let's get this party started!!

So I have just returned from my babymoon in Puerto Rico with some amazing ladies and realized that I should be writing a blog so ya’ll can stay up to date with how this whole process is coming along.

Some of you reading this might not know this, but I want to have a baby!  In typical Kate fashion I am living my life on my own terms in my own order (an no, there is still no boyfriend or husband).  I am so incredibly excited and proud to be moving towards mommyhood that there really are no words.

Hmmm…. So this all feels a little awkward because so much has already happened (even though I have not actually started trying to get pregnant) but let me try to provide an abridged catch up….

Early August 2012: Made the call to my financial planner to let him know that I was planning to start this process in October of 2013 and wanted to make sure that we managed my investments accordingly.  To this he responded with why wait till then?!  My neighbor was extraordinarily excited by this development and wanted to personally call my therapist so she would also give a green light so I could get started now.  Therapist gave me the green light as well and asked if I though I might be procrastinating with my October of 2013 date.  Me procrastinate?  Crazy right? 

Late August 2012:  Finally got in to see Dr. Kaplan who is to be my fertility doctor with the Fertility Centers of Illinois.  I was able to ask my laundry list of questions and left the appointment feeling really good about what was to come.  They gave me the information about the sperm banks to explore and the laundry list of tests I needed in order to officially start the process.  Total excitement.  Next step, get in to see my new OB.

Early October 2012:  Waited my time to get in to see Dr. Hidalgo who came highly recommended by two friends as being excellent.  This was to meet and greet as well as get my IUD removed which we quickly determined had gone rogue.  Only me right?  Following some ultrasounds I was put under for the procedure to have it removed.  All went smooth but now I was left to wait for my cycle to regulate itself.

December 17^th, 2012:  I picked my donor!  Yay!  Over a bottle of bubbly with my neighbor Holly we confirmed he is the one for me.  Moving forward he will be known as “the boy next door plus”!  My criteria was relatively simple and I am so excited about the person I found.  He….

-       Is open to meeting his child (if the child so desires so at the age of 18)

-       Is 6’ to 6’2” (hoping to give this baby another inch or two)

-       Is Caucasian

-       Is the opposite of me: really strong with math, science, long distance runner, fluent in French, plays musical instruments

-       Shares my values: did a 2 year stint with the Peace Corp in Africa

-    Favorite animal: platypus (sheer awesomeness)

Feeling really good about my choice!  Issues about genetics and family health issues were also taken into consideration.  So happy to be able to check that box!

December 26^th, 2012:  Yay!  Never been so excited to get my period!  Waited a whole two months and was able to get in to the fertility center to get all of the necessary blood taken, ultra sound, and appointment with the psychologist.  All tests came back without any concerns or issues which was a huge relief – but also not a guarantee of anything.

January 3, 2013:  BABYMOON!!!!  Now I appreciate that this might not sound familiar and that is fine.  I kind of made it up.  Since I have not had a bachelorette party (due to my still single status) or the other festivities like the wedding or honeymoon, I thought I would create my own adventure!  Five days in Puerto Rico with many of my favorite people in the world!!  It was everything I could have ever hoped for plus more!  For example, I am now the proud owner of my very own airbrushed t-shirt with a rainbow, unicorn, and teddy bear!  In fact, I took advantage of this opportunity and had shirts made for all of my ladies as well so they could live out their airbrushed shirt fantasies (because we all have one, admit it!).

A long weekend of great food, drink, friendship, and adventure was the perfect send off for me as I start this process.  I know how incredibly fortunate I am to have such a spectacular village to help me as I embark on this very very challenging but rewarding adventure.

And that is what I have, an amazing village.  As I write this entry it becomes even more clear to me, the important role that my friends are playing in this process which reminds me that this might just be the luckiest baby in the entire world.  My village rocks!!  If you are reading this then I am pretty sure you too are a part of my village and I thank you thank you thank you for your love and support!!

Now let's get this party started....