Miracle Babies

Back in October of 2010 we started the adoption process with LDS Family Services. We knew early on in our marriage that this path was the most likely way for us to have a family. We had interviews, went to classes, and completed an online profile. However, we had to put this plans on hold as a new development occurred in a rather unforeseen way.

In November, 2010 Tonio had to go to the urologist due to a strange infection. In a follow up meeting (February of 2011), as a result of a conversation about our fertility situation, Tonio's doctor referred us to specialist based in D.C. who might be able to help us. The next month we met with the specialist and also with a doctor at Shady Grove Fertility Clinic. We learned that there was a small chance we could have our own children through in vitro fertilization. This was fabulous news because up to that point we had been told that such an option was not a possibility. We decided to trust in the Lord and begin the process.

Katrina had to take special medications to mature multiple eggs for retrieval. Luckily, Tonio was already training in giving injections. After three weeks of injections our egg retrieval was scheduled. Katrina was quite the hen and produced 26 mature eggs. On May 23, 2011 the clinic fertilized the eggs with Tonio’s sperm. We had 14 eggs fertilize and they watched them closely for 5 days. On the fifth day we implanted the two strongest embryos and waited. Ten days later we had a positive pregnancy hormone level. Katrina was pregnant!

Microscope picture of implanted embryos

Given that two embryos were implanted we knew we had a good possibility of having fraternal twins. However, on June 27 we had our first ultrasound and it revealed that we were pregnant with identical twins. Apparently, only one embryo successfully attached but it divided itself. Our doctor said that the possibility of that happening was about 1%. Tonio said that this was Heavenly Father’s way of saying, “You will have twins my way, not your way”.

Two babies in the same sack. June 27, 2011

Second Ultrasound. July 7, 2011

Due to this new development we had to forgo our European vacation that was scheduled since March. We were able to get a portion of our airfare back. Katrina’s parents and brother had to survive Scandinavia without us.

On September 16, 2011 we had our first extensive ultrasound and we learned that we are going to have twin girls on February 13, 2012! We are very excited. Tonio was looking forward to having two little Katrinas. We are now working on names, quilts, and collecting baby gear. Our life will never be the same. Since had to cancel our Europe trip we have joked about naming them: Europa and Espania.

We are very grateful and humbled by this great miracle. We never thought this day would come and we are looking forward to having our two little girls in our arms. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for His mercy and for giving us the opportunity to have our family this way.

Twin A, Profile. September 16, 2011

Twin B Profile and girl parts.

Twin A girl parts and leg

Twin B leg and feet (profile view)

Twin B legs and both twins head shot

October 3, 2011 ultrasound. Twin A profile

Twin B Profile. Note that they have Katrina's nose.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, here are Katrina's pregnancy shots as of today.

Katrina's Birthday Present

Double Trouble. Pics taken on Sept 4, 2011

Week 17

Week 18

Week 19

Week 20

Week 21

Week 22

To be continued...