The more we look for a new donor, the more I question what we should be looking for in them. We're well aware that for the most part this was done as a means to earn money. So when the application asks why they donated, we appreciate honesty with a dash of "I wanted to help people." The variety in donors has been narrowed even though the numbers have been expanded. Other than potency, I'm not sure what I want in a donor or what my wife wants. We have mentioned taller (I'm a shortie), hopefully of mixed or other than Caucasian heritage, and someone that seems to vibe with our likes/dislikes. It just seems odd shopping for a product to help make our child. Anybody willing to share what helps them narrow down a donor?
A big question that has come to mind lately is known vs unknown vs willing to be known. There were only unknown donors at our last bank and at the time that seemed to flow really well with what we wanted. This was our dream child and if they should actualize they wouldn't need to meet the donor. The more we search, the more cruel that seems. My father was a product of closed adoption and faced unique difficulties. I think that an unknown donor closely resembles closed adoption. However, having a willing to be known donor doesn't guarantee the donor will still want to meet or the child will either. There are rules and regulations in place to keep this our child and only allow the donor to be sought out at a specific time. Then there is a known donor...... insert cricket chirps here. Too many horror stories both real and dreamt up. Plus by the time you pay for all the testing it can be just as expensive as a bank. It's good we have time to ponder but I think I might take to the community boards with these thoughts. It's nice to have other people to bounce ideas off of.
What's in a (donor) number?
We're Alive!
It's been a busy two weeks, even though it doesn't look like it. Currently we are battling gas... natural gas. It all started with a slight smell of gas. Now after 3 shut offs, 2 turn ons, 1 full new set of pipes, and countless visits from a handy friend; we are hoping it will be finally resolved tomorrow. This nightmare just goes on and on. We are actually trying to be positive about it. We have hunkered down in the living room with sheets blocking drafts and the rest of the house. We dragged the bed in and rearranged all of the furniture. Surprisingly our two little heaters are keeping us nice and toasty.
 |
| Tie-dye throw back from high school |
Now for some news that actually relates to the creation of this blog. We are back in the planning stages of ttc. Why planning? Well, our sperm bank (and subsequently our donor) is in the middle of a giant disaster. We have no clue what it is, why it is, or if/when it will reopen. What we do know is we don't have time to wait around. We really felt comfortable with our donor, costs, and the bank itself. That just wasn't enough to keep us hanging around. Granted if they opened tomorrow and had their act together, we might consider going back. But for now we're looking at using Northwest Cryobank. There are a lot more options with this bank but they come with a price. We're both excited to get back on the path to building our family. Hopefully this change of direction will keep me more attached to this blog.
~Aiden
Snowageden!
Here in the Midwest we've been bracing for "a storm for the history books." It started Monday with freezing rain, overnight some icing, and now lots more freezing rain and sleet. Today is supposed to bring more icing and the start of 10-20 inches of snow, depending on who you're listening to. I don't want to jinx it but so far it seems to not be developing as horribly as predicted. Although you never know. The city had been declared a state of emergency before anything arrived and there are 600 guardsmen ready if the need should arise. Stores ran out of food, ice melt, and other random stuff. Mass hysteria followed. Honestly it was kind of comical, in a "oh I hope this doesn't really happen" kind of way.
 |
| Riding out the storm |
So what does all of that mean for us personally? Liz was scheduled to work Tuesday and Wednesday. Rather than risk safety driving on ice early Tuesday morning, she set up camp in the hospital and hopefully she'll be home soon- as in late Wednesday evening. Myself and the furry kids are camping out at home and praying the power doesn't go out. We tend to loose power easily here and it takes a while to get back on. In the midst of packing our bags in case we had to go to the in laws I noticed a gas smell by the dryer. This turned into a nice evening of having the gas company fix 5 leaks that had developed in almost every union of our piping.
As far as life outside of the winter storm, we're still working on some changes. It's been nice to enjoy each other and our life at a little more of a slow pace. I had been staying away from the message board of our bank, and when I finally peeked was shocked. Apparently they are closed until further notice for "reorganization." I'm really hoping they are open and running by the time we need them. They are the most affordable, accessible, and varied for donors. I hope we don't have to switch.
*edit- I think I jinxed it. The sleet is really coming down now and there are nice icicles developing on the power lines. Also there is one lone bird hanging out in a neighbors tree. The bird is either crazy or sick.
