HPTs

I can't recall when I used my first hpt. We started ttc in May 2002, and I started temping in Jan 2003, but I didn't start charting on Fertility Friend until September 2003, so I don't have as thorough of a record prior to that point as to exactly when I tested. I do know that the first time I ever saw two lines was June 15, 2005 - exactly five years ago. I was 12 days past an IUI, which was sooner than my RE's office liked to do a Beta, but I begged them to let me come in because the second line was SO faint that I kept questioning whether it was really there or not. Once they called me and told me I was pregnant (albeit my hCG was very low), I went to the CVS 5 minutes from our house and bought Paul a Father's Day card and a candy bar. Then I drove 30 minutes to where he worked. It's the only time I ever drove to his workplace while he was at work. I had to tell him in person so that I could then start calling friends and family to tell them the good news! At that point we had been trying for 3 years, and it was such a glorious feeling to know that finally a little life was growing inside me. Unfortunately, I was given methotrexate shots on July 5th to end the ectopic pregnancy. The pain of that loss is definitely eased by having two sweet children to hug and kiss each day, but I still grieve that loss from time to time.

Aside from the fact that today is 6/15, the reason I am reflecting back on my first pregnancy is because lately I've been trying to do a little bit of decluttering. For example, on Saturday I brought a HUGE bag of infant/toddler plastic hangers back to JCP. I figured most of the clothing I had purchased was from there, and I was hoping they will recycle the hangers. Well the hpts that I took last year when I was pregnant with Ian are in the dresser drawer where I keep my pajamas. Every time I see them I think I really should get rid of them. If not all of them, I should at least toss some of them. I have saved every single one. I honestly can't recall what I did with the hpts from my bfps in 2005 and 2007. I remember trying to decide what to do with them before we moved. I think I saved a couple and packed them away with other keepsakes. I know it seems crazy to save these sticks. I have a child sleeping in a crib at the moment who is proof that I was pregnant last year. For Pete's sake, can you think of anything else that someone has peed on that they might be tempted to save?? LOL! I am by nature anti-clutter. Paul used to call me "the chucker" although now that title goes to Ian for all the spitting up he does all the time. Well these hpts aren't really taking up that much room. So as illogical as it may be, for now I am keeping all of them. For whatever reason it's just way too hard for me to think of actually throwing them out; it actually brings me to tears. Maybe it's all those years of seeing one line on hpts that is causing me to save these. Maybe I know I'll never see two lines again. Whatever the reason, I am going against my usual tendencies and holding on to these hpts - at least for now. Have any of you saved a hpt even after giving birth?