and what in the heck is a beta?

Well.....not exactly. Beta is short for a serum beta hCG test.  This is a blood test done to detect early pregnancy and its a hormone produced by the growing baby.  Our happy news came after blood was drawn and a blood level of 159 was measured. (anything >5 is considered positive).  Two days later, which was Saturday, I went for another blood test to measure again the "beta" level.  The doctor is looking for an increase of at least 60%.  Ours...304!  Almost DOUBLE!!! Whoo Hoo!  This is a very positive sign that the little budding baby(s) is growing appropriately.  Our RN coordinator, Jennifer, gave us our due date-Sept. 29th and we are cautiously optimistic.  Next step, our first OB sonogram!! We are scheduled on Feb 4th and can't wait.  The doctor will be looking for how many "beans" are growing, hearts are beating and perfectly forming baby(s) there are.  Please keep prayers a coming and fingers and toes crossed as these first nine weeks are crucial.  Charlotte and I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your support in our journey.  You all mean so much to us and have shaped our lives in so many ways.  ...and did I mention-WHOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!

And so the story begins...

with a blood test, an eighteen month wait, and a phone call that will change the rest of our lives.  Charlotte and I learned today that we will be parents!  WOW!! Mommies...after all the doctor apptiontments, surgeries, shots, sonograms, and negative pee on sticks, we found out, this one worked.  Our reactions, um....speechless, tears, laughing and a whole lot of Charlotte's "told ya so's".  You see, as I was depressed, feeling that the results of this round would be just like the others, Charlotte knew it was different.  She was able to keep the hopes alive with a whole lot of TLC and little pats to the belly telling the little babies to "hang in there".  The phone calls went out and joy was shared by all.  We shared all the tears, all the laughter and all the thanks for crossed fingers, crossed toes, prayers to God and shout outs to kokopelli and whatever it was that everyone did to support us in this journey.  So...the next step will be another blood test to ensure the "baby hormone" aka beta, is rising appropriatly.