Ultrasound Day!

Today is my 5 week, 5 day ultrasound appointment.  This is the first day since the transfer that we will be taking a glimpse to see the progress of the two embryos that were transferred on September 13th.  

Up to this point, we know we transfered two embryos and 5 days later I began testing positive on home pregnancy tests.  10 days later my HCG was recorded for 6 days and confirmed not only that I was pregnant, but that my levels were increasing very nicely and the nursing staff let me know these levels were a very positive sign of a healthy pregnancy.❤️

5 weeks, 5 days
(What to Expect When You're Expecting App)

The size of the embryo this week is the size of an orange seed...so we are still talking about something really small and still really early as far as pregnancy stages.  I mean...with all of my previous pregnancies I would barely be realizing that I was pregnant...let alone getting an ultrasound done!  Science and medicine and the progress that has been made is truly miraculous!  

So naturally I have this hope that both have implanted and today we will see two babies growing...but reality says there's a good chance that only one has taken hold.  There's also only about a 50% chance that we will be able to see a beating heart this early on an ultrasound.

My mind is racing with all the possibilities 🤣.  Is it one? If so, which one implanted?  Was it the girl or the boy?  If it's two, was it the two that were transferred or was it one that split?  So instead of being two fraternal twins, could it be two identical twins instead? Hahaha...we won't even go into the possibility of there being more than 2, because that's too much to wrap my head around🤯!

Okay so the time has come...we all arrive separately, but pretty much at the same time, a few minutes before my appointment.  My sister brought me some healthy juices tied with an optimistic pink and blue ribbon🩷💙!

A few minutes before the ultrasound

My name is called and my entourage and I all stand up and follow her to the back.  She shows me to my little ultrasound room and tells me to undress from the waist down. (I'm very familiar with this drill...just never have had an audience before.) So I turn to the group and say stay out here, I'll call ya when I'm ready.

I came prepared, wearing a dress so it helped me to A. Get undressed quickly (only my underwear had to go) and B. Remain decent on the back end, since I would have an audience behind me in this tiny little space!  The dress kinda pooled around me on the table, which was nice because the thin little napkin that was supposed to cover me, didn't like to stay closed in the back 🥴.

I let the group know that I was decent and they are welcomed to make their way in and find a space where they can see the screen and avoid seeing my personal bits.🫣

My husband is right behind me closest to the table I'm sitting on and my sister and her husband are to my right right next to a sink and chair.  It's a tiny space so very cozy.

The NP comes in and her eyes suddenly open wide, clearly shocked to see so many people, looks at me and asks me to share who I brought today.  (I think at this point, she must have forgotten that I'm a GC) So I start by saying these are the intended parents, my sister and her husband and then she remembers and immediately starts saying that's right, you're doing this special thing for your sister!  Well in the chaos, I fail to introduce my husband so then he says, Hi I'm Phil.  I suddenly turn around and say yes, my husband, is here also!  (Sorry babe)😜.  I think I kinda assumed she knew who my husband was, but I guess he doesn't come usually either🤷🏼‍♀️😜.  So now introductions are done...she understands why there's a need for an audience...and is ready to begin the ultrasound.  

I scoot down to the very end of the table...and she inserts the ultrasound "wand".  Almost immediately we see a little black hole with a flickering circle inside and she says we have one...with a strong little heartbeat!  Wow this early, that's a great sign!  Then she says lets look to see if we have...suddenly we see another black hole with a round circle and she says we have another!  We don't immediately see flickering like the other, but she doesn't zoom in right away. Instead moves back to the other, now named "Baby A" and begins taking measurements.  She let us know that she was able to see a yoke sac in both and even though it was quick, she was able to see the blood supply to the womb on both also, which means they are both developing and on track!  As she was taking measurements of Baby A..she said it looks strong and everything looks great!  

Baby A

Before moving to Baby B she lets us know that it's very common not to see a heart beat at this age, so if we don't see one with Baby B, she's not going to be worried at all.  As she starts to move around to look for Baby B, we see another smaller fluid filled round area and ask if that's another?!

She explains that it's not another baby, but a small bleed from implantation, which is very common with IVF.  She said, it's small, so she's not worried about it at all.  (Okay that's reassuring)

On our quest to look for Baby B, which seems a lot harder to find, she explains that Baby A is placed anterior, which is on top and that's why it's so easy to see.  Baby B, which she now has on the screen, is posterior, lying behind a lot of my arteries, so that's why it's a little harder to find right now.  As she zooms in, we all see a little flicker!  So both have heart beats and she begins taking measurements of Baby B and is just as happy as she was with Baby A.  She gives us all a very happy congratulations and tells us this pregnancy looks great, both look great and she will schedule another ultrasound in 2 weeks to take more measurements when babies have had a little more time to develop and grow ❤️❤️🥳!

Baby B

Baby A and Baby B

All four of us, super excited that both are doing well 🩷💙

Treatin' Tuesday...

Well it was too cute and completely unexpected not to share or document my unexpected surprise today.

Today's Tuesday...still one whole day away from finding out if there's one or two babies growing inside.  It started out like any other day, at 4AM.  

For whatever reason I can't seem to sleep in past 4:30AM🤷🏼‍♀️. (Probably has to do with the level of narcolepsy that overcomes me every night after my 9PM shot🤪) Oh well...so it started off like every other morning with the exception that my sister Sarah and I started texting back and forth about something silly and hilarious...in actuality it might not have been hilarious, but sisters just seem to make it that way sometimes🤣.(Since she lives across the country, she's the only one awake at this unearthly hour and I love it 💗😂)

I get to work around 7AM "snackpack" in hand.  (Fun Fact: I have a backpack that I bring to work, that used to contain some pens and my laptop...but now contains all sorts of goodies that sound good to me in the morning! (mostly cereal and granola bars and my coworkers have now affectionately started calling it a more appropriate name...a "snackpack"). I pulled out a bowl of 'Frosted Mini Wheats' and start munching while checking my emails.  It totally hit the spot, if you were wondering 🤣.

About an hour later, I start to feel nauseous out of nowhere...so I decide to go to our little vending machine and grab a gingerale.  (It sounded good for some reason!) Sipping that was great and by 11AM I was starting to feel hungry again.  I wasn't sure where I was going to go yet, but a sandwich or something with bread sounded really nice!

A few minutes later a coworker stops by and drops a huge Kneaders bag off on my desk and says, "To Summer, from Dad" with a huge smile.  

You know when you're so stunned and not expecting anything that your brain for a second can't process what is going on?  (Maybe that's just me?! 😂). Well that's what was going on...for a second I think they're joking for some odd reason then I look down at the large order receipt taped to the bag with what's inside and it has my dad's name on it!  Inside is filled with an order of Kneaders French Toast (syrup, whipped cream, and strawberries included), a pumpkin, chocolate chip cookie, a fruit tart, and a loaf of their Asiago Cheese bread with plenty of butter on the side!)

My surprise Kneaders delivery 

It all sounded so good and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time!  I called my dad to thank him and my mom, thinking for sure my momma asked him to do it...and then he shared that he did it all on his own!  (Stunned and shocked face going on...my mouth was completely open and I was holding back tears) He said that he knows what I'm doing isn't easy and he knows I must have ups and downs and he just wanted to send me something to brighten my day.  He also said he spoke to Sarah this morning and she shared that I was craving rolls the other day (true story!) So he found a place that serves bread in the morning, that delivered!❤️🥰 

I'm not used to my dad being overly thoughtful or doing sweet things like this so it came as a complete shock, made me feel super loved, and totally brightened my day!

Asiago Cheese loaf with some butter for the dinner win! 😋

Truly made my heart full and I appreciated every little thing!  I'm so lucky to have the family and friend support system that I do!  I couldn't do any of this without you guys ❤️🥰!

So excited to see what tomorrow brings...will it be one baby or two?!

Until tomorrow...

It's Ziploc Time...

So today marks that I'm officially 5 weeks pregnant! Up until this morning I've only had a few bouts of nausea and a growing list of food aversions...but full on morning sickness has not been an issue.  Until today...womp womp.

It's crazy how suddenly being sick and the feeling of morning sickness can immediately bring back all the memories from years ago, like it was yesterday!

I'm not sure if it was because I forgot to take my prenatal vitamins last night and instead took them this morning on an empty stomach?  Probably.  

But holy moly once I was completely ready it took me lying under a fan and a whole lot of self talk to be able to leave the house about thirty minutes later, Ziploc in hand of course 🤣.

I learned this trick when I was working and preggers with Brooklyn that the throwing up wasn't going to stop if I stayed home, but throwing up in a confined space and continuing to smell it wasn't a good option either.  So I tested a big ziploc on my way out the door and it's been my go to ever since!

Luckily I was able to get to work without using it...but now I have a backup in each car, just in case🤣🤢.  I started to feel a little better around 11am and the rest of the day I felt pretty good🥳😁.  So here's to hoping it was just badly timed vitamin consumption 🤞🏼❤️!

High HGC = Happy Pregnancy

Hopefully today will be my final HCG check🤞🏼!  I've had a total of three so far.  Saturday, was my 10dpt beta check at 146.8, Monday was 12dpt check at 408.4, and today needs to be at least 817.  As long as these number keep doubling, it means the pregnancy is doing well and embryo(s) are embedding nicely into my uterus ❤️🤞🏼

I arrived for my appointment s few minutes early, but ended up waiting for about 20 minutes before they called me back.  It was a different phlebotomist than the most recent two...it was the gal that gave me huge bruises last month😣.  Bumma!  I was not optimistic that having either of my arms stabbed for the second time in a few days was not gonna leave a mark😜😂.  She did not disappoint😐.

My lovely blood donating souvenirs😂

Today was no different than either of the last two, other than this time, I didn't contact their office first.  Around 4pm, I got a phone call, the nurse on the line said she had good news, my HCG level jumped to 982.7 and that my numbers are looking great!  She said since these numbers have been continuing to more than double, they are going to discontinue HCG checks 🥳😅

Next step in the process will be an ultrasound, which she scheduled, for next Wednesday, which will be my 5 week, 5 day mark!  (Only a week away from finding out how many little ones I'm hosting!)

She asked if I had any questions and I told her that my primary questions were related to what the next steps were.  Will there be more ultrasounds?  Does my medication protocol change at all?  When will I need to look for an OB?

She relayed that my medication protocol will stay the same: levothyroxine, estrogen, and PIO shots until 12 weeks of gestation.  Basically my entire first trimester.

There would be one more ultrasound, after next weeks ultrasound. Typically taken at 7 weeks, 5 days and once that's completed, I basically graduate to a regular OB.  She said most women have their own OBs by 8 weeks!  (Holy smokes time flies!  That's in 3 weeks😮😁!) I thanked her for the updates and immediately shared the results with my husband and my sister and brother in law.

We are relieved and excited that the pregnancy is going well so far❤️🙏🏼🥰 and looking forward to finding out how many little ones are in there😜🥰🥳!  

On a personal note, I'm feeling pretty good in general!  Not super nauseated... mostly still just food aversions.  My "NO" foods have increased to include:  fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, potato chips, buttered popcorn, and sometimes chocolate 🤷🏼‍♀️🥲.  So, not horrible.  My love of pizza, sandwiches, and Mexican food have all remained in tact and the same so far ❤️🥰.  

The biggest win is I've not had any more headaches since the first few days! 🥳. So praying that continues!🙏🏼🤞🏼

Well I'm 4 weeks, 5 days and this week the embryo(s) are the size of a poppy seed.  In a few days it/they will be the size of a sesame seed!  How's that for growth😁🥳

Size of growth between 4weeks and 5weeks

Second Date Update...

So it's been a whole two days since my beta HCG count, which was taken on day 10dpt.  I surpassed my expectation of having a level in the 80s with a 146.8 result!  The clinic said those were great first numbers and scheduled me for a second blood draw today.  

Today is 12dpt and for it to be considered a healthy pregnancy, we are looking for the HCG levels from Saturday, to at least double.  So I'm hoping for a solid 300🤞🏼.

My appointment was at 10:45...it was the same phlebotomist from Saturday, who remembered me and my veins😂.  She greets me and immediately says okay which one are we going with today?  I decide we better do the right one, since my left was stabbed on Saturday.  She says okay, it will be quick since your veins are awesome.  (I'm so glad I can be accommodating😜). She did her thing, a quick 2 minutes and I was done. 

I didn't have a solid breakfast this morning, so I decided grabbing some In-N-Out was in order for lunch.  I ordered my usual grilled cheese with no tomato, add raw chopped onion, and sub ketchup and mustard instead of the spread...with some light well fries.  (Fries have to be crunchy or its over🤪!)

Everything comes out great, my grilled cheese completely hits the spot and I take one bite of a fry and it's a no.  I didn't feel nauseous, it was just...nope.  😂 Hated wasting food, but I was by myself and there was no way they were going to be consumed.  😐 Can't really explain it but I remember having an aversion to french fries when I was pregnant with my first child, Brooklyn also.  

So not sure if this is going to be a permanent thing... because with Brooklyn, it was the entire 9 months.  I remember the smell of McDonald's french fries would make me ill.  😭🤢  I can do without the nausea...so if this is all I get, it's going to be a breeze! 🤞🏼😁🙏🏼

No call by 4pm, so I message the clinic...like I had to on Saturday.  (Ugh.)  I ask if my levels have been received yet...33 minutes later the clinic calls me. The woman on the phone lets me know that my levels came back at 408.4!  She said that is really good and she would like to schedule me for a third HCG test on Wednesday at 9AM.  

I end the call and then notice that while I was on the phone, I also received a message from the clinic telling me about my HCG levels and scheduling me for an 11:15 draw.  

Yay for a great HCG result...Boo for being scheduled for two appointments 😂

In either case here's where we are:

10dpt HCG-146.8

12dpt HCG-408.4

14dpt HCG... TBD 9/27 AM (Hoping at least 850🤞🏼🙏🏼)

I'm considered 4 weeks 3 days pregnant today, even though it's only been 12 days technically.  We still don't know if both babies stuck or if it's only one. HCG isn't telling that way unfortunately.  (From what I read, at around 5w5d they will schedule an ultrasound, which should tell us how many tenants I have growing, but nothing has been scheduled yet...perhaps after this next blood draw on Wednesday?🤞🏼)

The baby or babies seem to be getting comfortable and liking the "womb" so far😁🥳! (The last 6 tenants had to be evicted by induction...so I'm hopeful that the little one or ones in there now, end up feeling the same!) I'm still on levothyroxine once a day, two tabs of estrogen, three times daily, and my evening PIO shots.  

My tooshie has become pretty numb on both sides, which kind of makes it easier for me.  I can't really feel the shot or the oil as it's injected.  I don't think it makes it easier on Phil unfortunately, who still feels bad before and after every shot.🥲 The shots will continue until I'm about 12 weeks gestation, from what I understand.  So...we have about 8 weeks to go! 🥲😜🥳

For "Beta"...or Worse

Although, I've been testing positive daily this week with HPTs (Home Pregnancy Tests)...and it's been exciting to watch the line become darker and darker, I really have no idea what my Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) level is or has been🤷🏼‍♀️?! 

Monday-Friday's results

As someone who's experienced several non-IVF pregnancies this focus on HCG levels is completely new to me!  Typically it only takes one of these tests and an appointment with an OB.  I never knew what my HCG levels were with any of my previous pregnancies, or if that was something that was even tracked 🤷🏼‍♀️.  

So with IVF, it's the number they use to determine  the health of the pregnancy.  I've been reading a lot and from what I've found HCG levels vary from individual to individual and from pregnancy to pregnancy.  Some "singleton" babies have high HCG levels in the beginning and some twins have low HCG levels...so unfortunately there's no way of using that to determine whether both embryos have implanted or not.  The main thing is the higher the number, the better and that the numbers continue to atleast double every 48 hours.

Okay so now that you have all this HCG background...today marks the 10th day after transfer and is the day my HCG beta test has been scheduled for.  It's already starting off better than last time, because this time I already know the transfer was a success thanks to the HPTs...I'm just hoping my beta number is above 85 (which was a number another IVF patient said was her first Beta result with her twins). 😜 Hey, you have to start somewhere, right?!🤞🏼😘

My appointment was at 9:45am (I was shocked to find that the clinic was open on Saturday...but I guess fertility never really takes a break).  After a 25 minute wait, I was brought back for my blood draw.

It was painless this time (woo hoo) and super quick.  The phlebotomist told me she couldn't guarantee a time, but I would receive the results today by phone call.  She also warned me that they go in alphabetical order...and since I'm "W" I'll probably be near the end😂🥲.

On our way home, we had this beautiful view from a parking lot...is it a sign?😘❤️

Gilbert Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple 

Phil and I filled our day with furniture shopping and getting inspiration for our new home, with our kids and grandkids ❤️. 

Every trip is an adventure with a 2yr old 

My lovely new cart, that was used to push her new "Tiger Baby."  It's multifunctional! 😍

Okay, okay sorry back to the beta results...well it's now 4:45 and no call!  I assume they've all gone home for the day, but decide to message the clinic anyway to ask about my results...fully expecting not to receive a response until Monday. 😕 Jerks!  (At least for me, I took a test and am confident that I'm pregnant...but how many others didn't get a call?  Many might have followed directions and not even tested or maybe are waiting to see if their numbers have doubled to confirm they have a healthy pregnancy because they have struggled with failed pregnancies before!  I can't even imagine being super stressed and waiting for these results?!😭)

Sheesh...so of course I wanted to know my number...so I could compare to the one other twin momma that I know in my new "IVF friend" group, but Phil and I also had a wager on the results of course 🤣.  If my results are 84 or over, Phil owes me a 10 minute massage and if it's 62 or lower, I owe him a 10 minute back scratch.🤷🏼‍♀️🤞🏼 Clearly I don't want to be a loser!

Well a few minutes later, my phone buzzes and I see that I have a new message from the fertility clinic!

After an apology about not receiving a phone call she says...

(Text from the clinic showing my Beta HCG levels)

So the results are in...as of this morning, they were at 146.8 and the next goal is to have them double by next scheduled draw on Monday😃🤞🏼❤️

So here's to hoping the numbers keep increasing!!🤞🏼❤️ 

I Smell Hotdogs 🤢

Today is day 8, post transfer.  It's officially been over one week since the transfer of two embryos occured! 

My pregnancy results on the at home tests are becoming darker as the HCG continues to increase.  I've been using the 'First Response 6 days Sooner' which can detect HCG in quantities as little as 6.  Regular pregnancy tests aren't meant to be used for a few more weeks...when HCG levels have had a chance to really grow and their detection level is about 25.  I'm not quite sure how high my levels are yet or if I'm carrying twins, but hopefully this next week we will find out through a few blood tests that my levels are on track and doubling every 72 hours as they should be.

Gradually getting darker
(due to increasing HCG levels)

I had absolutely no headaches or feelings of nausea on Monday or Tuesday and most of yesterday...in the evening I began to get a headache, which made me kind of nauseous.  Nothing too terrible, just stopped me from eating or having any sweet snacks.  (Probably for the best 😜)

This morning I woke up with a mild headache and once I started blow drying my hair...the nausea hit me.  I started getting clammy and talking myself into not throwing up🤪.  

After cooling off under a fan, I was able to pull it together and grab an egg & cheese breakfast sandwich from Starbucks.  My favorite drink (strawberry acai refresher) has caffeine in it...which I'm trying to do my best to avoid...so water for me.  It hit the spot and other than my nagging headache I was off to work.

Shortly after I arrived, the smell of hot dogs started wafting in.  Which is weird because A. It's morning (who eats hot dogs for breakfast?) B. We don't have microwaves or food stored anywhere near my desk location?!

So my only deduction is someone had hotdogs or something similar for breakfast and now my go-go-gadget super sniffer is working in full force.🤢🥲

I texted my husband and I'm not sure what type of response I was looking for...but it definitely wasn't this! 😂🤣🤢😭(those who know him, won't be shocked)

🤢🤢🤢

So hoping the headache goes away soon and I'm praying no more hotdogs will be consumed for the next few months.😜😂

Post Transfer and Trip

After the transfer on Wednesday, I relaxed and finished some work from home (sitting at a desk) and prepared for our quick trip to Southern Utah.  

Thursday morning I woke up feeling a little achy and sore...primarily my pubic bone from having the ultrasound sound jammed into it for about 5 -10 minutes straight during the transfer.  Nothing much different than my last transfer in June.👍🏼

We ate breakfast and began on our 6.5 hour drive.  About an hour and a half in to the trip, I began getting a headache.  (I'm no stranger to migraines... unfortunately) Since I could be pregnant or becoming so very soon, the difference with this headache was I couldn't take anything for it.   Yuck!

My headaches typically turn from bad to worse if I don't intervene with some type of medication, (typically Excedrin) fast.  So I kept drinking water and tried to doze off and on (as comfortable as you can get in the passenger seat of a car)...without much help.  In true fashion it continued to get worse.  By the time we reached our destination...I felt so nauseous (headaches make me feel this way often) it took all I had to go to the pre-wedding festivities, we had traveled for! 😣

Luckily, I was able to lay down in the hotel bed for a few minutes before hopping back in the car and listening to several calming songs from M83 while enjoying the beautiful Utah scenery.  Although food sounded absolutely disgusting, it was one of those Cafe Rio style dinners (which I normally enjoy) so I made myself a small bowl of salad, skipping the rice and beans...and it actually hit the spot!  So glad.  It took the edge off and I was able to enjoy my time with our family and friends❤️

Friday morning was the wedding and although I don't remember having the headache in my sleep...I definitely woke up with one.  Womp, womp.  I was so bummed because last time I had the transfer, I didn't have any headaches until a week or so later.  

St. George Pizza Factory breadsticks 

My son and I... All dressed up❤️

We had some breakfast (an egg sandwich and hot cocoa) and I will say...while eating the egg sandwich, I started to notice some smells around and maybe from the sandwich ... I won't go into detail ..but started thinking that my "supersonic sniffer" was back in action.  IYKYK?!

The wedding was beautiful, it was in the Cedar City Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple, which was the perfect place for me to completely relax and enjoy the peaceful environment.  My headache seemed to subside while inside, (yay) so Phil and I ventured out and grabbed a bite at St. George Pizza Factory"...which should not be confused with the Arizona and California Pizza Factories!  Haha much different and we didn't enjoy the experience, but hey we got out and I ate some more salad 🤣👍🏼. Of course we had to balance our meh meal with something we knew would be great, so it was Subzero Ice Cream for the win!  Rocky Road of course is the way to go😘😊

After salad, breadsticks, and ice cream we hit the hotel and napped hard for about two whole hours before the reception which was being held in Pine Valley (another drive).  The reception was beautiful, the couple is adorable, and our friends are the best!

Saturday morning I wake up without a headache!  Woo hoo!  It's also a travel day home, so it was definitely a win for me 😃

I never get car sick and about halfway through the drive I began to get really nauseous and a headache started coming back ..but almost off and on.  I never get headaches off and on like that, so it made me think I might need a neck adjustment (dad needs to come for a visit 😘)?!

Anyway we arrived home, the headache didn't really get worse and let me tell you...this in and of itself is a huge miracle!  As long as I can remember, I've suffered from migraines...but they have particularly gotten worse after a car accident I was in, back in 2014.  My headaches all turn to migraines and they can last for days if I don't immediately take medication.  I can't remember the last time a headache ever went away, without taking medication?!  (Even if I go to sleep...I will wake up with it if I don't take medicine!) So miracles for the win!

Sunday, I just felt blah.  Don't know how else to explain it.  Wasn't really hungry, didn't have a headache (YAY) but just didn't feel good.  Almost like I was a little car sick still.  Weird.  It's too soon to be having symptoms, if I was pregnant... right?

My sister shared the embryo pictures (shared below) that were implanted with me and the differences between the last ones and these ones were huge!  It appears that both of these embryos were hatching already!  So with this knowledge...they could have implanted right away.  Typically, after transfer, they say it takes 24-72 hours for the embryo(s) to attach to the uterine wall.  There's a sheath that they need to shed before they can attach...which can take a bit to lose.  The embryos that were implanted in me were both considered 5 day embryos, which means they were grown for 5-8 days in a specialized, state of the art laboratory, then frozen, 6 or 7 years ago, before being thawed and transferred to me on Wednesday.  Isn't that amazing??  It's truly a miracle that any of this can even happen!! 🙏🏼💖

Embryos transferred 6/19/23

Embryos transferred 9/13/23

See how you can see them coming out of their shell or sheath?? So amazing!

So I'm off to buy some pregnancy tests...wish me luck🍀🤞🏼! It's still very early at 4 days post transfer, 5 day embryo aka "4dp5t" but let's see what happens 😊. 🙏🏼❤️

Today's the Day!

It's finally arrived, the second (and hopefully final) transfer day!  This time I didn't have acupuncture scheduled before hand, so I decided not to overfill my bladder, like last time.  I arrived 30 minutes early (as requested) and was pulled back for my blood draw and then put into a different room to change into my transfer gown, hat, and booties.

This time, being a little more experienced, I wore a dress.  So I would only have to remove my underwear prior to transfer, which was a lot quicker and I felt way more decent under my gown😛👍🏼

I actually had the gown backwards on accident...

Matching booties 😛

After slamming water for the next 20 minutes, it was finally time to go back.  Since I was not overly full this time, the walk was so much better...well everything really was!

This time it was our actual doctor performing the transfer, his bedside manner is just so much better.  He was talking the entire time, but not awkward, just the right amount.  He was able to find the location for the transfer so much quicker than the last doctor!  

Also no more Austin Powers yelling when they were ready!🤣 It was just a calm, "we are ready."  A woman came from behind the door carrying a thin tube and called out who the embryos belonged to (my sisters name) and then who they were being transfered in to (my name) then handed them to the doctor, who then put the tube into the catheter type tube he already had inserted and within a few seconds we could see the little white bubble in my uterus.  He said we will confirm both embryos are inside that bubble in a minute.

He gave the tube back to the woman who brought it, she went back through the door and within a few seconds she responded, "clear".  Which meant yes, no embryos were left in the tube, and both were in fact contained in that little air bubble on screen!

So crazy how amazing this whole process is.  You can take a frozen embryo, dethaw it, and place it in another human...and it has the possibility of growing into a human!

So after the quick procedure, I went back to a recovery room and experienced some acupuncture to help relieve stress and increase circulation.  

It takes approximately 24-72 hours for these little guys to implant🤞🏼...hoping this time it works!  I'm supposed to relax and take it easy for the rest of the day, so that's the plan.  I'm working from home the rest of the day and have a road trip planned to Southern Utah for a wedding tomorrow.  That should be relaxing, right? 😊 

Ultrasound, showing the little bubble with the embryos inside❤️

3rd Time's The Charm...

3rd time is the charm...so they say?!  So it's only been a few days since I've stopped taking all my medications and boom the mother of all mother periods have already began!  I thought I'd have at least a week before this next round...and by the reaction from the clinic, I think they did too🤭.

So the process so far has been cycle day 1 notify the fertility center, cycle day 2, start taking estrogen, and cycle day 4-5, take a baseline ultrasound to ensure my lining is basically gone.

Even though everything on my ERA testing said it should have the results completed with a week or two...the fertility center said they did not have the results back yet and would need to reach out to my sister to find out if she wants to proceed without the results or wait until my next cycle.

(Internally I'm thinking...aren't there additional options?? Like what about calling to check on the results with the lab, or starting the cycle as normal and then if the test results come back as oops we needed to change something early on, then skip to next cycle.  Why waste an entire cycle if it isn't necessary??)

I reach out to my sister and share a few of my thoughts...she's also been a reaching out to the fertility center separately on a different chain....so I wait.

Day 2 I hear nothing back.  But being a little hard headed and not wanting to have the cycle delayed by not have starting estrogen day 2...I start the estrogen day 2.  (Luckily I still have plenty from my last round and am good to go, at least until they have an update for me 🤞🏼)

Day 3 I get an update from the fertility center saying that they received my results, they wanted me to start taking estrogen and then make an appointment for a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork! I was shocked they felt they could still start it on day 3? 

So no one really explained the results of my ERA to me, I just saw on the new calendar they provided, that it had literal hours on it.  (See below)

So what I read and began to interpret myself is that "stimulation" happens when I begin to administer the PIO shots.  Progesterone stimulates my uterine lining to begin to be susceptible to carry a baby.  So in my prior cycles they just said 5 days before transfer begin taking the progesterone at 9pm...this one was oddly specific in saying to take the progesterone at 10:20pm, 5 days prior to transfer.

My wall of past and present calendars and shot instructions 

I'm still not exactly sure how they know all of this or what specifically they found during my test.  I'm curious as to whether anything had to change from the first cycle to now or not?  So many questions!  But for now...I will follow my protocol and update if anything changes 😊

Lining Check Pre ERA

This morning I went in for another ultrasound, to check my lining.  The doctor quickly looked at my left side and I saw him take at least one measurement of what appeared to be a cyst.  He said it was approximately 3-4cms, but so far wasn't producing any hormones, which is great, and wasn't cause for concern.  (Okay...I guess this is kinda normal...I read that they can get large up to 10cms before they become a concern.  Usually these cysts rupture on their own and become a non issue.  Their cause?? Hormones.  Increased levels of Estrogen can be a cause. Haha sooo, shouldn't be surprised.)

 Other than the measurements nothing really of note to share.  He mentioned that he wanted me to have blood work done to measure my hormones again, specifically progesterone to see if the cyst is still not producing anything, and mentioned he would talk to my sister and let her know that either ERA test would be fine.  He said they should get the results within a week or two and it should be perfectly timed for my next cycle.

After a quick "goo" cleanup on aisle thigh...I got dressed and stopped over at the lab to get a quick jab.  (Ouch!  I'm not sure the gal knew what she was doing...a little rough and I have easy veins!)

Okay...next appointment will be Monday, August 14th for the ERA.  I'm a little nervous, but the doctor assured me that as long as I take some ibuprofen it will feel just like a little pin prick 📍.  So here's to hoping it's simple and fairly pain free.🤞🏻 

P.s. Progesterone shots 💉 start again on Wednesday 👀not sure if Phil has mentally recovered from the last round so I better make sure he's prepared 😜!

CD5 Baseline Check

On Friday morning (7/28) I notified the clinic that it was my CD1.  Shortly thereafter I received my new ERA schedule from them along with a question about which ERA testing group I'd like to go through with.  (They must have sent the same information to my sister, because she sent me a screen shot of her response to them asking which test company the doctor recommended shortly afterwards.)  

I still had Estrace left over from my last go around in June, so that was easier to start this time (last go around was like racing against a clock)!  The progesterone will need to be refilled, but according to this calendar...I've got some time.  

As you can see, my appointments for the month had also been scheduled, so I quickly made some arrangements to be available for my Tuesday, 8/1 ultrasound check.

**Flashback**When I went through this in June, it was rather unpleasant.  I was on CD4 then and was still having a regular flow.  (As I have gotten older my periods only last about 5 days.  Heavy CD2-3 but light until about CD5 and by 6, I'm golden.) They assured me they were expecting a flow and this would ensure my lining was at its thinnest.  

**Present**Okay so this time around my CD4 is like CD5... because today was CD5 and guess what? No flow.  Like none.  I was ecstatic about not having to deal with flow and an ultra sound "wand" again. Everything else about the period was pretty normal, other than the flow just lightened up pretty quickly, so I wasn't really worried or questioning anything at this point.  

I arrive at my appointment, get called back rather quickly and then am told the doctor is busy doing "retrievals" all day so he would be in when he could.  First I thought, wow this is like the second time I've had to wait longer than 5 minutes...why didn't they just schedule me with a nurse like they always do? (Last go around I didn't see the doctor once!  Not once.)  Anyhoo for now, I'm not going to question it! Haha they had me scheduled with the doctor for both my appointments this cycle so far, which is a welcomed change, so I'm not questioning or complaining.

After waiting for about 20 minutes, a knock came to the door and the doctor was greeting me with a friendly hello.

Okay so these visits are never the greatest, I mean...it's awkward.  You're laying on a table, legs spread, covered in a cheap napkin, with a wand being moved around inside of you, making small talk, all while trying to decipher what the heck is what on the screen 🤪?!  However, having been to several dozen of these types of visits over the course of my pregnancies, I will say that he made it a little smoother.  

In a quick few minutes he was able to spot my ovaries, follicles, and two cysts growing on my left side.  He noted that my lining was growing quicker than expected, even said it was close to being thick enough for an ERA now, technically.  He wasn't worried about the cysts, since that's how we ovulate, however he was concerned that they might be producing hormones.  So he requested blood work, to check my thyroid, progesterone, and leutenizing hormones and told me that once the blood work returned the results, he would ensure his team followed up with me on any updates to my current treatment calendar.

**Next Day Update** My thyroid levels were a 3.2, which are within normal range; however, aren't optimal for what the doctor is looking for.  So he's increasing my dose by an extra 100mcgs a week. (Adding pills to my normal daily dose, a few times a week)

My progesterone levels were >.01 (which means my cysts aren't producing hormones... yay!) and my LH levels were normal and showing that I am not about to ovulate.

They would like me to continue Estrace as prescribed and would see me back on Monday for my second lining check on Monday.

He Exaggerated The Length?!

I received a call last night around 5pm asking if I was available to come into the office today for the faux tranfer with the doctor.  (Talk about last minute notice). Luckily, I was able to swing it and scheduled the appointment.

I walked into an empty office (maybe it was lunch time?) and took a seat.  I was feeling a little nervous, which always makes me feel like I need to pee...so as I'm quietly contemplating whether to run really quickly to the bathroom (they didn't tell me to come with a full bladder) a door opens and they call my name.

Welp, I decide I really don't think I have to go (probably nerves) and follow her back. 

She's super sweet and tells me to undress from the waste down.  Luckily, I was prepared and wore a dress👏👍.  So within a minute I'm wrapped in paper with my bare bum on the napkin covered reclining bench thing that are in every OB/GYN office ever.

A moment or so later the doctor knocks and pops his head in asking if I had a full bladder.  After a quick internal status check I let him know that I do. Which was the answer he was looking for!  Apparently they forgot to instruct me to come with one.  (Okay so my bladder wasn't really full or at least didn't feel full...but again I was nervous and I don't think it was empty...so they were getting what they were getting)

Another moment or two passed and the doctor and a team of two other ladies joined me in the room.  We had one nurse with the over the top ultrasound, just like the original transfer and the other was assisting the doctor with the speculum thing.

As they were adjusting everything I made sure to say, I hope that's the longest speculum you have?  Because I was told that my vagina needed the longest one, because my canal was sooo long apparently 🫣.  I wanted to make light of it but also prepare them so I'm not being poked and prodded anymore than necessary...right?

The doctor looked up and said wow, I'm sure that's something nice to hear when you're lying on your back and shook his head looking at the nurses.  (I could tell he wasn't pleased with the comment that had been made).  I just said hey...I've had six children, I can understand things aren't exactly in tip top shape...but I have never heard that I have a long vagina before....ever.🤣 I will own it if I do...just wasn't expecting it😕.  

He was so kind and said that he has done thousands of transfers and he has had some difficult transfers, but none were due to a long vagina. Haha.  He said some ladies develop fibroids which can cause the canal to seem like it's longer...but the canal can only go so far.  He then promised to give me the good, bad, and the ugly truth during the procedure and was ready to begin!

So first of all let me start off by saying, the ultrasound wasn't uncomfortable at all this time (my bladder wasn't about to explode)...she guided him with the ultrasound and within a minute he said okay I'm in, transfer would take place here!

I looked up shocked and said, you're already in?  So what's going on in there?  He said there was absolutely no abnormalities, my vaginal canal was within average length (never thought I'd be relieved to hear I'm average 😉) and he was trying to figure out why the previous doctor had such a difficult time.

Once he was complete he suddenly asked me if my bladder was overly full on the day of transfer. (Um yes!)  It definitely was!  He said that when bladders are overly full, it can push out the catheter, which can make holding it steady difficult, but you either ask for your nurse to hold it or you get creative and hold it in with your knee...it's not using extra length though 🤷‍♀️😜!

I appreciated the update and oddly felt relieved that I don't have a long vagina.  I also am sooo happy because I will make sure that the next time I'm having this procedure performed...I'm underfilling my bladder!!  It was so quick and I didn't experience any discomfort (well any more than you'd expect with a speculum and catheter being put into your hoohaw)!

So first test done!  Next step... Mock Cycle.🥳

Testing, Testing...1...2...3

So last month (June) we left off with a negative pregnancy result and no update on whether we would be proceeding with another round.  It was nice to enjoy 4th of July without the pressure of running back home to receive a shot or being on my period (small wins)!  

My cycle began the day after the 4th, so just a few days shy of where they said it would begin and because I hadn't received an update from the clinic or my sister - I didn't have any pills to take or things to track.  It was a HEAVY few days, but luckily working from home, made it a little more bearable.  

On July10th the clinic scheduled a follow up appointment to go over the results and possible reasons that the transfer did not end with a positive result.  The doctor that has been overseeing my care, was out of town for the actual transfer, but did have the scans, lab results, and notes from the doctor who performed the transfer and felt that there should have been no reason that the embryos didn't implant. 

After looking over the results, he felt that it might be that my cycle isn't like the average woman...so perhaps my uterus was ready prior to the transfer...there is only a 24 hour window for the "magic" to happen.  Since this isn't really anything I've tracked or paid attention to, like um ever...I have no input here. 

My sister mentioned that the transfer was really uncomfortable for me...and that the doctor mentioned that he had a difficult time with the transfer (remember the comment about the "long vagina" LOL).  She asked if this had something to do with it not working.  He said nothing was said in my file or showed in the scans how my anatomy could have made the transfer difficult, so he asked if I would be willing to do a faux transfer, where he would perform the same procedure, but without an embryo inside.  This would allow him to get to know my "anatomy" and prepare for any adjustments that might need to be made when a transfer takes place.

After further discussion, the doctor recommended that instead of a transfer next month, we proceed with an endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA).  Which basically consists of doing the same things as a transfer cycle (taking estrogen and PIO shots five days before "transfer") but instead of a transfer, they take a biopsy of my uterus (similar to a pin prick and send it to an outside lab for review) so they can see if my uterus would be susceptible to a transfer during that same time frame or if they need to move it before or after.  Once they can determine timing, they will proceed with another transfer of two embryos in September.  According to the testing websites, 30% of women have different windows of implantation (WOI) so if I fall in that category, this will help to remove that as an obstacle for implantation.

I've opted to go through with both the faux tranfer this month and the mock cycle and the ERA next month...so wish me luck and let's hope we get some answers with the additional testing and the two month transfer delay is worth the wait 🤞❤️!

Coopergenomics ERA Testing Brochure

ERA Video

Transfer Day!

The day of the transfer has finally arrived!  Crazy that it's taken a little over a year to get to this point!  Looking back, so much has had to happen to get us to this point...yet it seems like the time has flown by somehow?!

My transfer appointment was scheduled for 12:40pm and the office offers acupuncture both before and after to assist with relaxation, so my actual arrival time needed to be 11:40am. 

They provide some instructions that tell you to wear a "comfy shirt" and to bring socks for the transfer.  They also instruct you to drink 32oz of room temperature water after my arrival and before the transfer.  

Okay first things first...do I wear a dress?  Do I wear a shirt and leggings?  What's up with the comfy shirt thing?  I finally decide that the acupuncture will probably be similar to a massage and maybe make ya strip to your under bits...(I really didn't do much research on acupuncture before I arrived) and figured I'd probably be in a gown for the transfer so...LuLu Lemon leggings and a comfy shirt it was!

I arrive on time with my husband and promptly use the restroom as I'm instructed to do.  The acupuncturist came out very shortly thereafter to welcome me back.  I asked if there was another waiting room for my husband to be closer and she said he was welcomed to join me in the room for acupuncture!  Sweet, come on back babes!😜🥰

She welcomes me into this room, which has wall to ceiling windows and a beautiful view of the Gilbert Temple!  I was so enamored with the view that it took me a minute to notice there wasn't a bed or a table...but instead a reclining type chair covered in large pads...(the kind that you typically have under your bum after delivery).

She instructs me to sit down and take off my shoes.  As she talking to me about...who knows what I suddenly feel a small ping of pain right on the top of my head, I look over and she seems to be just going through her items like nothing happened...so I thought weird I wonder where she's going to stick these thi...(ping, ouch) I guess my ears were next!

It wasn't a lot of pain, but like a quick twinge or sting then it immediately went away.  Except for my ears...I pretty much always felt those ones (3 in each ear).

Okay so now the fun part.  She asks me to lift up my pants so that my shins could be exposed.  (Remember I'm wearing LuLu leggings...which are meant to suck you in) I reach down and do my best not to create a tourniquet under my knees folding my leggings up.

I barely felt the ones placed in my shins or toes, then she asks me to pull up my shirt and expose the part of my stomach between my belly button and my pubic bone.  (I've had a lot of kids...this is the part I call my apron aka FUPA and remember what LuLu Leggings are intended to do?  Make that part look better by disguising it!)

So I look at her blankly as I'm trying to think of a way to do this without losing circulation to my entire lower half 🤣 and without looking like a stuffed sausage!  Well after a few seconds I realized I didn't have many options...now that the needles are already in my feet and legs.  So I pulllllll down on the leggings and as expected the sausage like tummy spilled out of it.  I could only imagine what her view of me was! Haha my view wasn't good and I could only see from a downward angle...which I'm very sure was better than an upward one😜!  (I feel like I kinda gave up my dignity years ago with the delivery of my large babies...so it is what it is at this point.) Meanwhile, she's sticking six needles in the fun part of my tummy and asking me to continue drinking my water.  (Which is NOT room temperature, nor 32 ozs, but got the job done.)

After she finishes inserting the remaining needle, she covers me in one of those first aid type thermal blankets...aka a foil wrap and lets me know that she will be back, ten minutes before my procedure.  Wow- that's it?  She just sticks needles in and leaves?  Yes.  Apparently that is exactly what she did.  (I think this is absolutely normal for acupuncture. I was just unprepared and thinking of her massaging my neck or something while the needles were in...which would have been a-ok with me!)

Okay so now what?  I immediately begin to hear my stomach growl...(I guess that's a sign that it's working actually) I didn't even realize I was hungry.  So I kind of start to stare off and before I know it, I'm being awoken by the acupuncturist letting me know my sister and her family were outside in the waiting room and wanted to know if I was up for visitors.  Children aren't allowed back, but I let her know that both my sister and her husband were invited to come back with us - as long as they knew I was wrapped up like a sushi roll - toothpicks and all!

So she leaves and now it's been a solid 40 minutes since I've been laying here and my bladder is really beginning to let me know it's full.  My sister and her husband come back and chat for a bit and soon I'm realizing that it's passed the time the acupuncturist said she would be back!  My bladder is READY for this transfer to take place like...NOW.

A few minutes later, she returns and apologizes for the delay.  She asks me if my bladder is full and I don't even let her finish her sentence before blurting out YES!  I'm ready.  She smiles and says okay - that was the reason for the delay.  The woman before me didn't have a full bladder and they had to wait for it to fill.  So I assured her, we would be good.  She quickly took out the needles and then provided me a gown, head covering, and booties to put on.  She asked if I would be having a partner in the room with me and I said yes, so she handed them all booties and hair coverings also.  (The clinic was super accommodating and allowed both my sister and her husband to join us in the transfer room.)

So I walk in and lay down on the table, putting my legs into the stirrups (similar to a PAP exam).  I immediatly tell her that my bladder is ooober full.  After a quick check, she agrees and then yells "Ready!" at a decible that completely conflicted with the reverent experience thus far! 🤣

Okay so I would say the transfer experience should  be similar to a PAP...except apparently I have what is called a "high cervix" and "they don't make speculums long enough to reach my height of cervix".  (I'm not sure why I've never had a problem with having my regular GYN scraping my cervix for a PAP?!) Yet these are some of the things I heard while the doctor is digging around inside me, with a nurse pushing down on top of my tummy and full bladder with an ultrasound!  To say it was uncomfortable, would be an understatement.  I kept apologizing because I was truly in fear that I would not be able to control my bladder much longer.  (I mean, let's be real...having six children vaginally has not done me any favors in the muscle department downstairs.). The whole process was  bearable, but uncomfortable.  The doctor at one point was concerned he wouldn't be able to put the catheter into my uterus successfully so he asked for all recording to stop.  I felt kinda bad - like there was something I could have done to make my cervix lower or something?  (All my babies were high, I never dropped with any pregnancies...my doctors were never bothered about it though...maybe they just hid it better than this guy?)

Anyway after what seemed like an hour (probably more like 10-15 minutes) he found the place he needed to be and then proceeds to yell "READY"!  (Like in Austin Powers when the lady yells for her son, "SCOTT!")

A door in the back opens and a nurse quickly comes in announcing the genders of the two embryo's they will be implanting and the last name of the mother and the last name of the patient, which was me😊!

He lets the room know that they can begin recording once again and draws the attention to the screen where you can see a small flash of light as the two embryo's are released within my uterus in a small bubble of air!  It was pretty amazing to watch.  He quickly withdrew the catheter and explained that it was a success...he was able to release them high into my uterus and the rest was up to my body.

Small white spot on the top of the 

He left and I was immediately able to go relieve myself in the bathroom..phew!  I really did impress myself with my ability to hold it in!!🥳. (As you can see, I like to celebrate small wins!)

Now we wait....they said the blood test is scheduled for June 29th!

Shots in the Wild!

Okay, so today is day 5 of the Progesterone in Oil (PIO) shots and by now we have a rhythm going on.  At home, it's an easy routine.  I have decided laying down flat on my bed, face down, works the best.

As I talked about earlier, the shots gave me a lot of anxiety, so I researched and heard a ton of horror stories, but I also got some good tips too!  My main concern was pain, of course.  Which some experienced at the time of the shot, but others seem to experience after the shot.  As the PIO is being absorbed into the muscle, it can create a knot, which becomes painful.  (After literally hundreds of personal stories, posts, websites, etc...I noticed a few common themes to avoid this.)

First, make sure you're not using the muscle that it's being shot into.  If you have to stand, bend the knee of the side you're going to inject.  I took it a step further and decided to just avoid using either muscle period, so I lie down flat to avoid any flinching ;)

Second, heat the oil up by first putting it in the crease of your arm or arm pit.  It thins the oil out just enough to make it easier to inject.

Okay so...this all plays out great when we are home and I get to lie down on my comfy bed for the shot.  We knew there was going to come an evening when we wouldn't be home...and would have to do the shots somewhere else and that day finally came.

It was father's day and also one of our girl's birthday.  She decided around 7pm that she'd like to celebrate with the family at Pop Stroke, a new mini golf place about, about 20 minutes away.

We have been there before and based on how crowded it is, it can take up to a few hours to complete the two courses they had.  I mentioned that we might have to leave early because I would need to leave around 8:40 to get home in time for my shot, which didn't sit well with the birthday girl, because that meant we wouldn't be able to finish the course and if I left, the party would be over. ( I knew she was referring to me physically taking half the party with me when I left but if course acted completely flattered that I was the glue to this party 🥳.)

So agreeing with her that the party would be lame after I left...I reluctantly agreed to bring my shot paraphernalia with me. Ugh.

Okay so fast forward a few hours, it's a Sunday evening, see the course is popping... literally packed with people.  We have only made it to the 11th hole and it's 8:55.  So Phil and I let the group know we will be back, hand our clubs to the others and head out to the packed parking lot to his car.  (If you've been to this place, you know there is no easy exit from mid course!  We were walking across greens, apologizing to parties as I was praying I wouldn't eat it.)

After we made it out of the course and into the parking lot, to our car.  I suddenly realized that laying face down in the back seat, with Phil bent over on top of me...might not be the best look out in public!  I really hadn't thought it through!

So I share my concerns with Phil and he also agrees this might be more difficult than we thought.  I could lean up against his car outside...but then again he's behind me doing something to my upper behind area...and this is only for people far away!  Let's not count the fact that if anyone was getting into their car or sitting close by, they would see us with the needle, probably looking like some weird junkies!🥴

Okay, okay...think Summer!  Where can we go, we are out of time and I have to get this shot!

I look around and behind me there's a restaurant that's closed for renovations and it has two large container sizes dumpsters outside of it.  The sides of course are open with cars able to view us, but it was darker ish and I didn't see any cameras outside or signs of life inside, so Phil offered to back the car in between these dumpsters to give me more privacy and allow me to lay down in the back seat.

(Ok imagine it being dark...with all parking spaces full...so you can visualize)

Okay so plan is in motion...I'm laying down, trying to relax.  I hear a car start up close by and suddenly I feel something crawling on my feet (because I was wearing sandals and my feet were still touching the ground ew)...Phil is still getting used to giving the shot as much as I am at receiving it and he's hesitating and triple checking he's in the right spot.  So he finally injects me, but I can't stay still any longer, my imagination has gone wild and I could be standing on an ant hill with soon to be thousands of crawly bugs all over me...so I lift up my legs (using the muscles that are supposed to be relaxed ouch).  He finishes the injection (which takes a bit, because it's thick and doesn't come out super quick) and I crawl back out of the car.  

As I stand up fixing my clothes I immediately notice the car, idling with its lights on, perpendicular to us.  (Hand to forehead) I'm sure trying to figure out what in the junky heck we were doing!

Phil's trying to find the needle cover (since I forgot my "sharps" container) and I'm inspecting my legs and feet to ensure there aren't a ton of bugs crawling on me.🥴 I was relieved to know that there didn't seem to be any bugs on me anymore...(the spazzy leg lift did the trick!)

Phil moved the car back away from the dumpsters into our original parking spot and we rejoined the others taking a route...similar to our exit.  We only missed four holes and the police were never called on us...so it was a win in my book!

Although the scenario wasn't ideal...we learned a few things and we laughed a ton.  Happy Father's Day Phil❤️.