Questions Answered

Two great questions have been posed in the comment section. First, Shannon basically asked if all 13 fertilized eggs could become embryos. The answer to this question is not a simple "yes" or "no."

To answer this question properly, allow me to back up a moment and tell you that Dr. Silber uses a procedure called Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to fertilize each egg. ICSI involves the direct injection of a single sperm into each egg. This process ensures that every egg is penetrated; however, the nature of the sperm and egg (genetic make-up, quality, etc.)determines whether fertilization is successful and healthy growth will occur.

It is theoretically possible that all 13 would become viable embryos, but real life studies show that very few have the conditions necessary to thrive. In three days of incubation, 9 of our 13 fertilized eggs failed to develop properly. Therefore, we were blessed with only 4 embryos this morning. Two were transferred into my uterine lining, while the other two have been frozen for a future IVF.

Incidentally, when frozen embryos ("snowflakes") are used for IVF, the process is much simpler and the cost is significantly lower. We are thrilled that we have an opportunity for another pregnancy after this one. It was such a relief to hear the doctor tell us we had four embryos!

Here is a photo of the two embryos transferred during this morning's procedure. During the three days of incubation, the single cells divided several times and became healthy embryos.

As for the second question, Kate wondered if the embryos can split and divide into twins while in utero. The answer is YES. Although it is not typical, embryos sometimes split and become identical twins. So, if I were to be pregnant with the fraternal twins (pictured above) and one of them divided...I'd have both fraternal and identical twins. Triplets altogether!

Thanks for the question, girls. This is such a complicated process that I don't always include all of the details. If there's something you wish to know, feel free to ask! I'm practically a walking IVF encyclopedia.

Thanks for being here! I appreciate your interest and encouragement. Ramona

Answered Prayer

Today I am thrilled to share praise and answered prayer. Although the embryo transfer took place an hour & a half late, everything else went as smoothly as possible. We had four embryos--two for today and two to freeze for a later date. Yeah, baby! That's exactly what we prayed for and double what we produced during the last IVF. Praise God!

Now I am in resting mode. I am trying to lie down and relax for the next few days. Although it's not mandatory, there's peace of mind in knowing that I did everything I could to facilitate implantation. Hopefully as I write, two teeny little embryos are finding a warm, cozy place to settle in for the next nine months. My first pregnancy test will occur on Friday, April 11th (right before Mothers' Day). Wouldn't a positive pregnancy test be the most poetic Mothers' Day gift? I sure think so! And that's my prayer.

In the meantime, I continue to undergo nightly progesterone injections to support pregnancy. I also take my prenatal vitamins, Folgard supplements to correct my enzyme deficiency and low-dose aspirin to thin my blood. Hopefully this regimen will help create the perfect environment for a healthy pregnancy.

In my next post, I will answer the question posed in the comment section. I will also include a picture of our embryos as a visual aid (yes, we already have a photo of our would-be children). Advanced reproductive technology is such a complex science--it's mind blowing!

Thanks again for your support and encouragement through this process. I appreciate you. Praying for implantation and healthy growth, Ramona

Here We Go!

I'm leaving for the hospital in just a minute (literally). Please pray for many healthy embryos and a successful transfer. I'll post all of the details when I return home.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! Bless you all! Ramona

R & R

I'm spending this weekend resting, recovering and praying for healthy embryos in the hospital lab. The discomfort and lethargy have increased since yesterday, probably because I'm trying to do too much. We're so thankful that Grammy and Grandfather are here to help with Liliana and meals. They're such a blessing! I go back to St. Luke's for the embryo transfer on Monday morning. We'll know how our little ones are doing at that point.

Please pray for many healthy embryos. Hope you have a beautiful weekend! Ramona

A Baker's Dozen

All is well! This morning's procedure went smoothly, and the doctors retrieved 13 eggs. I was pleasantly surprised, especially since we only had 18 mature follicles. That's a much better ratio than my last IVF (26 follicles and 11 eggs). I'm very hopeful that we'll have good news Monday morning. The docs will provide us with a magnified picture of our embryos just before the transfer. We're praying for four or more.

Today has been very low key. The anesthesia has now worn off, but I'm still quite tired. I took a four hour nap this afternoon, and I could have slept through the night. Wade's softball season opener is tonight, and I'm missing it (doctor's orders). I have only missed a couple games in over four years of action. Thankfully, Wade's dad is there cheering him on. He may enjoy socializing with all of the wives even more than I do!

Cute note: Liliana just apologized for dropping something and said, "I'm sorry Miss Mama." She followed it by saying, "Don't worry. It's just me, E-ana." My darling!

Well, the embryo transfer is Monday morning at 9:30am. We have to be there at 7:30am to hurry up and wait. In the meantime, we'll be praying for our babies, who were conceived today in a warm, cozy laboratory.

Thank you so much for your prayers and sweet comments. We truly appreciate the support and encouragement. May the Lord bless you and yours! Ramona

Friday and Monday are the Big Days

Big news! My reproductive system has been responding so quickly to the treatment that my IVF dates have been moved up to Friday, May 27th and Monday, the 30th. The first procedure is just 36 hours away! I go into St. Luke's at 6:00am this Friday for the egg retrieval. Then bed rest before and after the embryo transfer on Monday.

As I was watching the ultrasound monitor this morning, I noticed that all of the follicle sizes had increased dramatically (even after the medication doses had been reduced). Since I knew enough about the treatment process to recognize what was happening, I called Wade and told him that the procedures would probably happen sooner than expected. Then I called his parents to let them know that a change of plans may be in order. As usual, they were both supportive and flexible. Sure enough, Dr. Silber's office confirmed my suspicions this afternoon and ordered my HCG injection for tonight (which means my eggs will be ready Friday morning).

Although I have fewer mature follicles than the December IVF, I am hopeful about the outcome. I have to be optimistic and hopeful...and relaxed. After Friday's procedure, I will know the exact number of eggs retrieved; however, we won't find out how many embryos survive until Monday morning, just before the transfer. We're praying for at least four, but I'll be relieved if three are viable. Last time, only two were available for implantation.

All in all, I'm happy about the way things have progressed. I definitely prefer action over waiting. Now I'm scrambling to complete all of the tasks on my "To do" list, so that I can put my mind at ease before a week of mandatory rest and recovery. One more load of laundry and a cart full of groceries ought to do it. The way I look at it, I've got a week's vacation coming up. What a blessing!

Praying for a successful IVF, Ramona

Sweet Smile

Here's the sweet smile I see every morning as Liliana enjoys her milk and Trader Joe O's while playing along with Blue's Clues. I think she has a crush on Mr. Steve, the host.

Corny Picture

Liliana enjoys an ol' fashioned BBQ dinner in our kitchen. This is her first time holding corn on the cob and learning to nibble off the pieces. She loved it!

Monitoring Results

Today's monitoring results were excellent. Praise the Lord! All of the hormone levels were right on track, and I have 18 steadily growing follicles. Things are going so well that Dr. Silber reduced two of my three medications to half the regular dose. Cutting the dosage will slow things down to maximize the number of eggs retrieved this weekend. After the retrieval, each egg is fertilized and provided an opportunity to grow and divide in an optimal lab environment for three days. On the third day, the surviving embryos are transferred into my uterine lining with the hope of implantation and development.

I'm feeling good about the process thus far. The egg count is good (although I would prefer it to be higher) and both the hormone levels and lining thickness are exceptional. Hooray for that! I'm hoping that the quality of these eggs is higher than the "batch" in December. Of eleven eggs, only 2 viable embryos resulted. That's not a great ratio. In fact, it's pretty poor. We'd really love to have four or more embryos this time, in which case we would freeze some for a future IVF. Ultimately, we know every little detail is in God's hands...and we wouldn't want it any other way.

This treatment process has been less physically grueling than the last (partly because I started out five pounds lighter & with a smaller tummy). My abdomen is pretty uncomfortable now, but nothing like before. I am still able to be active with Liliana, just not at my normal level. Last time I had trouble participating in any play activities. Even bending over, walking and sitting were painful. Maybe the tough stuff is yet to come, but right now I'm thankful for the ease of this process.

Wednesday morning is my next visit to St. Luke's for monitoring. I've been there so much that the lab techs know me by name. That tells you something.

I'm praying for smooth sailing and a successful IVF! May the Lord bless you! Ramona

Counting Down

Less than a week 'til my target date! In the meantime, I'm busy getting our life and home organized, since I'll be out of commission for about a week. Thankfully, Wade's parents are coming in to help with Liliana during my hospitalization and recovery. What a blessing!

At this point, my treatment is rolling along smoothly. My hormone levels have been good, and it appears that I have about 18 follicles in the running. We're waiting for the majority of follicles to reach a diameter of 1.8-2.1 mm. At that point, the egg retrieval will take place. I'll get the results from this morning's ultrasound and bloodwork sometime this afternoon. That will give me a better idea of the timeline.

I'll post the results this evening. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement!

Relax...it will happen!

I am in the process of preparing, both physically and emotionally, for the next week of treatment and the upcoming IVF procedures. My body will experience dramatic changes this week as my ovaries expand with a multitude of growing egg follicles. Sitting and walking will be very uncomfortable, while exercising and lifting a toddler will be out of the question. Once everything is good and swollen, the egg retrieval takes place. This procedure involves general anesthesia, an operating room and a short, but painful recovery. Three days later, the embryos are transferred into the uterine lining...and then I wait and pray for babies!

According to Dr. Silber, Dr. Pineda and all the well-intentioned friends who continually say, "relax...it will happen," relaxation truly is critical to a successful IVF. Stress hormones can sabotage embryo implantation by causing the reproductive organs to contract. They can also produce an unfavorable environment for healthy fetal development. And if I'm willing to cut out caffeine, you can bet I'm going to find a way to relax. So, for the previous IVF, I sprayed lavender fragrance all over the house and burned scented candles to set the stage. I listened to soothing music and practiced meditation to prepare for the big events. And after several weeks of my relaxation regimen, I trained myself to go from stressed mama to wet noodle in five minutes flat.

In an effort to kick-start the relaxation this time, I visited The Face and The Body in Chesterfield, where I experienced my first Swedish massage. Being a newcomer to the day spa scene, I had no idea what to expect. I'm the modest type, so I started to sweat when the massage therapist invited me to disrobe and lie nekked (as Mississippi Wade says it) on a table (under a sheet, of course). Then, she described the package and informed me that the "glutes" were included in the massage. My palpitating heart almost came to a screeching halt. Pardon me, but no one ever told me the Swedes gave tushy massages! Thankfully, Nicole set me at ease and allowed me to feel comfortable while she worked her magic. Even with an initial spike in my anxiety level, the hour of relaxation was heavenly. Thanks again to my Monday night Bible Study group for the best pampering ever!

Here's to Sweden, home of a divine massage! Blessings, Ramona

IVF and Insurance Coverage

Today I received my second prescription order via Fed Ex. The first was $1200, and this one was $1500. [I share the financial figures only to help readers more fully understand the process.] Our insurance does not cover fertility treatments--not even the medication. And we are not the exception to the rule. Most insurance companies do not pay for any fertility related expenses. They cover the diagnosis, but not the treatment. It's a shame. BCBS covers impotence treatments and Viagra, but they do not provide infertility coverage. It seems that the company values the function of the male sex organ, but does not care equally about the female reproductive organs. Candid, but true.

There are several states that have mandated fertility coverage by insurance companies. One of them is Illinois, which is just across the river. Wade and I have seriously considered a change of residence and/or employment in order to acquire the insurance benefits. In Illinois, three cycles of IVF are covered automatically. For us, that would translate into over $45,000. That's a huge amount of money!

Most European countries cover all costs related to infertility and advanced reproductive technologies. Many of them also provide several months of paid maternity and paternity leave! Other nations appear to understand the value of pregnancy and childbirth more than the U.S. Our country is so advanced in so many ways, but so primitive in others. It's astounding.

For couples who struggle with infertility in the U.S., treatment is considered a luxury. Every expense is out-of-pocket. When I began using fertility medication, I learned (the hard way) that various pharmacies charge different amounts for the same medication. As a result, I looked high and low for the best prices. During my 1st IVF cycle, I ordered from New York and London, which offered the lowest cost and reasonable shipping.

Thankfully, St. Louis also has one of the top pharmacies in the country (IVP Care), which is helpful when the doctor calls with a last minute orders and prescriptions that must be filled immediately. For this round of IVF, I actually used IVP Care for all of my meds, because they offer a substantial discount for 2nd and 3rd-time IVF patients. I think I saved about 15% overall...a sizeable amount of pocket change.

Anyway, I hope this information helps with gaining a better understanding of the financial challenges facing couples with infertility. I recognize that I am very fortunate to have a healthy child and this opportunity to undergo a 2nd IVF, and I hope that individuals and companies in the U.S. begin to place a higher value on the reproductive health of our nation. Fertility problems are difficult enough without the financial burden of treatment costs.

Here's to counting our blessings and improving our way of life. May God bess you and yours! Ramona

Liliana Longstocking

My girl finally has enough hair for ponytails! She was a hairless wonder for a year, and now she has entered the world of endless styles. Liliana couldn't get enough mirror time with this Pippi Longstocking look. She even watched her reflection in the glass fireplace doors for awhile. What a riot!

Yesterday I gave Liliana a piece of Hot Tamale candy, with the warning that it would be spicy. As soon as the flavor hit her taste buds, she took it out of her mouth and said, "I don't like a Hot Mama." I couldn't stop laughing.

Happy Days are Here Again

I feel like myself again! After five days of antibiotics, I am feeling better than I have in weeks. Thank the Lord for modern medicine! Apparently, the intensity of the infection wreaked havoc on my body, zapping my energy level and causing physical and emotional exhaustion. I'm sure some ups and downs are on the horizon due to daily doses of hormones...but right now I'm just thankful to be back to normal.

So far, I haven't noticed any major side effects from the Follistim, Repronex and Lupron rushing through my system. Just abdominal bloating and tenderness at the injection sites. Overall, I've been positive and upbeat all day, even without my afternoon siesta. I don't have much of an appetite, but I don't mind that one iota. I could use a few days of reduced caloric intake to whittle my waistline. I'm going to have ovaries the size of grapefruits in just a week...so I need room to grow. Elastic waistbands, here I come!

I'm feeling hopeful and excited about the possibility of having another child. Yesterday's bloodwork and ultrasound results were right on track, and I had 30 antral follicles (see "Let's Get this Party Started" from Dec. 2006 for more info on this subject). That's more than I had last time, so I'm hopeful for a higher number of eggs on the retrieval date. I go to St. Luke's for monitoring again on Friday morning. I'm praying that the Lord continues to bless this process and the ultimate outcome.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers. I really appreciate every encouraging word! Bless you! Ramona

Intense Phase of IVF Begins

Let the games begin...

First thing tomorrow morning, it's off to St. Luke's radiology for a baseline ultrasound and then to the lab for a blood draw. I will get the results from Silber's office between 4:00-5:00pm. If all is well, my follicle stimulation begins tomorrow night. My medication regimen will include two oral meds and three subcutaneous injections every day until April 27th or so. Monitoring (bloodwork and ultrasounds) will take place every other day at St. Luke's Hospital until the first procedure. My target dates for egg retrieval and embryo transfer are April 29th and May 2nd, respectively. Everything went right on schedule during the first IVF process, so I'm expecting a similar course this time.

Thankfully, I am continuing to recover from my crazy infection (which I am convinced was more than sinusitis). My throat still hurts, but the rest of my symptoms are steadily improving. Even my energy level has increased! Praise the Lord for decent health going into this intense phase of fertility treatment.

Here's to a terrific week for all! Blessings, Ramona

Answered Prayer

Last night, Wade and Liliana went grocery shopping while I stayed home on the sofa in my misery. Every single cell hurt. I felt so bad that I almost called an ambulance to come get me. This illness has been much worse than the typical sinus infection. While coming in and out of consciousness during the night, I prayed for an overnight recovery. And this morning, I awoke feeling 100 times better. I even felt well enough to attend an all-day seminar (which I was certain I would miss). That's an amazing turn-around, and it certainly wasn't due to chicken soup. Our God is an awesome God!

Here's to answered prayer, Ramona

A Diagnosis

I woke up feeling so bad today that I immediately made an appointment to go see my D.O., Dr. Chao. After examining me, he indicated that I have a serious sinus infection that was resistant to the round of Keflex I took two weeks ago. No wonder I feel worse than ever! He prescribed Omnicef and gave me a $20 coupon and four days in samples. Free stuff...that's one of the reasons Chao's been my doctor for 10 years.

And yes, JohnnyB, I did give up this season of 24 in my utter exhaustion. I wasn't kidding when I said it was serious! Wade and I decided to skip the rest of the season and watch it when it comes out on DVD. Knowing us, we'll probably knock it out one weekend.

TGIF! Enjoy your weekend, Ramona

A Siesta a Day Keeps Heart Disease Away

Not much has changed since my last entry. If I weren't in the midst of treatment, I would suspect that I have chronic fatigue syndrome. All day long, I pine for a nap...but my sleep doesn't result in rejuvenation. I feel lethargic, irritable and unmotivated, even after a full night's sleep. I haven't styled my hair or put on make-up for three days, if that tells you anything. I didn't even check to see who went home on AI last night. Seriously, it's getting bad.

I'm praying for some relief in this area. It's tough to really engage in activities with a toddler when your mind is foggy and your body is exhausted. And being a great mom is very important to me. Hopefully this will just be a short-lived side effect.

Today I mustered enough energy to take Liliana to the Lodge for water follies. She has only been to the pool four times, and she is already very comfortable in the water. Today she put her face in the water and blew bubbles quite a few times. She also swam with a noodle and used her legs to kick to every destination she desired. I was so proud of her! I "ran" laps around her while she practiced swimming. It was so nice to get a little exercise. Afterward, we both napped for three hours.

I am so thankful that Liliana has not given up her afternoon nap. She has always been a good sleeper, and it has been a huge blessing to me. Even science supports my afternoon siestas. A recent Greek study showed that napping is linked to heart health. People who nap three times a week for at least 30 minutes reduce their odds of dying from heart disease by 37%. What a wonderful benefit! I knew it was good for me!

Here's to sleep...restful and refreshing sleep. Blessings, Ramona

My Treatment Intensifies

Treatment Update: For the past eight days, I have been taking Lupron injections along with my typical regimen of Natelle prenatal vitamins and Folgard (for MTHFR enzyme deficiency). I finished the Desogen on April 5th, and my cycle began on Sunday. At this point, everything is right on track for the April 29th target date. The big stuff starts Monday, the 16th--bloodwork, ultrasound and three injections daily.

As for the emotional side of things, I have been experiencing pretty serious mood swings for the past few days. I feel irritable, tense and tired about 75% of the time...but I do have good moments, too. Unfortunately, today was especially rough. I felt as if I had been flattened by a steamroller. My neck and head have been aching like crazy...and all I want to do is lie down and sleep. That doesn't fly with a toddler.

I don't remember feeling this crummy with the first IVF protocol. Hopefully things will improve soon. If not, this will be very a long month.

Although I did not choose to struggle with infertility, I did prayerfully choose IVF. So, I will accept the side effects and hold tight to the hope of a successful outcome. I pray that I will be a blessing to others through this process, no matter what happens.

Have a wonderful day! Ramona

Easter Celebration

Here we are in all of our glory on Easter afternoon (notice the heavenly rays of light shining down on us). Liliana is obviously saying the "ch" part of "cheese" as Mama Joy snaps the photo.
Sunday morning, Wade and I attended the church where I was baptized as a teenager. So many faces looked familiar, but the place seemed much smaller now that I've "grown up."
We enjoyed spending time with my mom over the weekend. Liliana played with her Grammy's toys, colored pictures, bounced around on a big orange ball and played sweet sonatas on the out-of-tune piano all weekend long.
We also had lots of time with my brother and his beautiful family. Liliana and her cousin Luke had a ball together while cousin Clayton seemed happy as a lark cruising around the house. Watching the kiddos was such a joy!
As we pulled out of my mom's driveway, I felt such sadness. Although we see my family several times a year, I wish for more. I miss them dearly, and I would love for Liliana to have close relationships with them.
Here's to family, near and far. Blessings, Ramona

And they're off!

This poor pony got more than she bargained for as a birthday party attraction. After three laps with jockey Ramona, she had to take a long rest in the trailer.

I've got skills.

Giddyup Pony!

Liliana rides a pony at her cousin Luke's birthday party. Doesn't she look serious about her equestrian endeavors! During Easter weekend, we spent time with family and friends in my hometown. To celebrate the risen Lord, we hula hooped, hunted eggs, rode dirt bikes, learned balloon tricks and laughed til our cheeks hurt. On the way back to St. Louis, Liliana seemed a bit funky. Out of the blue, she hurled the contents of her tummy all over the car. After a roadside clean-up, we spent four stinky hours in the car on the road. Wade drove fast...very fast.

Whose Hands

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million.
A golf club is useless in my hands.
A golf club in Tiger Wood's hands is twelve major golf championships
It depends on whose hands it's in...
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
A sling shot in my hands is a toy.
A slingshot in David's hands is a mighty weapon.
It depends on whose hands it's in...
Two fish and five loaves in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and five loaves in Jesus' hands will feed thousands.
Nails in my hands might produce a bird house.
Nails in Christ Jesus' hands will produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends on whose hands they're in...
As you see now it depends on whose hands it's in.
So put your concerns, worries, fears, hopes, dreams,
families and relationships in God's Hands.
Because it really does depend whose hands they're in.

Adapted from "It All Depends on Whose Hands It's In" By Paul Ciniraj

One of Those Weeks

I'm having one of those weeks where it seems like everyone around me in pregnant or giving birth or planning with the full expectation of success. Sometimes I feel completely alone in this infertility struggle. I know it's not true, but I sure feel isolated sometimes. It's so crazy that there are women like me who consider every child to be a miracle and then other women (some of them my previous clients) have several unwanted children all with different daddies. This is just one of those things that is beyond my comprehension.

At the same time life seems so unfair, I also know that God works in all of these situations for good. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Therefore, even the toughest things in life benefit the Lord's kingdom in some way.

Maybe it's just my mood swing making me sentimental and somewhat negative (yes, the rollercoaster has begun). Either way, I'm having a "down" week. I'll bounce back, not to worry.

Time for my shot. More to come...

Sick again!

Well, Wade and I are both sick with some sort of upper respiratory infection. Wade never recovered from his bronchitis & walking pneumonia, and now he's suffering from this cold. Poor baby. We're praying that Liliana does not come down with it. So far, she seems to be healthy. PTL! St. Louis weather is not helping the situation much. All of the sudden, it's 50 degrees and we need to wear winter coats again. Boy, I sure was loving that gorgeous spring weather!

On Your Mark, Get Set...

Tonight was my first in a series of dozens of injections. It really was no big deal. I'm what you'd call an old dog in the world of infertility, and giving shots is not a new trick. Even though I've done this before, we're still required to participate in a "refresher course" on administering injections. That will be our exciting family outing tomorrow morning. After that appointment, we'll traipse upstairs to Dr. Silber's office and tearfully part with a large sum of money.

So far, this has been a slow process. Think of cold, thick molasses. I'm trying to keep my thoughts occupied with other things so that I am not consumed by the IVF process. Right now I'm pretty ill with some sort of upper respiratory infection, so my mind is actively solving the dilemma of how to rest when neither nostril is functioning. When I'm not focused on treating my list of symptoms, I'm currently dealing with important neighborhood issues (Wade and I are trustees of our subdivision). I'm also gearing up for an exciting trip to see family in Indiana. And, as always, taking care of my husband and daughter is number one.

I have a feeling that the next month is going to feel like a year. The most difficult aspects are dealing with the unknown variables and waiting to see if the IVF was a success. We will do our best to rest in God and put all of the details in His hands.

May you be richly blessed during this holy week, Ramona

Treatment, Triplets and Tomfoolery

My treatment intensifies tomorrow whith the start of Lupron shots. I have to administer them myself every evening at the same time. We are hoping for more embryos this IVF cycle. We have decided to increase the number we transfer. Last time, we transferred two (which is all we produced). This time, we have requested that the medical team implant up to three embryos (God willing, we have that many). If we are fortunate enough to have four, we will transfer two and freeze two for the next IVF cycle. If there are five, we'll implant three and freeze two. And so on.

Yes, our chance of having multiples goes up, but considering that I've had three miscarriages, there is little chance that all three would develop healthily. A few nights ago, I had a dream that I was pregnant with triplets (wild dreams are a side effect of the Desogen). Sure, triplets are a possibility--but it's unlikely with my history.

It's fun for me to think about potential names, but I try not to dwell on it too long. I don't want to count my embryos before they hatch (embryos really do hatch, did you know that). If we have twin boys, we'll probably name them Lenny and Squiggy, but I'm not sure about triplets. Maybe Larry, Moe and Curly? Okay, simmer down!--I'm only kidding! A little April Fool's Day humor. Of course those names are not on our list!

Hope you played a little prank on someone you love today! Even more, I hope you enjoyed Palm Sunday and all of it's meaning.

Bless you! Ramona