Change plans, another option

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

My job informed me that we will not be able to travel to Mumbai for treatment and will have to seek other means. Unfortunately, that door was closed but, Gracious God opened a window and in poured,"Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, Czech Republic". After an initial email requesting additional information. I received a prompt reply the next afternoon with loads of information needed to assist in our journey.

I am very happy with the clinic and mourning the fact that we will not be able to travel to India. But, God has blessed us to have another option and we will pursue it with his help.

On Track

From my SM

You can make many plans, but the LORD'S purpose will prevail.
-Proverbs 19:21 NLT

People tend to like what they can plan, maneuver, and control--hence the popularity of PDA's, reservations, and retirement packages. This proverb can be viewed as GOD pulling the rug out from under us. We can plan as much into the future as we would like, but nonetheless, GOD is going to have HIS own way. All our planning seems to be pointless.

It takes the right attitude to understand that the verse is consoling, not annoying. To be annoyed at GOD's ultimate authority over the future is to assume that he is not looking out for our best interest. Rather, GOD hopes to bless HIS people to a higher measure than we can imagine. A better attitude regarding Proverbs 19:21 is one of relief, that no matter how we chart our own courses, GOD is poised to keep us on the right track. If as Christians we are sincere in our desire to see GOD glorified, then we will not argue when GOD's purpose overrules our own. Today's thought: Don't plan to leave GOD out.

IF at first you don't succeed...

Try, try again and that's exactly what we are doing. We had a rough time after the disappointment of not being able to cycle in August. But, understood it was God telling us, it's not time. We have continued to pray and are blessed God has allowed us the opportunity to try again.

We will continue this journey with our same clinic in Mumbai. We were informed that we will be able to use our first pick Donor, yes...We were afraid we wouldn't be able to cycle with her and were elated when we received the news. We will begin the meds and all the other pokes and prods this month. Please keep us in your prayers.

CONGRATS to all the new parents, new pregnancies and 2w waiters. My prayers are with you all. And to those of us who are still trying, try, try again.

Urgent email from clinic...

Please note that i have done a day 5 scan of your donor today and unfortunately she has not given a very good response ( that is, not formed a good number of eggs). We have therefore decided to cancel her cycle for you.

Although this news was devastating, it wasn't the end of our road. We will change donors, change our travel dates for a month or two and continuing praying. I completed my hysteroscopy yesterday, results were NORMAL. All of our tests are complete, just awaiting new donor profiles and travel arrangements.

Today, my youngest son celebrated his 6th birthday and I couldn't let him down by thinking of myself. He had an outstanding birthday.

My prayers go out to each and every IP and those going through IVF.

WE'RE MORE THAN CONQUERORS!!!

Each step of the way, our Savior has prepared for us...

Email from our clinic this morning:

Hello!!
This is to bring to your notice that your Donor has got her menses and we have started the stimulation for her.
Her egg pick up would therefore fall on the 8th / 9th of August and the embryo transfer on the 11th / 12th August.
This would be during the dates in which you would be in Mumbai.
Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Oh, what great news to awake to. We are ecstatic to say the least. We will be meeting a family friend while in Mumbai and look forward to some sight-seeing, as well. (When the weather permits) I have so much on my mind and was ready to place it in the blog but since I've started typing, I have drawn a blank. Has to be the excitement.

Thank you Lord for your mercy and your grace.

Stay tuned for more...

INSPIRATION..Will you get back up?

http://www.guzer.com/videos/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.php

Please click this website to view an empowering message. I thought that it was fitting for those of us going through IVF.

I BELIEVE

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.

A Death Certificate shows that we died.

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat .. . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe....

That just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other.

And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe....

That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...

That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe....

That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance..

Same goes for true love.

I Believe...

That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...

That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be..

I Believe....

That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...

That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe.....

That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...

That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...

That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...

That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe...

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...

That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had,

and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...

That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe....

That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...

That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...

That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....

Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...

That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...

That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...

That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe....

That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;

They just make the most of everything.

Thanks to all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life...

Update

A month or so ago, I thought we were having to change all plans for our trip to Mumbai. I am happy to report, we have airline tickets, hotel reservations, ED and my cycles are synched and our Visa apps will be in the mail tomorrow.

OMG, last month this seemed so far away. I'm anxious, scared and nervous to say the least. DH is excited and calm. We are flying with Continental from ATL-NEW-BOM and vice versa. Tickets were very reasonable. We depart on 4AUG and return 15Aug. We will be meeting some family members there and haven't seen them in over a year.

CONGRATS to all BFP's and Baby Dust to all who aren't giving up on their dream. Please keep us in your prayers, as we continue to do the same for you.

Blessings,
C.S.

Are we REALLY born like this...Too cute

Blessing in disguise...

I would like to apologize first for not blogging in awhile, although I have managed to keep up with other bloggers. Although, I haven't post in awhile I have continued all blood-work, fun in a cup for C. and ensuring money will be readily available for our upcoming trip. Unfortunately, my job has informed me that I am unable to travel to India until Nov. 2009 and beyond. At first, it hit like a freight train and all emotions went crazy. I started doubting myself, my dreams, my hopes and almost losing FAITH. In 10 minutes after reading the devastating news, I was ready to give up and lose hope in what I know GOD has ordained for us. It's amazing how the enemy can hit you with fear, disbelief and allow you to lose trust and faith in GOD. But, I reclaimed my thoughts and didn't let the NEGATIVE nuisance interfere with my feelings or emotions. I had to put him in his place and let him know, that he wasn't going to still my JOY. Although, we hit a bump on the road, God is still in control and we will continue trusting in him knowing that it is WELL. The enemy forms his weapons at maximum strength from all corners, we as CHRISTIANS, have to be ready and put on the whole ARMOR of God to withstand anything he throws at us.

The easiest thing to do was to give up and take the road most travelled. But, I'm a child of the most high and I know that God has brought me too far, to leave me. So, I say to you our journey is still continuing and we will proceed on the road less travelled. All tests have been completed and results are back. I have to reschedule my hysteroscopy and will be forwarding all results to Rotunda next week. Our primary donor wasn't going to be able to cycle with us due to a concurrent cycle with another couple. Prayerfully, she will be free now to cycle with us in Dec/Jan timeframe. I would like to leave you with an inspiring message from my Spiritual Mother. BE ADVISED I RECEIVED THIS THE SAME NIGHT I WAS INFORMED OF THE NEW TRAVEL RULES. ALL I CAN SAY IS, "AMAZING"...

DECIDE TO BE POSITIVE

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. -Philippians 4:8 KJV

Negative people don't enjoy life. Viewing each day with positive expectations is one of the key principles to godly happiness.

We act on what we believe, so positive thoughts cause positive actions. If we want a positive life, begin thinking positive thoughts. It is easy to do if you read the Word and meditate on all that GOD wants to do for you and through you. Get alone today, and think about tall the good, positive things GOD has done for you in the past and all HE has planned for you in the future. I challenge you to: Stop having those "pity parties" in that cold lifeless pit thinking that no one cares for you. Well do you really care about your self? Be encouraged and know that: Whatever you need, GOD got it and HE is waiting to give it to you..

LET US PRAY: Merciful FATHER, thank you for loving me in spite of myself. Walk with me LORD, talk with me LORD, while I am on this Christian journey. Please hold my hand and walk with me in the name of JESUS. Amen.

Prayers and hugs.

MOM & POPS USA

From our Dr.'s website...Very Cute

The Price of Children
I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.

But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741..38 a month,
* $171.08 a week.
* A mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is; don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140.00?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies
* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs,
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and
* coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* First step,
* First word,
* First bra,
* First date,
* First time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits - so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the Price !!!

Love & enjoy your children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren!!! It's the best investment you'll ever make !!!

by Anonymous

Encouraging words from SM(Spiritual Mother)

Glad to hear all the good news going around. Looks like we will make our trip at the end of August. Will anyone be travelling during that time? If so, please let us know and maybe we can meet up. Bountiful blessings to all...

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (GOD'S favor) to those who hear it. Ephesians 4:29

As a Christian, you have a awesome responsibility with regard to the words you speak. The Bible tells us that words are containers for power---either creative or destructive. You can tear down or build up the people around you by what you say.

There is an abundance of discouragement coming from the world, but you have the great privilege of bringing encouragement to others by being positive in a negative world. It can be difficult however, so I encourage you to ask GOD to help you choose word that will bring positive changes in the lives of others....and in your own life too!

LET US PRAY: Dear LORD, my desire is to uplift someone with words I speak on YOUR behalf. Give me strength to allow others to know that YOU in my heart. Thank YOU LORD for loving me right now in JESUS' name. Amen

Prayers & hugs,

MOM & POPS USA
Never let today's burden erase yesterday's blessing

Still have JOY...

Unfortunately, we will have to postpone our cycle from April to July or August. It's exciting hearing the news from all of you expecting.

Somehow it seems everywhere I turn, someone is pregnant. Which is a blessing but at times, it hurts facing the reality that I'm NOT. Our story is a little different, as we only require an egg donor. I'm able to carry our child but I'm currenlty going through menopause and have been for the last 5 years. Believe it or not, I'm only 33 years young. I had an appointment last week with my new OB/GYN and he looked over my test results and was shocked by my extremeky high FSH results. Although, I've been told many times that I could be going through menopause, I thought that each of the 7-10 doctors were wrong. I've since excepted that this is what's happening but God has given me options. He has allowed me to carry 2 beautiful children to birth and still affords me the opportunity for more. And with that we will continue on our journey soon. My OB/GYN was so helpful and concerned. He stated all I needed to do was bring him a copy of my tests and procedures needed from our clinic and he will ensure they are completed ASAP.

We are utilizing Dr. Allahbadia and the staff of Rotunda Clinic in Mumbai. We are looking forward to The Mike's pick-up babies trip to see how everything goes. Well, you are all in our prayers and please don't give up...

By His Grace,
S.

Long time...

Well, it seems that we will have to postpone our trip and cycle until later this year or early next year. I have an appointment with ob/gyn on 16Mar09. Looking forward to it, ready to complete my tests so that when the time comes everything will be in order. I haven't been online much and will have to catch up to everyone's blogs. Until next time, God bless.

WE BELIEVE...

I received this from a Spiritual Mother of Mine...Her messages always arrive...ON TIME...

UNDERSTANDING SMALL BEGINNINGS

Who [with reason] despises the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10 NIV

You are probably believing GOD for something to come to pass in your life. If you look, you will find evidence of small beginning. GOD gives you seed perhaps only little, tiny seed, something that causes you to hope. Rejoice over that seed. Reason: It is a sign of greater things to come.

When you despise something you regard it lightly. You count it as nothing and don't take care of it. But, if you don't take care of what GOD gives you, you will loose it. You need to be content during the small things. You know the LORD is the AUTHOR and the FINISHER (see Hebrews 12:2).

What HE begins, HE completes (see Philippians 1:6). Be encourage and don't curse your seed by complaining or proclaiming negative things over it. Instead say, "LORD, this is only a little thing, but thank YOU for giving me some hope, something to hold on to. Thank YOU, LORD, for a beginning." Be encourage and know that a path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.

LET US PRAY: Thank YOU LORD for teaching me the importance of small things in my life. I honor YOU with praises on my lips. Thank YOU for the overflow of joy in my heart and a desire to serve YOU. This is my prayer in the name of JESUS. Amen.

GOD bless you, we love you, sending prayers and hugs.
From: MOM & POPS USA

Another Step Complete...

Today C. made his deposit. Results will be ready tomorrow. I almost cried because the DREAM seems in reach. Chatted with our Doctors this morning and everything is going great. I have to complete a hysteroscopy this month. Currently, researching flights and hotels. I think we will stay at Hotel Executive Enclave. It's not too far from the clinic. Another check in the box, we are FINALLY on our way...

HOW TO MAKE TWINS..Too cute

(Saw this on our clinics blog)

And the Tests Begin...

I think I may have set this blog up wrong but I will continue to post to jot down my feelings. My husband completed his blood work on Friday, 23 Jan and scheduled his SA for Thursday, 5 Feb. I still have to schedule the rest of my blood work and hysteroscopy. But, it's great to mark things off of the checklist. CONGRATS to all IP's who have received POSITIVE results and to those who will this year.

Our Story

Please take a seat as this my take awhile. We are C. and S. and we are high school sweethearts. That is, I was in high school and my husband was trolling the yard and parking lot of my high school. We dated for a year and a half prior to me joining the military. After joining the military and being sent to my first duty station, we continued our relationship and even became engaged. Once I left that duty station and transferred, we lost contact and our relationship ended.


But, fate and God had another plan. Ten years after the split, we found each other. That is, he was stalking my Mother's home and found her phone number and called her. I happened to be stationed in the same city and we reconnected. Ten months later, we were married and more in love than ever before. We've been married for four years now and have been unsuccessful in conceivingl. During these last four years, we've visited numerous doctor's, taken various tests and have accepted the outcome that we are required to use IVF to achieve our pregnancy. So together, we have eight children, four adult children, four children in school and two granddaughters. Some have questioned, "Why do you want to have more children, when you have so many". Our answer is simple, "We want more children". But, after finding my soul mate and falling back in love with him, I imagined a different outcome for more children. Unbeknown to me, God had another plan. So, I will not continue to feel sorry for myself and will take the road provided. It's taken me four years to grasp the fact that, I cannot change this and either I accept it and move on or remain in denial. Four years of denial is enough. So, now we look forward to all the ups and downs this road will have for us and we arrive here and will continue, TOGETHER. Please follow us and our blog on this journey to India.