Our Swing Set Makeover

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We purchased our swing set 5 years ago. It’s a KidKraft model and has held up amazing! We wanted to change the layout to make it more functional for the girls now that they are older and add a few of our own touches along the way.

Here is what it previously looked like before the Makeover.

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We decided we wanted to move the slide to the side to add more room over top of the seating area and make room for the new awning. We moved the rock wall to the back where the monkey bars are because they weren’t getting much use. We painted the base and some details using white outdoor paint leaving the top the natural wood.

Here is the new layout and we started painting.

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The girls have always wanted a pink slide and pink swings. We used Krylon spray paint for plastics in the Satin Pink Blush.  I was nervous how the slide would hold up over the years with all the wear so I decided to tape off the center and only paint the sides and back. I also used the same spray paint for the swing seats. Both the slide and the swings needed a few coats. We also used this paint on their door. I wasn’t 100% happy with how the door turned out. It kind of has a weathered look because paint didn’t give a solid cover. If you want a solid color I would probably buy out door paint or try to use a primer before using the spray paint. This is my first time using this paint for outdoor use so I’m experimenting. So far in the past month it has held up great.

 

Next up the awning. I saw several different ways to add an awning to a playhouse so I just had to figure out which worked best for ours. I loved the idea of using shelf brackets and turning them upside down. Then adding a thick dowel a crossed the brackets. Its hard to give measurements when it depends on the look you are going for so you just have to play around with placement. Linking the brackets we used here.

 

Here is the fabric I used for the awning and the pom pom trim. I had planned to use hot glue as its usually my go- to for sewing projects. I just happened to be heading to my Mother-in-laws that night and knew she had a sewing machine so I measured and cut and had it all pinned for her so she could just zip around the edging for me and it turned out perfect! I then bought velcro with a sticky adhesive and added the hard side directly to swing set and the softer fuzzy side to fabric awning. Since the fabric I purchased was not weatherproof and I didn’t spray weatherproofing on it I plan to remove awning when the girls are not playing outside to help prolong the life of the awning. The velcro adhesive makes it so easy and so far has held up great with all the rain we have had.

 

I had wood IKEA Spice racks laying around from the girls old playroom I used as bookshelves. I decided to paint them white with the outdoor paint and attach to swing set as flower boxes shown below.

 

I repurposed this old outdoor rubber door mat I was planning on throwing out. Just gave it a good wash, cut it down to size, and painted. I love how it turned out!

 

We also made a small stone patio and decided it was perfect for their pool in the summer so it doesn’t kill the grass.

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Here are a few photos of what we have finished so far!

 

The girls are so in love with their NEW swing set and have been playing in it so much more. Hopefully you enjoyed Our Swing Set Makeover and feel free to reach out with more specific questions. We also shared some more of the process on our Instagram page @brynnnora in the Swing Set Makeover Highlight! Check back in a few weeks for some more cosmetic additions that haven’t arrived yet.

This post contains affiliated links. Purchases made with these links are greatly appreciated and helps support my family. There are  NO costs add to the purchase price.  This is not a sponsored post. All items we purchased by us to try out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Declutter with Creative QT

New Years Resolution …. Declutter! I don’t know about you but my kids receive several stuffed animal friends during the holidays. They are starting to take over their room and the playroom. To them they all have a sentimental value and they can’t seem to part with them.

Instead of shoving them all under their beds I found an awesome alternative. Creative QT makes a fillable Stuff ‘n Sit Chair. They have several different patterns to choose from we choose the pink and white stripe to match perfectly in the Girls Playroom.

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This Stuffable Storage Bean Bag is perfect for all their stuffed animals making a cozy seat. You can also fill with dress up clothing or hand me downs you have laying around that you’re waiting for your child to grow into. Just unzip, stuff, and zipper closed! Now you have a super comfy chair and less clutter eating around.

 

The Girls are really enjoying them and I’m loving how clean their rooms look now! Head over to Creative QT and pick out ones to start stuffing! Use code 20BRYNNNORA and you will receive 20% off your entire order. The code is valid through 12/31/19.

Our Summer Vacation

Every summer we stay local and go to the Jersey Shore for our family vacation. This summer we went to Cape May, NJ. Cape May holds a special place in my heart. As a child Cape May was the beach I spent many summers exploring. My grandparents had a house there. I just love the atmosphere. The victorian homes mixed with the beach is a total dream!

Almost 11 years ago, when Dom and I got married we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Cape May the weekend after the wedding. Our honeymoon was planned for a few months after the wedding but we wanted to stay somewhere special after. So it was the perfect little getaway for us.

This year we stayed a block from the beach so daily trips to the beach were a must! We even went back at night some days to watch the sunset. The beach is my happy place. Brynn and Nora loved looking for shells and  sand crabs. Brynn enjoyed riding the waves on her boogie board.  They also spent a lot of time fending off the momarazzi. How could I not take pictures when we were in my favorite place in our favorite matching Kortni Jeane swimmers ?!? These bathing suits are not only so adorable but super comfortable. I’m loving their mix’n’match style!

If your in Cape May you have to visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Its by far the best Zoo in the Area. Its free and open year round. They also have the Tree to Tree Adventure park for those who like to zipline.

One night we did a horse and carriage ride. We learned so much about Cape May’s history. The girls loved the experience of being on a horse and carriage like Cinderella and we loved hearing interesting facts and fun stories about different homes and past residents. If you are visiting I would definitely recommend taking a ride around town with Cape May Carriage Company.

The Washington Street Mall is the perfect place for everyone. Lots of unique shops, sweet treats, and places to dine. If you need a pick me up stop in to Coffee Thyme for one of their delicious flavors of coffee.

Cape May also has an arcade on Beach Avenue. Its the only “boardwalk”  I grew up with. Unfortunately, the girls have been spoiled with Ocean City’s Boardwalk so two nights we made the trip to the Ocean City.  The girls love going to Gillians Wonderland Pier. So many fun rides! My sister and her family were down from New Hampshire and staying in Ocean City that week. So it was nice being able to visit and the girls love seeing their cousins.

While we were in Cape May we also celebrated Nora’s 3rd Birthday! Which called for more pictures on the beach! Her fun sparkler candle was from Ellie & Piper Party Boutique.

The Cape May Lighthouse, Wold War II Lookout Tower, and The Nature Conservancy  are also fun stops to make. Unfortunately this time there we were unable to fit them in. We had a great time on our Family vacation in Cape May and can’t wait to go back!

Gifts for Your Little Sweet Heart

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Valentine’s Day is probably my MOST favorite holiday! I know to some its a corny made up day but to me it means SO MUCH MORE. Being a mom that went through years of infertility and loss, I honestly dreamt about these moments for many years. Now that I’m able to experience these little (but oh so special) moments I go a tad over board but that’s ok right?!? I also love any excuse to find cute things that I know my girls will love. I put together a list of my favorite items for the girls that make the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts! I hope you enjoy!

 

  1. Rain Boots – London Littles Rain Boots are so adorable. The girls are going to be so excited for NEW rain boots! They also worked so perfectly to stuff with all the other goodies instead of a gift bag.fullsizeoutput_288d
  2. Book – I always try to get the girls a new book for holidays to spice up their collection. This Sweet Hearts board book is so perfect for the Valentine’s Day Theme and has a great story celebrating LOVE!fullsizeoutput_2891
  3. Bows – These gorgeous bows are from All the Pretty Pretties! Im so in love with all their bows for each holiday and everyday wear!  These prints were my favorite for Valentine’s Day! They have so many others to choose from making it impossible to pick!fullsizeoutput_2895
  4. Nail Polish – Lots of Sparkles! Piggy Paint is my favorite polish for the girls . Its Non-toxic and safe for the littlest loves in your life! fullsizeoutput_289b
  5. Wands – These hand made Conversation Heart Wands by The Della Rose Boutique are so adorable and I know the girls are going to love playing pretend with them!fullsizeoutput_2893
  6. Magnetic  Dress-up – Mudpuppy is our go to for Non-digital toys/games. The Magnetic Dress-up Set is the perfect solution for lost game pieces. They come in a closable tin case and will be so perfect for the girls for in the car and when we go out to dinner.fullsizeoutput_28d4
  7. Stuffers- Lots of the little stuffers and candy I found at Target. Most were in the Target Dollar Spot!fullsizeoutput_2894

 

 

 

 

All is Calm on our Leesa

Your parents always tell you that time passes by in what seems to be an instant when you have children. While it surely felt like only yesterday that welcomed in our first miracle to the world, here we were transitioning our two and half a year old to her first ‘Big Girl’ bed. The transition was bittersweet. Out went all of the items we had dreamed about for so very long – the crib and the changing table. In came the big girl bed and the dressers. While we were redoing her room, we were fortunate to receive a bed frame that belonged to my grandmother. The bed frame was perfect, but the mattress, having years of use, was much to be desired. Fast forward another two and half years, and our second born, Nora, is getting closer to her ‘Big Girl’ bed. This seemed like the perfect time for an upgrade for Brynn and a brand new start for Nora.

When researching mattresses, we knew that comfort was a top priority. As a first time parent, I never really understood how important a comfortable bed makes when ensuring a good night sleep for not only your child, but the parents as well! The bed is more than just a place to sleep each night. It is that happy place you go to to feel safe and warm. It is where you recharge yourself to be your best self each day. It is where you read to your children and watch their imagination sparkle. It is where you cuddle for as long as you can until the day they no longer want to cuddle with you!

Now, back to the topic of comfort. Ever since we moved Brynn to a bed she has been a very restless sleeper. She constantly tosses and turns throughout the night never seemed to find the right position. Therefore, we knew that we needed to find a mattress that would cuddle her perfectly so that she could be snug and cozy.

This broght us to the Leesa Mattress. We knew this would be the perfect mattress for our daughters. Its new top layer of foam contours to every curve of your body so that it feels like you are floating on air. Brynn would always toss and turn, preferring to sleep on her side. Luckily, the Leesa mattress is perfect for all positions, but is especially comfortable for back and side sleepers. With the Cooling Foam Top layer and the Contouring Memory Foam right underneath, this mattress is sure to give you a Silent Night of sleep.

Unboxing the Leesa

Setting up the Leesa Mattress couldn’t have been any easier. It arrives at your doorstep in a box packaged in a vacuum sealed plastic covering.The box can easily be carried directly to the bedroom and step-by-step instructions are provided right on the box. Within seconds of cutting the plastic covering, the mattress is full size, making for a very convenient and simple process. It is also quite amazing how such a big mattress can fit into such a small box.

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The first night on the Leesa

Every since Brynn started talking, she has always been quite expressive. As such, we were pretty curious how she would critique her new bed. ‘Oh my gosh, I love this bed,’ she proclaimed over and over. As a parent, you quickly realize that changes are scary for children, especially changes to sleep routines. A new mattress is a pretty big change. Fortunately, Leesa offers a 100-night risk free trial, though it only took one night for Brynn to fall in love with her new mattress. In fact, she slept well past her normal wake time the very first night on her new Leesa and has never looked back. Night time is now a breeze and there is now calm and peace instead of tossing and turning.

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My Two Rainbows readers get $160 off their Leesa Mattress when using code : BrynnNora

This post was sponsored by Leesa, thank you for supporting the brands and organizations I work with. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I only choose to share brands we have tried and love ourselves as a family.

The Light

After a couple years we decided to try again for our next daughter. After having so much success with the first PGS tested embryo I kind of just envisioned my life with 3 daughters. That was how I saw our future. 

We went in for the transfer and it was a little different this time having a two year old. Not as much time to think and prepare yourself. A few days after transfer I knew I was pregnant and I kind of just felt so confident planing the months ahead. Little did I know my world would be rocked once again … after six weeks I miscarried. It seems like every miscarriage was so different. This time I knew it was a “girl” and she was supposed to be one of my 3 Daughters. This was a really hard loss that is talked about the least because I honestly didn’t let myself grieve properly and jumped into the next round of IVF. I knew the last embryo was the lowest quality out of the three. In my mind I thought if I couldn’t carry the second embryo then their was no hope for the third and I wanted to finalize this chapter in my life. I wanted to enjoy life as a mom of one if that was my fate. 

I wanted Brynn to have a sibling and I wanted another daughter so bad and I hoped for this to work but in my mind it was already over. I never let myself get excited. At 8 weeks I started bleeding bad and I said to myself …I knew it! I drove myself to the hospital expecting to hear bad news but was told baby was fine and I had a hematoma on my uterus. In that moment of fear I fell so in love with her and from that moment wanted to fully love her the way she deserved. 

One day when I was at work I felt a ton of pressure. It just didn’t seem normal. I was only 33 weeks along but the doctor advised me to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. I drove myself to the hospital and once admitted found out I was in active labor. I was given a shot for the baby’s lungs and was extremely scared. Over the next few hours I spoke to many doctors advising me of all the risks and complications that were ahead. They informed me they were unable to stop my labor and she once she was born she would be rushed to the NICU.

She came very quickly and I told my husband to stay with her. It was the weirdest feeling having a baby and not being able to hold her or know anything about her or her condition. Once I was able to leave Labor and Delivery I was wheeled to the NICU. Nothing can quite prepare you for the sight of your child covered in tubes and needles. I immediately cried for her because I felt so bad but then cried more because she was here and fighting for her life. I was unable to hold her for 3 days while they tried to stabilize her. Three days may not seem like a long time but it was a very hard time. I spent most of the time by her isolette just staring and crying. Listening to her oxygen and heart monitor beep watching her vitals improve and decline and improve again.

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IVF was a huge roller coaster for me but the NICU was a whole new meaning of roller coaster. She spent a month in the NICU. She may have been the lowest quality embryo but she was the strongest! We named her Nora meaning “light” she was the light after a very dark road. 

The First Rainbow

Once we heard the amazing news of having THREE “normal” embryos we were so excited to start our next cycle. Of course we were scared but we went in to the process with so much faith in this amazing science.

After having two miscarriages my brain was programed with so much doubt. I’m already  cursed with anxiety so adding these doubts on top of anxiety was a recipe for disaster. The only thing that kept my faith high was knowing we never did the PGS testing on the other embryos I had miscarried so this time was … DIFFERENT.

We started our frozen cycle and basically I was on a ton of medication to trick my body. Along with all the meds comes lots of symptoms: Hot flashes, mood swings, and depression. There were lots and lots of doctor appointments, ultrasounds, and blood work. This process is a huge numbers game. Levels have to be perfect for better success rates.

Transfer day came and I was pretty nervous to say the least. The plan was to thaw the best quality embryo and transfer. There is always a chance the embryo will not survive the thaw. It is a low percentage but obviously we don’t have the best of luck. During the transfer you are awake and have to have a full bladder so the nurse can perform an ultrasound as the doctor uses a catheter to insert the embryo into the uterus. This process is very nerve wracking on top of having to pee like you have never had to pee in your life. Its slightly uncomfortable. After the transfer the doctor has you lay there for 30 min. The LONGEST 30 min of your life with a full bladder. Then you are sent home and advised to do bedrest for the rest of the day and light activity for the next 2 days following.

During this time I tried to watch funny movies and look up Pinterest DIY projects. It was a very difficult time because it was just me and my thoughts most of the time. It sounds so crazy now to say out loud but I would hold my belly and wish her to life. I needed her to know how much I already loved her and needed her in my life.

On day Four after the transfer I had a gut feeling I was pregnant. I decided to take a test and as soon as I saw the two lines I didn’t get as excited as I had in the past. I had been down this road before and I wasn’t in the clear just yet. So as good as it felt I just couldn’t be happy. I had blood work every 3 days for two weeks. My levels continued to rise perfectly.

During this time were lots of emotionally bad days. Each time I felt at my worst something crazy would happen. I would come a crossed a ladybug . Once in my car, the house, and even at work. This doesn’t sound that crazy but it was currently December in New Jersey so not typical any bugs would be out. I took it as a sign of hope.

We were scheduled to have an ultrasound at 5 weeks. It was really hard because at that point it was too soon to see a heart beat but the doctor seemed happy with the progress and we scheduled our next ultrasound for the following week. It was the HEART BEAT ULTRASOUND.

This was a HUGE milestone for me. I saw our first baby’s heart beat and it was an appointment that had continued to haunted me. It was such an amazing sight with the worst news of my life attached. I wasn’t sure how I would handle this appointment. Of course my anxiety completely took over. I couldn’t sleep the night before. We went into the office and I told myself I wasn’t going to look just incase it was bad news. I didn’t want to see another heart beat if it was only going to end. I kept my eyes closed the entire process as the doctor inspected my uterus and the embryo’s progress.

After a few minutes of inspecting the doctor flipped a switch which turned on the sound and my ears heard the most magical sound of my life. My baby’s heart was beating and it was strong and PERFECT. In that special moment my heart began to feel hope again. A feeling I wasn’t sure I could ever let myself experience again.

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My body did not enjoy pregnancy in the beginning. I experienced Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Sever Nausea and Vomiting. Like head in toilet ALL DAY sick. Every time I even tried to sip water or eat ice I had constant dry heaving. I went to the hospital due to dehydration and was prescribed medication to help. Finally around week 15 it went away. The only thing that kept me going through this was the comment most people would say, “the sicker you are the healthier the baby.” Not sure if its true or just something people say to make you feel better. Either way it worked.

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Week 27 I was rushed to hospital with sever back pain and nausea. Doctor thought it was my appendix and had the surgeon waiting. Luckily they realized before operating that it was a sever kidney infection along with a few kidney stones. I spent the night in the hospital but was released the following day. This had to of been the worst pain I had felt in my entire life.

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July 11, 2013 I was 35 weeks pregnant and went to 7-Eleven for their free Slurpee Day. It was a scorcher of a day. All day I felt lots of front pressure and slight cramping but just thought I had over did it and the heat wasn’t helping. Several coworkers asked “Do you think your in labor?” . It was too early. I’ve heard usually your first comes late. I hadn’t even thought about labor at this point. When I got home that night I realized I was contracting. I called the doctor and they said to call back when the contractions were 5 min apart. They then had me come to hospital to be checked.

Once we arrived at the hospital we were the only ones in the waiting area at 10pm. My husband was freaking out because it was nothing like in the movies where everyone is rushing around and helping you. We were finally taken back after about 35 minutes of waiting (pacing in the waiting room contracting). Once in the back I was checked and was 5 cm dilated. My husband asked ” what does that mean?” and the doctor said ” It means you will be leaving with a baby!”

I couldn’t believe the day was here. Earlier than expected but that was ok because I didn’t have time to panic or obsess over the different out comes. She was about to create her own birth story!

Going into this process I was very nervous because she was a little early so I had to meet with a NICU doctor to go over the possible issues that she may have coming this early but was advised it shouldn’t be anything too serious.I was told she probably weighs 5 lbs and that didn’t seem too bad considering I’m pretty petite myself. I didn’t expect to have a big baby. I was determined to have a vaginal delivery.

July 12, 2013 I was given pitocin when I was not making much progress around 8AM. I did ask for an epidural because pitocin is no joke! Once I was able to push, I pushed for 2 1/2 hours. I finally said to the doctor ,”If you think I need a c-section I’m ok with it because I physically can no longer push.”. She asked how I felt about forceps and I said, ” If your ok with it, Im ok with it.”. So with Forceps and one big push Brynn was welcomed into the world. She weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and was 19.5 in long!

The moment I heard her cry was the moment I sobbed uncontrollably. A HUGE ugly cry type of sob. I waited so long for this moment! She was brought over to be cleaned up and checked out to make sure she could breath on her own and her vitals were fine. At that point I went white as a ghost and was given oxygen. I had lost so much blood my hemoglobin dropped to a 4. I was advised to get a blood transfusion but for some reason did not feel comfortable with the idea and asked if I could just be monitored and if it was life threatening I would go through with it but if there was improvement Id like to avoid it.

Finally I was able to hold Brynn and just stare at the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. After such a horrible storm we had endured ….Finally a Rainbow!

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The Storm

After a year of trying to conceive, my husband and I visited a fertility doctor in a desperate attempt to begin our family.

Once all the initial testing was complete we were advised to try IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) with Clomid. After 3 failed attempts we were then told IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) was our best option.

The thought of IVF sent my anxiety into overdrive! How is a person that is deathly afraid of needles supposed to work them into their daily routine? I wasn’t sure how I would survive this process. I remember after receiving the huge box of medication and needles I carried it into the doctors office and just balled my eyes out to the nurse. I was so scared and maybe it wasn’t just of the needles that I would have to do daily but more of the unknown. What if I did all this and it still wasn’t enough to make my dream come true?

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Round One: After going through the long process of my first round of IVF I was so certain it had worked. I waited with excitement for the call from the nurse after going in for a blood test. The test came back NEGATIVE. How? Why? What now? Luckily I still had 5 frozen embryos so I didn’t have to go through the whole process all over again. It still meant lots of medication and needles but no retrieval.

Round Two: After the transfer I decided I didn’t want to wait for the blood test. I wanted to know the answer before anyone else. I didn’t want to be blind sided like the first time. That was too hard to handle. I took my first pregnancy test and waited a long three minutes in pure fear . It was POSITIVE! I was pregnant! I wanted to shout it from the roof tops. Of course I still had doubts. I took probably a total of 14 tests just to make sure. We wanted to wait for the blood test to confirm before we got too excited. Blood test was POSITIVE! We are really PREGNANT! We were so happy we told our close family after a few weeks. The blood test numbers continued to rise perfectly. We went in for our first ultrasound and the Doctor seemed happy with what was visible at the early stage. The next ultrasound was a different story. They weren’t sure but said there wasn’t much progress from the previous week. They said we will check again next week. That week felt like a year. I researched everything I possibly could. We went in and I was told I would miscarry in the next week. I was pretty upset to say the least. A week and a half went by and I hadn’t started to miscarry yet so I called the doctor and they said to come in for another ultrasound and they would see what was going on. Unfortunately I told Dominic I didn’t need him to come. The worst had already been confirmed so I felt it couldn’t possible get an worse. Well I was wrong. During the ultrasound I saw a flicker. Oh my gosh there’s a HEARTBEAT!

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A million thoughts went through my head at that moment! Oh my gosh a baby! I knew they were wrong! I’m a MOM! Dominic missed the first heartbeat. It was just pure happiness of witnessing a miracle. After I caught my breath I had asked the doctor “Is that a heartbeat?” He was completely puzzled but didn’t look happy. I couldn’t understand. He then answered “Yes, but I’m sorry. The heartbeat is so faint the baby will not make it another week”. After seeing a heartbeat the baby became so much more real. It was hard being the only one to see the heartbeat. The next week when I returned hoping for another miracle my world crashed down and the heartbeat was gone. I was scheduled for a D&C the following day. I was completely numb with grief. I had never felt such a huge loss in my entire life.

Round Three: We still had 3 frozen embryos after the first 2 Rounds so we proceeded with a Frozen cycle and made a huge decision to transfer all 3. It was super scary but I didn’t feel like transferring just two was working out for us. So I tested at home and it was POSITIVE. This time I didn’t even get a little excited because there was so many hurdles we still had to overcome. Once I had blood test it was confirmed but my number was on the low side. Then I had to go back the following week and my numbers weren’t doubling. I felt like we were just cursed. How can this be happening again? This time I didn’t even make it to an ultrasound. I miscarried around 6 weeks.

At this point we were completely defeated. I had no embryos left. I would have to start over from scratch. I was at the lowest point of my life. Every single moment of the day I thought of the babies I lost. As crazy as this sounds, Not only did I think about the babies but I thought about my husband. I thought about how I couldn’t give him the joy of become a father. I didn’t want to hold him back from that experience. We had a follow up meeting with the doctor and because of the two miscarriages our insurance would now cover another round of testing. One of the test was of both of our chromosomes(Karyotype). When the nurse called with the results she said Dominic’s tests came back fine. My tests showed that I am a carrier of a genetic condition called “Balanced Translocation”.  She went on to explain what it meant and said it only affects fertility. I finally had an answer to what was going on but I wasn’t sure how we would proceed. She then went on to say we would meet with the doctor to discuss the next steps in the process.

A Balanced Translocation is basically two of my chromosomes had a piece break off  and swapped places. So for me a large piece of my 15 chromosome and a large piece of my 18 chromosome broke off and reattached to the wrong chromosome. Since I have a large break that means I will most likely miscarry early in the pregnancy. Some women with small breaks can carry further into pregnancy to full term and baby will then pass away of medical complications.

Once we met with the doctor he had discussed doing IVF with PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) and said this is basically a way to screen the embryos to help prevent future miscarriages of embryos that are unbalanced.  The goal when doing IVF with PGS is to get the most eggs as possible to be screened. They increased all my meds. I was told with my condition 1 out of 10 eggs is probably balanced or normal. During my retrieval only 14 eggs were retrieved. I was pretty devastated with such a low number. The next day only 9 had fertilized and then we had to wait five days to see if any were still growing. On the fifth  day I was told only 4 embryos made it to be biopsied and sent to a lab for testing. At this point I was beyond crushed and already felt defeated. At the same time I knew this was my only option and I had to put my faith in this process. It was the longest three weeks of my life waiting for the results.

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I remember the day they called. I couldn’t even take a breath as the embryologist said “I can’t believe I’m saying this because I have never seen this happen”.  I still couldn’t breath! What was he about to say? This can’t be good. He then finished with “Out of the 4 tested, 3 are Normal/Balanced Embryos”. At this point I was jumping up and down screaming. Since we had the PGS done the gender of the embryos is shown on the test results. Of course I had to ask. All 3 of the embryos were ……GIRLS!

 

This is Us

Hi! My name is Calynn! My husband Dominic and I have been married for almost 10 years!  After struggling through years of infertility and IVF treatments we were blessed with not just one ….. but TWO Rainbow Babies, Brynn and Nora. I decided to start this Blog as a way of sharing our story, documenting our memories, and hopefully helping others along the way.  I will be writing and sharing pictures about personal memories, mom tips, and also products we love! Welcome to a little glimpse of our life!

More coming soon …………..