Almost there!

So after 24 shots, 8 blood draws, and 7 ultrasounds in 10 days, we are almost ready for egg retrieval.  H just gave me my trigger shot in the glut muscle at 8:30 PM tonight, so our retrieval will be Friday morning at 8:30 AM sharp, right before I ovulate.  It's crazy how the doctors can control everything!  Second step almost accomplished!  It's all going so fast and embryo transfer will be here before we know it!  I did not mind the shots, that kind of stuff does not bother me, however I am happy to be done with them. I think H enjoyed poking me with shots everyday:)  We will keep you posted on what's to come! In the mean time we are going on a vacation!  

Quinoa Sweet Potato Cakes

Ingredients :

1 1/2 cups cooked red or brown quinoa

1 cup cooked sweet potato ( I roasted mine in the oven) 

1/2 red onion chopped fine

6-7 fresh basil leaves chopped 

1/2 cup chopped spinach

4 heaping Tbs grated Parmesan cheese

(You could also use mozzarella)

1/2 tsp salt and pepper

2 Tbs Italian herb blend

2 Tbs olive oil

Form into patties and place on grill pan or skillit. These can stick easily, so use plenty of  olive oil in the pan if your not using a version of a non-stick pan. 

I topped mine with feta, avacado, and a drizzle of aged balsamic.  Since they are Italian, it would be great with some fresh marinara sauce. ENJOY! 

Shots Shots and More Shots!

 One ultrasound down this morning and many more to go!  My follicles are doing what they are supposed to! A couple are getting a little excited so I started a shot today to slow down the LH, the hormone that starts ovulation.  So I have two shots a day that promote egg production and one shot a day that slows down ovulation so more of my follicles can get to just the right size.  My belly is a little sensitive, so I think we will start injections in my thigh area, yes I have two inches of fat to pinch there:). So everyday from here on out until my egg retrieval, I have the privilege of a daily blood draw and vaginal ultrasound.  Good thing this is all worth it and I am reminded everyday of how amazing science is! 

Day 3 of out of ? Of Injections!

Shots have been going well. H started out injecting me but I have now taken over since he is sick:(. I feel good.  I actually look forward to shot time, I find it fun sticking myself with a needle!  The injection sites are a little tender if I press on them, but not bad. I go in Friday morning for blood tests and ultrasound to see how my follicles are responding:) 

Injections!

We started our first day of IVF injections today. Fortunately needles don't bother either of us.  I am the skin pincher and Hank is the injector!  Here are some of the supplies:)  Kind of fun if you think about it:) 

Apple Italian Chicken Sausage

Ingredients:

1 Lb Ground chicken breasts 

Apple

2 Tbs Italian sausage seasoning ( I get this at Whole Foods at the meat counter) 

2 Tbs coconut oil 

Sauté chicken in pan with coconut oil and add seasoning. Skin apple and chop into small chunks. Add apple to chicken and finish cooking.  Add an egg and some veggies for a nice breakfast! 

Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients:

1 can organic coconut milk

2 ripe but not brown bananas

1/2 ripe but not brown avacado

5 Tbs cocoa powder

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. 

Serve plain or with fresh strawberries or raspberries. Enjoy!