Update

We got the results from our latest blood test, and unfortunately, neither of the embryos made it. We'll try the last two sometime in the new year.

Merry Christmas

Well... As most of you probably know, we're just going to visit the girls tomorrow and then it's work time again. At least for me... But there will be brighter times ahead and we're still hoping for the best. From our last post, it didn't seem like some of our friends/family knew who Calvin and Hobbes were, so I thought I'd post one of their comics. Maybe Kristy will get me their complete collection for my birthday (hint, hint, it's at http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Calvin-Hobbes-Bill-Watterson/dp/0740748475)









Kristy's mom and dad came down last night and treated us to some good food at Benihana's. Not sure if Tom liked it much and I'm sure he didn't like paying 8 bucks for my beer, but we had a good time playing with the Wii before dinner. Below is a pic of Tom and Pam 'boxing'. It was quite amusing and Pam actually knocked him out in the 3rd round. She does kinda look like Jake LaMotta from the Raging Bull movie picture in the right corner.



Anyway, I hope y'all (as my newly hick brother would say) have a Merry Christmas and we look forward to joining you next year.

Here we go again!

We have to back track some because, well, things have happened that not too many people are aware of...

On Wednesday, November 15, David and I were set to do another transfer when a dark cloud appeared on an ultrasound. There was some kind of mass in my uterus which made it impossible to do a transfer. Instead, on Wednesday, November 22, we went into the hospital for a D&C. I still had remnants of the placenta from Claire and Gracie.

I was out for a couple of days, but because of my Thanksgiving break, I didn't have to miss much school. A second ultrasound confirmed that I was clear and ready for the embryo transfer.

David and I had four embryos left to use from the initial IVF treatment, but being frozen, they were not at the "level" of Claire and Gracies'. Still, we pressed onward.

I began the injection regimen again - shots to the stomach and butt. YUCK!!

On Thursday, December 14, we went to the hospital for our second transfer of 2006. There are a lot of mixed emotions going on right now. We are excited, but filled with guilt and uncertainty. Of course, we are trying to be positive, and David won't let me do anything to try to give these two embryos every chance possible.

Of the two embryos we thawed, according to Dr. Gentry, one looked "nice" and the other was "so-so".... having been frozen is also a hurdle for them. Please pray for us and them!

If you've read any of the entries before this you'll know David dubbed Claire and Gracie, "Buzz and Woody". These two new lives also get David's special treatment.

Introducing "Calvin and Hobbes":

March of Dimes

Some of our family members have insisted on doing something for us this Chistmas (despite our protests), so here is what we would like:

Go to Marchofdimes.com
Under "Help us fight Prematurity", click on "About the Campaign"
Under "Banding Together", click "learn more now"
Scroll down to "Find a band"
Under the last name category type in "Kokoska"
Click on "Kokoska, Claire/Gracie"
Click on "donate on behalf of this child"

or you can just go to: http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/b.asp?band_id=32541

Thanks to those that have donated for the girls.

4 Months Gone

Today marks the 4th month since the girls were taken. David and I both struggle with moments of utter despair, but look to the future with hope.

David surprised me by putting-up one of our Christmas trees last week. It was something I wanted to do, but couldn't bring myself to do it. It took all he had, but he also made us ornaments with Claire and Gracie's pictures in them. He also made one of me with the girls and himself with the girls.

We are "skipping" Christmas this year because of the anguish of knowing that it should have been so different... Thankfully our families understand this need for a break from "holiday cheer" and "family gatherings." David and I opted to get out of town for awhile and decided on a cruise.

Anyways, after a bit of a scare last month, we are planning on moving forward with another round of IVF. We'll keep you posted as this happens.