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!
Congrats! I was hoping that was the case. I am 22 weeks pregnant with my second IVF miracle. It was worth every single needle. I swear. Hope you’re feeling well.
Congratulations to you both!!!! Enjoy the journey and sending you best wishes for smooth sailing and a happy, healthy pregnancy. What fantastic news !!!! 🙂
These photos make me teary, we also went on the IVF journey and it brings up a lot of those emotions. If we knew every cycle would produce the little angel baby we received, we would do IVF over and over! It is so worth the process and you learn to appreciate and smile through the “bad” moments that mom’s usually complain about. Congratulations!!
Congratulations! This is the best news ever and completely made my day to see this! Every baby deserves to be celebrated so ignore the “traditional” timelines and go ahead and celebrate this beautiful little baby.
Congratulations to you both on your little miracle!
As the proud of mama of twins who were carried by a dear friend after three years of infertility treatments and failed IVF cycles (she’s truly an angel for doing what she did for us), I had to comment to say that your honest and open conversations about this process are so refreshing. I know as we went through our almost decade long struggle, it felt so isolating and there were rarely opportunities to hear others express the same feelings and emotions. You are giving a voice to many who may not have others to turn to. Our little miracles just turned one on Saturday (they share their birthday with their miracle mama who carried them!) and though that road was long, bumpy and often complicated beyond measure; seeing them happy, healthy and loved truly has healed those wounds. Congratulations!!! So very, very happy for you!!
Congratulations! I know just how long you have waited for this, and you just be over the moon ecstatic to be parents. I will say that motherhood will change your life in so many ways for the better!
Congrats – best wishes to you!!
I knew this day would come for you and Nick! I am very happy for you both
I am so very happy for you! I also suffered from unexplained infertility and went thru IVF to conceive my three beautiful children! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Jean and Nick! So happy for you both! Take care x
So happy for your family. Such a blessing!
xo.SN | http://www.sahonynatasha.com
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so happy for you two! I will keep you & this little peanut in my thoughts that the rest of your pregnancy is smooth sailing and complication free!
I have been checking back to for your good news. Finally go it today. So happy for you. Relax and enjoy every bit of it.
Aw! Congratulations to the both of you. Wishing you two the best journey into parenthood. 🙂
Congrats!!! So Happy for both of you.
Congratulations!!! Sending warmth and good wishes your way
Dear Jean,
You are beautiful inside out and your journey to this stage has been heart warming. In my culture, such joy is kept, traditionally, under wraps for as long is possible due to superstition so nothing untoward happens or avoid any possible negative vibes . But the spirited soul you are ( bless you) sharing and giving so freely I know you will be the best parent one can be. Until the day you two have the blessing cuddled up in your arms I will keep you in my prayers and may the lord keep you in his thoughts.
I can’t believe this.. I used to be a cynic when it came to virtual world but I am just as happy on reading your news as I was when my sister announced the impending arrival of both my nephews.
Lots of love 🙂
Congratulations! I am so thrilled for you and your family.
This made my tear up! I am so happy for you and your husband! I completely understand the mix of emotions you are feeling… Those won’t leave even after that babe is born (in fact, they multiply). Take it one day at a timed lean on each other. This is such incredible news!
Congratulations Nick and Jean! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us and we wish you a safe, healthy pregnancy!
Congratulations! So happy for you. As the one who have been through it all, I think I know how you feel. Take good care of yourself. Hope the morning sickness is not going to be too bad.
Hi Jean. Congratulations! My husband and i enjoyed meeting you and Nick at that open house in the South End a few months ago. Our son is also an IVF baby. We were praying for you guys! Enjoy!!
Your journey is very inspirational.
We wish you a safe, healthy & wonderful pregnancy!
Regards, Baby Brands Gift Club 🙂
Congratulations! Here’s to a healthy pregnancy!
What a journey! Congratulations to you and Nick! 💜💜💜
Hi Jean, I’ve followed your blog for a number of years and have had my fingers crossed that your IVF worked out. I am so so happy for you and Nick! I have an 18 month old and am currently 5 weeks pregnant with baby # 2. I am really looking forward to your upcoming pregnancy posts as we embark on this journey together! Good luck and my very best wishes to you both!
I could not be more happy!! Tears filled my eyes reading this. Congratulations you two!!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Congratulations to you both, Jean & Nick! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story along the way too.
Congratulations, Jean! I remember reading your struggles with IVF and just hoping we would one day read a post just like this. I’m so happy for you and Nick!
Congratulations Jean & Nick, I have kept you in prayer since you first shared your journey with us. It is a privilege to walk this journey with you and will be keeping you in prayer daily. I’m sure sharing your journey will help many women who are walking this same road and will walk it after you. Amazing baby pictures! God is good!
Congratulations Jean and Nick! So happy for you both 🙂
I admire you for sharing the news when it felt right for you! CONGRATULATIONS!! I hope you are feeling ok. Best wishes for as smooth as possible a path over the next 9 months!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I’ve been following you for a while now and love your blog. I saw your exciting/wonderful news on Instagram and couldn’t wait to go to your blog to read your story. Wishing you a wonderful pregnancy.
Soooooo happy. Sending you hugs and love
Congratulations! I’ve had so many friends do IVF. It’s crazy how common it is now! I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Oh my goodness, congratulations Jean (& hubby)! So so happy for you guys!!! Reading your post made me tear up on the commuter rail. Welcome to motherhood! Keeping your little one and your family in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your story! <3
Congratulations to you both and wishing you the best!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. I’ve been following your blog for years. I’m looking forward to seeing your comments about baby clothing in the future.
Congratulations to you and Nick!
Congratulations, Jean & Nick!! My heart is brimming for hope and excitement for you! Blessings!
Congrats!! Blessings to you three 😉
Congrats and here’s to a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Congrats Jean and Nick! So happy for your both.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I remember when you started this process and I am so happy to read that you are pregnant!! Sending lots of love and strength!
x
Shloka
http://www.thesilksneaker.com
Congratulations Jean & Nick!, So happy for you both! I am on my IVF journey, waiting for egg retrieval by the end of this week, fingers crossed, wishing you a healthy and happy journey towards parenthood xo
Congratulations,Jane!!!!
xx
https://www.closettostreet.com/
Congratulations, and best wishes!
Sooooo incredibly happy for you both!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Enjoy this time – the most beautiful love affair of your life.
I cannot express enough how happy I am
for you both! It has reminded me of my our own IVF journey and the lessons learned as well. We are stronger for it and I really appreciate all we’ve been through. Enjoy your pregnancy!