treated and was no longer present. The treatment we used was drug called Megace. I surprisingly did extremely well on Megace without all the side effects I was told would happen. In January 2008, It will be 2 years since I found out about the cancer and started treatment.
After being diagnosed as cancer free, we started with Intrauterine Insemination's (IUI's). Our first round of IUI's included using clomid. Clomid is horrid stuff! It surprises me how many Ob/Gyn's prescribe clomid with so much regularity without proper monitoring or for way too many months. Through my infertility experience I've learned that Clomid is really only a short-term consideration and should only be used for a few months at one time. After the Clomid, we moved onto injectable drugs. Specifically, we started using Follistim.
We did a total of 5 IUI's using injectable drugs. On our 3rd IUI we did get pregnant but unfortunately miscarried around 6 weeks. Our miscarriage was the week after Thanksgiving 2006. Basically, a year ago! After actually getting pregnant I had so much hope that we were soooo close and that we wouldn't be waiting much longer. Unfortunately, this past year has been disappointing with no pregnancy. We did do another IUI shortly after the miscarriage but that ended in a BFN.
In February 2007, we started down the path to IVF. We decided that since I would be turning 38 in March that it was time to move onto a path we felt was more of a sure thing. Our RE offers a shared-risk IVF program which we were hoping we would still be able to do even though we were over the "cut-off" age for acceptance. After having my FSH and E2 levels tested and the results coming back normal, we were accepted into the program with a slightly higher fee.
Our 1st IVF cycle started in early May after a delay resulting for some ovarian cysts. We were bummed out that our cycle kept being pushed back but were thrilled, excited and so positive when we finally started our IVF cycle. We were on a Long Lupron protocol. Everything started out great and the response was looking pretty good. However, as the cycle continued I had 3 follicles that started to race ahead of the other follicles in size. Finally, the RE called to say that he was going to have to cancel the cycle and convert it to an IUI. We were devastated by the news and, again, disappointed.
The 2nd IVF cycle we started on August 3rd which was my niece's birthday. This time we were doing an Antagonist Protocol. Our excitement started to climb as the cycle continued. The follicles were growing and we were responding exactly as was expected. The follicle count was doing extremely well and they were fairly close in size. This was the cycle where we finally made it to Egg Retrieval. Our Embryo Transfer was a Day 5 transfer with 2 nice embryo's. We transferred a Grade 1 Blastocyst and a Grade 2 Morula. After all was said and done, a BFN was the result. However, we were able to freeze 2 embryo's.
In October, we started our 3rd IVF cycle. This cycle was als on the Antagonist Protocol with a slight change. Our RE added estrogen patches at the start of the cycle to help improve my endometrial lining. He also increased the Menopur to 150 iu starting on Stim Day 1. On paper, the cycle looked excellent and I appeared to responding extremely well. We ended up triggering on a Sunday (one day earlier than on our previous cycle) with my E2 levels at 1400. At the Egg Retrieval they retrieved a total of 19 eggs. I was SHOCKED!!! At our last u/s and based on our E2 levels I was thinking (along with the RE) that we would retrieve around 7 or 8 eggs. Unfortunately, that is where the good news ended. Of the 19 eggs retrieved, 15 were usable and only 6 fertilized. Of the 6 that fertilized only 4 made it and were still thriving as of 5 days after retrieval. The embryologist called and pushed us back to a 6 day transfer. On the day of our transfer, we found out that 2 more embryo's had arrested and now we only had 2 embryos that remained. We transferred a Grade 3 Blastocyst and Grade 3 Morula. We were extremely disappointed as we were hoping to have a couple more to freeze.
As it currently stands, we are waiting for our "what went wrong" appointment with our RE scheduled for December 11th. I also have to go back in for another FSH and E2 test for the shared-risk program. It is my understanding that the Shared-Risk program is concerned that my FSH may have climbed now indicating that my eggs are "old." Our RE is expecting that the FSH hormone levels will indicate a normal.
If everything goes as planned, we should be starting our 4th IVF cycle in January. The plan is that we will switch to donor sperm and probably get the donor sperm from the California Cryobank. We will also use a process called ICSI in the hopes that we will have a better fertilization rate and improved embryo quality.
In the meantime, I've been doing some research about Embryo Adoption. I'm open to trying Embryo Adoption. The RE really seems to think that we can get pregnant and if it can't be with our own eggs, I'm willing to give up on any genetic link to try Embryo Adoption. There are many unborn children just waiting for the opportunity to be born. Part of the process also requires that we do a home study which would also be our first step towards any adoption process. On Monday, I am going to meet with another woman that I recently met that is pregnant through Embryo Adoption. In a small way, it gives me hope that maybe there is still another option that may allow me to be pregnant and for Mike and I to enjoy a healthy 9 month pregnancy.
My dreams of being pregnant have taken a serious blow. I'm not giving up on that dream but I also dream of being a Mom and Mike dreams of someday being a Dad. Slowly we are opening up to accepting other options. However, I'm NOT even close to giving up yet on my dream of being pregnant for a wonderful 9 months.
The Endometrial Cancer was an unexpected roadblock that slowed us down briefly. The doctors all said that the cancer shouldn't have an effect on our ability to conceive once it had been treated and was no longer present. The treatment we used was drug called Megace. I surprisingly did extremely well on Megace without all the side effects I was told would happen. In January 2008, It will be 2 years since I found out about the cancer and started treatment.
After being diagnosed as cancer free, we started with Intrauterine Insemination's (IUI's). Our first round of IUI's included using clomid. Clomid is horrid stuff! It surprises me how many Ob/Gyn's prescribe clomid with so much regularity without proper monitoring or for way too many months. Through my infertility experience I've learned that Clomid is really only a short-term consideration and should only be used for a few months at one time. After the Clomid, we moved onto injectable drugs. Specifically, we started using Follistim.
We did a total of 5 IUI's using injectable drugs. On our 3rd IUI we did get pregnant but unfortunately miscarried around 6 weeks. Our miscarriage was the week after Thanksgiving 2006. Basically, a year ago! After actually getting pregnant I had so much hope that we were soooo close and that we wouldn't be waiting much longer. Unfortunately, this past year has been disappointing with no pregnancy. We did do another IUI shortly after the miscarriage but that ended in a BFN.
In February 2007, we started down the path to IVF. We decided that since I would be turning 38 in March that it was time to move onto a path we felt was more of a sure thing. Our RE offers a shared-risk IVF program which we were hoping we would still be able to do even though we were over the "cut-off" age for acceptance. After having my FSH and E2 levels tested and the results coming back normal, we were accepted into the program with a slightly higher fee.
Our 1st IVF cycle started in early May after a delay resulting for some ovarian cysts. We were bummed out that our cycle kept being pushed back but were thrilled, excited and so positive when we finally started our IVF cycle. We were on a Long Lupron protocol. Everything started out great and the response was looking pretty good. However, as the cycle continued I had 3 follicles that started to race ahead of the other follicles in size. Finally, the RE called to say that he was going to have to cancel the cycle and convert it to an IUI. We were devastated by the news and, again, disappointed.
The 2nd IVF cycle we started on August 3rd which was my niece's birthday. This time we were doing an Antagonist Protocol. Our excitement started to climb as the cycle continued. The follicles were growing and we were responding exactly as was expected. The follicle count was doing extremely well and they were fairly close in size. This was the cycle where we finally made it to Egg Retrieval. Our Embryo Transfer was a Day 5 transfer with 2 nice embryo's. We transferred a Grade 1 Blastocyst and a Grade 2 Morula. After all was said and done, a BFN was the result. However, we were able to freeze 2 embryo's.
In October, we started our 3rd IVF cycle. This cycle was als on the Antagonist Protocol with a slight change. Our RE added estrogen patches at the start of the cycle to help improve my endometrial lining. He also increased the Menopur to 150 iu starting on Stim Day 1. On paper, the cycle looked excellent and I appeared to responding extremely well. We ended up triggering on a Sunday (one day earlier than on our previous cycle) with my E2 levels at 1400. At the Egg Retrieval they retrieved a total of 19 eggs. I was SHOCKED!!! At our last u/s and based on our E2 levels I was thinking (along with the RE) that we would retrieve around 7 or 8 eggs. Unfortunately, that is where the good news ended. Of the 19 eggs retrieved, 15 were usable and only 6 fertilized. Of the 6 that fertilized only 4 made it and were still thriving as of 5 days after retrieval. The embryologist called and pushed us back to a 6 day transfer. On the day of our transfer, we found out that 2 more embryo's had arrested and now we only had 2 embryos that remained. We transferred a Grade 3 Blastocyst and Grade 3 Morula. We were extremely disappointed as we were hoping to have a couple more to freeze.
As it currently stands, we are waiting for our "what went wrong" appointment with our RE scheduled for December 11th. I also have to go back in for another FSH and E2 test for the shared-risk program. It is my understanding that the Shared-Risk program is concerned that my FSH may have climbed now indicating that my eggs are "old." Our RE is expecting that the FSH hormone levels will indicate a normal.
If everything goes as planned, we should be starting our 4th IVF cycle in January. The plan is that we will switch to donor sperm and probably get the donor sperm from the California Cryobank. We will also use a process called ICSI in the hopes that we will have a better fertilization rate and improved embryo quality.
In the meantime, I've been doing some research about Embryo Adoption. I'm open to trying Embryo Adoption. The RE really seems to think that we can get pregnant and if it can't be with our own eggs, I'm willing to give up on any genetic link to try Embryo Adoption. There are many unborn children just waiting for the opportunity to be born. Part of the process also requires that we do a home study which would also be our first step towards any adoption process. On Monday, I am going to meet with another woman that I recently met that is pregnant through Embryo Adoption. In a small way, it gives me hope that maybe there is still another option that may allow me to be pregnant and for Mike and I to enjoy a healthy 9 month pregnancy.
My dreams of being pregnant have taken a serious blow. I'm not giving up on that dream but I also dream of being a Mom and Mike dreams of someday being a Dad. Slowly we are opening up to accepting other options. However, I'm NOT even close to giving up yet on my dream of being pregnant for a wonderful 9 months.
Job Front...
Mike continues to interview for new positions. Not much has happened otherwise. The latest interview will be in Milwaukee, WI. They plan to bring him in for face-to-face interviews either Friday, Dec. 7th or the next Friday. This position sounds like a great opportunity and would allow him to break into a new field of validation.
As for Milwaukee, WI... I wouldn't mind living in Milwaukee. At least I could still attend MLB games enjoyed in the outdoors during nice weather then under the retractable roof during bad weather. It is also closer to Chicago and South Bend, IN.
As for Milwaukee, WI... I wouldn't mind living in Milwaukee. At least I could still attend MLB games enjoyed in the outdoors during nice weather then under the retractable roof during bad weather. It is also closer to Chicago and South Bend, IN.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
First Snowfall!
Today was the first snowfall of the 2007/2008 Winter Season. We have a wonderful coating of white, fluffy snow on the ground. Gabriel enjoyed going out in the snow to run around especially with Josie (Gabriel & Josie are dogs!)...
Friday, November 30, 2007
Princess the Great Dane!
Earlier this month, my brother had to put his beloved Princess (a.k.a Prinnie) to sleep. She was about 10 yrs. old.
Princess was a wonderful Great Dane, family member and friend. She really thought she was a lap dog! She loved to jump, run around, wrestle with her dad and Grandpa Schmidt. She loved to sneak up on the couch to get comfortable. Prinnie especially had fun playing with her "cousin" doggies, Gabriel the Golden Retriever & Josie the Black Lab/Border Collie.
Over Thanksgiving Holiday, we started working on a scrapbook about Prinnie. Both of my nieces have grown up with Prinnie since they were babies!
Prinnie, you will always be in our memories as a great puppy and wonderful friend!
Princess was a wonderful Great Dane, family member and friend. She really thought she was a lap dog! She loved to jump, run around, wrestle with her dad and Grandpa Schmidt. She loved to sneak up on the couch to get comfortable. Prinnie especially had fun playing with her "cousin" doggies, Gabriel the Golden Retriever & Josie the Black Lab/Border Collie.Over Thanksgiving Holiday, we started working on a scrapbook about Prinnie. Both of my nieces have grown up with Prinnie since they were babies!
Prinnie, you will always be in our memories as a great puppy and wonderful friend!
IVF #3 = BFN
Well, our 3rd IVF that we started in mid-October ended in a BFN. Initially the cycle looked great on paper with a wonderful response. However, the embryo quality ended up being extremely poor.
Yesterday, Nov. 29th, I had confirmation from our RE that the Shared-Risk program that the program wants both my baseline FSH and E2 hormone levels retested. Our RE doesn't think there is a problem with my FSH climbing however the Shared-Risk thinks otherwise.
Our prayer is that we are not removed from the Shared-Risk program. We would really like to completely our final Fresh IVF cycle. The next cycle is currently scheduled for January 2008.
Yesterday, Nov. 29th, I had confirmation from our RE that the Shared-Risk program that the program wants both my baseline FSH and E2 hormone levels retested. Our RE doesn't think there is a problem with my FSH climbing however the Shared-Risk thinks otherwise.
Our prayer is that we are not removed from the Shared-Risk program. We would really like to completely our final Fresh IVF cycle. The next cycle is currently scheduled for January 2008.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Life Moves ON!
Sooo, not much has been happening lately unless you consider going on job interviews something.
Mike was in Lexington, KY on Monday for a job interview. The interview went extremely well but we were disappointed to find out the position is with a very small company and probably not a good fit for Mike. He has also had one job offer which unfortunately he has had to turn down due to timing of the offer.
We are hoping that Mike will be on the "bye-bye" list at PDL (those being laid-off!)... Originally, it was hinted that he was on the list (which he was) but then some people complained about needing someone to work on a system that he has expertise with and the person they figured could do the positon was nixed by another department so then he was put back onto the "keep" list. Well, Mike told the Director that his direct report could definitely manage the system. Now we are hoping that he is put back onto the "bye-bye" list. The severence package is excellent and we would LOVE to have the extra money from the severence package to help payoff debt and pay down our mortgage. We should now if he is on the "bye-bye" list sometime in October. We are hoping for good news the early part of October.
In the meantime, Mike has been talking with Contract Agencies, recruiters and various companies. He has been very successful with getting interviews. We have both been surprised at how easy it has been to find contract work for him and even permanent positions. Mike is continuing to research job opportunities, doing phone interviews and face-to-face interviews.
Please pray that we would find out if Mike is on the "bye-bye" list (to be laid off) at PDL the 1st week or so of October.
Pam
Mike was in Lexington, KY on Monday for a job interview. The interview went extremely well but we were disappointed to find out the position is with a very small company and probably not a good fit for Mike. He has also had one job offer which unfortunately he has had to turn down due to timing of the offer.
We are hoping that Mike will be on the "bye-bye" list at PDL (those being laid-off!)... Originally, it was hinted that he was on the list (which he was) but then some people complained about needing someone to work on a system that he has expertise with and the person they figured could do the positon was nixed by another department so then he was put back onto the "keep" list. Well, Mike told the Director that his direct report could definitely manage the system. Now we are hoping that he is put back onto the "bye-bye" list. The severence package is excellent and we would LOVE to have the extra money from the severence package to help payoff debt and pay down our mortgage. We should now if he is on the "bye-bye" list sometime in October. We are hoping for good news the early part of October.
In the meantime, Mike has been talking with Contract Agencies, recruiters and various companies. He has been very successful with getting interviews. We have both been surprised at how easy it has been to find contract work for him and even permanent positions. Mike is continuing to research job opportunities, doing phone interviews and face-to-face interviews.
Please pray that we would find out if Mike is on the "bye-bye" list (to be laid off) at PDL the 1st week or so of October.
Pam
Friday, August 31, 2007
Very SAD! IVF cycle didn't work...
Well, we have the news at our 1st complete IVF cycle didn't work. It is a BIG FAT NEGATIVE! I really do hate hearing those words. Every time I hear those words as applied to myself or anyone else (especially my online friends also dealing with infertility), I just feel a little more of our world and the world of those dealing with infertility crashing down. Hopes being crushed!
We keep praying that one of our IVF cycles will work. The process is so very emotionally draining. While going through the process, we must keep upbeat and hopeful believing that this IUI or IVF cycle WILL be the cycle that we get pregnant. Then with each BFN, we are crushed! Total devastation. With IVF, you KNOW that 2 or 3 embryo's (babies!) were placed back in the uterus and just were not able to survive. Sometimes I feel that with each day and cycle that we go through that we are getting closer and closer to never realizing our dream of a healthy, full-term pregnancy. I would love to have a biological child, yet am also willing to consider embryo adoption or donor egg if it were determined we had a better chance of my getting pregnant.
To date, we have 9 babies in heaven. We know there will be more waiting for us in heaven. I just wish that we were able to have them with us longer here on earth to see them grow into little boys or little girls onto adulthood.
Will we ever achieve our dream, I don't know, but I still hope and pray that I get pregnant and have a healthy 9 months of pregnancy. WE are trying absolutely everything within our means and available to us through science to become pregnant... to carry a child full-term and raise that child/children.
We continue to dream for a future filled with a healthy pregnancy and beautiful children.
Our hope is in God,
Pam
We keep praying that one of our IVF cycles will work. The process is so very emotionally draining. While going through the process, we must keep upbeat and hopeful believing that this IUI or IVF cycle WILL be the cycle that we get pregnant. Then with each BFN, we are crushed! Total devastation. With IVF, you KNOW that 2 or 3 embryo's (babies!) were placed back in the uterus and just were not able to survive. Sometimes I feel that with each day and cycle that we go through that we are getting closer and closer to never realizing our dream of a healthy, full-term pregnancy. I would love to have a biological child, yet am also willing to consider embryo adoption or donor egg if it were determined we had a better chance of my getting pregnant.
To date, we have 9 babies in heaven. We know there will be more waiting for us in heaven. I just wish that we were able to have them with us longer here on earth to see them grow into little boys or little girls onto adulthood.
Will we ever achieve our dream, I don't know, but I still hope and pray that I get pregnant and have a healthy 9 months of pregnancy. WE are trying absolutely everything within our means and available to us through science to become pregnant... to carry a child full-term and raise that child/children.
We continue to dream for a future filled with a healthy pregnancy and beautiful children.
Our hope is in God,
Pam
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
We have Embryo's to FREEZE!
We heard from the Embryologist today and we have 2 Blastocysts to freeze! One is a Grade 2 and the other is a Grade 3. The remainder of our 10 embryo's have arrested. We are saddened by the loss of the 6 embryo's but thrilled to be able to freeze at least 2 embryo's in addition to the 2 embryo's that we transferred.
Now we patiently wait for the day to arrive when we find out whether or not our embryo's have implanted and continue to grow! We pray that the embryo's are growing, dividing and implanting. The whole process is in the hands of God and, now more than ever, we must trust in God's glorious plan for us. We really pray that this IVF works and that we will find out we are pregnant in a few weeks.
On a fun note...
Now we patiently wait for the day to arrive when we find out whether or not our embryo's have implanted and continue to grow! We pray that the embryo's are growing, dividing and implanting. The whole process is in the hands of God and, now more than ever, we must trust in God's glorious plan for us. We really pray that this IVF works and that we will find out we are pregnant in a few weeks.
On a fun note...
- We started stims on August 3rd - my niece and God Daughter, Kerrigan's 10th Birthday!
- Egg Retrieval was on August 15th - Grandma Joyce's 82nd Birthday!
- Embryo Transfer - A neighbor's daughter had her successful Embryo Transfer on this date 6 years ago!
- Once we have our POSITIVE BETA (pregnancy test) for this cycle, my due date would be May 7, 2008 which is our 3rd Wedding Anniversary!
Pam
Monday, August 20, 2007
Embryo Transfer!
Well, today we transferred 2 beautiful embryo's!!!
This was a 5 day transfer. One embryo made it to the Blastocyst - Grade 1 and the other is a Morula - Grade 2. Our Reproductive Endocrinologist uses a grading scale of 1 to 3 with 1 being excellent, 2 equals average and 3 is poor! We are very excited to have transferred the 2 embryo's.
After our Egg Retrieval, we received our fertilization report 2 days later. Of the 12 eggs retrieved, 11 were mature and 10 fertilized. We were thrilled to be parents of Dectuplets. The Embryologist warned us that due to the number of eggs that fertilized there was a possibility that we might do a 6 day transfer instead of the planned 5 day transfer. On the day before our 5 day transfer, the embryologist called and confirmed that we would do a 5 day transfer but that it would be in the late afternoon.
At the time of our embryo transfer, we had a 3rd Morula that was a Grade 3 and the remainder of the 10 appeared to be slowing down or had arrested. We hope to freeze at least the one embryo and pray that a few of the others will make it to the Blastocyst stage.
Pam
This was a 5 day transfer. One embryo made it to the Blastocyst - Grade 1 and the other is a Morula - Grade 2. Our Reproductive Endocrinologist uses a grading scale of 1 to 3 with 1 being excellent, 2 equals average and 3 is poor! We are very excited to have transferred the 2 embryo's.
After our Egg Retrieval, we received our fertilization report 2 days later. Of the 12 eggs retrieved, 11 were mature and 10 fertilized. We were thrilled to be parents of Dectuplets. The Embryologist warned us that due to the number of eggs that fertilized there was a possibility that we might do a 6 day transfer instead of the planned 5 day transfer. On the day before our 5 day transfer, the embryologist called and confirmed that we would do a 5 day transfer but that it would be in the late afternoon.
At the time of our embryo transfer, we had a 3rd Morula that was a Grade 3 and the remainder of the 10 appeared to be slowing down or had arrested. We hope to freeze at least the one embryo and pray that a few of the others will make it to the Blastocyst stage.
Pam
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Egg Retrieval Today!
It is so exciting that we have made it through the first 2 stages of In Vitro Fertilization ("IVF"). This is actually our 2nd attempt at IVF as our first IVF only produced 3 mature follicles resulting in it being canceled and converted to an intrauterine insemination (IUI). From taking stimulation drugs and now to EGG RETRIEVAL...
Yippee!!! Egg Retrieval was today at 12:30 pm. Our RE retrieved 12 eggs. We are thrilled to have 12 eggs as this is on the high end of the number of eggs we were told to expect. The total number of eggs we were expecting was between 8 to 12 based on having approx. 16 follicles.
Now we await to hear from the embryologist as to how many of the eggs fertilized. Our fertilization report will be on Friday. We are SOOO excited and thrilled that this IVF cycle has been going so well. It is really exciting to know that we were able retrieve the 12 eggs. God continues to be in controll especially now as we wait to find out about fertilization of our 12 eggs. We pray that God will BLESS us with 8 to 12 FERTILIZED eggs although it is not uncommon to have only about 1/2 of the eggs fertilize. It really comes down to putting God in control, trusting that he has a plan for us and each of our 12 eggs.
Mike and I have been trying to concieve ("TTC") since July 2005. I immediately met with my OB/Gyn to discuss possible issues with TTC. Since we were both older than 35 and I have diabetes, my OB/Gyn immediately started the initial testing for possible issues and told us he would refer us to a Reproductive Endocrinologist if we were not pregnant after 6 months. We saw Dr. Malo from the Center for Reproductive Medicine (CRM) in December 2005.
In January 2006, I was diagnosed with Endomtrial Cancer and in May 2006, I was cancer free. We immediately started doing IUI's in May 2006. We did 2 cycles with Clomid (one cycle canceled) then we moved onto injectables. In November 2006, we did get pregnant but I miscarried at approx. 6w3days.
After taking a couple months off from the infertility treatments and going on a vacation, we decided it was time to move onto IVF in January 2007. Our 1st IVF attempt was April/May 2007 which was canceled and converted to an IUI since I didn't respond as expected. I was on a Long Lupron Protocol. Our RE strongly believed that the lupron over-suppressed my ovaries shutting them down almost completely only producing 3 follicles.
Our embryo transfer will be on Monday, 8/20.
Yippee!!! Egg Retrieval was today at 12:30 pm. Our RE retrieved 12 eggs. We are thrilled to have 12 eggs as this is on the high end of the number of eggs we were told to expect. The total number of eggs we were expecting was between 8 to 12 based on having approx. 16 follicles.
Now we await to hear from the embryologist as to how many of the eggs fertilized. Our fertilization report will be on Friday. We are SOOO excited and thrilled that this IVF cycle has been going so well. It is really exciting to know that we were able retrieve the 12 eggs. God continues to be in controll especially now as we wait to find out about fertilization of our 12 eggs. We pray that God will BLESS us with 8 to 12 FERTILIZED eggs although it is not uncommon to have only about 1/2 of the eggs fertilize. It really comes down to putting God in control, trusting that he has a plan for us and each of our 12 eggs.
Mike and I have been trying to concieve ("TTC") since July 2005. I immediately met with my OB/Gyn to discuss possible issues with TTC. Since we were both older than 35 and I have diabetes, my OB/Gyn immediately started the initial testing for possible issues and told us he would refer us to a Reproductive Endocrinologist if we were not pregnant after 6 months. We saw Dr. Malo from the Center for Reproductive Medicine (CRM) in December 2005.
In January 2006, I was diagnosed with Endomtrial Cancer and in May 2006, I was cancer free. We immediately started doing IUI's in May 2006. We did 2 cycles with Clomid (one cycle canceled) then we moved onto injectables. In November 2006, we did get pregnant but I miscarried at approx. 6w3days.
After taking a couple months off from the infertility treatments and going on a vacation, we decided it was time to move onto IVF in January 2007. Our 1st IVF attempt was April/May 2007 which was canceled and converted to an IUI since I didn't respond as expected. I was on a Long Lupron Protocol. Our RE strongly believed that the lupron over-suppressed my ovaries shutting them down almost completely only producing 3 follicles.
Our embryo transfer will be on Monday, 8/20.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Day 11 of Stims - WE TRIGGER!
We officially received word to trigger at 12:30am, Tuesday morning for Egg Retrieval Wednesday 8/15 at 12:30 PM...
It is hard to express our feelings and how excited we are to have made it as far as Egg Retrieval. Throughout this process, God continues to be in control blessing my body and helping our follicles grow. I must admit to wondering if we would make and if we did make it how many eggs would be retrieved. My estrogen levels didn't seem to be as high as I would expect considering the number of mature follicles present.
It is hard to express our feelings and how excited we are to have made it as far as Egg Retrieval. Throughout this process, God continues to be in control blessing my body and helping our follicles grow. I must admit to wondering if we would make and if we did make it how many eggs would be retrieved. My estrogen levels didn't seem to be as high as I would expect considering the number of mature follicles present.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
IVF Day 10 of Stims!
Well, we had a great ultrasound this morning which is Day 10 of stims. My estrogen levels are also doing much better. At this time it looks like we will have approx. 12 to 15 viable follicles at Egg Retrieval.
The RE called and told us to continue stims for one more day and another u/s on Day 11 of stims to check the lining of my uterus which is still on the thin side. This past Friday, we added estrogen patched in the hopes that will help thicken the lining of my uterus.
We will be triggering tomorrow night (8/13) and Egg Retrieval will be on 8/15 with Embryo Transfer on 8/20!
The RE called and told us to continue stims for one more day and another u/s on Day 11 of stims to check the lining of my uterus which is still on the thin side. This past Friday, we added estrogen patched in the hopes that will help thicken the lining of my uterus.
We will be triggering tomorrow night (8/13) and Egg Retrieval will be on 8/15 with Embryo Transfer on 8/20!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
IVF Day 7 of Stims!
Well, we've been stimming for 7 days now. Our ultrasound on day 6 of stims showed that we had a total of 6 follicles measuring between 10 mm to 14 mm and my estrogen level was at 463. The RE was thrilled with the estrogen level and decided to keep us on the same iu of follistim. On Day 5, we added 1 vial of Menopur (75 iu) to our shot regiment in the morning. Today, we also started taking the Ganirelix shot in the morning. Ganirelix keeps me from prematurely ovulating. So now I'm doing a total of 3 shots in the morning and 1 shot in the evening.
Tomorrow morning we have our 3rd u/s. I'm hoping there will be another 6+ viable follicles for a total of 12 follicles. I'm thinking they should be measuring somewhere between 11 mm to 16 mm. Up to this point, my left ovary has been somewhat quiet letting my right ovary do all the work. Hopefully the left ovary has joined in the team effort.
The IVF process amazes me. We can only do so much and I'm thankful to God that we do have the technology to do IVF yet it is still all in the hands of God. Everything from how my body responds to the medications, the number of eggs actually retrieved to the fertilization process. Then there is the process of waiting and praying that the eggs that do fertilize grow and divide into strong, healthy embryo's. Throughout the process, I'm amazed at how the hand of God is so much in control.
Both Mike and I have struggled with our anger, frustration and dissapointment with God with the our lack of success getting pregnant. As we've been doing a bible study together, we've been able to share and turn over to God our frustrations. We continue to pray that God will bless us with a healthy 9-month pregnancy.
My feelings and emotions have been all over the board. This cycle has been much more emotional for me. During the day, I find myself feeling weepy over the smallest emotional trigger. Thankfully, my RE gave the go ahead to continue doing water aerobics which I find to be a huge stress reliever and very relaxing. It also helps alievate the IVF bloat. While feeling emotional, I'm also extremely excited, ecstatic and very hopeful with our progress up this point. This cycle I feel much more positive about the whole process in general. I think it helps that we started this IVF cycle on the same day as my God-Daughter, Kerrigan's, 10th birthday. I'm also hopeful that Egg Retrieval will be on August 15th which is my Grandma's birthday. Even if we have Egg Retrieval on August 14th (a good possibility), I am thrilled that it is so close to Grandma's birthday. It does surprise me how "time" consuming IVF is and, to some extent, exhausting. There is so much to keep track of with shots, tracking medication and making sure I have enough medication to get me to our trigger day. Sometimes it feels overwhelming and on those days I'm really glad that Mike bought me a palm pilot to help keep track of everything. That little palm pilot was definitely an excellent purchase. Well, I'm rambling...
To be honest, with my current emotional state on drugs I feel "spacey." My thoughts are all over the place and I find it difficult to concentrate.
Please keep praying for us. Again, we are very excited about this IVF and hopeful. God is definitely in control and we know that he has plans for us. Plans for our future which we, hope and pray, will include children... Of course, we are "secretly" praying for TWINS! Ok... not so secret!
Pam
Tomorrow morning we have our 3rd u/s. I'm hoping there will be another 6+ viable follicles for a total of 12 follicles. I'm thinking they should be measuring somewhere between 11 mm to 16 mm. Up to this point, my left ovary has been somewhat quiet letting my right ovary do all the work. Hopefully the left ovary has joined in the team effort.
The IVF process amazes me. We can only do so much and I'm thankful to God that we do have the technology to do IVF yet it is still all in the hands of God. Everything from how my body responds to the medications, the number of eggs actually retrieved to the fertilization process. Then there is the process of waiting and praying that the eggs that do fertilize grow and divide into strong, healthy embryo's. Throughout the process, I'm amazed at how the hand of God is so much in control.
Both Mike and I have struggled with our anger, frustration and dissapointment with God with the our lack of success getting pregnant. As we've been doing a bible study together, we've been able to share and turn over to God our frustrations. We continue to pray that God will bless us with a healthy 9-month pregnancy.
My feelings and emotions have been all over the board. This cycle has been much more emotional for me. During the day, I find myself feeling weepy over the smallest emotional trigger. Thankfully, my RE gave the go ahead to continue doing water aerobics which I find to be a huge stress reliever and very relaxing. It also helps alievate the IVF bloat. While feeling emotional, I'm also extremely excited, ecstatic and very hopeful with our progress up this point. This cycle I feel much more positive about the whole process in general. I think it helps that we started this IVF cycle on the same day as my God-Daughter, Kerrigan's, 10th birthday. I'm also hopeful that Egg Retrieval will be on August 15th which is my Grandma's birthday. Even if we have Egg Retrieval on August 14th (a good possibility), I am thrilled that it is so close to Grandma's birthday. It does surprise me how "time" consuming IVF is and, to some extent, exhausting. There is so much to keep track of with shots, tracking medication and making sure I have enough medication to get me to our trigger day. Sometimes it feels overwhelming and on those days I'm really glad that Mike bought me a palm pilot to help keep track of everything. That little palm pilot was definitely an excellent purchase. Well, I'm rambling...
To be honest, with my current emotional state on drugs I feel "spacey." My thoughts are all over the place and I find it difficult to concentrate.
Please keep praying for us. Again, we are very excited about this IVF and hopeful. God is definitely in control and we know that he has plans for us. Plans for our future which we, hope and pray, will include children... Of course, we are "secretly" praying for TWINS! Ok... not so secret!
Pam
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Kerrigan's 10th Birthday
This past weekend we were in South Bend, Indiana to celebrate Kerrigan's 10th Birthday. I can't believe she is now in the "double digits!" She is growing up SOOOOOO fast! The party was lots of fun and most of the kids moved into the swimming pool after the gifts were opened.
Happy Birthday, Kerrigan! We love you!
Pam and Mike
Happy Birthday, Kerrigan! We love you!
Pam and Mike
IVF Update
On August 3rd, we started our shots. I'm currently on 150 iu of Follistim in the morning and 225 iu in the evening. Today was our 3rd day of stims. Tomorrow morning I have my 1st ultrasound (u/s) to see how my follicles are developing and how many are present. They will also take some blood to determine what my estradol levels are which helps the doctor determine if our morning or evening dosage needs to be adjusted.
The appointment is bright and early at 7:00 am. I'm excited and nervous! We are praying that the developing follicles are on target for where they should be at this time.
The appointment is bright and early at 7:00 am. I'm excited and nervous! We are praying that the developing follicles are on target for where they should be at this time.
Friday, July 27, 2007
St. Maarten Day 5 - Sea Turtles!
It is unfathomable thinking that today is already Friday and day 5 of our vacation in St. Maarten. Mike and I are having a wonderful time enjoying Phillipsburg, Margot and Simpson Bay where our hotel is located.
On Wed., after my dives, we went to Phillipsburg for some shopping. We enjoyed Phillipsburg. It is an easy place to shop with all the shops being located on "Front Street" and "Back Street." We only made it down Front Street before we had to head back to the resort for a Sunset Catamaran Dinner. The sunset was not spectacular but the evening was still enjoyable although I did imbibe just a couple too many rum punches (yummy!)...
Thursday, Mike and I took an all day excursion on a catamaran to Prickly Pear Island for the snorkeling, beach and lunch. Prickly Pear is a small sister island near Anguilla. The volcanic rock on the island lends itself to naming the island. Snorkeling is the best we've ever done with a large variety of fish especially of the Parrotfish variety. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the photo's I took turn out and posting them to our blog. The wonderful thing about snorkeling at Prickly Pear is that there is a very shallow natural reef close to the beach and protected within an outer reef area. The Prickly Pear reef is also a protected wildlife marine preserve.
Today, I did my final two dives at Maze Reef and Proselyte Reef. The Maze is true to its name and it was beautiful with great color as well as fish. I did see a trumpetfish that was camouflaged a blueish color which was really cool. We also did a swim through weaving through the reef. The Proselyte Reef was my favorite dive today. Shortly after getting in the water, some of our group saw a large shark swimming away but I missed the shark. Then, as we proceeded with our dive, we came across a baby sea turtle. I tried to get a picture but it pretty much turned and took a beeline away from us. Towards the end of the dive, we came across a second slightly larger sea turtle that cooperated wonderfully letting us swim along next to her. Hopefully, the pictures I took of the second sea turtle turn out with the cheap camera I used for this dive.
Tomorrow is our last full day :(... Mike and I are taking an all day trip to Saba Island which is no larger than 5 square miles with a 3,000 foot hike to the highest point of the island. Hopefully we will make it too the top!
God bless!
On Wed., after my dives, we went to Phillipsburg for some shopping. We enjoyed Phillipsburg. It is an easy place to shop with all the shops being located on "Front Street" and "Back Street." We only made it down Front Street before we had to head back to the resort for a Sunset Catamaran Dinner. The sunset was not spectacular but the evening was still enjoyable although I did imbibe just a couple too many rum punches (yummy!)...
Thursday, Mike and I took an all day excursion on a catamaran to Prickly Pear Island for the snorkeling, beach and lunch. Prickly Pear is a small sister island near Anguilla. The volcanic rock on the island lends itself to naming the island. Snorkeling is the best we've ever done with a large variety of fish especially of the Parrotfish variety. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the photo's I took turn out and posting them to our blog. The wonderful thing about snorkeling at Prickly Pear is that there is a very shallow natural reef close to the beach and protected within an outer reef area. The Prickly Pear reef is also a protected wildlife marine preserve.
Today, I did my final two dives at Maze Reef and Proselyte Reef. The Maze is true to its name and it was beautiful with great color as well as fish. I did see a trumpetfish that was camouflaged a blueish color which was really cool. We also did a swim through weaving through the reef. The Proselyte Reef was my favorite dive today. Shortly after getting in the water, some of our group saw a large shark swimming away but I missed the shark. Then, as we proceeded with our dive, we came across a baby sea turtle. I tried to get a picture but it pretty much turned and took a beeline away from us. Towards the end of the dive, we came across a second slightly larger sea turtle that cooperated wonderfully letting us swim along next to her. Hopefully, the pictures I took of the second sea turtle turn out with the cheap camera I used for this dive.
Tomorrow is our last full day :(... Mike and I are taking an all day trip to Saba Island which is no larger than 5 square miles with a 3,000 foot hike to the highest point of the island. Hopefully we will make it too the top!
God bless!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
St. Maarten! Day 2 - Update & Scuba Diving
Well, we have been in St. Maarten for 2 full days.
After a long day of airports and airplanes, we arrived in St. Maarten on Sunday. The landing on St. Maarten is VERY interesting with a shorter runway and the pilot hitting the breaks immediately upon touch-down on the runway. A ladder was then pushed up to the plane and we disembarked. Customs was very easy and relatively quick considering another large plane had arrived just before us. The Pelican Resort is very nice and the room is plenty for Mike and I along with having a small kitchen.
On Monday, we took a bus tour of St. Maarten/St. Martin with a beach/lunch stop at Orient Beach located on the French side. The tour was very informative. We also had a chance to do some shopping in Marigot, the French St. Martin capital city.
Today was my (Pam) first day of diving. The dive shop I choose to go through is Ocean Explorer's which is just a short walk from the resort. Today we visited Purpose Wreck and Frenchman's Reef. At Purpose Wreck, I was surprised upon entry to basically go in the water surrounded by Jelly fish. Thankfully, I decided to wear my 3mm and did not have any unpleasant run-ins with the jelly fish. The wreck is an old tug boat that sank just off the coast of Simpson Bay where we are staying. There was a large variety of fish including shrimp hiding at the base of the tugboat and an octopus. Total depth reached was 87 feet. The 2nd dive at Frenchman's reef was very enjoyable with, again, a large number and variety of fish. I saw some HUGE barricuda for the very 1st time along with some very large lobsters. The Queen Parrotfish was one of my favorites.
I did not take an underwater camera with me today, but I will have a camera tomorrow!
After a long day of airports and airplanes, we arrived in St. Maarten on Sunday. The landing on St. Maarten is VERY interesting with a shorter runway and the pilot hitting the breaks immediately upon touch-down on the runway. A ladder was then pushed up to the plane and we disembarked. Customs was very easy and relatively quick considering another large plane had arrived just before us. The Pelican Resort is very nice and the room is plenty for Mike and I along with having a small kitchen.
On Monday, we took a bus tour of St. Maarten/St. Martin with a beach/lunch stop at Orient Beach located on the French side. The tour was very informative. We also had a chance to do some shopping in Marigot, the French St. Martin capital city.
Today was my (Pam) first day of diving. The dive shop I choose to go through is Ocean Explorer's which is just a short walk from the resort. Today we visited Purpose Wreck and Frenchman's Reef. At Purpose Wreck, I was surprised upon entry to basically go in the water surrounded by Jelly fish. Thankfully, I decided to wear my 3mm and did not have any unpleasant run-ins with the jelly fish. The wreck is an old tug boat that sank just off the coast of Simpson Bay where we are staying. There was a large variety of fish including shrimp hiding at the base of the tugboat and an octopus. Total depth reached was 87 feet. The 2nd dive at Frenchman's reef was very enjoyable with, again, a large number and variety of fish. I saw some HUGE barricuda for the very 1st time along with some very large lobsters. The Queen Parrotfish was one of my favorites.
I did not take an underwater camera with me today, but I will have a camera tomorrow!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Happy Birthday! Twins Win!
Mike and I had a great time celebrating his 38th birthday at a Twin's game today.
The game started slow with it being more of a pitcher's duel. Boof Bonser was pitching and only had one strikeout but managed to hold the LA Angels to only 3 hits. In the middle of the 8th inning, the Twin's brought in Neshak when the Angels tied the game at 2 a piece. When the Twin's came up to bat in the 8th, Punto got on base then Castillo got on base moving Punto to 2nd base where he was thrown out while leading too far off from 2nd base.
Bartlet was next to bat and had a great single advancing Castillo to 3rd base. Next, Joe Mauer came up to bat and hit an infield homerun! The score was now 5 to 2. With the inning ended, Joe Nathan came in to close the game....
And that was THE END!
Happy Birthday to MIKE.
Love ya, Pam
The game started slow with it being more of a pitcher's duel. Boof Bonser was pitching and only had one strikeout but managed to hold the LA Angels to only 3 hits. In the middle of the 8th inning, the Twin's brought in Neshak when the Angels tied the game at 2 a piece. When the Twin's came up to bat in the 8th, Punto got on base then Castillo got on base moving Punto to 2nd base where he was thrown out while leading too far off from 2nd base.
Bartlet was next to bat and had a great single advancing Castillo to 3rd base. Next, Joe Mauer came up to bat and hit an infield homerun! The score was now 5 to 2. With the inning ended, Joe Nathan came in to close the game....
And that was THE END!
Happy Birthday to MIKE.
Love ya, Pam
Friday, July 20, 2007
Happy Dance!!!
Yippee!! We had good news at our IVF baseline ultrasound appointment this morning.
Both Mike and I are really excited to get started with our IVF cycle on August 3rd. We were also able to get our appointment scheduled and have an approximate date for Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer.
There are NO cysts!
Both Mike and I are really excited to get started with our IVF cycle on August 3rd. We were also able to get our appointment scheduled and have an approximate date for Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer.
God is GOOD!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
St. Maarten
Mike and I are getting ready to go on a week long vacation in St. Maarten... We are using our timeshare that had to be used this year. It is actually the first time we have ever used our timeshare exchange. Originally, we thought we would use the timeshare in October or November. But since we had to wait until August to start our IVF cycle we made the decision to enjoy a vacation focusing on fun and relaxation just before starting our IVF cycle in August.
The only plans we really have are for me to do at least 6 dives, enjoy the beach, maybe make a trip to Saba island, horseback riding on the beach and, well, enjoy the beach some more.
We will be staying on Simpson Bay.
The only plans we really have are for me to do at least 6 dives, enjoy the beach, maybe make a trip to Saba island, horseback riding on the beach and, well, enjoy the beach some more.
We will be staying on Simpson Bay.
Aqua Aerobics @ Lifetime Fitness!
In June, I discovered that the healthclub we attend offers outdoor water aerobics. I try to go as often as possible each week. The sessions start at 9am... I actually get up around 8am almost everyday in order to make the class! It still shocks me to think that I'm getting up early to make it to class.
The workouts are really refreshing, fun and cooling. Usually, I attend Lifetime Fitness (LTF) in Savage, MN but I've discovered that LTF in Plymouth, MN offers deep water aerobics at 8am. Yes, I'm getting up even earlier on Thursday mornings to drive 40+++ minutes for deep water aerobics at 8am followed by another water aerobices class at 9am.
The workouts are really refreshing, fun and cooling. Usually, I attend Lifetime Fitness (LTF) in Savage, MN but I've discovered that LTF in Plymouth, MN offers deep water aerobics at 8am. Yes, I'm getting up even earlier on Thursday mornings to drive 40+++ minutes for deep water aerobics at 8am followed by another water aerobices class at 9am.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Update
In May we started our 1st IVF cycle only to have it canceled and converted to an intra-uterine insemination (IUI) due to poor ovarian response. We were really disappointed. Our RE felt that the Long Lupron Protocol over-suppressed my ovaries resulting in the poor response. The new protocol does not use lupron.
Before we could start over, we had to have one month without any type of drugs for a natural cycle. Then we would be on birth control (BCP) for a minimum of 2 1/2 weeks. I really do hate the BCP but I know it serves a purpose and may just help us become pregnant - go figure!
On Friday, July 20th, I have an appointment for a baseline ultrasound. Hopefully there are no cysts and we will get the go ahead to re-start our 1st IVF cycle starting with the stimulation drugs on August 3rd taking Follistim in the morning and evening. We will have more specifics on dosages the same day as the ultrasound. Once we start the stimulation drugs, the goal is to have approx. 12 to 18 mature egg follicles around the 14th or 15th day on follistim. The next step would then be Egg Retrieval followed by either a 3 day or 5 day Embryo Transfer. We've been told to expect Egg Retrieval sometime during the week of 8/13.
Before we could start over, we had to have one month without any type of drugs for a natural cycle. Then we would be on birth control (BCP) for a minimum of 2 1/2 weeks. I really do hate the BCP but I know it serves a purpose and may just help us become pregnant - go figure!
On Friday, July 20th, I have an appointment for a baseline ultrasound. Hopefully there are no cysts and we will get the go ahead to re-start our 1st IVF cycle starting with the stimulation drugs on August 3rd taking Follistim in the morning and evening. We will have more specifics on dosages the same day as the ultrasound. Once we start the stimulation drugs, the goal is to have approx. 12 to 18 mature egg follicles around the 14th or 15th day on follistim. The next step would then be Egg Retrieval followed by either a 3 day or 5 day Embryo Transfer. We've been told to expect Egg Retrieval sometime during the week of 8/13.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Sonshine Festival: 7/12 to 7/14
Our 1st TRIP to Sonshine!
On July 11th, we took a 2 1/2 hour road trip to Wilmar, MN to scope out our camping spot and set up home base for the SONSHINE festival! We arrived around 1pm just as a cloud burst hit the area drenching everything... Thankfully, the downpour was short lived and the sun came back in all its shining glory. We drove around the civic center & high school grounds until we found a promising site and lucked out that a high school group was willing to share the area they had staked out for their tents. The spot was primo! Our camping spot was just a stones throw from an entrance closest to the mainstage and 2nd stage! I couldn't believe how convienent. After setting up the tent, we headed back home for our last full-night of sleep before getting into the GROOVE for a weekend of great Christian music.
On Thursday, July 12th, we enjoyed several Christian bands on Stage 2. Most of them I had never heard of but Mike knew some of the songs by a couple of the bands. The bands were Flowerdagger, Mark Alan, Fireflight (definitely liked this band!), Needtobreathe, and Falling Up (another band we both liked). We then moved onto the Main Stage to see Skillet, David Crowder Band, Tobymac and Newsboys. The photo to the right is from the Tobymac concert. This was my first time seeing Tobymac in concert and I'm now a HUGE fan. Their energy was unbelievable!
Friday, July 13th, we enjoyed another day of checking out the bands playing on Stage 2 as well as walking around just enjoying the atmosphere. Mike really wanted to see Red on Stage 2 and we also stayed around for the concert by Spoken. The acts on Main Stage was what we were really interested in seeing. Personally, Friday evening had THE best acts of the weekend. It was great seeing Peder Eide perform, especially since he is a Concordia College Cobber. He graduated in 1990 just a year before I graduated. His genre is along the lines of worship and praise - love the actions to "Taste & See!" Hawk Nelson was the next band and I enjoyed their show. Josh Finklea was actually a speaker sharing a message of conviction encouraging Christians to serve others and share the Gospel. The Jeremy Camp concert followed and I was surprised
at how much I loved the show. He had a good number of songs that I actually recognized and didn't realize he was the guy singing those songs on the radio. Maybe I should be reading the musician information on my XM radio. The final band of the evening (and my ABSOLUTE favorite) was Casting Crown. Their show was enjoyable but it was a bummer that it was cut short due to a Thunder Storm crashing the party. Below are Mike and I enjoying the Jeremy Camp and you can see the beginning of storm clouds in the background. The second photo is Casting Crowns.
On July 11th, we took a 2 1/2 hour road trip to Wilmar, MN to scope out our camping spot and set up home base for the SONSHINE festival! We arrived around 1pm just as a cloud burst hit the area drenching everything... Thankfully, the downpour was short lived and the sun came back in all its shining glory. We drove around the civic center & high school grounds until we found a promising site and lucked out that a high school group was willing to share the area they had staked out for their tents. The spot was primo! Our camping spot was just a stones throw from an entrance closest to the mainstage and 2nd stage! I couldn't believe how convienent. After setting up the tent, we headed back home for our last full-night of sleep before getting into the GROOVE for a weekend of great Christian music.
On Thursday, July 12th, we enjoyed several Christian bands on Stage 2. Most of them I had never heard of but Mike knew some of the songs by a couple of the bands. The bands were Flowerdagger, Mark Alan, Fireflight (definitely liked this band!), Needtobreathe, and Falling Up (another band we both liked). We then moved onto the Main Stage to see Skillet, David Crowder Band, Tobymac and Newsboys. The photo to the right is from the Tobymac concert. This was my first time seeing Tobymac in concert and I'm now a HUGE fan. Their energy was unbelievable!
Friday, July 13th, we enjoyed another day of checking out the bands playing on Stage 2 as well as walking around just enjoying the atmosphere. Mike really wanted to see Red on Stage 2 and we also stayed around for the concert by Spoken. The acts on Main Stage was what we were really interested in seeing. Personally, Friday evening had THE best acts of the weekend. It was great seeing Peder Eide perform, especially since he is a Concordia College Cobber. He graduated in 1990 just a year before I graduated. His genre is along the lines of worship and praise - love the actions to "Taste & See!" Hawk Nelson was the next band and I enjoyed their show. Josh Finklea was actually a speaker sharing a message of conviction encouraging Christians to serve others and share the Gospel. The Jeremy Camp concert followed and I was surprised
at how much I loved the show. He had a good number of songs that I actually recognized and didn't realize he was the guy singing those songs on the radio. Maybe I should be reading the musician information on my XM radio. The final band of the evening (and my ABSOLUTE favorite) was Casting Crown. Their show was enjoyable but it was a bummer that it was cut short due to a Thunder Storm crashing the party. Below are Mike and I enjoying the Jeremy Camp and you can see the beginning of storm clouds in the background. The second photo is Casting Crowns.
Monday, July 9, 2007
At the LAKE! 8th Crow Wing
Summer Fun!
July has found Mike and I enjoying time up north at my parents seasonal campsite at In-We-Go located on 8th Crow Wing Lake. We took a long weekend after July 4th to enjoy time with my parents and niece's. Friday, we adventured further north to the headwaters of the Mississippi river enjoying Itasca State Park. Everyone had a great time crossing over the rocks and frolicking in the Mississippi. This was Mike's first trip to the headwaters. Kerrigan and Kamryn had a great time in the river as we walked in the river for about a 1/2 mile to an exit point near the headwaters museum.
On Saturday, we enjoyed a day spent on the lake aboard my parents pontoon and being pulled on a tube. The tube was a new toy that "Grandpa Schmidt" bought for Kerrigan and Kamryn. We started with Kerrigan and I getting on the tube to be pulled behind the pontoon. Kerrigan and I had a great time on the tube. Afterwards, I took Kamryn on the tube. Kamryn was a little more timid about the tube. Shortly aft
er taking off on the tube, we took a forward nose dive into the water. Kamryn LOVED the nose dive! I was able to push her back onto the tube then Grandpa pulled us into the boat so I could get back on next to Kamryn. Afterwards, we had a short ride behind the tube. Overall, Kamryn was not thrilled with the tube ride.
Uncle Mike then went on the tube by himself for the first time ever in his life! WooHoo! He had a blast and LONG, LONG ride on the tube. We pulled him all around the lake. Finally, we just stopped the pontoon. Then Auntie Pam went for a tube ride by herself taking the time to show off for Kerrigan and Kamryn. I got up on my knees and let go just. Then I managed to get the tube to go back and forth over the wake made by the pontoon. Finally, Grandpa started weaving back and forth as he passed a speed boat making larger wakes causing me to go flying into the air several times. The final wake that caused me to fly into the air resulted in my decision to do a "crash and burn." It was a spectacular spill into the lake.
Kerrigan and Kamryn then enjoyed just jumping off the side of the pontoon and swimming in the lake. They had a great time and LOVED getting Grandpa's boat all wet climbing back onto the pontoon only to immediately jump off again. Eventually, Kerrigan decided she wanted to try the tube by herself so we moved onto some more tubing. Kerrigan did a GREAT job on the tube by herself. Kamryn and I went for another ride but she definitely did not enjoy the tube as much as Kerrigan.
The day ended with a trip to the local Ice Cream shop for some great treats. Kamryn had the Clown sundae and Kerrigan had the Brownie sundae! Kerrigan definitely needed help from Grandpa Schmidt eating the remainder of her Brownie sundae.
July has found Mike and I enjoying time up north at my parents seasonal campsite at In-We-Go located on 8th Crow Wing Lake. We took a long weekend after July 4th to enjoy time with my parents and niece's. Friday, we adventured further north to the headwaters of the Mississippi river enjoying Itasca State Park. Everyone had a great time crossing over the rocks and frolicking in the Mississippi. This was Mike's first trip to the headwaters. Kerrigan and Kamryn had a great time in the river as we walked in the river for about a 1/2 mile to an exit point near the headwaters museum.
On Saturday, we enjoyed a day spent on the lake aboard my parents pontoon and being pulled on a tube. The tube was a new toy that "Grandpa Schmidt" bought for Kerrigan and Kamryn. We started with Kerrigan and I getting on the tube to be pulled behind the pontoon. Kerrigan and I had a great time on the tube. Afterwards, I took Kamryn on the tube. Kamryn was a little more timid about the tube. Shortly aft
er taking off on the tube, we took a forward nose dive into the water. Kamryn LOVED the nose dive! I was able to push her back onto the tube then Grandpa pulled us into the boat so I could get back on next to Kamryn. Afterwards, we had a short ride behind the tube. Overall, Kamryn was not thrilled with the tube ride.Uncle Mike then went on the tube by himself for the first time ever in his life! WooHoo! He had a blast and LONG, LONG ride on the tube. We pulled him all around the lake. Finally, we just stopped the pontoon. Then Auntie Pam went for a tube ride by herself taking the time to show off for Kerrigan and Kamryn. I got up on my knees and let go just. Then I managed to get the tube to go back and forth over the wake made by the pontoon. Finally, Grandpa started weaving back and forth as he passed a speed boat making larger wakes causing me to go flying into the air several times. The final wake that caused me to fly into the air resulted in my decision to do a "crash and burn." It was a spectacular spill into the lake.
Kerrigan and Kamryn then enjoyed just jumping off the side of the pontoon and swimming in the lake. They had a great time and LOVED getting Grandpa's boat all wet climbing back onto the pontoon only to immediately jump off again. Eventually, Kerrigan decided she wanted to try the tube by herself so we moved onto some more tubing. Kerrigan did a GREAT job on the tube by herself. Kamryn and I went for another ride but she definitely did not enjoy the tube as much as Kerrigan.
The day ended with a trip to the local Ice Cream shop for some great treats. Kamryn had the Clown sundae and Kerrigan had the Brownie sundae! Kerrigan definitely needed help from Grandpa Schmidt eating the remainder of her Brownie sundae.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
4th of July
This 4th of July we stayed in the Twin Cities since the holiday was on a Wed.
I started the day going to the healthclub for a good workout doing the Aqua Aerobics. The best part is being in the outdoor pool, enjoying the sun and getting great workout! Wed. Aqua Aerobics is based on circuit training. The water bikes are an exhausting workout. Phew... I was glad to get home...
Mike and I decide that for the remainder of the day we would go to the Minnesota Zoo then to the Waterpark of America. The zoo was lots of fun and it was Mike's first visit to the Minnesota Zoo. We enjoyed the Dolphin show then went for a walk on the outdoor path. Our future visit to the zoo will be focused on the tropical indoor path.
The Waterpark of America was a TON of FUN. This is an indoor waterpark and it was great that it wasn't mobbed considering it WAS the 4th of July. The waterslides were great and we both loved the family waterslide. Then we enjoyed the lazy river for a while and were surprised that there was also a small wave pool which is connected to the lazy river. After lazing on the river for a while we then did a few more tube waterslides using the double tubes together. Wow... What a ride! We really wiped out at the end of the rides once we hit the water. In order to recover from the rides we had to take the lazy river around a few more times. I ended the day with the Flow Rider - one word - AWESOME! The Flow Rider is definitely my FAVORITE. Mike's favorite is the body WATERSLIDE...
Dinner was wonderful and relaxing. The Split Rock restaurant in the hotel where the waterpark is located was wonderful. They definitely serve some wonderful corn bread - the "secret" ingredient is cake mix!
I started the day going to the healthclub for a good workout doing the Aqua Aerobics. The best part is being in the outdoor pool, enjoying the sun and getting great workout! Wed. Aqua Aerobics is based on circuit training. The water bikes are an exhausting workout. Phew... I was glad to get home...
Mike and I decide that for the remainder of the day we would go to the Minnesota Zoo then to the Waterpark of America. The zoo was lots of fun and it was Mike's first visit to the Minnesota Zoo. We enjoyed the Dolphin show then went for a walk on the outdoor path. Our future visit to the zoo will be focused on the tropical indoor path.
The Waterpark of America was a TON of FUN. This is an indoor waterpark and it was great that it wasn't mobbed considering it WAS the 4th of July. The waterslides were great and we both loved the family waterslide. Then we enjoyed the lazy river for a while and were surprised that there was also a small wave pool which is connected to the lazy river. After lazing on the river for a while we then did a few more tube waterslides using the double tubes together. Wow... What a ride! We really wiped out at the end of the rides once we hit the water. In order to recover from the rides we had to take the lazy river around a few more times. I ended the day with the Flow Rider - one word - AWESOME! The Flow Rider is definitely my FAVORITE. Mike's favorite is the body WATERSLIDE...
Dinner was wonderful and relaxing. The Split Rock restaurant in the hotel where the waterpark is located was wonderful. They definitely serve some wonderful corn bread - the "secret" ingredient is cake mix!
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