The first set of adoption papers have been completed online and the next day, we received already a phone call from our local council.

I was not sure which timing to expect but it was definitely much quicker as we anticipated. The council asked a lot of extra questions to identify whether we were clear about the process, and to clarify some of our feedback so that things could be taken forward if we still wanted too.

It's not only my sister's birthday today but also, today is the big day as our one embryo will be put back. The embryo has a very nice shape, has 4 cells and is a grade 1 embryo. I also had acupuncture 25 minutes before embryo transfer and 25 minutes after embryo transfer. So, technically, I am now pregnant as from this afternoon and now we need a lot of prayers so that the embryo feels fine in the womb and will nest itself in the coming weeks. Of course, I will take it easy in the next few weeks and try to avoid stressful situations as much as I can.

The impact of the acupunture before the embryo transfer was significant as my husband, the nurses and the fertility consultant all felt that I was much more relaxed. However, the other side effect from the acupuncture before and after made me really tired and therefore, we stayed longer in the hospital as we did in the past but as I have treatment in a private fertility clinic, there's no time pressure and the surroundings are really quiet and relax and you can stay as long as you want.

Luckily, it does not feel as if we are going through the emotional journey alone but we get quite a lot of support from several people in our close environment. However, as in so many other situations, you usually get support from people you do not expect it from and the other way round. Let's hope that all these kind words and support help with the positive energy. It definitely helps me with the positive thinking as it shows that so many people believe that it will happen. Of course, people show support in different ways, some send emails, other phone or send us flowers which is all so nice and kind as it definitely sheers me up.

The good news is that our one fertilised egg is of real good quality. I got a phone call this afternoon from the fertility clinic who informed us that the embryo is developing really well and is currently a four-cell-embryo. Even if it does not continue developming, it will be good enough to be transferred tomorrow.

Today, we got the news that from our 4 eggs, only one fertilised. On one hand disappointing but on the other hand, it's not lost yet. You only need one embryo to nest to be pregnant. I will get another call tomorrow to know how the embryo continued to develop.

Went to hospital this morning for the egg collection as part of the IVF cycle. When arriving at the hospital, we were brought to our room straight away. It's a nice environment and from the room, you have a fantastic view on the mid downs. We went through the admin process, had a check on the blood pressure and all was prepared for the anesthetic administration.

We discussed the potential result and we all expected 5 eggs knowing that usually the fertility consultant manages to collect a few more so we thought it would be 8 or so. Eventually, he managed 4 eggs and a very painful surgery. Slightly frustrating but I like to think and to focus more on the quality and the fertilisation versus on the quantity - let's try to be optimistic for the moment. But also, we should not forget that as a patient suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrom (PCOS) and being very close to the menopauze, in the very beginning when we started IVF, we were not sure at all whether I would ever be able to produce eggs at all and one of the options discussed at that point in time was egg donation.

As preparation for my egg collection, I was not allowed to eat or drink from midnight before the egg collection.

I woke up early this morning to do a bit of work prior to heading off to the clinic as I know for sure that this afternoon and tonight, I will be very sleepy from the anesthetic from the egg collection. Initially, I thought about taking my laptop with me as usually as you need to wait a little in your room prior to the procedure. However, this would have been the old me and I am not going to do it this time. I will use the time in the clinic to relax and wind down and have a read in one of the newspapers or magazines.

Although I have a lot of work, I tried to be as relax as possible for tomorrow which is the day for my egg collection.

I went to see my local beauty therapist and had a very relaxing facial which is a total relaxation and it feels like being on the clouths. I even feel a nice tinkling feeling in my feeth and it's almost like I feel the energy flowing through my whole body. I particularly like the pressure points on the face, the scalp massage but also as part of the facial, I get a hand massage - it's truly wonderful. In addition, relaxing music plays in the background.

Tonight, I went to my NIA class which is also relaxation for me.

I can't believe it but tonight was my last injection and I truly hope that I do not need any future ones. Let's hope for the best, cross your fingers or burning a candle.

I had my fifth scan on Saturday which was a real challenge as we also had organised a BBQ in the afternoon for my husband's 40th birthday. Luckily, my friend offered to come and help so that we still managed to get ready on time.

The fifth scan showed that it would be better to delay the egg collection with one day. Although, we all thought that it would take place on Monday, I did not worry and moved on which felt good and also it meant that I am putting into practice my new strategy of trying not to control too much but let go, accept and move on.

My fertility consultant expexts 5 eggs to be retrieved - not a bad result for only one ovary - but would be surprised if we can freeze some of them. Let's wait and see who is right.