Luck

I've been meaning to write this post for awhile. In some ways, I feel extremely lucky. Finding a genetically normal embryo and actually having it grow into a baby--really, incredibly lucky. I also am lucky enough to have a career that I enjoy and to be able to have the freedom to travel and pursue hobbies. On the other hand, I'm not so lucky. I got saddled with infertility, a balanced translocation, one good embryo out of 19, and multiple miscarriages.

Before I started down this road, I thought Mr. F and I would have 3-4 children (though he always said 2). Now, I'm not so sure. I'm incredibly blessed that so far ivf has worked for us and that we had insurance to cover the costs. Even though this pregnancy hasn't even provided us with child #1 yet, I am already considering how we are going to provide her with a sibling. We have no frosties, so that's out. I also don't see us being willing to spend the money for ivf on the gamble that we find what is likely one of my few remaining normal embryos. So, we're back to donor something--which we are both more than happy to proceed with. It's just odd to think how differently our family will end up growing...all because of one genetic mutation.  I also feel like I'm not really out of the trenches. I remember before thinking....if I just was able to have a child then I could leave this behind. I no longer believe that. The fight for #2 will be just as hard as the fight for #1. I feel incredibly lucky to even be in the position to contemplate #1 and my heart hurts for all of you out there still waiting to get to that point. I guess, I just feel differently now then I thought I would feel. Time, perspective, and all of that.