Finally...

Okay, so my intent was to start this blog in January when I decided that I wanted another baby. The fact that I had not had a date in too many months to actually mention, let alone a willing partner, was no longer a factor. I figured I had two choices, ho myself out at a bar, or be adult about the process and choose a donor. In other words, I could know the name of my partner and little else, or I could know almost everything medically, genetically, but not the name.

I knew I had been at my current job too long, when I narrowed down my donor choices, gathered medical information, essays, cryobank impressions and baby pictures, polled my friends and family for their opinions, put all the data in an excel spreadsheet and assigned various points for different criteria. My highest criteria was to match my ex-husband, and therefore, have this baby be close in physical appearance to my 12 year old son. My friends and family did the deeper dive into the medical history, personality traits and interests. In the end Donor 1915 won. (I was hoping he would).

Being of advanced maternal age, I told myself I would try it six times and whatever happened was in God's hands. I ordered my three vials as I was assured that it would never take the first time and shipping is pretty pricey. After one month of practice reading the ovulation sticks (yes, it is rocket science), I was ready the next month and called the Doc when I was sure the timing was right. I showed up for my first appointment and dove in headfirst. Twelve days later, I couldn't take the suspense anymore. Even though I was supposed to wait two weeks, I bought a pregnancy test that, to my disbelief, has made remarkable progress in 12 years. It was actually going to tell me pregnant or not pregnant. I took the test, held my breath and it was PREGNANT. I was so excited and shocked that it had worked. I don't think my Doc could believe it either. I had two more blood tests to make sure it was accurate and then my first ultrasound at seven weeks. One of my male friends has an interesting theory on why it worked the first time -- amazing things happen when you put young fish in an old pond. My due date is 11/22, Thanksgiving. And, as another male friend pointed out, from turkey baster to turkey baby.

So, here I am a SWF, 41 (in two weeks) and 25 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. It has been very exciting. I also have two vials of sperm left. If anyone has any ideas on what to do with those as they are not returnable, I am open to suggestions.