A year ago today that we first set eyes on our boy

Or what we later found out was our boy! We had our first scan and saw our little bean for the very first time a year ago, 20th September 2006. It was an amazingly emotional and what turned out to be scary day.

We were told that there was an area of bleeding behind our little bean, which if it moved could take our precious boy with it. Having been through so much to get to this scan it was terrifying to think it could all go so wrong.

For those of you who don't know we started trying for a family about four and a half years ago and I fell pregnant almost straight away. Unfortunately after an early scan because of previous endo treatment a problem was seen and I had a miscarriage at 7 weeks. We then kept trying and after a while were refered for investigations and various lots of treatment including very nasty injections and mind altering drugs (Stuart will attest to this!). We then finally qualified for our one NHS cycle of IVF in March 2006.

To have this we had to have no previous children from any relationship, a pre-existing fertilty affecting condition, been trying for more than three years and for me to be over thirty six but younger than forty. So just a few things!

We started the cycle in the south of France in July 2006 having no expectation that it would work. We were even planning the world trip for when we had to admit we were never going to have a family. I have to recommend being on holiday for the treatment, you don't notice the hot flashes etc. and are far more relaxed.

As anybody who knows me will be aware I have no religious beliefs but when we were away we went to see Saint Sarah who is the unsanctified patron of the gypsies. This was a strangely moving experience and when I got home I googled her and found out her saints day was the day that our embryo that became Alfie was put back so to speak, August 19th.

The egg collection was the most surreal experience as I spent it discussing The Sound of Music with the somewhat camp anaesthatist as they came at me with the worlds biggest needle!

I'll say no more than, interesting reading material.........

The first scan was not the end of the scares, we had our Nuchal fold scan and were told that there was a potential for a major problem and to come back in a week. This was the worst week of our lives at that point. Thankfully the next scan was clear and we got the chance to believe this might actually happen.

All I can say is that when we had that first scan I could not have believed the rollercoaster ride ours lives were to become but for all of it I am so very grateful for my perfect little man. He is an amazing, happy, sociable little chap with just a hint of a temper (and before you say it, I can't imagine where he gets that from!).