Friday, July 29, 2016

I Am Grateful For All Of It

The last few weeks I have been reflecting on this pregnancy as well as our journey to get here. Everything we have gone through came rushing back when I came across this tiny case when I was cleaning out underneath the sink in our bathroom.

Unless you have gone through fertility treatments or know someone who has you would never know what this case is for. It ruled my life for a long time and every time I had to open it the tears would stream down my face wondering if we would ever become parents. The shots I had to give myself (which I would strategically form into a smiley face just to make myself feel better) every few months and waiting for the side effects to happen, waiting for blood draws, ultrasounds, and exams were exhausting but it was worth it. The emotional toll it took on us after each miscarriage, and waiting before we could start over again.

Did we have our moments of doubt, frustration, and anger? Absolutely, that's only normal. We also knew that we would be parents some day.

I thought about throwing it away but honestly I couldn't bring myself to do it because it is part of our journey.

 

As we prepare for the birth of our daughter (which could be at any moment now), I realize just how lucky we are. We are lucky because we have healthcare that has allowed us to take advantage of fertility treatments, that provided us with doctors who did the best they could, and brought a doctor into our lives who changed everything and we are forever grateful for her.

I know there are aspects of pregnancy that are less than desirable but I have enjoyed every single second. However, I would never diminish or criticize a woman who does not enjoy being pregnant. I am grateful for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I look at myself and realize how far we have come these last 7 years and I know that this is happening during this time of our lives for a reason. I am grateful!



I am proud of the journey we have been on because it has brought us to this moment. I have grateful for the friendships it has brought with others going through the same thing. I am grateful for the closeness that it brought with family and friends.

For those going through infertility, you are not alone, there are so many people who love and support you. Your journey is worth it even though it may not seem like it now. 


27 comments:

  1. Truly amazing! I am so so happy for you guys. And that pregnancy glow looks amazing on you :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so incredibly happy for you! You and Kyle will be amazing parents! I can not wait to see photos of baby E!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so, so happy for you and Kyle. I can't wait until Emmy makes her debut!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just always love your perspective on life. Have I mentioned how happy I am for you and Kyle?! You will be such wonderful parents <3

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wonderfully said. You look amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such great perspective. I have watched two of my best friends go through that journey and I admire them and you for the strength and grace it takes to endure it. I am so happy for y'all, she is going to bring you so much joy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your outlook on life in general is amazing! You are going to be an amazing mother!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Look at you looking all cute right before going in to have the baby. I looked awful that whole last month, lol. I always knew you were going to be a mama. You wanted it so badly. Your journey became our journey too. So many people were rooting for you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have such a wonderful perspective! I HATED being pregnant, but I think if I had to go through even a slice of what you had to, I might be more appreciative. Makes me feel a little guilty for hating it so much! Can't wait for her to get here!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are so lucky! I'm so happy for you and your husband!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing your story. I applaud you for being strong when it wasn't easy. You're looking beautiful and looking forward Emersyn's arrival announcement!! God bless you all!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I couldn't imagine what all you must have gone through will all of the fertility treatments, but you are so right that we're so fortunate to live in a time when we have all of these doctors and healthcare to help us out in all sort of situations. I hope that you have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I totally get why you're keeping the reminder around. I always hold onto reminders of hard times.
    So happy she's almost here!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm so glad things ended up working out for you guys, and I'm sure it'll seem even more worthwhile when you finally meet your daughter :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. So so so happy for you! What an amazing moment it's going to be when you can hold her in your arms!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a great post. You look fantastic!

    Oh, I'm not sure if you saw, but on my LulaRoe post someone replied under your comment about wanting to pay it forward. You can check it out here: http://www.airingmylaundry.com/2016/07/why-you-should-check-out-lularoe.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :) Thank you!!!! oooo I will have to go check out the comment. :)

      Delete
  17. I am so, so, so thrilled for you. You deserve every bit of this happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Without a doubt the past 7 years has been a hard journey, I'm so, so happy that it all worked out in the end. But most importantly, your tenacity and positive attitude is what make you so damn amazing!!! Hurrah, my friend!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such a hard journey and I am so happy for you and Kyle to be any moment from meeting your daughter. You two deserve it so much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am seriously over the moon for you guys. You're going to be great parents, and little Emersyn is so lucky!

    ReplyDelete
  21. SO much yes in this post. I am so so happy for you Jen. Also I LOVE this line - "However, I would never diminish or criticize a woman who does not enjoy being pregnant." I am that mom. I love my girls TO DEATH. But absolutely loathe being pregnant.. and I've been criticized for it and been told I should just feel lucky I have been able to have children. And I am. I am so so lucky... but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy every part of it. Thank YOU for always understanding.

    ReplyDelete
  22. AMEN! I'm so with you on this post!

    ReplyDelete

Love hearing from you!! :)