• AMAZON STOREFRONT
  • WALMART FAVS
  • FOOD
    • APPETIZERS
    • BREAD
    • BREAKFAST
    • DRINKS
    • SIDE DISHES
    • SNACKS
    • SWEETS
    • DINNER
  • DISCOUNT CODES
  • INFERTILITY SUPPORT
  • OUR INFERTILITY STORY
    • FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER (Current Cycle!!)
    • BEGINNING OF OUR INFERTILITY JOURNEY
    • 3RD ROUND OF IVF
    • THE IVF CYCLE THAT WORKED – WHAT WAS DIFFERENT
    • TWIN PREGNANCY
    • BIRTH STORY
  • SIGN UP FOR TEXTS
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

A Slice of Style

  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog Posts
    • Fashion
    • Amazon
    • Walmart Favorites
    • Skincare
    • Home Decor
    • Family
    • To My Beautiful Child
    • Travel

To My Beautiful Child: I’m So Grateful

3rd round of IVF· To My Beautiful Child

12 Nov

To my beautiful child,
Friday
was a total doozy but I’ve had really good days ever since! We went up
to your grandma and grandpa’s (my mama and step dad’s) house on Friday
night because your dad help grandpa build a horse covering thing on
Saturday. We spent the night on Friday night. Remember how I started
bawling because I mixed the Bravelle wrong on Friday which meant I had
to give myself two shots? Welp…your dad was helping me push in the
Menopur on Friday night before we went to bed. That’s how we do it. Team
work! I stick in the needle and if it’s a lot of medication, he pushes
it in. Anyway, he didn’t see that there was more in there because it
started to become hard to push out so he thought it was gone. Wrong-o. I
pulled out the needle and there was still quite a bit in there. At this
point I just started laughing. I mean…I had already cried enough for
one person that day so the only thing left to do was laugh! It takes so
much courage to stick yourself with that needle and I had to do it two
extra times that day. Your dad happened to bring in his toothbrush that
he had just gotten from the dentist (my mom works at the dentist that we
go to), and there was a sticker in the bag that said, “Good Patient” on
it so he put it on my jammies. Ha! When I took it off, he was like,
“why?! Leave it on there!” 
Saturday
was amazing because I got to lounge around then go shopping with my mom
while the boys worked on the horse covering so the horsies won’t get
snowed on. This is a good situation to be in; if you can have your
husband work while you shop, it’s always a good idea. If you are a girl, I hope that you and I have the same relationship that my mom and I have. Best friends.
I
was thinking the other night that I really hope you look like your dad.
If you look like me, I will still love you, but I will totally
love you a little bit more if you look like him. I pictured him with you
the other night (well, I guess I picture it a lot) and my heart could
almost burst. He’s going to be the best dad. He is so much fun and loves life. I think he’ll be good at teaching you to love life too. He sure helps me to love it.
 
I
started the human growth hormone on Sunday and I had to borrow my
co-worker’s Hulk costume. He wore it for Halloween and I kept joking
with your dad that I was going to grow a foot and turn into a raging
beast. Every time I look at the picture it makes me laugh. I think that
laughter is the best medicine to get through anything. 
This
week, starting Sunday morning a few days ago, I will have 4 doctor’s
appointments total. Each time I go, I get my blood drawn to check the
levels of my hormones to make sure they are on track and I get an
ultrasound. It’s not the ultrasound where they go over my tummy, it’s
the ultrasound where they go inside…if you know what I mean. It’s
quite pleasant and totally not awkward at all.
On
Tuesday, one of my favorite nurses, Lindsey, knocked on the door and
started coming in while I was still getting undressed. I was like, “I’m
still getting undressed! Just a minute” And then when she actually came
in I started laughing because she was about to see a whole lot more. 
 
The
good news is that I have 30 follicles! Lindsey said that the follicle
is the egg’s house. Eggs are microscopic so the follicle is an indicator
of how many eggs I will get. She said that during a normal pregnancy
and when you ovulate each time, there is only one egg typically. Since I
have 30, no wonder my stomach is feeling so bloated and sore! Your aunt
Jocelyn looked at my slyly the other night and said, “do you have a
baby in your belly?” I almost feel like she was asking if I was actually
making this whole IVF thing up and that I was secretly pregnant
already. I don’t blame her; I looked 3 months pregnant! I always look
bigger at night. 
By
the way, I thought of you today when I was making my lunch. I made
Annie’s macaroni and cheese because it’s, like, really healthy and
nutritious. I’m going to be an amazing mom. I ate the entire box by
myself. It’s your fault. You need to get here so I don’t do that and we
can share!
I
also wanted to tell you that I am feeling so completely and totally
grateful lately. I can truly say that I am happy and content. Some
people ask me how I stay positive (most of the time…giant tears and “I
hate everything” moments aside) and I’ve been thinking about that a lot. There are 3 reasons that I’ve come up with:
 
1.
I know without a doubt in my mind that God has a plan for your dad and
I. He’s watching over us and wants us to experience various trials to
help us grow and learn. That’s the whole reason we’re here in this life,
after all.  Someone amazing commented on my blog the other day and said
that she likes to remind herself that God cares more about our
character than our comfort. That has sat really well with me this week. 
2.
It has felt so, so good to be so open about our infertility struggles. I
feel like I have an army of incredible people who are sharing our
burden. I feel like it’s not only our shoulders to bear alone. It’s been
so surprising and incredible to see how therapeutic it has been for me
to write it all out and express my feelings. People are so good. I
have received countless messages, emails and comments of encouragement
and solidarity. I feel lifted by those who are going through this as
well, those who have gone through this, and those who are encouraging
even without ever having experienced infertility. I feel so incredible
grateful for the experiences that this trial has afforded me. I have
learned more than I can say. 
3. Focusing on what I am grateful for and the incredible things that I have in my life has really helped me to be happy now. Living in the moment and being happy today
with what I have now is important to me. Life is too short to feel
sorry for myself! The truth is that no one knows how long they have in
this life and I don’t ever want to look back on this period in my life
and think, “why didn’t I just lighten up a bit?!” I don’t want to have
regrets. We only get one life.
My
heart is full and I’m so very grateful for these experiences. I’m also
especially grateful for your dad who keeps me laughing day after day.
This morning as we were giving me my shots, your dad sang this nice
tune, “4 shots every day, hey hey, means we are ready for a baybay! Cute
and chubby and cuddly. Yay!” 
You’re worth it all.
xo

Mom 
 
Hiding from the snow after my appointment yesterday. Thumbs up for 30 follicles!!

Today’s
appointment waiting for the nurse to come in to do the ultrasound.
“Thumbs up” is apparently a theme… better than thumbs down as I always
say! (I totally always say that…)
 

The blood draw yesterday was a little more rough than normal…
 

Crazy face alert! Quick pic before my ultrasound on Tuesday. 

One
of my absolute favorite nurses, Ashley!! She gives the greatest hugs.
Love her and the words of encouragement and smile she always has for me!
 
Big ovary mama!
 

Look at my cute little follicles! Hi, babies!
 

That’s the device that they do the ultrasound with. I bet you can guess where that goes. Ha!
 
Each of those little air pocket looking things is a follicle!
 
Happy
Veteran’s Day! So grateful for those who fought for our freedoms. The
flag was malfunctioning and started to fly towards me 🙂 I don’t mind.
We
watched our sweet niece Isla on Saturday night for a few hours and it
was basically the highlight of my life. She has the sweetest, happy
spirit! I love her SO much.

My friends tell me that I look the same…but I feel different. 
 

Related Posts

  • To my Beautiful Child: Some Days Suck

    To my beautiful child (written on 10/26), Today was kind…

  • To My Beautiful Child: First Ultrasound

    To my beautiful child, Today was a very special day…

  • To My Beautiful Child: First Medication Pickup

    To my beautiful child, Today was kind of a hard…

2 Comments

Previous Post: « Transitioning my LBD to Fall!
Next Post: Poncho + Booties = Fall »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Straight A Style says

    November 13, 2015 at 1:53 pm

    I just found you through Sandy a la Mode. I'm currently going through infertility. Although I am not facing IVF just yet, it's a definite possibility and this month I do follistem shots. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I love your positive and upbeat outlook. While difficult, I too can see God's grace and teaching in this season. Thinking of you today!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Reply
  2. Tresca says

    November 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm

    Your follicles are the absolute cutest! But then again, they are yours!!! ❤️❤️

    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

 

My name is Jenica and I'm so glad that you're here! I started this blog in 2014 to share the best deals on the nicest things because I believe we all deserve to live the best life on less. Read more...

Search

A Slice of Style Newsletter

get latest updates, new releases, & exclusive tips and deals straight to your inbox!

Latest Favs

Latest Videos

Shop My Instagram Pictures!

  • About
  • Infertility & Pregnancy
  • Motherhood
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy

jenicaparcell

✨ Coach for women w/ infertility + @fearless.infertility podcast host
✨ affordable fashion
✨ mom to IVF twins + baby boy
✨ [email protected]

Jenica Parcell | Infertility Support | Affordable Fashion
I cannot BELIEVE it was only a short year ago that I cannot BELIEVE it was only a short year ago that I was deciding if I could handle doing another frozen embryo transfer…and now LOOK at him 🥹 It was one of the hardest years of my entire life. Going through things I don’t wish on anyone. But look at us now 😭 And looking internally…the things I’ve learned.

Tell me about something a year ago for you that you didn’t know you’d get through and can’t believe you are where you’re at 🤍👇🏻 #infertilityjourney #ivfsuccess #frozenembryotransfer
This is it. Not just in motherhood, although moth This is it.

Not just in motherhood, although motherhood really amplifies it, but in life.

It’s the fast days that are loud and sunny.

It’s the slow days that are quiet and snowy.

The mismatched pajamas and the dressed to the nines.

It’s the mess.

It’s the organization and order.

It’s the to-do list that gets crossed off and the to-do list that doesn’t.

It’s in the allowing of both.

It’s in perhaps preferring one over the other, but not judging either.

It’s in the wisdom that both will pass and each have lessons to teach.

Neither is wrong.

Both are allowed.

This is it.

#infertilityjourney #ivfsupport #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity
It might feel impossible in the middle of it and y It might feel impossible in the middle of it and you might question everything.

“I have no idea what the future will bring.”

“Will everything I’m putting myself through be worth it?”

“What am I doing?”

“Am I making the right choice?”

But your moments will come. Trust that and let it bring you peace.

The alternative is feeling anxious, which is also completely acceptable and normal, but remember that you also have the option of trusting and feeling peace, too. There is room for both.

You’re not alone in this 🤍

#infertility #ivfjourney #infertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #infertilitycoach #infertilitycommunity
It was a year ago that I decided to jump into the It was a year ago that I decided to jump into the deep, black ocean of IVF again. I knew what I was doing this time and I was filled with fear because…I knew.

When I found out I was pregnant, the fear was my secret. Only a close few knew.

And this space was filled with tears, uncertainty…soul reaching prayers.

Sleepless nights, gut wrenching heartache.

Secrets that I hold close to my heart.

And then he came.

And the healing began.

And the mama, this mama, knew she did it.

That black ocean had swallowed her whole and she’d do it again for the light that is him.

Once she swam to the surface, and jaggedly gasped in the fresh air and felt the sunshine on her face, she knew she would do it all over again.

For this sacred chaos.

Tonight as I was moving the bassinet out of my room, I stopped. The room will soon be cleared. The shelves emptied and the order restored. And I can’t believe that the ocean was conquered. The chaos was where I found the strength and the beauty.

The sacred, precious chaos.

#infertility #infertilityawareness #ivfjourney #ivfpregnancy #ttccommunity #ttcjourney #ttcsisters #ttctribe
FEEL BETTER and get healthy this year starting tod FEEL BETTER and get healthy this year starting today in the 7-week LEAN program with daily accountability and the “why” behind the actions you’re taking for LIFETIME health and wellness (not just a quick fix that will leave you frustrated, confused and looping again and again).

This is NOT the all or nothing strategy that you’re used to.

Yes, you can eat the things you love still!

No, you won’t feel guilty.

Sign up today for the Jan. 16th start date and use code JENICA (any time) for $10 off! Amanda will put us in a group together so we can check in every day.

I’m excited for you to experience this! LEAN program link in my bio. #healthandfitness #weightlosshelp #wellnesscoach
I know you’re independent, I know you’re capab I know you’re independent, I know you’re capable, I know you can conquer anything…BUT you were never meant to do all of this alone. 🤍

Allow yourself to be supported.

Are you denying help anywhere? Are you not asking for support where you could?

Is this hard for you? Is this easy for you? Tell me below! 🤍 #fearlessinfertilityschool #infertilitysupport
It’s a big deal. You’re a big deal! Just sayin It’s a big deal. You’re a big deal! Just sayin’ 👊🏼💪🏼👏🏻 #slowclap #yourenotalone #infertilitysupport
All of it 🤍 Life was always supposed to be joy All of it 🤍

Life was always supposed to be joyous and horrible. Happy and sad. Tears and laughter.

Grateful for the seeds of opportunity and learning in all of it.

Grateful for it all.

All of it. 🤍

#motherhood #infertilityjourney #ivfsuccess #motherhoodunplugged
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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.