I am 39 years old and 2 days. Not that I'm counting. When I turned 30, I was hit with a vicious case of baby fever. Wicked. I always thought I'd want to have kids, but this was visceral. Ryan, at 28, wasn't ready, not remotely. I tried to tell him that it's not like the day we decided to start trying there would be a baby living with us, we'd have time to get used to the idea. He insisted he wasn't ready, and that he needed time. I was happy to comply, as I wanted him to want to have a baby just as much as I did, but I told him time and again that I just didn't want to be 40 and pregnant. He would laugh and laugh, dude, you're only 30.
I am 39 years old and 2 days. Not that I'm counting. I have decided that if I'm not pregnant by my next birthday I'm done trying. I may be done trying before that, but that is the line I have drawn in the sand. I know plenty of people who get pregnant and have babies at 40 and well into their 40s, I'm just not sure I want to be one of them. I really wanted to be done having babies at 35, but then my first one took 3 years to make and well... we've officially been trying to make another for about 2 years, so one more year is about all I can give.
I am 39 years old and 2 days. Not that I'm counting. I recently had an annoyingly bad outbreak of eczema on my face, mostly around my eyes. When it finally cleared up, I looked in the mirror and realized I had the beginnings of crows feet sprouting beside my eyes. Laugh lines. Wrinkles. Map of your life. Whatever you want to call it, it's a reminder that I'm getting older. Mostly I don't mind, except I really want to be pregnant again and when you've got aging ovaries AND the demise of your youth written all over your face, well it's a bit disheartening.
I am 39 years old and 2 days. Not that I'm counting. Among the lines I've drawn in the sand, I have decided that I will not be doing another IVF. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that last year we transfered SIX embryos to my waiting uterus, and that we have nothing to show for it. I have a sharps container filled with hundreds of syringes that have all been in some part of my flesh. I just don't think I can do it again. Think. Yes I'm aware of the contradiction I've just made, because someone in this house is still willing to do another, but he won't push the other person unless she wants to. And right now, she doesn't think she can even consider it. Honestly, after last summers miserable failure I just don't think I can put my heart out there for another one. So yeah, IVF is off the table.
I am 39 years old and 2 days. Not that I'm counting. Next weekend, I am going to the beach. alone. for 3 nights. alone. I've never taken a solo trip that wasn't for work. Since having a child I've hardly had any time alone that wasn't spent cooking, cleaning, working or thinking about cooking, cleaning, work or the child. The purpose of this trip will be to rest, relax, rejuvenate and to really spend some time with myself, and my thoughts. My therapist challenged me to actually turn off my phone and internet for 24 hours, but I'm unsure I can do it. I mean, I can be offline, easy peasy... but be offline and be completely alone? That might be a ticket to crazyville. I may be the most introspective person on the internet, but to just be with myself and my thoughts? CRA-ZEE-VILLE. Don't worry, I'll take a xa.nax with me to the beach.
I am 39 years old and 2 days. Not that I'm counting. And I'm stepping back into the ring. We've called our RE and had a consult and discussed options and reality and autism and the likelihood of success, and we're stepping back into the ring. I don't think I'll be posting the details for public consumption, but if you are the praying sort, or the chanting sort, or the good vibes sort, just send them my way. If it works, I'll give your God, Goddess, or Deity some sort of offering in your honor. Truthfully, I find this exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Part of me actually believes it is going to work, and part of me thinks it's an exercise in complete futility, but I can't move on just yet. There is a plan, and a timeline and a line drawn in the sand. We're just not there yet.
I am 39 years old and 2 days. I have 363 days to get pregnant. Not that I'm counting.
Excited and terrified right alongside you. Cheering you on every step of the way.
Posted by: kim | August 15, 2010 at 05:10 PM
I'm in 100% agreement with Kim, and I'll be praying for you every one of those days.
Posted by: Sarah Barker | August 15, 2010 at 05:22 PM
i think i'll stop my prayer haitus now, just for you. :) xo
Posted by: megan | August 15, 2010 at 05:37 PM
sending you strength for your journey.
Posted by: pamelamama | August 15, 2010 at 05:54 PM
xoxoxoxo
Posted by: Jen | August 15, 2010 at 06:37 PM
I'm glad you are taking this vacation. And I hope you will turn everything off. Including your brain. And I hope you will just BE.
Sending you everything: thoughts, prayers and good vibes.
Posted by: Christine | August 15, 2010 at 07:18 PM
this is some amazing writing mama.
YOU are an amazing mama.
Prayers, chants, candles lit and an altar all in the name of Your Highest Best Outcome in the next year.
I feel soso so excited and afraid FOR you, can't imagine how YOU must be feeling...thanks for sharing as much as you b/c I really want to support you. So feeling the love though for you Miss Fairy Princess Pithia <3
Posted by: Deb | August 15, 2010 at 07:19 PM
Cheering you on, tending the flame of hope and calling on grace and mercy that this time around it will be easier and that your dream comes true, please oh please.
Posted by: LisaG | August 15, 2010 at 07:38 PM
Yeah, I'm with them, cheering, but eff it. I'm also going to be lighting shit on fire, doing naked rain dances (for no one but you), and clanging on all metal shiny things. If you think climbing that mountain in Tibet will help, I'm all over that too. I love you. M
Posted by: Michelle | August 15, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Praying for you...:)
Posted by: Leigh-ann | August 15, 2010 at 08:18 PM
Much love and good vibes your way K. I am hoping for you with all my heart.
Posted by: faedemere | August 16, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Just want you to know I love you. I don't say it enough or see you enough, but...MWAH! Have a LOVELY, SERENE, PEACEFULLLLLLLL weekend loving on your bad self.
Posted by: rebekah | August 16, 2010 at 10:28 AM
I lovd your post
Many many many hugs
hope you have a marvelous time by yourself
Sending you and your little one many healing and positive vibes
Posted by: K Floortime lite mama | August 18, 2010 at 06:07 PM