So honored to have you back for the final installment to my infertility and invitro journey. If you missed Part 1 click here, and if you missed Part 2, click here. One thing I want to add about my posts… All of my posts, especially my personal stories, I write from the heart. I write like I talk. It’s not always proper, it’s not always perfect… it’s just me being me. :)
This picture makes me smile.. Because I moved around so much after college I didn’t have a close set of friends who lived near me to throw me a baby shower. I was a flight attendant to top it off and most of my friends lived all over the world. One day Jeff’s cousin, Kymmie found out that nothing had been planned for me. She said there was NO way I wasn’t having a baby shower so she threw me the most special celebration. I’ll never forget that. I felt like Emma’s life was even more special on that day.
Before I begin Part 3 of my IVF journey I have to mention that I had really intended for this story to told in just one or two parts… but every little detail means so much when you are going through something like this and every emotion weighs on you. In Vitro was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to go through in my life. Don’t get me wrong, Jeff and I appreciate everything and everyone in our lives. We are so happy, we have wonderful families, we are healthy and I know that there are far worse problems in the world… however, with that being said… it’s soul crushing when you find that you can’t have a baby with the one person you love more than life without medical help and a ton of luck. All you just want to do as a couple is be able to have that baby and go out and buy something like this matched car seat and stroller, you just want to enjoy the pregnancy. But when you need medical help and a ton of luck things are made way more difficult.
For those of you who haven’t experienced this personally.. going through infertility immediately separates you from everyone else. Everything in our society is centered on family. It seemed that as soon as I found out I couldn’t get pregnant, everyone around me became pregnant. Even those who didn’t want to get pregnant got pregnant. I couldn’t win.
For Jeff and I to find that there was nothing more that we could do to get pregnant except to pay for the most expensive, high-tech procedure and still have just a 20-30% chance of it working… was unbelievable to us.
After everything we went through to have Emma it breaks my heart to hear of someone going through infertility now. It’s such a lonely experience. If you know of anyone going through this please give them a hug and let them know that you are there to listen and support them. Whether it be IVF, surrogacy, adoption or whatever avenue, it’s never easy…
Part 3
A week and a half or so after my embryo transfer, and the day before I was due to go in for the blood test to see if this last IVF treatment worked… I didn’t feel well. Normally I would think this is a good thing… maybe I’m pregnant but the reality was that it was way too early to show any symptoms at that time. Most don’t experience morning sickness after just a couple of weeks.. I really felt that our IVF had not worked and I must be getting my period. I was so upset I called the clinic and told them that I was cramping and felt like it was a waste of everyone’s time to go in for the blood draw. They listened to me then told me that I needed to come in anyways.
The following morning, Jeff and I drove to San Francisco. The entire way there I was so upset. Poor Jeff. I cried and kept saying that I just knew I wasn’t pregnant. The strange thing is, while I felt in my heart that there was no way that I could be pregnant (I really thought I knew my body), I was also bloated beyond the norm. I looked like I was three months pregnant in my stomach area which was atypical. Of course being the type of person to always research everything I flipped through the infertility books the entire way to the Doctor’s office. I read that there was a chance that my body was undergoing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. In basic english, it’s your body’s negative reaction to taking a ton of hormones to produce a ton of eggs, especially one who has undergone a multitude of IVF’s, within a couple of months of one another. My body was obviously having a hard time.
When we walked into the Dr’s office, I felt horrible because there were so many couples sitting in the office waiting. I waltzed in looking like I was a few months pregnant. It looked like I walked into the wrong office. I’ll never forget how bad I felt as they looked at me thinking I must be pregnant. When I was called to the back the nurses began to tell me, “The good news is, the fact that you feel this sick could mean that you’re pregnant. You may be showing signs of OHSS (hyper-stimulation) and we are going to take a blood draw to find out.”
Before they could even begin to take my blood sample for the pregnancy test, I began to throw up. I then fainted so they rushed me across the street to the hospital, UCSF (University of California San Francisco). I was immediately admitted and they gave me an IV because of my extreme dehydration. Not very long after the IV was administered, they came into the room and told us that we were pregnant. I’ll never forget (even being as sick as I was) that it was the happiest moment of our lives. Mind you, Jeff and I were sooooo elated we barely had time to really consider what was happening to me at the time. I was showing signs of distress and my chest began to hurt. The doctors were concerned because my body was showing all the signs of extreme hyperstimulation. (BTW, this happens to very few people… but of course it was happening to me)
The doctors explained that they were in a conundrum… They needed to hydrate me but the pain I was beginning to experience was from fluid building up within my abdomen. The pressure of the fluid was pushing on all my organs to the point where I was having difficulty breathing. The doctors had to take extreme measures to allow me to breathe by inserting a tube into my chest (and yes I was awake) and proceeded to remove a liter or more of fluid. They had hoped that this would resolve the problem, but what none of us knew at the time was that I was pregnant with twins. This explained a little more of why my body was hyperstimulating. I was on estrogen/hormone overload and my ovaries were having a hard time adapting to everything. (once again, this is a rare occurrence) At the time (1994) they said less than 1% of women have had this happen to them.
Unfortunately for me the ovaries didn’t settle down so the doctors had to repeat the above procedure several times while they began making calls to Johns-Hopkins and other research clinics to try and figure out the best way to handle the situation. They had never had a case like mine before at UCSF. It had only happened in this extreme way a few other times (up to that year) and some didn’t have good outcomes. It was all very scary but all I could think of was the fact that I was pregnant. I was in the best of hands. My dad, who also happened to be a surgeon and chief of staff of a hospital was on top of everything with the doctors. My Mother-in-law who was a cardiac nurse was also with us. While this was all very serious, and people were rushing in and out all the time I have to tell you that I began to feel like I was on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Because UCSF is a teaching hospital, hoards of medical students often take part in situations like mine for learning experiences. Suffice it to say, the doctors and students came into my room with their clipboards quite a few times to discuss my case. I had officially become a case study at UCSF.
After a few days of working on my case the Doctors told me that if my body did not begin to accept the pregnancy, then I was going to lose the babies. That’s when my situation really hit home. After everything that we had gone through how could we possibly end up with nothing? I couldn’t believe it.
It’s so strange how things happen in life… Just as we were being told that we might lose both babies, the doctor came in and said that the pregnancy levels (I’m going to leave this using basic terms) were dropping fast. It wasn’t a good sign. Everything that he had said could happen looked like it was happening… I was devastated and I’ll never forget Jeff’s face as I cried my heart out.
About 30 minutes-1 hour later the nurse came back in and told us that the numbers were going back up again but they were rising at a slower rate. We were shocked. What did that mean? They believed that one of the twins did not make it. This is so early on in the pregnancy… remember with IVF they check you immediately after the embryo transfer. Far earlier than anyone would normally be able check with a standard pregnancy test. While we were sad to hear that the numbers reflected that one of the embryo’s didn’t make it, we felt so fortunate to still have one embryo holding on. It was truly a miracle after everything that had happened.
The main focus at this point was to keep the remaining baby happy and healthy. I had to stay at the hospital for another week until my body was able to calm down. It wasn’t easy but my body finally settled and they told me that it looked like our baby was going to make it. I was released to go home. You may find this hard to believe, but because of what happened – I was so bloated… I could not fit through a door without turning sideways. I had gone from 110 lbs to 152 lbs in just a few days. To get me out of the hospital I had to lean back in a large wheelchair then lay in the back of the SUV in order to drive home. I couldn’t sit up fully yet due to the pressure on my chest but once I arrived home, my body slowly but surely became it’s old self again, only this time, pregnant.
While getting pregnant was hard for me, being pregnant was a piece of cake. As a matter of fact, I had never felt better in my life. Once my stint in the hospital was over I was able to enjoy every moment and every pound of my pregnancy.
Horrible picture I know… What on earth am I wearing and Jeff? I can’t figure out what we were thinking.. LOL What I do know? We were so happy!!!!
My Mom gave me this snow globe with an angel inside that Christmas I was pregnant. Everyone always said Emma was an angel sent from heaven…
Having gone through IVF a few times, including a frozen transfer, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would have always wondered if it would have worked had we not tried. I am also so happy that we pushed for the one last try because we almost didn’t. I can’t even imagine my life without Emma.
So many things were learned through my situation. After my Doctor (the Director of my clinic at the time) held my embryos out a day or two longer than what the normal practice was before transferring them back into the uterus (because she said she wasn’t impressed with their growth, lol), IVF clinics began looking into making this a standard practice. They changed the protocol to wait until the blastocyst stage for the embryo transfer. Waiting for that last stage makes a world of difference. I wish they had known that the first time around. But then again… I may not have had Emma if those attempts had worked.
Emma was the most beautiful baby in the world… ;) She wasn’t red in real life. I don’t know what’s up with all these pics. Where were digital cameras back then?
Emma’s First Christmas… She cried so much because she didn’t want to be left alone on the floor in a strange place.. I can’t say I blame her! Poor thing. Her eyes were so red! Btw, I never made her wear one of those headbands with bows again.. ;)
Emma loves her Daddy… Those two laugh and laugh
If you are experiencing infertility and going through this sort of thing, don’t give up hope. If we had not gotten pregnant with Emma on that last try than we would have called it a day and turned to adoption. I always knew that. We never felt the need to approach adoption though once we had Emma. We truly felt like all our prayers and wishes were answered. It felt like closure of the best kind. The only regret if you can call it that.. is that Emma doesn’t have a sibling. That’s the only thing that hurts sometimes. I know she would have loved that. I would have gone through IVF again had they let me but because of my experience there was no way they would ever let me into another program. I also knew that I would never push Jeff into trying for adoption. We already felt so lucky… He was always so supportive of anything and everything that I ever wanted. I knew it was hard for him to see me upset and to become as sick as I had become during the process. We had our family.. we were happy… we were ready to move on.
Emma always smiles… Then and now.
On this day Emma was taking a bath after her last day of Kindergarten. She was crying so hard I ran into the bath and pulled her out. She couldn’t catch her breath for the longest time then she finally told us that she was going to miss her teacher, Mrs. Biasotti so much she was terribly terribly sad. I’ll never forget the sadness she felt. Jeff and I were there during that moment and I told her she would always know Mrs. Biasotti for the rest of her life. We weren’t going anywhere. She smiled then I brushed her hair and Jeff took this picture. I still adore Barbara Biasotti and we see her in town every once in awhile. There are some people who touch your lives forever and she is one of them.
Our tiny family of three..
Emma never loved this picture but I did… I always wanted to look as tall and elegant as she did here when I was in HS. 
Such a fun moment being nominated by our town for the Mother/Daughter look alike contest after this shot was taken at Emma’s Senior Ball. We came in 2nd place. ;)
Emotional story with a happy ending. So was Emma born in 1994? My son was born 12/26/94 and just turned 23.
So great! Emma was born in 1995… Thank you so much xx
I loved reading your story about how you met Jeff and now how you conceived your sweet Emma. I too struggled with infertility and welcomed my sweet Ella four years ago. I too feel so fortunate to have had the full support of my husband and to be a family of three. Thank you for sharing all of your story and sure you can attest how wonderful modern science is.
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. No wonder your bond is so tight. Your daughter is certainly a blessing and you and Jeff are hers. Stay healthy and happy so she can have you around at least until youβre both 100 yrs old. I was my motherβs only daughter- she died 9 yrs ago. She was my very best friend. No one can replace her. My motherβs love and friendship was the greatest gift . I miss her everyday. You are so lucky to have Emma. Only happiness to all of you?
Thank you Susan… I have to be around until I’m at least 120… I actually would love to live forever for Emma. So would Jeff. Love and hugs! xx
Thank you for sharing your very personal journey into mother hood. I can tell you how much I value your openes and heartfelt story.
Thanks so much Anna! You are so sweet… xx
So sorry for the loss of your mom. I know how you feel. My mom passed away two days ago and I feel so lost. Losing your best friend is the hardest thing in the world.
kristy, this story is a testimony to God’s love. My daughter and I are so close. I am so happy that you were able to have your best friend.too.
My mom died last week and I agree, it crushes you. I miss her so much. We were best friends. My daughter and I are best friends. We spend everyday together and I truly do not know where I would be if I didn’t have her these last 5 days. Mom’s are so special. β€οΈ
Kristi, thank you for sharing your story with us. What an amazing journey. My husband and I have tried for years and have finally decided we are done trying. Iβm at peace with that decision now. Iβm glad you received your miracle!! Your family is truly a blessing and your relationship with Jeff an inspiration. Happy New Year to all of you. Xoxo
Aww.. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry that you have had to go through so much. xx
Hi Kristy, such a beautiful blessing ?? What an emotional roller coaster ride for you two, a gift from God that was meant to be, perfection, beautiful daughter, thank you for sharing this remarkable journey! God bless you all ?
Thank you so much Vicki!! Hugs!
I had been waiting to hear this last part. I’m so glad you got blessed with the opportunity of having a baby. Though it was hard I know it was worth it. Thank you for sharing ?
Thanks Lizbeth! Yes… worth everything! Hugs xx
Thanks for sharing Kristy! I love your positivity on life! You truly inspire others.
XOXO,
Maria
Thank you Maria! That means a lot to me. xx
Such an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing ?
Thanks so much Rachel! Hugs xx
Hi Kristy,
Thank you for sharing your story. The way you described the isolation and how you are separated from everyone else is so relatable for me. Every time I hear someone else I know is able get pregnant it’s a punch to the gut. No one understands how it feels unless you’ve been through it. You feel somehow responsible and as if you’re failing. Your perseverance is inspirational to me and just hearing another’s story is so comforting. You and your family seem so lovely!
Aww.. thank you Sarah… It’s so hard going through this. Unless you have done it.. you won’t fully ‘get’ it. ;) Sending lots of love
I love to read your stories!!! You always have such a beautiful way of telling things. My sister in law also got hyper stimulation during her first Invitro cycle. I remember how she was in so much pain and had fluid drained. We did IVF
Too and weβre lucky to get our two children!! They were 5 day blast transfers. Thatβs so neat that your Doctor was the first to try it out. So grateful for modern medicine! Your Emma is darling and looks just like you.
That’s amazing that you and your SIL both went through this at the same time. Having someone to share the pain with is half the battle. You two are so lucky! Hugs and thank you so much for commenting. xx
Lovely story Kristy. So happy everything turned out wonderful ?
Thank you so much Carole! Hugs xx
Crying my eyes out right now! Such a beautiful story and you are such an inspiration! My husband and I are going through infertility right now and all of the avenues seem so scary!
Just know that no matter what… you two will be ok. :) Remember why you married one another and support each other always. Jeff and I grew closer every day. xx
Hello Kristy:
I read your story and cried. The way you explained every detail made me feel every emotion you felt. You are a courageous woman and your husband Jeff is a great man for all his support. I am so happy to see that all that you went thru resulted in a beautiful daughter. Thank you for sharing your very personal journey. Sending blessings to you and your beautiful family. xoxo
Thank you Anna! That is soooo sweet of you to say!! xx
Kristy,
This brought tears to my eyes! As a mom, hearing about this short but scary episode in the hospital made me cry! My mom lost several babies (five) through miscarriage and ended up with two children (my brother and I). I always wondered if Iβd have the same problems. I started spotting when I was three months pregnant with my first pregnancy, my son, and was terrified. The doctor told me that just happens sometimes and to just relax and wait and see. I was so thankful that was the last of the problems and was blessed with a son and daughter, grown now, like Emma. Thanks for sharing your story and so happy you ended up with such a lovely gift of a daughter!
Thanks Sandy! How amazing are you to have twins? What a blessing! Hugs and thank you for sharing your story with me… xx
Such a miracle Kristy! I felt the emotion in every part of this story! Our oldest is 19 and we went through several years of testing. It is such a trying time. I love seeing You and your sweet family on Instagram!
You are so thoughtful! Thanks so much for sharing your story and for commenting! So happy for you.. xx
Oh Kristy Iβm just in tears reading this. Suffering from infertility myself you absolutely hit the nail on the head in saying how excluded you become from society. Everything is child/family orientated and pretty much every man and his dog has gotten pregnant since I knew I couldnβt.
We went through 2 IVF cycles last year (2017) which resulted in one failure and one pregnancy with a miscarriage at 9 weeks. It was such a horrible ordeal I really donβt want to go through another IVF cycle in case the same heartbreak occurs again, but a few things have been telling me to do it one more time, and now your post is telling me the same. My husband is so supportive and says itβs up to me. I just donβt want to have any regrets later in life. Hopefully we will get our happy ending like you did. Thank you so much for sharing. Xxx
Oh Rachel… you need to! We almost didn’t do another attempt and if that had happened I would never have never had Emma. I miscarried her twin but I’m still so thankful to have her. Never give up hope. xx
I canβt even imagine how it would feel to go through the ups and downs you guys went through! Iβm sorry you had to experience that. Emma really is a mini you :) Hugs and kisses!
Oh Katie! I miss you and Micah and the family soooo much. Whyyyy can’t we live closer? Thank you so much for commenting and just know how much I love you all. xx
Thank you for sharing such a precious piece of your heart with all of us. This brought tears to my eyes in such a wonderful way. I love your perspective through it all. Situations like this really make you thankful for the little things and to cherish every moment together. Such an inspiration. Beautiful family. Thank you for sharing :)
I couldn’t agree more Abigail… You never can believe you are going through this when it happens to you. Life isn’t supposed to work that way is it? Hugs and thanks for your support. It means so much. xx
What a beautiful thing to share. Iβve loved this series. I didnβt have to go through IVF but it took me 2.5years to get pregnant with Grace, 18 months with Ella and then 1lucky night with Ethan ( theyvare barely 18 months apart!! Itβs a heart breaking time in life.
Thank you for sharing this with us all, and sharing those darling pictures of Emma, sheβs an absolutely angel. Xxx
How wonderful Heidi!! Thank you so much for sharing all of your loves. :) I am so appreciative of you and every story. xx
Hi Kristy,
Thank you for such a beautiful story. I love how you write just like youβre talking. It makes the story so real. Your Emma is beautiful!
I would like to say to Jessica who responded that they have not had their miracle happen to seriously think about adoption. Especially a child with very mild medical needs from China. My story as a Grandma is very different than yours but truly miraculous. I have 5 children. Four sons and one daughter. My own sweet mother died in an accident right when my oldest son was born. Oh how I missed her with all my children but I always dreamed of having the baby experience with my only daughter. My daughter is married to a wonderful man and they decided before they were married that their first choice would be to adopt at risk children. I was proud of them for their decision but of course I thought theyβd have some biologic children too. Their first adoption from Poland was a little boy who was born at 23 weeks but was now two years old. They traveled and were with him for one week. The adoption process required them to come home and return in one month. Sadly, our new little grandson was given to another family. Corruption. It was devastating. But I secretly hoped that now my daughter would forget all this and get pregnant. I so longed to share our daughter/Mom baby experience.
I would pressure her and ask if they would still have a least one of their own. I look back now and feel ashamed of not supporting her 100% with her selfless dreams of helping innocent children who need a forever family. Well I can tell you and Jessica that we just welcomed home my third grandchild from China. Their first came to us at 15 months old. A boy with cleft lip and palate. He is now six. Her second son came at exactly 2 yrs, of age, also with a cleft lip and palate. He is now five. Both boys have had surgery for repairs and speech therapy. They are 11 months apart in age and I always tell my daughter that she has Irish twins via China. They are so beautiful and perfect little boys. Our precious grand daughter just arrived on Dec. 2nd. She is 20 months old and even though she was considered to have medical issues she is perfect. (China said she had a cast for 3 months for club foot. But her feet are fine now) My daughter and her husband really wanted to take the boys to their βfinding placeβ when they were in China getting their sister. Well I can tell you that the picture of my 6 ur old grandson standing in front of a terribly sad run down building in an equally sad poor Chinese town brought all the years of βmy wantsβ into perspective. He is standing so proud with the biggest grin on his beautiful perfect face. βThis is where he is from and this is who he is.β A little boy who because of a scary but fixable issue, born to very poor parents was laid on a curb and left in the cold at 10 days of age. My sweet happy healthy grandson who I love as much as my 4 other βbiologic grandchildrenβ.I canβt tell you what that picture meant to me. It brings the whole world of adoption as the greatest gift for us and especially that innocent life. I just feel so sad for you moms and dads who struggle with infertility which wasnβt the case in our family. But I canβt help and think how incredibly strong you all are for going through all the joys and disappointments. And if youβre that strong you should think of adoption. Because these kids really are dying in orphanages in China and they neeed a strong Mom and Dad. They need a family. Sorry this is so long saying prayers for Jessica and her husband. Meg
I couldn’t have said it any better… Thank you so much for sharing your love and life! Everyone who reads this will feel comforted and supported. :) Hugs! xx
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. It is so inspiring and reminds me not to give up hope and to believe that miracles do happen each and every day. I love watching your stories and reading your posts, you are such a positive and bright person, thank you for sharing it!!!
Thank you so much Sara! You made my day… Hugs!! xx
Thank you so much Sara! You’re so sweet.. Hugs!! xx
Wow! Such an amazing story! Thank you for sharing. I think that it is so important for women to share their journeys. My husband and I also went through years and years of fertility. When we became pregnant, finally, I also hyper stimulated and was hospitalized. Our stories are so similar!! I was dehydrated, hooked up to an IV, and having migraines when our doctor came in and told us we were pregnant!! Phew what a roller coaster…but we have 2 sweet four year olds and God is so good!! Again thanks for sharing!!
How incredible Nina! We both went through so many similar things…Crazy! I am so happy for you. Thanks so much for commenting and sharing your story! Hugs x
Your story is so much like my own experience! Itβs incredible. I had flash backs reading of that pain of fluid build up. They used a thick long needle with me through my lower abdomen and withdrew 2 1/2 liters of fluid. I was so scared the would puncture the babies. It was very painful when the needle went through the fascia! Didnβt you find it strange how the fluid settle in places before your body rids it! Oh my goodness I could tell you some things. Anyway, I was just so happy to finally be pregnant. 15 long years of trying. Now I have two beautiful 16 year old boys. Iβd do it all again. Thanks for sharing, itβs nice to know in a strange way I wasnβt alone in a emotional and scary but exciting journey to motherhood.
Blessings
WOW Noelle!!! I am so honored to be a part of this club. You have gone through so much as well and I am so happy for you. Thanks you for sharing! xx
Kristy and Jeff – thank you for sharing your personal journey. Emma is beautiful and a gift to both of you. Through yiur stories – we can see and feel the love β€οΈ
I truly wish you all a wonderful and healthy new year and again thank you for all you share!! Mena xx
Thank you Mena!! Hugs from both Jeff and I xx
Emma is so beautiful <3
Thanks you so much Anila! She is a cutie.. ;) Hugs!
Hi Kristy, love your story and it brought me so many memories. I also had IVF. It took four times for me to get pregnant and i also experienced ovararian over stimulation. I had the axact same procedures to remove excess fluid which was about 2 litters at a time. Reading your story was like reliving my own story. I was also pregnant with twins and I also lost one of my twins at 31 weeks of pregnancy. Lots of similarities with the difference that i had a baby boy! Thanks for sharing!!
Oh my gosh, Kristy! Our stories are so similar. My father is a surgeon too (a urologist), and I went through IVF in my hometown of Indianapolis first, and had a girl (17 years ago), then did another IVF a year or so later that didn’t work. Through my best friend, I found Dr. Christo Zouves, who is in San Francisco(!) and when he agreed to take me as a patient, we spent three weeks there doing IVF that resulted in our son, who is now 15. And the funny thing is, when we got to SF and finally met Dr. Zouves in person, he looked at my maiden name, asked if my dad was a doctor and said, “You won’t believe this, but your father and I have shared a patient for the past year and have had many correspondences!” SUCH a small world! Your story brings back so many vivid memories! I had terrible results from the transfer (only 1 egg!) and Dr. Zouves wanted to keep it growing in the petri dish longer, which I hadn’t realized was better either (he was very cutting-edge). And we got our William!
What a great story! I was thinking she looked exactly like Jeff until I saw the more recent photos, nope sheβs 100% you! Both of you are gorgeous! Mom goals and Couple goals! Iβve been with my hubby for 26 years, married for almost 20. We have a daughter turning 18 this year and going off to college, tell me Iβll survive! So crazy! Xoxo
You’ll survive! ;) How sweet Karen… Now you’ll just become the best of friends. Life gets better and better. :) Hugs! xx
Kristy,
Iβve loved reading your journey through ivf. My HuSband and i had a similar journey. Clomid, 2 iuiβs, shots, 3 rounds of ivf and 1 miscarriage later, we also have an only daughter whO is my total joy!!! Sheβs 15 and about to start her sophomore year. READING your story brought all of those emotions right to the surface again. It is definitely a lonely walk, but we too would not have it any other way. She is the best parts of both of us and we are grateful and blessed. Emma is beautiful and i love following you.
Thanks Stephanie :) Crazy that we both went through a similar story.. How lucky are we?
Enjoy every minute of HS. It flies! ;) Hugs and thanks for sharing.
Hi, Kristy! I just started following you and just finished your invitro story. Mine is very similar and seems to be around the same time. I was a Delta Flight Attendant (husband is an AA pilot) at the time and was fortunate to go through the process with the support of two AA FA’s that were also dealing with fertility issues. After 4 failed IVF’s I had triplets in 1995. God was so good to give me a special family. The other girls, one adopted twins and the other also had triplets. I have always wondered if our flying had something to do with the problems. I was never diagnosed with anything specific. I loved reading your story. It beautifully expresses many of my feeling as well. I have so enjoyed looking at your beautiful home. I begin remodeling a condo in about 3 months and will be looking hard at your details for inspiration. Your design taste is lovely!
Beautiful story. Beautiful family. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Heidi. xx
What a perfect ending! I only have one child as well, but she is 3. What did/does Emma think of being the only child. Pro and cons :) I am still on the fence about another. I was told after my 1st pregnancy I couldnβt have another due to my heart, but everything is perfectly normal now.
– Rochelle
Wow!!!! I cryed the whole thing I had so many phone calls and would not answer them cuz I was so glued to reading what you wrote. I got pregnant at the age of 18 and had a little girl. When I hit 30 I had a 10 p.m. mass in me I had Indonesia. 2 years after I got a 90 lb Mass of all backed up blood and had all the endometriosis removed. My doctor recommended that I get pregnant right away to clean all of it out of me completely. I don’t know why we waited so long to try to have another child. So I was 32 years old and he was 33 years old now and we tried do you have our second child. When my husband became ill and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The both of us agreed that we would continue to try to have the baby he did know we knew he was no longer going to be with us by the end of the year. His last words to be vibes I try I’m so sorry I couldn’t get you pregnant I tried. I leaned over and kissed him and told him I have my daughter and all I want is you. He died in my arms after that last kiss. I am Latin he was English my daughter is as white as the driven snow and with the biggest blue eyes and black hair I love her with all of my heart see that beautiful woman. It was just meant to be but I feel blessed very blessed like you. Thank you so much for letting us into your heart I know this must have been hard for you to write. But I hope that it will encourage anyone that reads it that’s going through the same problems. Love to you in gas in Emma.
beautiful story! I Am so happy it all worked out for you guys! We struggled for 5 years and finally have our precious miracle 11 months old boy through IVF! So grateful every day! Infertility really does separate you from the rest!
Thanks for sharing!!!!
I just loved reading about your journey! I have a son born in 1995 too! It was a good year! The pictures of Jeff and Emma remind me of my husband and children! He had the same glasses and acid wash jeans! Sadly a brain tumor took my husband 3+ years ago but the memories live on! Iβm a North Bay Gal and lived in your city when I was growing up!!!
You could totally write a book. Totally.
I’m so touched, I’m struggling with infertility too from 2 years now. I cry so much reading your story that my husband asked me what’s happened, and because of that, it helped us to talk about it and decide to approach it differently. Sometimes I think I cannot have a normal working life because you have to do so many appointments and be ready for be running for all the exams. I don’t know, I think that is important too. And it’s so real that when you are fighting to get pregnant when you look around everyone else is getting pregnant, even people that doesn’t want to. I’m praying for our baby I hope God heard us and give us that blessing. Thank you Kristy for share your story. (and sorry for my English, I actually speak Spanish :))
I want to hug you! Thank you for sharing!
Aww thanks so much Karen! Hugs xo
I knew you did IVF,but just read your story. I too did IVF and could relate to every word. In fact, it took me back to feelings and emotions I had forgotten about. My husband, David and I had been married 5 years. We also traveled and enjoyed each other, married life and planned for a family someday. We did Clomid, 5 cycles of IUI. Then started IVF in 2002. Our first cycle didnβt work. Then we did it exactly one year later. I had a son. Three years later, we did a frozen cycle and had a daughter. Preston and Isabella are my greatest pride and joy. They are now 16 and 13. Thank you for sharing you journey. It took me back. Made me appreciate the blessings even more. I had forgotten the pain of the cycle that didnβt work and the toll it took on our marriage and finances. We have both come a long way! So happy that you have Emma and I know you love her fiercely!
Wow LaVonne.. hearing your story made me tear up! I’m so happy that you were able to have both kids after going through so much. We’re both so lucky aren’t we? Thanks for sharing. :) xoxo
Kristi, thank you for sharing your story. I my husband and I e_perienced infertity foor 9 yrars. I did feel alone. It was over 30 years ago. It wasnt being talked about and I didnt have an outlet to share. I did get pregnant after years of meds, tests etc. And am to this day thrilled to be a mom. I appreciate your openess Kristi. You are an absolute joy to folliw!! Much love to yoy and Jeff!
You are so sweet Sue! I’m thrilled that you were able to get pregnant as well. So incredible! Hugs and thanks for commenting! xoxo
What a beautiful story! Iβve enjoyed reading about you meeting Jeff and your baby journey. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jessi! While it was a hard time going through everything, I feel so lucky! Hugs and thanks for reading all. :) xo
I too suffered with infertility. I used clomid and got pregnant with my son in 1988, he was born in 1989. I also suffered from endometriosis after he was born and had one ovary removed a year after he was born. I got pregnant again in 1993 but suffered a miscarriage at 13 weeks. I live in Alabama, in 1995 my Dr suggested I go to a fertility clinic in Atlanta. The Drs were brothers that were professors at Stanford. They had started using H2O laser surgery to help get rid of the Endometriosis. I had the surgery and was pregnant within 3 months and had a healthy pregnancy and had my daughter in 1996. Thank you for sharing your story, I wish I had known someone back then that had gone through something similar. π
Wow Laura, Your story is amazing. I’m so happy for you.. So much has changed since then hasn’t it? Support groups everywhere. :) Hugs and thanks for sharing! xoxo
What a beautiful story and a beautiful family.
Kristy,
You and Jeff have gone thru a lot but at least you got your happy ending, (well not that everything ends there) a continuous happiness a should say. You are good role models and strong couple, after all the struggles you faced just to have a baby. Emma is definitely an angel sent from above I love all your true to life stories, you should turn them into a book or books ππ . Cheers to you and stay safe! ππΌ
Thank you for sharing your story. I have followed you for a while and had no idea. It gives me hope to hear others journey as we go through our fertility journey. This is our last round of IVF and I hope this little embryo is as strong as Emma :)
Oh my goodness. I just love this story. Im so emotional reading it. Thank you for sharing it. It is special. All your photos are gorgeous and you can see how much love there is in each. I think the photo Emma doesnβt like is stunning and you look most alike in that one. What a beautiful family so full of light and love in this world β¨π₯°π
I loved reading your story Emma is a beauty looks just like you. I have a friend that is going thru this journey as well I will pass it along to give her HOPE β€οΈ
Thank you for sharing
PS Jeff is a wonderful husband to push thru this journey with you he loves you. Just by writing this all down for people to read you never know how many people your helping.
Blessing to your beautiful family, And Maggie
Love herππ
Kimberly
I was adopted actually before birth. My parents paid dr and hospital for birth mother up until my birth. My mother had several miscarriages and a stillborn birth. I donβt even think they had IVF or any of that way back when in the dinosaur age! They did give me my adoption papers with biological motherβs name. I had an adoption lawyer look into situation. I really didnβt want to meet her or her family. I just wanted medical history. It would have been nice to see a picture just for comparision. It turned out that the birth mother had passed away at age 62. I donβt know from what. Also turned out she had 2 sons who were meth heads and in jail. Ssoo nope I wasnβt even going to get involved in that. I would like to know how she died and medical history. I do wonder why yβall didnβt adopt after Emma was born. Being an only child has pros and cons. I went to private schools, traveled the world with my parents and studied in Greece and Italy one summer while in high school. Went to college and obtained 2 degrees. The only times I really missed not having a sibling was Christmas. But in the end I didnβt have to fight with anyone over money and furniture, the usual inheritance stuff. And I did get all the money!!! Now I have almost 8 grands (Dec 4) for what I hope will be the caboose. O not all from the same mother, I have 3 kids. Lol. Letβs just say this baby boy is a bonus baby (but not a COVID baby, right before all the virus) i have thought about yβall during the fires and hope It is not coming towards you. I also follow a couple of dog rescue groups near the fires. Praying for ALL of yβall. God Bless
What an emotional rollercoaster! Thank you for sharing your journey. We struggled to get pregnant and I remember how devastating it was to keep trying every month only to come up empty handed. Having my husbandβs full support during this time was crucial for my emotional well being. Looking back, I was so fixated on getting pregnant, I felt obsessed. I had never felt like that before or since! I prayed a lot for acceptance if motherhood wasnβt to be for me. I was so afraid it wouldnβt happen for us. After many disappointments, we were blessed with two sweet girls, now 18 and 23. I love my daughters so fiercely and Iβm so grateful for them!
First person Iβve heard of that went what I went through! Except, they took an 8 inch needle into the side of my stomach, twice, to take a litter or more of fluid off me over a week period. I passed out in the elevator trying to get into the hospital. I almost died from the overstimulation of hormones. Itβs a real thing! Every time I hear of girls paying their way through college by selling their eggs, I wonder if they really know the risks?
I never had a successful birth through IVF but later conceived naturally, 2 boys, 2 years apart, without clomid or anything. Complete miracles! 5 years infertility before them, 10 more years and a miscarriage after them. Feel blessed to share our story though!
Thanks for sharing your story! Such a physical and emotional roller coaster to have Emma but what a blessing. I Never suffered infertility but Iβm sure your honest sharing will help others. I did grow up an only child and it does have some perks! (Total attention from parents!)
Hi Kristy
I know this is an older post but i just read all 3 parts. Thank you so much for sharing. My husband and I are currently going thru infertility. Have been trying for a year! Been seeing a specialist and actually just had our first iui last week – now in the TWW. I pray for luck. Your post gives me so much hope. If iui doesnt work we will be moving onto ivf. Thank you again- it brought me to tears. Xo
Reading your story about Emma, reminded God is in control. Two years ago I. April, our daughter was told no babies. The rod wouldnβt enter her tubes completely blocked. Devastated her FIL said I will pay for adoption. Fast forward to August she sent me an ultrasound. Yep she was pregnant. Mary Grace was born in May on our daughters birthday. God had them covered just like you.
Thank you for sharing your story! It is similar to our own. We have one angel daughter as well. She just started college this year and it is an adjustment for us all.
I really loved reading your story!! π
What a beautiful story πcongratulations to you and your beautiful family
I have a friend who is infertile and I just do not know what to say to her, she is in such pain, it is heart breaking. I find myself reading countless infertility blogs and ivf articles, trying to understand how she is feeling (as best I can) so I can try to ease her suffering in any small way. I have to say, I am astounded by the courage and strength of you Ivf patients, it sounds like an incredible ordeal for body and mind, you truly are warriors.
Thank you for telling your story. I found your positivity throughout your journey inspiring. I wish your happy ending for all people suffering with infertility, I really do.
Kristy,
I just recently started following you and have been so uplifted by your cheerful and positive disposition and the beautiful relationship you seem to share with your husband. So much so that my first thought was they must be newly weds and went looking for your story. Wow, was I wrong and as I read on I came across your infertility story. Letβs just say we have much in common as I went through the same thing after 10 years of marriage, the surgeries and discoveries, followed by 3 rounds of IVF (rounds 1 and 2, long, heart wrenching stories behind each) and finally were blessed with our beautiful baby girl Madeline in 1998. We lived in Pleasanton for 8 years and spent another 22 in Livermore with moving day to our new home there also bringing Madeline home from the hospital day. So glad I dug to find your story and discovery your incredible journey. As an interior designer I am clearly in love with your home and style which is what drew me to your account in the first place. Thanks for all the wonderful posts and happiest of holidays to your family!
Kristy, I read your story with tears because mine is so similar. Married at 30 to my best friend. We have known each other since we were 12 through competing on the Jr tennis circuit. Reconnected at 27, got married and thought we would wait 6 months before trying. 4 years and the exact same route you took to have our only daughter Bryson who just turned 16. I had endometriosis too and twisted tubes plus I was peri menopausal. When I found out I was pregnant after 3 IVF tries, it was twins but as you see above, only one healthy baby. Such an emotional journey. Aren’t we so blessed by our precious girls?! We always talk about our little family of 3 too!!
XOXO, Susan
I loved reading your infertility story and the wonderful happy ending! I too was not getting pregnant and went thru all the tests like you. In my day they didnβt have in vitro so we decided to adopt. After 3 beautiful children and after THIRTEEN years I woke up one day feeling nauseous so I went to my gynecologist to see the problem. I couldnβt believe when he told me I was pregnant! And then 2 months later I found out I was having twins! All this with NO medical help. This was a gift from GD I always felt so thankful!! P.S. I am written up in the medical books as the first woman to have twins after undergoing open heart surgery!! I am truly blessed, as were you!