Transfer day was Wednesday April 2, 2014.
Test shot.
My night before the transfer post on Instagram.
We were having a blast cruising in the Mustang and I insisted we get a hair blown selfie. Although, that wasn't very fair because I had pulled my hair back.
Also good for pregnancy. A bit tart for my taste though.
More pineapple!
Time to go to the airport in style.
So- most awesome of all is that I got to finally meet Lovely Rita in person! She even said I could post pics of her. We'll get to that soon enough.
My youngest gave me a pedicure the night before I left for the transfer.
And my 14 year old painted my fingernails.
My lucky green and purple!
This is my "not thrilled that our flight was delayed" look.
But then we finally boarded and I was happy again!
It's important to have a good support system when you are a surrogate. I have an awesome support system and this guy is my #1 support!
We arrived at the San Diego airport a few hours before Lovely Rita.
We picked up the rental car. They were having an upgrade special, so we got this bad boy! Lovely Rita was thrilled! It was awesome to pick her up and meet her for the first time!
Don't we make a cute couple?
We went out to Benihana, my favorite restaurant, and the one in San Diego is the best!! It was so cool to se her come to life if that makes sense. Almost like a blind date on hold for 4 months. Ha ha.
(I look extra plump in this picture, boo! Blaming it on the meds)
I've been eating pineapple in the morning and at night as part of my surro pregnancy regime. (Just stuff I've learned over the years, pineapple is supposed to help with implantation) Well, I drank my pineapple that night in a Mango Pina Colada. Yum! I was really full from lunch, so I didn't get to experience the full Beninhana meal, but I got their yummy California Roll and Fried Rice. We all had ice cream for dessert.
Breakfast view on transfer day.
Lovely Rita and I ordered the same yummy breakfast. I was so happy that my fruit included pineapple.
Alright, let's go get knocked up!
In our private transfer party room. Me and the lovely ultrasound machine. They insert the embryo(s) through a catheter and use ultrasound guidance.
What a lovely hatching embryo. Female, by the way. They did PGS testing and this baby was top notch! I believe they gave us an 82% success rate. Wow!!
It wouldn't be a transfer without a newly designed transfer shirt, however, sadly, the one I ordered was a small fitting state and did not fit me! So, I just held it up for a picture. It says, "Is it bad that I am meeting someone for the first time and hoping I get knocked up?" The Dr walked in and seemed to get a kick out if it.
My awesome, beautiful surro friend that I have known since my first surrogacy journey (2005/2006) came to the transfer. I thought it was awesome that not only did the clinic tell my IM that we could invite people, but she was totally cool with me inviting my friend. Kari brought 2 good luck charms with her, she is pregnant with twins and due next month. She also wore green (good luck fertility color) and brought me yummy goodies. So sweet! And she hung our with us afterwards for our after transfer fries. (Another tradition that is supposed to help with implantation)
Scoot up and into position.
Time to get up close and personal. Hello Dr, nice to meet you! #slightlyawkward (but so used to it)
I was a bit bummed that this clinic didn't offer Valium. I was extra bummed when I had no warning and there's the speculum and soon after, there's the catheter. Not very comfortable. Ouch.
:(
I've had two Dr's like that now. Other than that he was pretty nice and friendly. The assistant didn't seem very friendly to me.
After the embryo was transferred to my 13 mm uterus, I had to lay down for 15 minutes. Then we were sent on our way.
We were off to find fries and we ended up at Smashburger which happen to be my favorite fries!! Too bad I wasn't hungry enough for one of their delicious burgers.
Afterwards, Lovely Rita stopped for ice cream and tried to talk me into getting pineapple gelato. I was too full, but I got a sample taste.
Then, back to the hotel for bedrest for the rest of the day.
I updated Instagram and Facebook with a few pics and then took a nap. Hubby slept too. Then he picked up some movies and snacks. We ordered dinner too.
Check out this adorable stork necklace a friend of mine made me for good luck.
And then it was time for shots. I had to start Lovenox on transfer day. With my first surrogacy, the RE (Dr) did a ton of genetic testing and found that I had the MTHFR mutation/gene. He put me on Lovenox to help prevent blood clots/miscarriage. Not every Dr has agreed to put me on the Lovenox, but the times I've used it were the times I was successful, with the exception of my last transfer with my previous couple. I was impressed that this clinic agreed to add it to the protocol, since it has worked before. Lovenox is a blood thinner and is subcutaneous. It goes in your belly and stings a little. It usually leaves bruises. I will be on it plus PIO (Progesterone in Oil) for pretty much the first trimester.
The next day it was time to head home, but first another breakfast with a view, this time at the hotel restaurant.
I was sad to say goodbye. I had to get a picture on this lovely couch. (?)
Lovely Rita thought this chair was fun and funky!
The shuttle ride from the car rental return to the airport was bittersweet for me. Look at our matching bracelets Lovely Rita got us. She got one for the egg donor too.
My transfer suitcase. Ha ha!
I felt some cramping on transfer day and 2 days later felt more cramping, twinges and what feels like stretching.
How sweet is this??
The official blood/pregnancy test is April 11. I can't wait to hear good strong numbers.
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