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Egg Day

The Next Step Toward Conception

By Mark Stackpole

As nice as romance is, and as great as it would be to conceive a child naturally, if this is the price we pay to become parents, then send me the bill. Every step in this process has taught me something about myself and given me an even greater respect not only for the medical profession, but also for the gravity and honor of being a parent. At many points, it would have been easier to give up, and there was probably a time in my life when I would have. Not anymore. I have no idea whether or not I am ready to be a parent or how good I will be at it, but I have certainly discovered how badly I want the chance to find out.

I know that it is unlikely that our first attempt at IUI will be met with success. If it is not, the doctors will take another look at hormone levels, sperm counts, timing, and the learning process will continue. Our next Egg Day is scheduled for sometime in mid-January. I already have my specimen cup.

If this particular prayer gets answered, and our efforts do happen to be successful, I have my eye on another date – September 16, 2003. Birth Day.

Want to see more?

• The House is Quiet: Loving My Niece While Waiting My Turn at Parenthood
• High Tech Babies: Artificial Insemination
• High Tech Babies: In Vitro Fertilization
• Talk about it!