After several years of trying to conceive naturally, we decided to give Clomid a shot, but it didn’t work out. Next, we were advised to try IUI, but we hesitated. We always thought we had plenty of time, but as my partner Lily turned 36, we realized it was time to get serious. After undergoing a series of tests, our situation looked grim. I found out that my sperm count was below average, which hit me hard, and Lily was diagnosed with endometriosis, leaving her feeling defeated. It’s tough when you feel like you’re letting each other down.
Our OB/GYN recommended that we visit a specialized fertility clinic, and that’s how we ended up on a daunting four-hour drive to San Francisco. It was one of those days where everything felt overwhelming. We were just two people lost in a sea of medical jargon, tests, and the looming decision to undergo IVF. On top of all that, it was the holiday season, and Lily wasn’t feeling well. We were drowning in a sea of expenses and uncertainty, and I remember standing on Pier 39, feeling utterly hopeless and saying, “I don’t know if we can do this!” Lily looked so haunted; her silence spoke volumes.
Lily has always been meant to be a mother, and it killed me to see her in pain while others took their children for granted. It felt so unfair. Thankfully, every time we walked through the doors of the clinic, we were enveloped in a sense of care and support, as if people were wrapping their arms around us. Slowly, we began to enjoy our time in the city, despite the medication shots and endless appointments.
When it came time for the egg retrieval, Dr. Greene, with his gentle demeanor, came over to check in on us and held Lily’s hand. That moment really touched her heart. If you’re going through this journey, you want someone understanding by your side. The staff there are not just professionals; they genuinely care.
We didn’t produce a ton of embryos—just around ten—but they looked great. After a long wait, we learned our first IVF cycle ended in disappointment. It was disheartening, but Lily bounced back quickly, and we dove into our second cycle with a frozen transfer. The waiting game was agonizing again, and when we got the news, it was another negative. Those were dark days; we felt like we were stuck in a rut while everyone else moved on.
We decided to go for a third try, using our frozen embryos again. This time, we were prepared for the worst. After the transfer, as we drove home, the phone rang almost immediately. I was ready to comfort Lily, but instead, she gave me a thumbs-up! We were overjoyed, but cautious. We didn’t want to jinx anything, so we surprised Lily’s parents with a cake that read, “We’re Pregnant!”
Now, our little girl Emma is nearly two years old. She may not be perfect, but she’s our perfect little miracle. We’re hopeful to give her a sibling soon with our remaining frozen embryos. Looking back, Emma was one of the strongest embryos, and she’s been healthy since day one—no sniffles or even a hiccup! We didn’t just get a baby; she truly is one of those babies!
If you’re on a similar journey, you might find inspiration in our story and others like it. Check out our post on our journey to parenthood for more insights. Also, for those considering home insemination, CryoBaby’s home insemination kits are a great resource. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, our path to parenthood was filled with challenges, but it also brought immense joy. Through perseverance, support, and love, we welcomed our beautiful daughter Emma into the world, and we look forward to expanding our family.