We’ve been here in Miami since Saturday for Mike’s conference. What a treat to get out of the April snow in Chicago and into the 80+ degree weather here. I sat out by the pool for a couple hours yesterday and soaked up the sun. Not a good thing when you are as fair-skinned as me, but I wore my “liquid raincoat” SPF 50 sunscreen and didn’t get too burnt.
I have always really enjoyed these conferences – I get to stay in a fancy hotel, eat great food, and just relax. And actually this hasn’t been too different. But since I am not drinking during this IVF cycle I thought the first night of fake drinking was a little tough. I didn’t want people here to think that I am pregnant, so decided it better appear that I am drinking. There are some people here who wouldn’t be shy about making comments, especially after a few drinks themselves.
But, it got easier the second night and last night, so not too bad. I do wish that I could have a glass of the very nice wine that everyone is ordering, but I guess there’s plenty of time for that at future events.
There is one couple here who we haven’t seen in almost three years and who offered their support to Mike after I was sick this summer since they went through IVF too 9 years ago. We had dinner with them and two other couples last night. I managed to sit next to the wife of the couple, because I really did want to talk about it. I read people’s blogs and I did participate in some bulletin boards during the first round of IVF, but I don’t know anyone in real life who has gone through IVF. So, I think I caught her off guard near the end of dinner when I brought it up quietly. We were disussing going out to dinner the following night just the four of us, and I told her that I would love that because I would love to talk to them about IVF. We started talking a little bit about their experience, and she told me their basic story and was sympathizing with me – telling me that “these are long days”. She is right. I started to cry at dinner – not a good thing… But got it under control quickly. If it had just been us, I might have lost it and started sobbing – it was really welling up. But, we changed the subject and entered the conversation across the table quickly. I don’t know if other people noticed or not… oh well – nothing I can do now…
And last night was the first stimulation shot. It was fine – feels like old hat now I guess. In one week I have my second monitoring ultrasound and E2 levels. So I should know that day when retreival will be. I am going on the assumption that it will be about the same, so probably a week from Friday.
One more full day here in Miami. Yesterday I went to the spa for a massage and my first ever facial. I love the spa. I don’t know what else is on the agenda for today. Maybe a nice long walk on the boardwalk and some time in the gym. We have been eating a LOT of rich food this trip. I think I’ll head down now and go get some oatmeal and fruit for breakfast.
Assuming that I can take the time away from my business, I’ll get to go on another one of these trips in September to Park City, UT. I am so lucky that I get to tag along on these trips!
