• LTK SHOP
  • AMAZON SHOP
  • DISCOUNT CODES
  • INFERTILITY
    • INFERTILITY COACHING
    • BEGINNING OF OUR INFERTILITY JOURNEY
    • 3RD ROUND OF IVF – TWINS
    • TWIN’S IVF CYCLE THAT WORKED – WHAT WAS DIFFERENT
    • TWIN PREGNANCY
    • TWIN BIRTH STORY
    • SINGELTON FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER
  • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

A Slice of Style

  • blog posts
    • Fashion
    • Amazon
    • Walmart Favorites
    • Skincare
    • Home Decor
    • Family
    • To My Beautiful Child
    • Food
      • Appetizers
    • Travel

To My Beautiful Child: HCG Levels Update!

To My Beautiful Child· Twin Pregnancy

4 Jan

To my beautiful child,

I went in for my follow up blood draw today which is one week after my first one and found out that the HCG level today was 8,245! Last week on the 28th of December (which shall forever be know and the best day ever), my HCG level was 524.

What will we do next week at our ultrasound? Don’t worry…you better believe I asked all of the details on the phone. We will hear your heartbeat!!! I cannot believe how fast babies grow. This week, you’re the size of an orange seed and by week 7 when we do the ultrasound you’ll be the size of a blueberry. How do I know this? Because I stalk the What to Expect When You’re Expecting app like a hawk…like any person who just found she was pregnant after trying for so long. You know, normal stuff.

For real though…a blueberry?! Good job growing so fast, baby! I’m impressed with you. Proud mama moment! I’m trying to eat lots of potato chips, rolls and cereal healthy veggies and fruits to help you. We will get your official measurements next week and we’ll also get to see if there are one of you…or two.  🙂

When I got the call today to report on my HCG levels, I was at work and I couldn’t stop beaming from ear to ear after I found out. Pure joy is the only way to describe it!

Most people don’t tell anyone they are pregnant until about 12 weeks because of the risk of miscarriage. When you’re doing IVF and you tell people, they know what you’re doing and what IVF leads to (pregnancy in case you’re still in the dark 😉 ) and it’s different, which I am totally okay with and I like that we’ve gotten to share our journey with so many. Of course the thought has popped into my head, “what if we have a miscarriage?” Well…what if we do? Is worrying about it going to help me in any way right now? That’s a big fat “nope.” I’m not going to let negative thoughts steal my happiness and joy right now, because right now I am pregnant and we are expecting you in September! There are a lot of unknowns and at any given time, I can find a million things to worry about it. I’m choosing not to worry about them and I’m choosing joy right now because I’ve found that’s the only way to truly live. I’m on the happiness train and I’m bringing you with me, my little baby!! (You don’t really have a choice right now as I’m your only mode of transportation, so hold on tight).

So…I went to work today with a loose blouse on and had every intention of keeping my jeans buttoned up the whole day and I’m here to report that it just didn’t happen. In fact, it lasted about 20 minutes…and that’s a stretch. I mean, you can’t win all the time. As of this morning, the scale told me that I have gained 6 pounds since started this 3rd IVF cycle and I can’t, in good faith, blame it on you. Mama likes to eat, okay? Maybe I can blame it on the hormones? I always saw overacheiving as a good thing, and I know I’m supposed to gain weight while I’m pregnant so I’m just trying not to be tardy on this one. The earlybird gets the…buttons popping off on her jeans? #winning

Well, my little orange seed, I just love you. You’re itty bitty tiny but you have your daddy and I’s whole heart. Your dad keeps saying things like, “I love you. Both of you.” We’ve been sleeping with the tiny little rabbit named Mallow that your Aunt Jocelyn gave you on transfer day. I make your dad sleep with it by his face because I can’t handle the cuteness…but mostly he makes the rabbit hop over to sleep with me 😉

We love you!

xo

Mama

I decided I would take a picture with you…because that’s what mamas do with their babies 🙂 
pregnancy after IVF

Related Posts

  • To My Beautiful Child: Acupuncture + medication update

    To my beautiful child,…

  • To my Beautiful Child: Some Days Suck

    To my beautiful child…

  • To my Beautiful Child: Trip to Washington + Medication Update

    To my beautiful child…

7 Comments

Previous Post: « To My Beautiful Child: I Haven’t Woken Up…I’m Still Pregnant!
Next Post: To My Beautiful Child: Am I Turning Into a Baby or Having a Baby? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. René says

    January 5, 2016 at 12:07 am

    Congratulations! I so happy for you. I suffered with infertility for years. Unfortunately, I lost ALL my lady parts at 29 years old. However, God blessed our family with two little guys through adoption. My dearest, best friend is going through infertility stuff too and I thank you for giving her hope. Praying things continue in a positive direction! Keep choosing joy!

    Reply
  2. Melissa R says

    January 5, 2016 at 12:16 am

    Best mama baby photo ever….. Because that's what mama's do!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    January 5, 2016 at 12:40 am

    Hi Jenica,

    So glad that you are positive it helps others like myself!
    I am currently 8weeks and 4 days. We had a really low heartbeat of 43 at the 7 weeks scan and the 8 week HCG was 4956.
    Our doctor said to have another HCG reading on the week 9 date (Friday) and then if still lower than required they'll do another scan.
    We are very worried and praying into our little baby's life as anything is possible with God.
    xxx

    Reply
  4. Blair says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:48 am

    I'm so excited for you. You're the cutest!

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    January 5, 2016 at 4:44 am

    I just love reading your posts & seeing updates on IG. Is like i'm reliving my pregnancy again thru you. ( I'm typing this as i hold my 3 week old babyboy) Pregnancy is the best journey just wait & you will see, but once you hold your baby or babies you just can't imagined life without them. Just want you to know that your story has inspired me & made me appreciate my kids even more Thank You!! Thank you for sharing your personal life with us. Can't wait to find out if is 1 baby or 2 babies or maybe 3 lol jk.
    – A mommy from Houston Tx

    Reply
  6. Amber says

    January 6, 2016 at 12:02 am

    I think you've got two in there!! That's my prediction. I did IUI and had 5 viable eggs. When we went in to see how many took when I found out I was pregnant, I couldn't button up my jeans at 6 1/2 weeks and there were two! The tech told me that with two of everything in there you would be amazed at how much faster that happens. And you look quite tiny like I was so I'm betting on two for you! Although having been on that journey I know you will be just as happy if you only end up with one. Congrats!!

    Reply
    • The Followell Family says

      January 12, 2016 at 1:29 am

      I think she's having two as well!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Let’s Connect

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

MEET JENICA

Your affordable fashion guide and simplified lifestyle bestie since 2014! Mama to IVF twins and IVF baby boy. Infertility coach and podcaster at Fearless Infertility. So glad you're here!

A Slice of Style Newsletter

Save more time + lots of money with the best finds sent to your inbox!

Shop My Instagram Pictures!

If you’re still in the “scared,” I get it. I If you’re still in the “scared,” I get it. I’ve been paralyzed with not knowing what to do before. Wanting to be safe and also wanting to grow. Wondering if you really are that strong, and wanting to know beforehand what the outcome will be.

You’re not alone. 🤍

#infertilitysisters #ivfjourney #ivfsuccess #ivfcommunity #infertilitycommunity #ttccommunity
I could never keep my jewelry organized until I fo I could never keep my jewelry organized until I found this affordable hanging jewelry solution! 💎

Why you’ll love it:

✨ On sale for under $15
✨ Works in any closet
✨ Keeps your jewelry organized
✨ No more knocking over jewelry on accident with jewelry stands
✨ Peace of mind knowing you can find your jewelry whenever you want it!

Comment “LINK” below and I’ll send you the direct link! Happy organizing, friends!

#AffordableLiving #BudgetFriendly #FrugalLiving #SaveMoney #CostEffective #SmartSpending #SustainableLiving #MoneySavingTips #ThriftyLiving #FrugalTips #AffordableLifestyle #BudgetLiving #LiveWithinYourMeans #EconomicalLiving #CutCosts #FinancialFreedom #SaveOnExpenses
🍨 Chilling in dessert paradise with this Ice Cr 🍨 Chilling in dessert paradise with this Ice Cream Pie delight! It was SO EASY to make and you can customize it extremely easily! Save this recipe for your next special occasion! 🥧🤤

Try this easy recipe:
1️⃣ Pre-made pie crust
2️⃣ Softened ice cream (your fav flavor!
3️⃣ Crushed Oreos
4️⃣ Fluffy Cool Whip
5️⃣ Irresistible hot fudge drizzle.

Layer it up, freeze, and indulge in the sweetest escape! 😍 #IceCreamPie #FrozenDelight #DessertParadise #familyrecipes #birthdaydessert
Somewhere along our way, we picked up the belief t Somewhere along our way, we picked up the belief that questions weren’t okay. Maybe it’s because we had an experience that made us feel dumb - we asked a question and we got made fun of. We then picked up the belief that we’re already supposed to know it all, and that when we question, it means we are inadequate. That questioning is unsafe.

Kids ask questions constantly, so they learn constantly. They haven’t yet taken on the belief that they need to know more than they do right now. Because how could they possibly? It makes sense. They’re curious and ask all of the questions in all of the ways.

Let’s do that.

Let’s ask the questions. In every way. From all the angles. And then focus on where we are turning for the answers because WHERE we are turning matters. I think God will guide us if we ask Him. He knows how to speak to us in ways that we will hear, but only if we turn to Him.

He’s got us.

Questions are EVERYTHING and I want to live to my last day with a million questions that I expect answers to in His way. He’ll show up for me. And I’ll know He’ll show up for you, too. 🤍 #parcellsundayselfie 6/4/23 #sundaybest #christianposts
Truly and genuinely @orbitbaby has saved me as a m Truly and genuinely @orbitbaby has saved me as a mom to twins and now mom to 3! Why I love it:

🤍 The car seat and stroller seat rotates so it makes it a great place for baby on walks and other places like restaurants because I can face him where I need to! He can be facing towards me as I’m seated or avoid sun in his face on walks!

🤍 I love that the car seat pops directly into the stroller base. If he’s sleeping I don’t have to wake him up and it makes going ANYWHERE so much easier and gives me so much less anxiety when I take my crew out and about 😅🤍

Let me know if you have questions! #orbitbaby #sponsored #newbaby #momhacks #momlife #stroller #travelsystem
This is your friendly reminder to look to see what This is your friendly reminder to look to see what concerts are coming to your town this summer and get tickets! 🎟️ I forget and then am so sad when I find out on the day OF that I didn’t even know some of my fav artists came to perform close to me! 🤍😜😭

Who are you excited to see this year?!! What tickets are you SO excited to buy or have already purchased?!

This is from Shania Twain last night and if you’re interested, she is still, in fact, the one. (One of the best songs ever!!) #shaniatwainconcert #shaniatwain #girlsnight #concert
After buying oranges to eat yesterday and getting After buying oranges to eat yesterday and getting him dressed today in this outfit I couldn’t NOT take this photo! 🍊🤣

This baby boy is truly pure sunshine!! After all it took to get him here 🤢 #ivf I’m just even more grateful that he is such a delightful human. Your family loves you, precious boy!!! #7monthsold #ivfsuccess
Tyler asked Harris while preparing for his primary Tyler asked Harris while preparing for his primary talk to speak in church what his favorite part of church was, and he answered honestly:

“The treat at the end.”

I laughed and laughed, and I also realized that this truth spoken from his mouth was spot on.

I pray, and I write and I listen and I study because in those moments is when I can hear Him.

I see Him in truth everywhere. He is in all things. His lessons are gently whispering in the textures, the smells, and the relationships I give my energy to.

I put forth effort by my small acts of showing up and telling Him I’m listening and His spirit is the “treat at the end.” And during. And before - even when I sometimes don’t notice it quite yet.

🤍🤍🤍 Happy Sabbath my beautiful friends!!! His knows you by name. He sees you and hears you and ADORES what He created - you. 🤍 #parcellsundayselfie 5/21/23 #sundaybest
The under $30 shorts we’ve been DYING FOR! 16 co The under $30 shorts we’ve been DYING FOR! 16 colors, high waisted and thick, stretchy waistband, built in COMFY underwear, zippered pocket and the perfect short but not too short length!! I’m OBSESSED.

Order 1 size UP.

TO GET LINKS TO THESE OUTFITS:
1️⃣ Leave a comment with the word LINK and I’ll send you a direct message (DM) with the links
2️⃣ Find the links in my stories for 24 hours
3️⃣ Click the link in my bio and click “Amazon Shop”
4️⃣ Follow me in the @shop.LTK app (jenicaparcell) — everything is always linked there! #summershorts #workoutwear #warmweatherplease #affordablefashion

Copyright © 2023 · Refined theme by Restored 316

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

A Slice of Style
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.