Yes, we are still around :)

Well, we have finally (after 2 years) signed the final order of adoption for our youngest. Any day now we should receive her new birth certificate and she will be all ours!!!!

For those wondering about adoption, we plan on telling some stories about our little girls. Also, hoping to get some good advice from parents  who have also adopted. Our oldest may have some emotional issues due to the moving early in her life. Stay tuned!!

Yes, it has been a while

Well...since April of 2009, we have been fostering a little girl. We took her into our home when she was only 3 months old. At first the goal was adoption but changes in the parents behaviors lead to the eventual reunification timeline. Since her status has always been questionable, we never spoke about her on this blog. Very recently we learned that adoption has become a very real option. So real, the date is March 2010.

My Wife and I are SOOOOO excited. I just hope to God we get to keep this beautiful little girl.She has been through so much in her short life. I cannot talk about these things as we are expected to keep quiet.

I will keep everyone updated!!

What is the purpose of Lupron during IVF?

According to http://www.chicago-ivf.com/Treatment/Medications.aspx

"Lupron - (leuprolide acetate)

Lupron (leuprolide acetate) - Lupron is a synthetic preparation chemically similar to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) a hormone produced by the hypothalamus of the brain. GnRH travels to the pituitary gland through the vascular system and causes it to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulation hormone (FSH). FSH causes ovarian follicles to grow and LH causes ovulation to occur. FSH and LH together act on the ovaries to cause estrogen levels to rise.
Lupron is administered by subcutaneous injection and is supplied in a 2.8 ml multidose vial. Lupron is most commonly used when a patient is undergoing a stimulation cycle with injectable fertility drugs (Pergonal, Repronex, Humegon, Metrodin, Gonal-F, Follistim) are used. Lupron "down regulates" or "shuts down" the females hormone system. It suppresses the production of follicle stimulating and leutinizing hormone. Endometriosis responds to Lupron because endometrial tissue depends on the by products of these hormones.
For ART protocols Lupron is usually given in either of two ways:

1. In down regulation (Meldrum) protocols Lupron is started twice daily about 7 days after ovulation has occurred, prior to the anticipated ART cycle. When continuous doses of Lupron are given the pituitary gland becomes "desensitized" and stops producing LH and FSH. Estrogen levels then drop. This inhibition reverses upon cessation of Lupron. When the estrogen levels are low, the daily injections of FSH are begun. This FSH stimulates the development of eggs within the ovarian follicle.
2. The second method is often referred to at the "Flare" or "Garcia" protocol. In this protocol, Lupron is begun once daily beginning on cycle day 2. FSH is initiated twice daily on cycle day 5 to take advantage of the initial Lupron/estrogen response (Flair).
There are many variations of protocols and dosages. Your physician will tailor your protocol to your specific needs.
When scheduling an ART procedure ovulation must be timed precisely. Ovulation is triggered by leutinizing hormone, and Lupron suppresses leutinizing hormone. Ovulation cannot occur in patients receiving Lupron, unless outside LH is administered. The body recognizes hCG as leutinizing hormone and therefore an injection of hCG triggers ovulation.
The side effects of Lupron can include flushing, sweats, and mood alteration, breast tenderness or pain, constipation, dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritation at the injection site, and vaginal dryness. These potential side effects are temporary and abate after cessation of the drug. (http://www.chicago-ivf.com/Treatment/Medications.aspx)"

Would I let her do it again?

NO NO NO NO NO

It would have to be over my dead body (don't get any ideas honey). There is no way in the world I would let that happen again. Yes, I want my own child too but not at the risk of losing my Wife.

I stayed home from work on Monday with our 5 year old. She was running a high fever. Around 8am, we rented the Hannah Montana movie from pay-per-view. We stayed on the couch under the covers and watched it 4 times in a row. I honestly believe I've lost about 15% of my brain cells while watching that movie. It gets better...in November we are going to a Wiggles concert. Hmmm...I used to drive to New York to watch the Giants play in November. Now I watch Hannah Montana and rock out with the Wiggles. I swear if you met us, you would never realize our girls were adopted.

Would I do it again?

That is the eternal question. Would I ever try another type of fertility treatment? My answer depends on the type of day I am having. Truthfully, I know it is selfish to want to try another type of treatment, but I REALLY want to have a biological child. I know that my family and friends went through the hell of IVF and the stroke with me. I am 100% certain that I would never try IVF again! I would have to be an idiot, being that I "cheated" death once, I am not a betting person, so I'm not going to risk it =) I often wonder if I could get pregnant if Joe and tried IUI again. It was never successful for us, but who knows there is always that "what if" thought in the back of my mind. I am almost 100% sure that Joe would NEVER go for it... actually who am I kidding he would NEVER go through with it!!!

I am writing this post, as my three year old and 17 month old sit at the end of the kitchen table eating a snack and watching the Wiggles on the portable DVD player. Today, my answer to the fertility question would be "No, thanks!" I have my hands full with three kids, but who knows what the answer will be tomorrow...

Joe and I have talked about trying to conceive a baby, but nothing has happened yet. I know that he doesn't enjoy the whole "trying process" because it always leads to me crying because it is not successful. I used to hate when people would say, "Christine, you need to relax", "You are too high strung", "All you have to do is not think about it", or "It's in God's hands." I always wanted to say "Shut up! "to them. I know they thought their comments would help, but all they did was stress me out even more!!! I used to think (and still occassionally do think) that I am good person, so why don't I deserve to have the big family I want?!?  I know that we have two beautiful adopted girls and one cute, mischievous little foster child, but I want more. I keep waiting for Social Serices to call and say we have another child for you....are you interested?

I am a little jealous of the fact that my sister is able to just look at her husband and get pregnant.My mother was the same. Each time my parents decided to have another child, they got pregant very quickly and easily.  Am I being greedy or petty for wanting more? Am I in the wrong? Should I just give up on the idea of having a biological child? Seriously, you guys I want to know what your thoughts are on this.

The Adoption Process

As I mentioned in a previous post, we officially adopted the sisters in the pictures posted in our site. Their birth Mother had voluntarily terminated her rights. This means that all other family members have also terminated their rights as well.

Since we are foster parents and the girls were wards of the state, a seperate social worker was assigned and handled all the paperwork. Within two months of petitioning the courts, the adoption was approved. We were granted monthly financial subsidies for each girl, they are eligible for Medicaid until 18 years of age, and we also get free Daycare.

When the birth certificates arrived, they were written as if WE gave birth to them. Seeing our last name on the birth certificate was a great feeling.

I love being a Daddy...even though the 3 year old still wants me to wipe her butt after using the potty. Its a trade off but well worth it. I am a HUGE advocate for adopting through the foster care system.

What scares me the most

After all we have been through, I think my Wife would risk IVF again.
...just thinking out loud.

She is right about the lawyer situation. I was not looking to make MILLIONS off a lawsuit. Rather, I wanted someone to admit they were wrong. I almost lost my Wife...I'm not asking for much.