Anika charmed them all with her chubby cheeked smiles. They nicknamed her the "little egg that did". My RE had time for a quick cuddle too. They all remarked at how perfect and cute she was -of course they only transfer perfect, cute embryos, so what do they expect?
When the subject of having a second child came up, we told them that our plan is not to pursue any further treatment. We will not use birth control, and if we managed to get a natural surprise we would not be disappointed in the least. My RE was a bit taken aback (almost offended) by this. I guess he assumed that we'd be back at it again as soon as possible? Honestly, that is not a chapter of my life I would like to repeat. Emotionally it was such a roller coaster. There were all the procedures, the surgeries, the heartbreaking bad news, so many tears. No thanks. We feel so incredibly lucky to have Anika in our lives and are very happy just as a family of 3. My ovarian reserve was the pits at 32/33. I only yielded 2 eggs on my best attempt at IVF. The odds were not stacked in our favour, but we got the happy ending that many people don't. I love breastfeeding and plan to continue for at least this year while I'm off work, and by the time I'm ready to fully wean, I'll be over 35. There is the financial factor as well. We are so content to let that rest, and move on with raising a happy healthy daughter.
For us it was a fond farewell and opportunity to express our gratitude to the people that made it all happen. We brought them a framed print of my husband's photography as a parting gift. Something to brighten up the clinic a bit for future patients. I don't think they've found a spot to hang it just yet, but I really hope they put it in the small exam room. There is a poster of the life cycle of the ovary there that I spent way too many hours staring at (remember we had 32 visits to the clinic). I think this print would make a lovely replacement for that.
aww what nice pictures! Anika is so cute and knowing those 3 I can imagine how happy they are to see her. My dream is to one day be able to do the same!
ReplyDeleteMakes me teary.... I know what you mean. It's a chapter that is closed for us too. There will never be another IVF. Whether or not there might be an FET to use up what we have is unknown. Nearly 3yrs since our cycle that got us our angel and I can say for sure, no more IVF.
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to admit that I don't have it in me, nor am I willing to make the sacrifices I did for Elly for a sibling. It makes me feel like I wouldn't love a sibling as much as I love her. However, I know that's not the case. I gave her my all, because I had it to give. Many of those things I gave were one shot deals. I didn't have a reserve of that courage and those emotions that I could just replenish and go again. It's more like I gave them up for ever and have learned to live without them.
Anywho..... what I'm saying is. I get it. I love the picture, it's a beautiful gift. I hope they find the perfect place for it.
AAA! This is your BEST Blog!!! It's so nice to see Aunty Leigh and Tammi with Anika. :) Also Dr H looks so proud..:) She is such a cutie..
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you're not thinking about jumping back on the roller coaster. I told the same to Jen if i ever get so lucky and would never-ever want to try this again. She told me never say never....she thinks the infertility amnesia hits around 18 months..? LOL!!!
Edina - Raspberry
I also "get it"......i turn 40 in a few months and I am VERY content with my beautiful daughter! I LOVE your blog for many reasons, and I also spent a lot of time in Dr. H's offices and i know the exact poster you are speaking of and i think your husband's photography is beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your VFC reunion!
ReplyDeleteChristie
Jen and I have actually had this chat. She totally understood where we were coming from too. We haven't said never to a sibling, but we know for sure a second one wouldn't come the same way as Anika. If the adoption process in this province wasn't so arduous we'd consider that. There's donor egg, but that's really expensive and logistically challenging in Canada. So that leaves us with the old fashioned way.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the framed print - thanks for the compliments. It was taken on our honeymoon kayak trip. Anika was just starting to be a dream in our hearts then. I have to laugh that so many fellow VFC patients know and remember the life cycle of the ovary poster.
ReplyDeleteYes I know the poster....your husband's photograph would be an awesome replacement! :)
ReplyDeleteOh gosh...pass the kleenex box please!!! I can't wait to take our little guy down to CCRM's reunion one summer and show him off and express our gratitude. Such meet and greets must be the absolute highlight of their work. And I am soooo with you on Family of 3. Been there...done that...and don't want to go back. But I don't know about you, I just feel guilty about it that I lack the "strength" to do so. But I know in time, I will come to an eternal peace about our decision. And WOW is your hubby an awesome photog?!! Nice!!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't think of it as lacking strength Lisa. It's not the same TTC a subsequent child to add to your family as it is a first child to start a family. It's entirely individual, but each couple needs to do what's right for them. Only children can grow up the be well adjusted, they don't need sibs to achieve that.
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