Even before Nick and I started trying to have kids, I would sometimes imagine the insanely happy moment of seeing two lines appear on a stick, then conjuring up a clever way to surprise him with the news. But after years of trying, infertility and then IVF have transformed getting pregnant from something I once viewed as encapsulated in a single moment into a process defined by so many points along a journey, each point with its own different odds of either heartbreak or advancing to the next step. And at each point, the only thing you can really do is hope.
After we completed egg retrieval last year, one of the next crucial points was the embryo transfer, followed by an anxiety-ridden wait to find out if it implanted successfully. Although I kept telling myself to keep my hopefulness in check based on probabilities, the truth was I felt like I had poured everything I had, both emotionally and physically, into that single embryo.
While in a cab earlier this month, we finally got that phone call from the IVF nurse with my blood test results, and she uttered news we’d been hoping to hear for so long:
“You’re pregnant!”
I remember barely breathing, as Nick and I just sat there blankly. It was like we were both brimming with joy, yet neither of us wanted to let it out in case it might not be real or it might not last. But when I looked over and saw a tear well up in his eye, it really started to hit me. And with each day and each doctor’s appointment, it’s becoming much more real.
I’m now about 9 weeks along, which I know is a little early to share by traditional standards. I’m feeling especially anxious, since infertility has made it hard for me to trust my own body to do the things it’s supposed to do. However, this journey has taught me to find strength in knowing you’re not alone and knowing others have experienced and felt the things you have and more — especially when the outcome is not certain. It’s also shown me that things don’t always happen how you expect them to, and there are many different paths to get where you’re trying to go.
Even though this road didn’t unfold how we’d imagined, we couldn’t be more grateful and so very happy to have made it to this point. Thank you to each one of you who shared hope, positivity, and encouragement thus far, and we’re so excited to continue sharing this next chapter with you!
Congratulations to you both. I wish you guys all the best
That’s amazing!!! Congratulations! I wish you all the best. Be always positive and enjoy your pregnancy💗
Congratulations 🙂 Very happy for you two.
Oh wow this totally made my day! So happy for you and Nick! Cherish every moment as I am sure you will. Being a mommy is the most incredible thing ever.
That’s amazing! Congratulations! X
Congratulations to you both!!! So happy and excited for you guys. You will make wonderful parents.
Dear Jean and Nick,
congratulations to this happy news. I followed your story all the way thru hard times.
I wish you and your future family all the best, Heath and happiness!
I’m really happy for you both! My husband works in a fertility clinic so I hear stories about how difficult it can be for some females. I really enjoy all your fashion posts and blog. Congratulations!!!
I was so happy to hear your great news. I cried because finally you are pregnant. You would be such an amazing mom. I have been follow you quite awhile but this is the first time i leave a comment. We married the same year and now our kids are gonna be the same age. Lol . Congratulations again! Stay strong and remember you are not alone.
I know you may not read this, but I wanted to say a huge thank you. I was in my infertility journey too (had been trying for a very long time with my partner). When we decided to try for one last time, I had happened to read your previous post on the blog and Instagram where you mentioned the headstands. I tried it and it could be what helped get pregnant. I will never know, but I wanted to say that since that day I love you and thank you even though I don’t know you or have ever commented on your posts.
If it gives you any additional strength, you may have helped another person in the other sode of the planet by sharing your story.
I am very happy for you, huge congrats!
You truly made my day and once again thank you for being honest and real!
Congratulations! I also conceived with the help of fertility treatments, and I’m only a few weeks farther along than you. It’s a wonderful feeling, and I’m so happy for you.
Congratulations Jean! Such exciting news! Thank you for sharing your updates on this very personal topic. I have had such a similar journey and now have my beautiful daughter thanks to one little embryo via IVF. I just wanted to share the documentary “One More Shot”, if you haven’t seen it, it’s such a good raw reality of what it’s like to go through fertility treatments. It will make you laugh and cry at the same time, such a great film.
So happy for you! Congratulations!
So beyond happy for you!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations Jean and Nick!!!! I’m so happy for the two of you to start your journey of parenthood! Thank you for sharing your story with us! It is indeed very inspirational! Looking forward to seeing a happy, healthy, and adorable little baby on your blog in about 7-8 months! 🙂
Hi Jean, I’m extremely happy for you. Very very happy! Get rest and eat well! That’s how Taiwanese people would say to a pregnant woman. Congratulations, Jean!
Congrats guys!!! So happy for you.
Congrats guys!!! So happy for you.
There’s s lot of great maternity fashion these days that are good fits for petites (h&m, old navy, and Nordstrom were my go-tos). Can’t wait to see how you style your stages!
Ack tried to post my name to this- Congrats again!!
Omgggg!!! Congratulations Jean and Nick! ❤️❤️❤️ This is such wonderful news and I know how extremely hard this journey has been. I can’t wait to hear more about your journey and seeing all the bump photos!!!
Congratulations!!! Your lives will never be the same. 😝 But your baby will bring you so much happiness! My little girl is almost 9 months now. She was brought about with a little IUI help. Even after all of these months, I still get teary with her. It’s just gratefulness that I get to be her mom. Take good care of yourself! You’re carrying precious bun in the oven. Congratulations again! Looking forward to reading more updates.
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to see how you dress your little baby bump as it starts to grow.
This is amazing!! I’ve been wondering about your journey since I read your post “when trying is trying”… Congratulations!! Sending positive thoughts your way 💕
Words can’t express how happy I am for you and Nick, Jean! <3 🙂 Congratulations to the both of you, and I'm sending lots of love and support your way! You two are amazing!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! CONGRATS to you both! Hoping you two the best in the journey that’s up ahead and can’t wait to see what more surprises this baby will bring! You both are so inspiring to follow and are true inspirations!
Omg!!!! Congratulations!!
xo Jules
Beyond happy for you! I saw your post on Instagram as I was in the car with my husband and I beamed with excitement telling him the news. I wish you all the very best…and one more thing…im 9 weeks too!
You deserve it! What a joyous occasion and i will look forward to seeing you on your journey!
Congratulations!!! Many blessings in store for your family.
so happy for the two of you!
Many congratulations! Very happy to hear the great news!
Congratulations to you both – so happy for you!!
Alhamdulillah! Congrats and may you have a smooth pregnancy.
Mentally sending good vibes and energy from Brunei.
Congratulations! That feeling of knowing you are about to become a mom is so overwhelming and it stays with you forever. I hope you enjoy every moment of your pregrnancy and all the best.
I am so thrilled at your news. I too went through infertility over thirty years ago and spent many years trying all kinds of treatments/surgeries to conceive. It’s such an emotional journey. My husband and I were fortunate to adopt twice to complete our family. I’m very happy for you both. Enjoy this time in your life.
Jean, congratulations! I usually never comment on any post people I’ve never met posted, let alone comment a blog. But your stories are so wonderful and I am glad you didn’t give up! I pray so that your baby will grow strong and healthy and for a smooth delivery in about 31 weeks or so! I am so happy for you! 🙂
Congratulations Jean. Love this post and love you so very much. I am so excited for you both. I just found out that I’m pregnant, so we get to be pregnant together!! Ahh!! So happy.
Congratulations Jean and Nick! I have been following you for years and I am so happy for you both 💓
Yay!! Congratulations and enjoy your pregnancy!
Can’t wait to see all the cute maternity outfits and nursery ideas 🌷
I don’t know how I could be so overjoyed for someone I have never even met, but my heart is bursting with happiness for you! Prayers for a healthy pregnancy. Thank you for sharing your good news.
Congratulations! Many happy wishes to you and Nick. I’ve been following your blog for years and have always admired your classic style, but have never commented until now. What joyous news <3
Congrats to you and Nick! I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and you have helped me so much in finding inspiration for petite outfits. Your courage and bravery to this journey is incredibly admirable. I am also pregnant with my first child and am looking forward to seek your advice for petite mamas to be! Congrats again and wishing you he happiest and healthiest pregnancy!
Omgsh, you did it, Jean!!! Congratulations to you & Nick! Wishing you the best of luck on the ongoing journey, and I so look forward to following you on this path of strength, love, and perseverance! ❤️❤️❤️
xxx,
Brittany (@xbrittanyee ;))
Congratulations! After going through IVF myself, I had the same feelings you shared about what I thought finding out I was pregnant would be like, and the anxiety after receiving that phone call. I hope you enjoy your pregnancy!
Congratulations! I so appreciate your sharing your experiences with fertility and IVF, it’s an important story that is so common, but not commonly shared. Enjoy this time!
http://www.workandwhatshewore.com
Jean,
I knew you guys would get pregnant!!! God is good. This gives me hope in the future as I know I will have infertility issues with my hormone irregularities. You WILL have a successful pregnancy . Congrats on becoming a mom!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations!!! Thank you for opening up about these extremely personal difficulties. I am so happy for you with this amazing outcome – for your little family! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe pregnancy!
Congratulations you two! You guys are going be awesome parents to your little one.
OMG! I feel so happy for u! Let’s us all pray for a smooth pregnancy and eventually a safe and easy delivery of a healthy baby! We all love u Jean! Beat wishes!
Congratulations! So very happy for you both! ❤️