June 2013

Infertility Update…

Big news at the Butler house…. After 2.5 years, $10K in tests and treatments, and 2 miscarriages we a happy to announce our latest IUI worked and we are pregnant again. This time things are going really well. The baby has a strong heart beat (167 BPM) and the ultrasounds we have had so far the baby has been right on target for size.  We are due January 3^rd!  

Pregnancy is a roller coaster of emotions and very nerve racking for us.  It is still hard to believe at times, but with my growing waist line it is getting more real every day.   

We have decided as a couple to share this news on our blog to our loyal readers first -- no phone calls have been made so don't feel left out. We told our parents and siblings via text message a few weeks ago using the picture above - but it was still earlier enough we did not want to share the news with everyone else because of our history with miscarriages.

We will not be posting any pregnancy related photos or comments to our Facebook pages out of respect for our friends that are also struggling with infertility.   We will solely be using our blog to communicate in that regard.  Please respect our friends as well and only post pregnancy and congratulatory comments to our blog.  

We are still scheduled to take the PS MAPP class this fall to become licensed foster and adoptive parents.  The class will be completed in October 2013 and the plan as of now is to get our license and start accepting foster care calls in the summer of 2014.  

Infertility Awareness…

Just because we are now expecting again does not mean our battle with infertility magically disappears.  This has been a journey that has made each of us grow stronger and learn a lot about the gift of life.    

These myths and facts from www.resolve.org help explain why infertility is a life long journey.  It does not end when you conceive, give birth, adopt or decided to live child free.  

Myth: "Pregnancy (or parenthood) will resolve your infertility. You'll no longer be affected by infertility."

Fact: This myth leads to much misunderstanding. Other members might presume pregnant couples no longer need RESOLVE's support. Pregnant couples are set up for disillusionment, as they find many infertility issues and emotions are still affecting them. One woman shared that, "Being pregnant after infertility does pose some special problems...The fear of another failure was almost paralyzing at times. I waited to buy maternity clothes until I had nothing wearable in my closet...When we bought a baby crib, part of me was sure we were wasting money...so my infertility colors my pregnancy, and my need for RESOLVE remains."

Myth: "You will feel welcomed into 'The Fertile World,' getting support from family and friends, so you won't need RESOLVE."

Fact: Although many couples do enjoy sensitive and empathic support from family and friends, isolation is not automatically overcome by the news of pregnancy. Pregnancy, achieved after years of testing and treatment, remains a different experience. One RESOLVE member, pregnant with twins, reflects, "It feels so strange to be catapulted into a world of fertility after struggling with infertility. I go to Mothers of Twins Club meetings, LaLeche meetings, exercise classes for pregnant women, etc., but I find it difficult to identify with other mothers...I'm disturbed at the number of times people express negative comments to me about having children...Early on I used to explain to them why these twins were so dearly wanted by us but now I'm growing tired of explaining."

In other related news…

The room renovation is complete and the room has been decorated to accommodate our growing family.