Thank you, Myrtle

Myrtle...you delivered. I'm fertile.

The results are in and they are positive. We found out on Monday, March 26th that we were successful with step 1 - implantation. I took a blood test to measure the level of hCG, which came back with 523. The doctor hopes to see that the number is above 100. According to them, we "hit it out of the ballpark." Numbers like that indicate that there could even be twins. A two-fer. That would be welcome.

On Thursday, I took the follow-up test to measure the growth of the hCG hormone. The results needed to double, and they did. 1248. This still indicates that there are either one or two embryos in there. We are on the right track. At this point, we are considered to be in the fourth week of our pregnancy. Weird calculations, but it all starts with the first day after your last period. So, week two for us was the day of implantation - 3/12.

My first ultrasound is scheduled for 4/9. At that time, they will confirm the location of the embryos, which should be in the uterus. Any other location would result in a termination - so let's hope for the former. Other, more positive things that they'll be doing is looking for the number of embryos and their measurement, confirm the number of weeks based on that measurement, provide me an updated calendar for how much longer I will need to take the hormones, and estimate the due date. There is a slight chance that they may be able to see a flickering of the heart beat. I love that word, flicker, especially as it relates to this situation. While it may be a bit early, it would be exciting.

The joy for Frank and I think week has been sharing positive news. The outpouring of love, tears, support, and curiosity has been so welcome. Honestly, I'm still in disbelief that this is real. It's been such a long journey so far, that I'm still skeptical that this is really happening. I'm not so skeptical that you'll find me at the bar, ordering cocktail shrimp and a stiff drink, though. It's just that we've never had the positive news, so I'm moving into uncharted territory with my emotions. Your joy is encouraging.

Join me in a happy dance, please.
xo