Monday, December 24, 2007

Oh yea, I GRADUATED!

I forgot to post about my graduation. Although, a monumental event, it has not been the highlight of this semester.
I graduated with my masters in educational leadership this December. I loved every minute of going back to school. I can now be a principal, scary!
I plan on going back to school in the summer to pursue my PhD. I really enjoy going to school. It is almost a hobby. The past two years, it really has been my hobby because I haven't had time to do anything else.
That's it for now.
Happy Christmas Eve!

Pictures!











Our Baby at 19 weeks.




He did not want to have his picture taken. :) He is already being stubborn. He gets that from his Dad! ;)

Thursday, December 20, 2007

It's a BOY!!

It’s a…BOY! We had a 19 week ultrasound with the specialist on Thursday. The baby is definitely a boy. We are thrilled, relieved, and amazed at the Grace and Faithfulness of our Lord. Everything looked to be developing and in place as it should be. Praise God!

I started to doubt a little that it was really a boy. So many people said the first prediction could be wrong, but I could not shake the feeling that it was a boy. Today, before the doctor’s appointment, I realized that it was without a doubt a boy. I prayed for a boy. Even though, I was praying for a child, I prayed for a son. God never ceases to teach me something through this journey. I prayed for something specifically and He provided exactly as I prayed. I know that He has known all along that we would have a son, but He used this opportunity to show me that I should really be seeking Him in everything, even the little things I try to control.

If you have never read 1Samuel 1, I would encourage you to do so. God used Hannah’s story to truly bring me to my knees and break me. I have prayed Hannah’s prayer so often, and read her story over and over.
9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple. [b] 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

In this passage, it goes on to show the praise that Hannah shows after Samuel is born.

27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.

Our Son is the Lords’, and has been sense he was created inside me, and will be all of his life. I can not even express our thankfulness and love we have for this child. I truly feel blessed by him in only the few months I have been pregnant.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.We have been given a gift that is truly a miracle, but does not come close in comparison to the Gift of Our Lord in Jesus Christ.
Love to you all!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

It's a ....

BOY, MAYBE! The doctor bet us a $100 that it was a boy. :) My gut and James' is that it is a boy, and has been the entire pregnancy.
Let me back up....
After waiting an hour and 45 minutes, we finally got to see our baby. He (as the dr. called him) was breach, so we got a good look at his little boy parts.
We could see the heart beat very clearly, and all the major parts.
I am measuring about a week ahead of my due date, but that is nothing to worry about now the dr. said.
I got back at 19 weeks for another sonogram (December 20th), and then at 21 weeks for a 3D sonogram. That one will be the week after Christmas.
What a huge blessing!
We have so much to be thankful for this year. I am so thankful what we have endured to get this baby. These things have allowed me grow in the Lord and that is something I would never take back. The Lord has used this struggle to put wonderful people in my life that have given me wisdom, love, and support.
I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Much love,
The Garzas

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Nothing much to update

I had a sonogram for this Thursday (the 15th), but it was rescheduled until next Tuesday (the 21st). We will know a lot more from that sonogram. Right now I am 13 weeks and 3 days. I will be 14 + weeks when they do the sonogram. They MIGHT be able to tell us the sex of the baby! YEA!!
I am feeling okay, and everything seems to be going okay. I have no idea how I am supposed to feel or what is the 'right' way to feel right now. I seem to be getting some of my energy back. Right now the hardest thing is trying to not sleep on my back. ;)
I have started trying to eat better. The only thing I did really well the first trimester was drink all of my water. That is not to say that I only ate junk every day, but some days there was a cheeseburger and fries. I am starting to definitely 'show', and have decided that maternity pants are the way to go. I have on pair of jeans (my 'fat' jeans) that I can still 'get into'. My long shirts still fit, but that is about it.
Have a great week!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Timeline of this Journey

Many people have just recently found out about this pregnancy. I have had so many people that know us say that they had no idea everything we had been through. So, I thought a timeline might help people understand the road we have been down.
It is hard to even remember when it all started. It seems like it was so long ago.
A little history. I have had a history of female problems. In high school my doctor told me getting pregnant might be a problem, but not to worry about it. 'Problem' really didn't begin to explain what we have gone through.
I was diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) after about 3 months of no pregnancy. (End of 2004)
I was put on clomid to help to ovulate and metphormine (a diabetes medicine to help control my hormone levels.) We did this for about a year off and on with no luck.
I found out I was pregnant in May of 2006, but miscarried very early on.
Then in August of 2006, with no clomid, we found out I was pregnant again. I switched doctors because I was not happy where I was and was recommended to a wonderful doctor who takes very good care of me. My progesterone levels could not be stabilized, and when we went in for an ultrasound there was no embryonic growth or a heartbeat.
I had to have a D&C (surgery) and was sent home to just 'not worry' and 'keep trying'.
Finally in April of 2007 my doctor sent me to a fertility specialist. We knew the specialist would be very expensive and put my body through all sorts of ups and downs to say the least. We had struggled and prayed about whether this was the right thing to do.
I had diagnostic surgery that found out that I had PCOS and endometriosis. These things had wrecked havoc on my life in other ways other than the pregnancy battle, and it was good to finally realize why I had some symptoms.
In June we did what is called super ovulation. I had take shots in my stomach and have my ovaries and blood levels monitored very closely. Everything looked perfect for a healthy pregnancy. I had many eggs, and we were so sure that it had worked. We found out though that it had not.
The doctor suggested that we do in-vitro sense there was no reason that the super ovulation did not work other than I had something they could not diagnosis with my tubes.
So after much thought, talk, and prayer we decided to go through with it.
Once again, I took shots every night for 2 weeks in my stomach, 4 shots to be exact. Then, they did the retrieval and implantation, and I began shots in my hip until just last week.
Well, that is what we have been through to get to this point.
I worried about my emotions and ability to handle the good and/or the bad through all of this. What if we were/are disappointed again. Finally, God got me to the point that either way I realized We would be okay. I would love and serve my God no matter what, and be thankful for the wonderful marriage and husband that He gave me. I realized I had His grace, and that was more than sufficient for me.
That pretty much gets us up to where the first blog started.
I hope this update helps everyone understand. There might be some terminology that most don't know about. Google is a great thing if you need to use it. ;)

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Picture!


The latest

First:
I just got my progesterone level back. It is at 16.8. They like it to be above a 20. Of course, I am in panic mode. From what the nurse told me there is really nothing they can do at this point. My placenta should be making what I need. It is still really unnerving for us. I would appreciate all of your prayers (I know you are all praying all ready).
Second:
Well for those of you that don’t know, or have suspected, I am pregnant! It has been a long journey to get to this point, and James and I are filled with JOY! Yesterday, we went for our 12 week sonogram. (Technically, I am not at 12 weeks until tomorrow). The baby looked perfect from what we could see. It was moving and wiggling almost the entire time. We could see its tiny arms and legs dancing around the screen. It was still long enough to get measured (It is 57mm, about the size of a larger lime or fig.), but it would not stay still long enough to measure its heartbeat. The heartbCheck Spellingeat looked good, and they told us this was nothing to worry about and happens a lot when the baby has room to move. We have almost 10 minutes of video. You can even see its tiny hands and thumb at one point. They took me off my progesterone shots last Friday. I had my blood work done again yesterday. My level has to stay above 20 for the baby to be safe. We are waiting on those results. I was released from the specialist to go back to my normal doctor. I will still be monitored closely, and they have me and the baby coded as high risk because of my past. I love my regular doctor and know they will take great care of us. I am still taking it easy, and James takes great care of me. So many of you (and your friends and family that I have never even met) have prayed for our family over the past months, and even years. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support more than you will ever know. God has been very faithful and giving through this whole process. He has used this struggle to teach us and grow us closer to Him. I have pictures and video that I will gladly show off if you would like to see. We are still not in the clear, but our chances of this baby making it are looking up now. I have put off buying maternity clothes (Thanks to my wonderful friends who have hooked me up with clothes already!), and any thing for the baby because of my fears. I think I will slowly start making small purchases. Once we find out if it is a boy or a girl, I am sure I will not be able to stop.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Taking me off the shots

I found out today that my progesterone is at 28. It was at 60 last week, and dropped to 28 with only taking 1/2 the dosage. I am really concerned, not about the level, but about my body's ability to produce the progesterone on its on. The placenta should be taking over now, and the research shows that high levels of progesterone outside the normal range lead to birth defects. God knows we do not want that either. From what I saw on the Internet, progesterone levels vary pregnancy to pregnancy. In the first trimester 28 is a little above middle of the road. The nurses keep saying that anything above 20 is good. I just worry, because of the 'what if'. What if it drops below, what if my body can't sustain the pregnancy? I know that I am going to worry myself to death if I let myself play that game. Thank goodness that we can cast all our anxieties and fears on the Lord.
This weekend is a busy one. My mother, grandmother, brother, his girlfriend, James' mom and step dad, aunt and uncle, cousin and his girlfriend are going to be here tonight for dinner. James' dad is driving up my new (well new for us, it's a 2006) Tahoe. I am very excited about that. My brother is up at the Texas Tech Rodeo in the morning, and James family is going to the game. I will be at home probably sleeping.
I am really excited to see everyone. It should keep my mind off things.
We have a sonogram on Tuesday. I will be 11 weeks and 5 days at that point. This should be a very telling day.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Love to you all,
Dana

Saturday, October 20, 2007

The recent

Hey everyone-
Well, Friday was a great day! My progesterone levels stayed stable at 1cc of progesterone, and they have lowered it to 1/2 a cc this next week. If all goes well, I will be off all my shots, and all my other meds next week.
The first sonogram is Tuesday, October 30th.
I finally broke down and told one of my classes I was pregnant. I wanted to wait until at least 12 weeks. I got tired of them always asking what was wrong with me, and why I had to go the Doctor. One student told me he thought I was had what his mom had. I told him his mom had 3 (kids) of what I had. I then went on to explain I was pregnant, but high risk which meant I could loose the baby. We'll see if I get sympathy from a group of 8th graders. ;)

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Levels and the latest

It was a great weekend! Tech won, 35-7 against the Aggies. This was the first A&M home game I have missed in 7 years. The Raiders pulled it off without my cheering.
All of my brother in laws were in for the game. We had such a good time. God has blessed me with an amazing family. I love them all so much. I wish we were all closer so we could spend more time with them.
I also got to see one of my bffs, Brooke from Dallas. I miss this girl so much. We only had a few minutes to catch up, but it was wonderful!
My levels looked good on Friday. They have begun to take me off my progesterone and other medicine I have been taking. They have to do it slowly so I don't have any withdrawals.
Please pray that my body will produce the necessary progesterone on its own.
Friday was the start of week 9. I am still tired and a bit more nauseous than I have been in the past. Something has been in the air this week that has my allergies acting up. I refuse to take anything other than Benadryl. I am a bit of a paranoid freak about stuff at this point.
All seems to be going well. I just feel like I sleep, eat, and go to the bathroom all the time. In fact I am about to go take a nap now during the Cowboys game.
Love to you all!

Friday, October 5, 2007

Levels latest

My progesterone was in the 70s yesterday! This is great! Next week they plan to start weening me off the progesterone until I a taking zip. When you are at 12 weeks your placenta should produce the amounts you need.
Today marks 8 weeks! I am very excited to get this far. I still worry about every little pain or weird feeling I have. I know though that I have to just give all that up to God.
I went today to buy some maternity clothes. Yes, I already had to buy new clothes. I weigh once a week, and (no, I am not lying) I have not gained any weight. (That said, I must say that I gained 5 pounds before the embryos were transferred.) However, all the extra fat I had (which was a lot) migrated to my already large mid section. It's like everything softened and settled right around my middle, and it's a lot like I am bloated every day. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I am thankful and loving every minute of it. Plus, my wonderful friend Raynie is bringing down some of her cute stuff to borrow. What a blessing that is!
I hope all is going well with everyone.
James and I (well James is and I am telling) are cleaning out closets upstairs. I am trying to get rid of the clutter and organize. I need to have a garage sale, but it's going to Good Will.
I am still not going to the football games. It brought me both joy and pain to know that I would not be going to the A&M game next weekend. It is bitter sweet but definately more sweet that I can not go.
That is all my ramblings for now.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

We saw a Heartbeat!!

I don’t even know how to start this other than PRAISE GOD! We had our 7 week sonogram today, and everything looked perfect. There was a perfect round yolk sak that forms the placenta, a tiny little baby, a detectable heartbeat, and over all relief for James and me. You could see the little heart beat just flicker away on the screen. We have a video and pictures. Right now he (or she) is measuring right at 7 weeks like they should. I don’t go back for an ultrasound until 12 weeks. I will still go for weekly progesterone level test. I don’t have my current blood work back, but will get it this afternoon. I am still supposed to ‘take it easy’. I have gotten very good at that. Thank you all for your prayers and concern. I could not have made it through this without all you! Have a great weekend!
Much love, Dana

It amazes me at how the Lord comforts you and brings you peace in so many ways. While driving to the doctor’s office, with a sick feeling in my stomach a Third Day song came on the radio. It is called Tunnel. My hope and prayer is this baby is the light at the end of this fertility tunnel.

Well I won't pretend to know what you're thinking And I can't begin to know what you're going through And I won't deny the pain that you're feeling But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you Just remember what I told you There's so much you're living for There's a light at the end of this tunnel There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you For you There's a light at the end of this tunnel Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you For you So keep holding on You got your disappointments and sorrows You ought to share the weight of that load with me Then you will find that the light of tomorrow Well it brings new life for your eyes to see So remember what i told you There's so much your living for There's a light at the end of this tunnel There's a light at the end of this tunnel for you For you There's a light at the end of this tunnel Shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you For you So keep holding on Keep holding on

Friday, September 21, 2007

Levels and the most Recent

Hey
I just wanted to let ya’ll know that all my levels still look ‘wonderful’.
They did not do a sonogram as they would not be able to see much yet. Next week they should be able to see a tiny heartbeat. Each time my blood work is good I am so thankful but worried as the same report came back last time I was pregnant. But, I am trying to not allow that to influence my joy and excitement about this pregnancy.
I think I over did it today, so I am in bed for the weekend.James is being wonderful he has gone to the store for me and is keeping the house as clean as possible.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Dana

Thursday, September 20, 2007

No news is good news

We have a dr. appointment Friday at 12:00. I don't know if they'll do an ultrasound or not. I know they will do blood work.
As soon as I know something I will post, or rather I will post when I get home.
I went to work today and staid off my feet as much as possible considering there were 2 fire drills. My administrators are being wonderful, as is my great husband.
God has been teaching me about being fearful of His plan for our life, and how there is no need for this fear. He has been with us through all of this and known these events before we did. I know that He is using this for His Good. Recently, (Through Proverbs31.org, I discovered this verse in Deuteronomy 2:7.
7 The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.
All this time I have felt to be lacking a child, but I know now that we are lacking nothing I also know that the Lord is watching over me and this baby.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Weekend Scare and Levels

Saturday night I started spotting. I was very scared as it was different than last time. I called my nurse and she said to rest and keep my feet up. I also had to go in for an ultrasound on Sunday afternoon. They did the ultrasound and everything seemed to look okay. They could see one baby (but there could be another one at the next ultrasound??). They were looking for blood in my uterus that indicated hemorrhaging. Sense I am only 5 weeks, it was hard to see a fetal pole and yolk sak, but the nurse thought she could get a glimpse of one every now and then. This was hard for me because the last time I was pregnant they could not find the fetal pole and yolk sak. It was encouraging that they caught a glimpse of one.
The Dr. looked at the pictures and said there was no need to be put on bed rest, but I needed to keep my feet up as much as possible.
My progesterone is still stable, and my HCG is at 6,034. Both looked really great.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and concern. This weekend was hard, and a big scare for James and me, but through it all we knew it would be okay.
That is it for now.

Friday, September 14, 2007

This and that

I have my comps on September 29th. Comps are what I have to pass to graduate. I have to have a paper turned in by Septemeber 27th. I am 1/3 of the way finished, and have no motivation to get the rest done. I will work on it Sunday. I think by typing it, I might get it done.
I am very excited about the weekend. James is smoking a brisket, and we are going to watch the football game at a friends house.
My mom came today. She had to have a biopsy on a mass in her breast. They have told her not to worry, but you never know. I am worried about her. Please lift her up in your prayers. She is very confident and upbeat that everything is okay. She has had one like this before, but still I worry.
We are going to watch a movie tonight. I doubt I make it through the whole thing. We will see.
I took a nap this afternoon, but I am tired again. I woke up only 2 hours ago. I could sleep for hours. I sleep so hard!
We are going to have to get a new fence with a concrete barrier around the bottom. The neighbor dog digs a whole big enough for Panzer to go visit. James knows better than to risk her getting out. I love that little dog way too much.
I am off to make a no bake cheesecake. Never mind the fact my pants are already tight.
I hope ya'll have a great weekend.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Had to share this

I know that God knows this baby and the plans he has set out for them before they were created. It is amazing how much you love something that you have not even seen or know yet. I would not trade the last 3 years of our life for anything, because of how God has used it to grow our marriage, and my relationship with God. I know that I would have never come to the point I am not if he had not broken me, and put me on my knees before Him. Every time I try to explain this, I think of the Mercy Me song. It has taken a while but, I do pray that whatever it takes I can praise God, even through the storm. I promised, God, myself, and James before the transfer that no matter what I would love and serve God and through this, no matter what the outcome I would serve and love Him.

Bring The Rain Lyrics Artist(Band): MercyMe
I can count a million times People asking me how I Can praise You with all that I've gone through The question just amazes me Can circumstances possibly Change who I forever am in
You
Maybe since my life was changed Long before these rainy days It's never really ever crossed my mind To turn my back on you, oh Lord My only shelter from the storm But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above because you are much greater than my pain you who made a way for me suffering your destiny so tell me whats a little rain

[1st Chorus] Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy is the lord God almighty is the lord God almighty I'm forever singing [2nd Chorus 2x] everybody singing Holy holy holy you are holy you are holy

Level Update

As of this past Monday, all levels look great.My hcg doubled as it should. It is now in the 600s and my progesterone was at 48. No, they can not tell if it is multiples yet. My ultrasound is at 7 weeks, which is September 28th.I am looking forward to that appointment and will feel more peace once I see there has been embryonic growth, and the heart beat.My bladder infection (oh yea, I had a bladder infection) is gone! YEA!

Original email

Most of you have already read this, but here it is again.

I know for a fact I can not get through this without sobbing.BUT, they are tears of JOY! We found out today that we are pregnant! I was spotting just a little bit last night (as I did the other times I was pregnant), and I freaked out. I called the dr. and she had me come in today for all my levels to be taken. I could not wait to tell James in person, and called him immediately, sobbing. He didn’t understand why I was crying. At this point my HCG should double every 48hours. They are concerned because of my body’s inability to make progesterone on it’s on, and the spotting. I am taking shots every night and as long as it stays above 20, it is good. Right now it is at 33. I am still supposed to take it easy and stay off my feet when I can. I guess that means not standing up for every touchdown the Red Raiders score on Saturday. ;) That is going to be hard as a teacher, but my awesome friends at school will take great care of me. I go in Saturday for more blood work and will continue until my HCG is over 1,000. My progesterone will be monitored weekly, as this is the hormone that keeps you pregnant. I will be at 4 weeks tomorrow. They will do an ultrasound at 7 weeks. I am so excited, but filled with worry about my body’s ability to stay pregnant and to grow these baby (or babies), especially with my past history. Through out the last 3 years, I have recited and leaned on Jeremiah 29:11-14. It is a verse we all know so well, but has had such meaning to us over this time we have been in ‘exile’ and suffering. Also, Isaiah 41:10 has given me the strength to carry on a somewhat normal life, as well as Psalm 113:9 and Psalm:139. I cannot tell you how excited, relieved, and overwhelmed with God’s goodness I am right now. I know this journey is not over yet, and I will have a hard time resting easy until I hold our baby in my arms. However, I know that no matter what, I will love and serve my God. I wish I could call each of you right now to tell you this wonderful news. I couldn’t do it without crying. It has been all of yours support, love and prayers that have literally carried me through all of this. We will still need that through the next 9 months. My due date is May 16 th . That works out very nicely for a school teacher, as does my schedule this year sent from God. We love you all and will keep you updated with all the news to come,Dana and James I am sure I have left people off of this, please send it to them as well.11'For I know the ( A ) plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for ( B ) welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a ( C ) hope.12'Then you will ( D ) call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will ( E ) listen to you.13'You will ( F ) seek Me and find Me when you ( G ) search for Me with all your heart.14'I will be ( H ) found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will ( I ) restore your fortunes and will ( J ) gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will ( K ) bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'