Today was an amazing day! We transferred our Snowflakes and are now waiting to see if they “stick”. So how did our day go? Here’s the recap:
Our transfer was scheduled for 9:00 AM, so we arrived at the hospital at 7:15 as per our instructions. We were expecting this procedure to be very similar to the trial transfer that Rebekah had several weeks ago and were baffled by why we had to be there so early. It turns out not to be quite so simple, but you’ll see that as the story goes on.
We were registered and taken back to the room, Rebekah had to answer the gambit of questions very similar to the ones I had to answer prior to my surgeries. We both looked at each other with bewilderment when the nurse left the room and wondered why all that was necessary when in our minds the procedure was simple. When the nurse returned she explained that Rebekah needed to change into a gown and I would need to change into scrubs. I was still not seeing why this procedure was so “medical” when the procedure in the office was so simple.
After we both were changed into our new duds the nurse that would be assisting came into talk with us for a bit. She explained what would go on in the procedure and that we would be in a special operating room that is kept at the perfect temperature for embryos. It was quite warm in there to say the least, but after a while we got used to it. Once the nurse, Dr. Matthews and the embryologist had all met with us, it was time to move to the OR.
We made the short trip down the hall to OR where they began to prep Rebekah for the transfer. Shortly after they wheeled our Snowflakes into the room in a special NICU incubator equipped with a microscope. While they were getting her setup, I was taken a side by the embryologist and given the opportunity to look at the Snowflakes under the microscope. It was rather amazing to look at them under the microscope – but that wasn’t even the coolest part. She zoomed out a bit so I could get an idea of the size of the embryos and where they were located in the petri dish. Once I was able to spot them, she had me step away from the microscope and take a look at the dish in that same area. Amazingly, I could see the Snowflakes in the dish!! Now it wasn’t as detailed as under the microscope, but I could definitely see 2 small specks in the dish.
Even though the road we have been down has been very tough, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. How many other Dads will be able to say that they saw their babies like that? Not very many, but I am one – and it was hands down one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.
After I got to see the Snowflakes, we continued with the transfer. The embryologist prepared the embryos in a small catheter that Dr. Matthews used to transfer them. We were able to watch what was happening on the ultrasound. Once she was ready, Dr. Matthews told us to watch and all of a sudden we saw a bright white spot on the ultrasound picture. Those were our Snowflakes being transferred! Again – one of the coolest things I’ve seen! That was it – we were finished with the transfer. It was off to the recovery room for an hour or so before being discharged.
Now, the waiting game begins. For the next few days, Rebekah is on bed/couch rest and then it’s a pretty restrictive list of activity until she goes back in 2 weeks for a pregnancy test to see if our Snowflakes “stuck”. We definitely appreciate all the prayers and would appreciate your continued prayers and support in the next few weeks as we have to wait for the results.
As an extra special treat – we got a picture of our Snowflakes today! Below is our first baby picture!
The Snowflakes on their transfer date.
