Letter for My Daughter On Her 1st Birthday

Today, you are one.

Today, we celebrate a year of you, a year of breastfeeding, and cosleeping too...

I cannot believe that it has been an entire year. How time flies.

One year ago, today, I received the greatest gift from God and that is You. You are a living proof that indeed miracles do happen.

The 8 years of waiting, endless trips to the doctors, daily rounds of injections, 9 months of bed rest and house arrest -- all these are nothing compared to the joy you brought into our lives.

If I have to go through it again, I would gladly do it all over again just to have you.

You maybe late, but definitely worth the wait!

I look forward to watching you grow, learn, and play, and as we walk this journey together I pray that God gives me the wisdom to be the best mommy to you that I can possibly be because you deserve nothing but the very best.

I love you so much baby!

I will always be your mother, your friend and your biggest fan.

Happy 1st Birthday Brie!

Most Frequently Asked Questions: Why IVF? Why in Taiwan? Why in Mackay Memorial Hospital?

Photo grabbed here

This is the most frequently asked question in my blog and emails.

Why did you undergo IVF? Why in Taiwan and why in Mackay Memorial Hospital? 

Here's my answer.

These are some of the reasons why I chose to have IVF in Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei:

1. Proximity wise, Taiwan is nearer to the Philippines.

2. It was way cheaper to have IVF done in Taiwan compared to the Philippines, Singapore or US in terms of medical expenses, food and accommodation. 

3. Taiwan has a higher success rate in terms of their IVF.

4.  I have personally spoken to quite a number of people who were successful with their IVF with Dr. Robert Lee as their ob-gyne.

5. I find Dr. Robert Lee very professional. He knows what he is doing and I feel comfortable with him.

6. The system in the hospital is very organized.

7. They have an International Medical Service team that will assist you with all the things that you need. They are prompt in answering all your queries through email and they are also the ones who will help you arrange your accommodation there.

8. Love the food in Taipei... and shopping as well!!

9. I also felt that a change of environment would be healthy for us as we were able to escape the stress we have here in the Philippines.  We were able to rest and unwind. It was like our second honeymoon and the IVF was like our side trip instead of the other way around.  We enjoyed the trip very much and the baby is our bonus :)

Why IVF? 

It was recommended to me by my OB then after 3 consecutive failed iui from her.   Though prior to this, we have also tried 2 IUI with another ob.

Given our case, the success rate was 50% according to our ob in Taiwan. That’s a 50-50 chance for us…  and since we have tried everything already, IVF was our last resort.

Plus the fact that  my biological clock was ticking and was not getting any younger, I was determined to give IVF a try even just once only.   I wouldn't want to wake up one day and regret the fact that I did not do something when i could have done something.  

To quote from Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover.”

IVF was indeed worth a try... especially  with our dream of having a baby as the prize.

    

Super Late Post: She's Finally Here!!!

In our life, there comes a time when wishes do come true.

This comes to let you know that our precious little one has finally arrived last June 13, 2013. (Yes, it has been a year already since I last posted here... so sorry about that!)

Presenting to you... Briella Bliss Dior Sy Yu!

After 8 years of waiting and countless fertility treatments, God has finally answered our prayers with a healthy baby girl.  She is a living proof that miracles do happen.  

We would like to thank Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang of Mackay Memorial Hospital for the successful IVF.  

Out of 7 eggs retrieved, only 4 were fertilized.  Of the 4 embryos, there were 2 grade 5, 1 grade 4 and 1 grade 3 embryos.  Not the best odds.  

The day of the transfer, I was crying already.  I can clearly recall Dr. Lee telling me, "You only need 1 good embryo and you have one, so don't worry."  

I held on to these words all throughout the waiting period. It served as my strength and hope.  

True enough, I only need one and she is here with me now, my bundle of joy.

Thank you Dr. Lee, and to all the nurses and staff of Mackay Memorial Hospital for being an instrument in the conception of this little miracle.  This wouldn't be possible without you.  Thank you very very very much. 

For all of those who were with us all throughout this journey, thank you for all your prayers, love and support. They meant so much.  From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH!