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 the both of you! I’m sure posting this is equivalent to shouting at the top of your lungs on a mountain top. I wouldn’t have waited to post either. =) I can’t wait to read more posts from you on this incredible journey. On a more selfish note, I especially can’t wait to read your blogs on maternity wear and baby accessories. I am a mom and I definitely need more inspiration on functional, adorable, and chic items to buy! I check your blog everyday for ideas.
Oh Jean – what wonderful news!!! I’ve been thinking of you both since I read your post last year. I am SO happy for you and Nick!
Gwen Kennedy
Congratulations! This is the BEST news. So incredibly happy for you and your husband.
Congratulations!
I was wondering if you’ve ever done a post, or have any recommendations for, petite girls who don’t fit into petites? hahaha I’m 5’3” 118 lbs so on paper I’m petite but shirt sleeves are always too short and pant inseams always ride up! It’s like I need the short aspect of petite sizing with regular measurements. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
Congratulations!! Can’t wait to follow along with you on this wonderful journey!!!
Jean, I’m a long time lurker, but had to come out for this occasion to say congratulations!!! Best of luck to you and Nick on this amazing journey. Here’s a toast to a smooth and easy pregnancy!
(Gut reaction to your FB post: NOWAYNOWAYNOWAYNOWAY YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I’m overjoyed for you!!! What a lucky baby! Every blessing and happiness to all three of you. Best news to start the day. 👨👩👦👏
Congratulations to you both! What a journey it has been for you! So happy for you!!!
Yep, crying at my desk. So, so very happy for you. Thank you for sharing your story & giving so many of us hope that everything CAN work out <3
Dear Jean
I’m Dora from Greece and I’ve been following you the last year. I’m so touched of your post and that’s because my husband and I we’ve been trying for a baby all this year long..Month by month I’ve been watching the dream fade away but now with your post I see that miracles happen!Gongratulations for your little everything! I’ll read this post every single day in order not to forget that dreams finally come true! Thanks for sharing this moment!
I’m so happy for you and Nick. Congratulations!!! It took me awhile to get pregnant with my baby boy, so I understand the emotions and joy when we found out we were finally pregnant. I pray that you will have a healthy and easy pregnancy. Please continue to update us, share with us your journey. Sending you, Nick, and your little one lots of love 🙂
Congrats, so happy for you guys!
Congratulations!!! I love how on preparation photo you have some praying video on your TV! God is big!
Congratulations! Will keep praying that everything goes well. I’m so happy for you and Nick!
Congratulations to you both!!! It’s definitely a journey to parentshood. Try to master short naps bc you will need it later. I’m 12 weeks along so it must be the hormone that caused the teary eyes when I read this post…or I just really feel for you.
OMG CONGRATS!!! I am so so happy for you and wish nothing but the absolute best for you, Nick, and your baby!
Congratulations.
congrats!!!!!~~~~~
A huge congratulations to you on your wonderful news! Here’s to lots and lots of happy, exciting, love-filled times in store for you.❤️
Congratulations to both of you. I can imagine you feel very thankful and blessed. Love, Lieske
Congratulations to you both! I am so happy for you and wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Congratulations both. Praying for a successful pregnancy 🙂
Congratulations! That’s exciting news to hear! I’m sure you two will have the cutest baby!!!
I’m crying reading this!! No doubt you and Nick are going to be the most amazing parents to this beautiful baby 😘😘 keeping you in my prayers for a healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery 😘😘
Congratulations Jean! Truly happy for your wonderful news!!
Congratulations on this wonderful news! I have been following your post for a while and I am so happy to hear this update. Wishing you all the best.
Congratulations to you both! Enjoy every moment of thia amazing journey!
Wonderful!!! Congrats to you & Nick!
Congratulations! I am so happy to hear this fantastic news. You and Nick are doing great. Sending love your way!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Congratulations! So happy for y’all! 🎉❤️
Congratulations!! I recently found your blog and have been following you saying my prayers for you and Nick along the way. I know exactly what this journy feels like as I have experience the same journy myself. I’m very happy for you both and know first hand both the nervouseness and excitment you are feeling.
I am so happy for both of you. I prayed for you through this path. May you continue to have prayers answered and find joy in the bundle of joy you have created. Prayers always, Dawn
Congratulations!!!!
As a small Asian woman also living on the east coast (in Canada), I’ve been following your Instagram and blog for awhile. Your IVF post hit right at home- we also did IVF in the summer and the first round only had one blastocyst which didn’t take. Just going through round 2 now!
Can’t wait to see all the stylish suggestions for maternity clothes, it would be great to see clothes from regular stores and how they can be used for maternity rather than buying all new stuff.
All the best xo
V
Congratulations and sending lots of love for your beautiful little baby!!!
Congratulations to you and Nick! I’m so happy for the both of you and the sweet baby who will get to call you “mama.” 💕 Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and looking forward to following along this next chapter of your lives.
So unbelievably happy for you and Nick!!!! Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It brings me hope!
This made me tear up.. I am soo so happy for you, congratulations!! Praying for a wonderful pregnancy and birth
Congrats!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
What lovely news for a Monday morning! So, so happy for you both – wishing you all the best for the next 31 weeks (and beyond!).
Love and big hugs from the UK,
xx
It’s so crazy how your personal news excites me so! Soooo thrilled for you and Nick! Congrats. Prayers for a healthy arrivial.
Reading your article made me so happy for you and your husband. Wishing you all the best. Enjoy every minute of this new chapter. ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you guys.
http://www.underaytedray.com
❤️ Congratulations to both of you ❤️ What amazing news. I’m smiling from ear to ear for you!! My journey was different…adoption was my blessing. I couldn’t be happier for you! Your strength and faith has been inspiring!! Xoxo Tatum
Oh my goodness- what wonderful news! Those are such life changing words. I still have the voicemail with the news from the doctor for my little guys and get choked up listening to it, 10 months later. We will be keeping your little family in our prayers, Jean!
Dear Jean, I have been following you on Instagram for a week and I see that it happened in time…for me. My husband and I have the same problem. We started thinking about IVF, but I was so afraid of all these procedures you have been going through. You are a very beautiful and elegant and I could not imagine that your pretty photos on Instagram are not just ordinary photos. Who new you are such a gentle but strong person! Your story encourages me and now I think I should stop being coward. I am very happy for you and for your family in general. I hope everything will be great with you and a baby ❤ Thank you for sharing your feelings.
Greetings from Kazakhstan ☺
Such wonderful news!! Congratulations and best wishes. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
OMG! Congratulations, this is amazing! I’m so happy for you and Nick, Jean!!
Happy Monday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Oh, Jean, congratulations to you both! IVF becomes part of the story of your commitment to having a child. Physically and emotionally difficult as it was, I still think of it with gratitude and even wonder. You and Nick will be brilliant parents, I’m sure. I hope your pregnancy is healthy and easy…you know, as easy as it is to grow a person!
I’m so happy for you guys! I almost shed tears reading what you wrote.
Congratulations & have safe happy journey filled with love & much more.
I’m so happy for you guys! I almost shed tears reading what you wrote.
Congratulations & have safe happy journey filled with love & much more.