In vitro?! Nah

Back in February and March of this year Kurt and I started talking about what we wanted to do next. Love Asher to pieces and while I feel such a satisfaction with him we both felt siblings are priceless. So how do we go about adding to our numbers?
I actually was having some random pains in my ovary area (which I won't go in to here) so I went back to my original OBGYN. He asked about my infertility and said if I was interested in trying again to give him a call. I almost laughed. What now you believe me that I'm not having kids?! It only took 9 years to prove it to you? :) I assured him that after 9 years of "trying" I was content with adoption.
I came home and told Kurt about the short conversation I had with my doctor. Kurt said he was still very curious to know what our biological child would look like and I couldn't stop thinking about it either. In vitro swam back to the surface, only this time I was more willing to deal with my issues (fear of needles, roller coaster ride etc...) and look in to it. We went to a free seminar and the Dr there said my best years were fleeting. I was on the older end of the spectrum and if this was something we planned on doing we needed to act fast. That doesn't make me feel old. Chances were looking closer to 40/60.
With a little pressure behind us, we decided to book a consultation. Our HSA account was growing and we decided that and our insurance should probably cover most of the cost, making it feel a little less risky financially. I was told to call our insurance provider and found out that we wouldn't be covered AT ALL. I felt like I had just received another blow to the infertile gut. Having that much out of pocket plus paying more if we do get pregnant to meet our deductible felt scary. This was no guarantee. Some how it didn't feel worth it and we quickly backed up to the original plan of just fostering again.
So as soon as we get in our new home this fall our main goal is to get ready to foster again.
The saga continues.

Happy Holidays 2014!

What a fabulous Holiday we have been experiencing. Kurt and I admitted this Christmas day was probably one of our all time favorites. I just felt happy. Asher came out that morning and ran straight to Kurt until he realized there were stockings lying around the couches. He was pretty happy to see his new truck with mega blocks. Gosh he got some great stuff! Thanks to Daciana and Mark and Ben and Alicia for such thoughtful gifts. We have used them all!

After breakfast and the presents under the tree we headed up AF Canyon and went snowshoeing. I was beyond delighted to see Asher tread through the snow in his little pair. What a fun experience to share what you love with your child. Probably what had me beaming the rest of the day.

The next day (26th) we continued our tradition of going swimming. Another fabulously fun day. That night though Kurt started feeling like he might be getting sick. That didn't stop him from loading us all up that Saturday (27th) to go skiing at Alta. It's free on the bunny hill! :) Asher did really well until Kurt let go of him for a sec on a flat area and he fell backwards and was nervous after that. Kurt thought it was a complete failure but we went to the bunny hill up Sundance on the 3rd and Asher did better. It'll take a few more times to really get him comfy but when we can distract him he seems to enjoy it all.  Kurt is kinda proud to say Asher started skiing at age 1. Good thing we got a few runs in before his birthday the end of this month. 

Kurt got pretty sick for about 5 days so that slowed us way down. Finally New Years day he said we could go play again so we went sledding at Hunter Park in AF. AWESOME!!! I had so much fun and the hill was perfect all icy and slick. The little baby sled we had for Asher worked great! It was super cute to watch him zoom down the hill. Course it helped to cautiously watch him a few times and realize he was pretty darn safe. 

I'm sure it'll be hard for Kurt to head back to work full time again but Asher and I'll will try to keep moving with a mom and tot gymnastics class this month. 

What a great adventure we're living. We're happy, healthy again, and so grateful to have such great family. I can really see the Lord blessing us for the decisions that we've made and hope he continues to guide our family this new year.

Here are a few extra pictures:

Before Christmas

Alpine Living Nativity

Draper Park "Living Tree"

Temple Square

Ward Christmas Party

First snowman! Asher preferred kicking the ball

Our snowman is the yummiest ever!

Snowshoeing Christmas Day

Asher piling the snow in his lap

Saw some bighorn sheep on the way out of the canyon

 Kurt's first try at grilling a ham in the Traeger. Looks as fabulous as it tasted. We enjoyed Christmas dinner with my two younger sisters and two of their friends.

 Sledding