Blood, Blood and More Blood!

I am starting to think I might need a blood transfusion, or if I wear short sleeves people might think I have a drug problem. I have had my blood taken every 48 hours for the last 2 weeks. Just to give everyone an idea of what it is like for me, I have "hidden" veins, they roll and usually the phlebotomist has to use a butterfly needle. I have prick marks and bruises all over my arms, from elbow to wrist. Unfortunately, 90% of the time they have to take my blood out of a vein on my forearm. I am completely used to it, it just honestly looks like I am on heroin! So, this synopsis of my blood experiences brings me to Saturday. My husband has great veins. He used to give blood all the time. On the way to OBI we were concerned that I might pass out, or we might be there for hours due to the amount of blood being taken. Well, we get there and the lady prepares the usual... the ice bag under my neck, the reclining chair, asking me to take deep breaths, etc... Before I had time to ask her if I was about ready she was done! She was PHENOMENAL! I was so happy! My husband, on the other hand, took a long time. They had to switch arms and dig for veins. When we left, he was deflated. I honestly felt for the guy because I have been there sooooooooo many times!

We went back to the doctor today and she thought I was progressing very well. I am moving along at a fast pace, so she thinks that Thursday, the 19th, will be the date of my retrieval (if not sooner). We are still on for 24 eggs! That is so wonderful. If we have 24 eggs, hopefully 12 will be viable and then 6 will be good eggs. That is what I am praying for. Today at church, the sermon was about not being able to change what God has planned for us. It was another good lesson for us during this time in our life. I know that this process is ultimately out of our hands, so what He has planned for us, is what we have to accept.

Also today, we went furniture shopping AGAIN! I am burned out. I think that we are finished. At this point, if we are not, we will live like the Japanese and use pillows. My mom and I like to laugh at my husband because he has very ornate (sometimes gaudy) taste. We are not sure where he gets it. We went to El Paso Imports today and bought a buffet. It is really neat. All of their stuff is. It is very unique and all the furniture is imported from around the world. As soon as we walked in, my husband took off for the pieces that had the most carvings, metal embellishments, etc... I think he would thrive in India! All of our stuff is to be delivered to our new home on the 28th. If anyone is coming by and does not know which house it is, just look for the 4,000 delivery trucks with the disgruntled drivers because they are going to have to wait in line. I really did not think about this when we went on our furniture adventure. We literally have 4 different furniture stores, 1 appliance store and professional movers coming on Saturday. If anyone knows an air traffic controller that would not mind me borrowing his vest and lighted batons, will you let me know? You know how "un-organization" puts me over the edge!

Lastly, I want to show everyone what our friend Hilary got me for my procedure:

It is so sweet and it made me tear up when she gave it to me. (I have since cried reading it.) It is a wonderful shawl made by women at her church and I have ever intention of taking it with me when I go on Thursday.

I will keep you posted! Everything is going by so quickly, it is hard to remember which day it is!

~Amy