Thoughts on Prematurity

This weekend I walked in the March of Dimes March for Babies at Norbuck Park near White Rock Lake. For those of you interested, its not too late to donate - just go here and you can donate online. All along the route there are signs in honor of and in memory of babies that were born too soon. I read every one of the signs along the 5 mile route and saw many babies that were born later than D with "in memory of" signs. With all of the stories that I have read in the IF world lately about babies being born as early as 24 - 25 weeks, I am forever grateful that I was able to carry D to 31 weeks. When I look at my beautiful, healthy boy, it is easy to forget that things could have definitely turned out differently. I am not really sure of the point of this post other than to say how grateful and thankful I am to God that D is healthy and stronfg and I hope and pray that if I ever have another child, God will provide in the same way.

Abbreviations

Since C recently posted a link to my blog on his blog, several people not familiar with all of the IF abbreviations have stopped by. In an attempt to help them decipher some of the posts, I thought I'd provide this link to a list compiled by Mel of blogging abbreviations that a lot of IF/adoption bloggers use. I hope this helps.

That Time of Year Again

Every year since 2004, C and I have walked in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica to raise money for the March of Dimes. Over those years, we have raised close to $5,000 for an organization that is near and dear to our hearts. D was born 9 weeks premature and spent 7 weeks in the NICU at Medical City Dallas Hospital and if I ever get pregnant again the chances of having another premature birth are really high due to my unicornuate uterus, therefor the work of the March of Dimes is very important to me personally. I am oficially kicking off my fundraising for 2008's March of Dimes March for Babies (they renamed WalkAmerica) and ask anyone who is so inclined, to please consider donating to this worthy cause. Please follow this link to donate online. Feel free to leave any questions that you might have in the comments and I'll get back to you. Thank you.

Opportunity????

It has been forever since I have updated this blog because there has been nothing to report on the adoption front. I am considering cycling again just to give myself something to do while we wait for a match. It is very difficult for a person who is typically in control of everything to wait and realize that there is nothing that I or C can do to make this adoption happen sooner.

We did get an e-mail today about a potential opportunity. The birthmother, her sister and her nephew all have bi-polar disorder and ADD/ADHD. She has a 2 year old that has no known health problems. They are asking all potential adoptive parents who want to be shown to the mother/father to let them know as soon as possible. This is a difficult decision since I know someone who suffers with bi-polar disorder and she is a mess. She, however, does not have any family support and I do not know if that plays a factor in how she has dealt with her disorder. If anyone reading this (if anyone even still reads this blog) has any insight into bi-polar disorder and ADD/ADHD, I would appreciate any thoughts. It is so tempting to jump at these opportunities since we are so anxious to get a match, however, we need to be sure it is the right decision for us and the birthmother/father.

Tough Question from a 4 year old

Although D has mentioned wanting a brother or sister before, earlier today was the first time he really asked why he didn't have one. One of his friends asked him today if he had a brother or sister (his friend has a little brother) and he had to say no, its just me, mommy and daddy. As we are driving home and he is telling about this exchange, he says that big brothers are helpful and he wants to help mommy and daddy make a brother or sister because he really wants one. I had to tactfully explain that big brothers cannot help in that way and that we were seeing a doctor to get help and also hoping that someone picks us as parents. It sucks that he is starting to notice these things more.

BFN

I broke down and POAS but got a BFN! I am not surprised but still really disappointed. I am now trying to decide if I want to cycle again next month or take some time off from officially ttc and focus on the adoption and getting healthy.

At a church function tonight we went around the room to say what we were thankful for during the past year. I started crying when it was my turn (I am such a stupid sap) and told everyone that I am most thankful for D. Everyone at the party knows about my IF struggles and the adoption so hopefully they understood why I was crying!

14.2

My progesterone level is 14.2, which means that I actually ovulated this cycle (they were looking for a 12 or better). We don't know when but its at least something given that its only the 3rd time this year that it has happened. I'll keep my fingers crossed the next few days and if AF does not show by Saturday I'll POAS. Wish me luck!

K