After Dylan was born, Jeff and I assumed our family was complete. He proceeded with a vasectomy in 2016 and life was good. Until August 8th, 2018. Jeff’s immediate thought was, “we need to have more children”. I think that was a gut reaction and he later realized we could never replace Dylan.
As time has moved on, we both keep coming back to the idea of more children. Faced with the thought of losing Dylan, I feel like another child could help restore some joy to our family. I realize this choice would not be possible or desired by everyone in our situation. I realize I am not young and definitely didn’t think I’d be considering another child at the age of 42. But I also feel that I could not have too many children right now. Dylan has continued to talk about me having more children. She wants a brother and a sister. In fact, at wishing wells (she’s come across a few), her first wish is always for a new baby. Even before a wish for her own health.
Jeff and I met with Oregon Reproductive Medicine in the spring of 2019. Given Jeff’s vasectomy, we knew we were going to need some help. Jeff was able to do a procedure called a TESE, where the sperm is actually extracted without the need for a vasectomy reversal. After my testing, it appears that the likelihood of getting many eggs is not high. My age combined with the stress I have been under is not creating favorable fertility conditions. While I continue to work with some natural providers to potentially improve my fertility, I am comfortable with the idea of egg donation from my sister, Lindy (the young one!).
Our next step is for Lindy to go through the egg retrieval process for both Jamie and I. We will see if fertility tests improve for me. I am not ready at this moment to become pregnant, as we continue to care for Dylan and the associated stress with that.
