This is how April went for me...
Over the Easter weekend, I met a guy who I actually like...FINALLY. We were introduced through friends, which is so much nicer than meeting a stranger on-line. He and I have SO many mutual friends, it's now like a running joke when one of us is introduced to the others friends, as to how long it takes before we find the six degrees. I've actually reconnected with friends from school, which has been a blast and I finally have some semblance of a social life!
The Fertility Clinic called me a week ago to let me know they're ready for me to start again whenever I'm ready. WOW, I've been waiting since September. I had to see the Doctor again to sign new paperwork. We talked about the Grazia article and what's going on with the new legislation surrounding IVF and donor sperm.
Guess what...I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO CANBERRA.
It actually worked out better for me that I didn't have sperm left over here, because it would have been sent to to the clinic in Canberra for storage. Had that happened, that's where I would have had to go for IVF. So...YAY, I can do it all in Sydney. I was also informed that they had sperm already here and if I liked any of those donor profiles, I could have one. YAY again...no waiting. I would have to call the clinic, which is in a different location to the Doctor's rooms, to make an appointment to see the nurse about the donor sperm.
I called, only to be told my prospective baby daddy was all sold out, but they were expecting another shipment the following week, which was last week. Like a pair of shoes, or a handbag that I HAD TO HAVE, I waited patiently through last weekend. By patiently, I actually mean, racked with guilt because, you see, although we've only been seeing one another for a couple of weeks, I felt the need to tell the new man. If this is going to be anything, I have to be honest from the get go.
I had been through the scenarios...
1. I don't tell him, I have IVF and I actually get pregnant. Now what? Do I pretend it's his?
2. I don't tell him, I have IVF and I don't get pregnant but still really want a baby.
3. I tell him, he's opposed to me having a baby with donor sperm and wants me to use his (in my dreams)
4. I tell him, he freaks out and doesn't know what to think
This is how it went down.
We sat down to dinner, I was so nervous because, obviously, I had
no idea where it was going to go. However, I knew he wasn't going to
get up and walk out, or go white and vomit!!! So I just launched into
it...
Me: "I turned 41, was single and still hadn't had a baby and really
wanted one. So, after some research and talking to my family, I decided
to use donor sperm and be artificially inseminated."
Him: "I
understand that. I can't imagine now not having kids"
Me: "This is not something I expected
to say after ten days, but the clinic called me on Friday to let me know
that I can start again. I've been waiting since September. Plus, I haven't been in a relationship for two years!"
We talked about it. I told him I didn't want him to think I'm trying to
trap him, and if the Universe aligns, we end up together and I'm
pregnant, I also don't expect anything but emotional support as I was
doing it long before I met him and I didn't want him to think I'm out there
looking for someone to pay for a baby he never asked for and wasn't
his. He said he would be there for me no matter whether we
end up together or not (where has this guy come from?????).
He then asked me what he should expect from me when I start taking
the hormones. Dunno...really I don't. I was actually not terrible the
last time, but I can't promise I wont be a bitch.
So, he never ran away, we had a fun dinner and didn't spend it all
talking about IVF.
I knew this was going to resurface, just not sure when and where. No time like last night, sitting in a different restaurant having a conversation about stuff. He told me he's been struggling with the notion of me being pregnant and having a baby and he's not sure whether he can deal with it. It's a HUGE ask on my part, I realize this. I really do and completely understand where he's coming from.
Let me say also that it's not over. I asked him this morning to please not give up on this. He smiled and said he wasn't planning to.
So, here I am...in desperate need of a crystal ball, or a sign.
N x
Nicky I am glad you reminded me to come and visit so I can see where all this is at.
You have done the right thing in being open and honest with him.
Make sure you are clear about how you feel about him because you are obviously very keen on him and it would be a shame for him not to know that if you want this relationship to work out.
I guess you just have to "Wait and See". I hate saying that but just wait for it to unfold. It is going to take time for him to realise how he feels about the situation. Not to mention you as well.
I also apologise for my husband. He generally has good taste so I cannot explain the Avril Lavigne fascination! LMAO xxx
Posted by: Taryn | May 02, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Gosh Nicky - I have been checking in (on and off) for a little while now and have wondered about this EXACT scenario. What if? What if?
This guy sounds wonderful - and as you say, the conversation you had sounds incredibly difficult to have (from both sides of the coin). Perhaps you just need to leave yourself open to the idea that he might like to be involved more (when he is ready) in the process. At his pace though. I guess that's what a relationship demands - that the needs of both people are met. Did you talk at all about what he sees in his future (aside from babies)??
You absolutely had to tell him and you absolutely need to let him come to his own conclusions about where he fits in your future. Keep on being you (you know, the 'you' that he has been drawn to up til now). That's all you can do, I think.
Thinking of you, and wishing you good luck!
:-)
BB
Posted by: Bush Babe | May 02, 2010 at 02:29 AM