I'm always hesitant to discuss our infertility history because it is such a personal journey. We made our decisions after lots praying and feel we have been guided along the way.
Todd and I were married in 2000 and "the plan" was to wait at least 5 years before having children. In August of 2003, we found out we were expecting, but 5 days later I was admited in the hospital with an ectopic pregnancy- my tube had ruptured and my Dr. said I was hours away from bleeding to death. The next month was the hardest our marriage had ever faced, yet it was also a huge turning point for us as a couple. We were told that we would have to do In Vitro Fertililization (IVF) in order to have babies of our own. This was a brand new word to both of us and we immediately began researching and gathering information. By the time we met with our Endocrinologist, we had made the decision that we wanted a baby more than anything and we were willing to try IVF. We had many factors on our side: IVF was actually developed for a woman with my exact issue (an ectopic pregnancy) and I was 26 years old. True to our style, we decided this was also the perfect time to gut our house and remodel. In December of 2003, we found out were expecting twins! I had a really great pregnancy with no complications- other than gaining very close to 100 lbs.! I went in for my weekly visit at 34 weeks and was told, "It's baby day!" Brian's umbilical cord was presenting, so the decision was made to go ahead and get the babies. Anna Cate and Brian were born on July 1, 2004: Brian at 5:07pm 5lbs. 2 oz.and Anna Cate was 3 lbs. 11 oz. at 5:09pm. Both had to stay in the NICU for several weeks dealing with respiratory issues, but overall they were very healthy. Brain came home on an apnea monitor that we all came to hate!
We came out of our first cyle with IVF with 6 embryos to freeze in Cryopreservation. Every year we would get a renewal form that asks what your plans are for the embryos during that year, but it was a topic of converation constantly. In my opinion, infertility is so hard because you have to make the move in deciding this is the perfect time in your life to have a baby instead of just saying, "we'll see what happens."
This past August, apparently August is the month we make big decisions in the Sparkman house -ha!, we decided to try a transfer with the frozen embryos. Unfortunately, the transfer didn't result in a pregnancy. Again we prayed and tried to really sit back and listen to what God had in store for our family. We decided to do a second round of IVF. Just before Christmas this year, we found out we have been blessed with twins again! This pregnancy has been a little more eventful- I was put on bedrest at around 14 weeks for a month. That was super challenging with 2 very active 5 year olds but we survivied. Since then, everything has gone well. We are hoping this set of twins will not make an early appearance, but if we have learned anything in the past 6 years, it is to expect the unexpected!
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; Psalm 77:11-14a
Anna Cate in the NICU
Brian in the NICU
