Happy Birthday Duke!

Duke is turning 1 on March 30th. He has grown into such a big boy. We got him when he was 9 weeks old and he was 10 pounds. He is now 110 pounds and keeps on growing. He is such a sweet heart, loves to get attention and is jealous of Blue. He loves to play with Tim and loves to cuddle with me. Here are a few pictures of him. The first one is him at 9 weeks old and the second one is of him now.

Duke at 9 weeks.

Duke at 1 year!

IVF News

We found out that the second IVF attempt did not work. I actually found out on my birthday so it was probably the worst birthday that I have every had. I needed a couple of weeks to get over it and tell myself that we will just have to try again. It can be so heartbreaking especially when you want to have a family so badly, but I also know that I need to remain positive and hopeful. We have a doctor’s appointment on April 15th to find out possible next steps and look at some other options. Right now the biggest concern is that I have anti ovarian antibodies that are attacking my ovaries rather then protecting them. They really haven't told me why this has happened, but it could be do to several reasons. This is probably the biggest obstacle to over come because it is causing me to have premature ovarian failure and that is why I am responding so poorly to the IVF treatments. I will post news and hopefully it is news that sends us into the right direction.

In all I want to thank two people the most that have been there through it all for me. My husband has been great and very positive. He has been really helpful and patient with me the last couple of weeks. My sister Mandy has also been a person that I have looked for strength form and I always feel better when I talk with her. She like Tim is very positive and even does some research that is very interesting. I count on both of them so much and I am happy they are there for me.
Brandi

Happy Birthday to Me and My Twin Sister

On March 18th of every year I get to celebrate my birthday, but I am lucky enough to share that same day with my twin sister Mandy. We have both went through many things in are lives together and I have been lucky enough to go through everything with her. She is a very special person, a great sister, a wonderful mother and wife, and one of the most important persons in my life. I wish I could see her every day, but unfortunately we just resort to talking with each other on the phone and sending emails. Not to long ago I got to share a very special moment with my sister and that was the birth of her son Thomas. Tomorrow I have a blood test to see if this in vitro cycle worked. I really hoped it worked so Mandy can share that same special moment with me. I know that our chances are low 20%, but I think it is best if I remain positive. If it comes to be that I am not pregnant it is important for me to remain positive and I know she will support me. I know that God has a plan for everyone so I will trust that mine is to have a family one day. So I want to end this post by telling my sister that I love you and that I hope you have a great birthday tomorrow and thanks for all the nice things that you said about me in your blog. She is truly a special person and I am blessed that she is my twin and I get to share March 18th with her for the rest of my life. Go check out her blog to see what she has posted http://www.dustinandmandy.blogspot.com/

Love you Mandy...and remember you are five mintues older then me!

Update

Ok..So I haven't posted anything for a while so here is a quick update. I just finished my Graduate Degree and received my MBA... I am so happy to be done, but I think Tim is happier. We also just went through a full complete cycle of IVF and I will find out on March 18th (which is my birthday) if I am pregnant or not. We canceled the first round of IVF, because it wasn't that successful. Even though the second time around wasn't an improvement we decided to go a head (my body just doesn't want to produce enough eggs). I hope Tim and I get good news and please everyone keep us in your prayers. If not we will try again...I am thankful we have great insurance that covers a total of four attempts. I will keep thinking positive!
Brandi