Five things you may not have known about my EA journey:
1) Sienna was one of 9 embryos frozen. Six were adopted by another family. None survived the thaw. We adopted the remaining 3. One didn't survive the thaw. Two were transferred. Only Sienna made it. She's one of 9 genetic siblings to have survived the 10-year wait.
2) We almost chose anonymous adoption. However, it was my husband's comment that because we already have a son who has an open adoption, it didn't seem right to not also have an open adoption with any other child brought into our home.
3) We almost didn't go through NEDC. We actually simultaneously pursued 2 other agencies. Living in Oregon, traveling to Tennessee (twice) seemed like a huge effort. However, after talking to 2 friends who had done EA with NEDC, I was convinced NEDC was the place for us.
4) I am Sienna's biological mom. Her genetic makeup is not my own (thank you, donors!), but it was my heart, my womb, my body that was her home and kept her growing for those 9-10 months. And, I'm so grateful Sienna doesn't have my genetic makeup. Because, then, she wouldn't be Sienna.
5) On the day we were to find out our beta number, I had written down a list of positive truths I wanted to read if the results were negative. I still have that list. Here is what some of it reads:
-- I did not fail. This was not my fault.
-- The road and wait to get to Brae was long and hard, but in the end, we received the best of what God had in store for us.
-- My faith will get me through this. God was not surprised by this. He's sad because I'm sad, but He smiles at what lies ahead for me. GOOD gifts.
If this were Facebook...I would "like" this post. I love all things embryo adoption....all things. It is so great....Yes...God has had these plans for us long before we knew. I love that and the fact that it is all in His hands.
ReplyDeletekd
This is a great post. Leland was the only one of his to survive the thaw and implant (there were five embryos frozen for 9 years). I really love your affirmations!
ReplyDeleteI really needed to read this today, especially those three points at the end. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Such truth.
ReplyDeleteYour list :)
ReplyDeleteI remember when you got the POSITIVE results and what joy that day held!!!!
Love this post, Britney! So very glad that The Lord decided to bless you with Sienna : )
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you chose NEDC so that I could meet you, and walk with you through this amazing journey!
ReplyDeleteI thought I posted on this! Oh dear. It must not have gone through. Glad I came back then...
ReplyDeleteI love this post Britney. I especially love #4! Well, never mind, I love them all!
Thank you, thank you for sharing this! My doctor has a "Hail Mary" plan for us, but after that, if I want to experience pregnancy, and call me selfish, but I do. Anyway, we may seriously be looking at EA or donor eggs. I want to read and sing to my belly, eat the right things, be the hostess with the mostest to my child.
ReplyDeleteSo the family that got 6 had none survive the thaw? How awful! It sounds like you had a remarkable result! What happens if none survive? Is it just like paying for IVF, your out? Again thank you for being so candid and sharing your story. It's really comforting to know other people have been through the same things.
All my best,
MK
Thank you for this post. I am currently pregnant through EA with twins! via the NEDC :) I am so thankful for your #4. I always thought that I wasnt the biological mother because my DNA was not their DNA, but you are right. I am carrying them, nourishing them, giving them my blood, oxygen, food, etc. and will ultimately give birth to them! So what does that make me if not their biological mother?
ReplyDeleteThanks you so much!