YOU CAN DO THIS!!! :)

Hello again!

I want you to sit back and take a moment to reflect with me.  Can you recall any of the moments in life that just made sense?  Now, have you ever met someone that you knew was doing exactly what they were born to do?  I feel like I have.  Her name is Claudia, she's pictured above between me and my husband, and I'll explain why soon.

Upon deciding to allow Conceptions to assist us with starting a family, Dr. Riggs mentioned we would have a nurse that would be available for us to answer any questions we'd have.  Our nurse would also help write up a plan while going forward with my IVF cycle.  I never imagined I'd meet someone that truly touched my heart.  

My first correspondence with Claudia was the day after sitting across from Dr. Riggs, telling him we were wanting to move forward with In-Vitro Fertilization.  From the moment we spoke I could tell she had a beautiful heart and soul.  I had a feeling she was just as stunning on the outside as she was the inside, and I was right!  It is not everyday you interact with someone that seems so genuine and sincere, let alone with their line of work.  She is just that!  I have never felt so comfortable telling a complete stranger how I'm feeling, discussing personal topics, and asking what seems like the dumbest questions.  Of course to her, there are no dumb questions.  

You all know I've been recording our journey, and yes, I needed to make sure I had a photo with her.  One of the funny things, even though I'd had more blood drawn than most men have in a life time I had not met Claudia.  That's one of the best parts of being a pin cushion, you're in and out in a flash.  I did however have a class that we were attending and I made sure she'd be working.  I asked before we went if she would be willing to take a photo with us, for I was recording everything that happens.  She kindly accepted.

Shortly after attending the class I was due to start my IVF cycle.  The class we attended provided more education for the process, as well as a tutorial on how to properly mix and inject the medications I'd be using.  Talk about a very intimidating moment.  Even though you feel prepared, holding that syringe and pinching your skin is VERY different than injecting a needle into a silicon ball, as we did in class.  The first injection I gave myself took quite a while.  Each time I felt I was going for it, I'd stop short and cringe.  I remember my husband seeming impatient, telling me to just do it.  Finally I did, I stabbed that sucker right into my belly.  What I wasn't prepared for was the aftermath.  I began shaking, crying and dropped the syringe.  My sweet Mr. blue eyes had to cover the needle and dispose of it properly while I was having an anxiety attack.  I couldn't believe what I was feeling.  I knew I was nervous, but I wasn't prepared for the reaction I had.  Shortly after, I emailed Claudia and told her about my experience.  Within the hour she had responded and did what she does best; soothes and calms your nerves.  She was so kind and assured me it will get easier, that her most anxious patients become pros by the time egg retrieval arrives.  This might seem so cliche, but something that stuck out more than anything else in her email was, 'YOU CAN DO THIS!!! :)'  And I did, for the two days following, I did do it!  

I believe this is what she was meant to do!  You can learn to do your job well, but not everyone has that spark and the ability to calm, care for and nurture others as easily as she can.  Especially those going through such an emotional time.  Thank you Claudia, for all that you do!