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 with tears in my eyes, knots in my heart and throat (If that’s even an expression)!! You are in thoughts and prayers! Thank you for sharing.
I’m so so happy for you! Been with you through the ups and downs of this journey and it’s finally done. You guys did it! <3 Congrats again a million times over!
XOXO //
SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
Congratulations Jean! Really happy for you and wish you all the good luck!
Congrats! So happy for you and your hubby!
SO happy for you both and for being open about your experience. Would love to see a post in the coming months about how to camouflage a bump before you want to tell work or others. Best wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy!
All the congratulations in the world to you and your husband! My heart is so happy for you guys. Thank you for sharing your very touching story.
Jean and Nick, I have been following your blog for a few years now. This is the best news- I am very excited for both of you! I wish you all the best in health and happiness.
Congratulations Jean! Take care of yourself. Your patience and positive energy into the universe paid off.
Congrats Jean & Nick! I’m so happy for you! Isn’t it amazing when you see your baby’s heart beating on the ultrasound for the first time and realize this little life is growing inside you? Thank you for sharing such wonderful news.
Such a beautiful story. Brought tears to my eyes. Also – not sure if you noticed. but I know the pregnancy is truly a blessing. Look at what is on the tv screen in the picture. I look at that as a sign that everything is perfect as it should be. Amazing ❤️ Congrats!!! – From Santa Monica
Congratulations Jean! I’m so happy for you and Nick and wish you both the best as you grow your family 😀
Jean and Nick, I’m so incredibly happy for you both. I read your article titled “Trying is trying” and I was praying for you both to be blessed with good news soon. I am a mother and having children is one of the greatest blessings in my life. One piece of unsolicited advice, make time to rest, take naps, and read a book it really helped me to relax and enjoy my pregnancies.
Jean! I am so excited for you and Nick ! I feel hopeful and I am going through the second thing and waiting for my next appointment for my pregnancy test. I started to share my IVF stories and feel relief as people seem very excited to learn that I am trying. I used to think that going through IVF made me feel like a failure at doing what woman should be able to do, but infertility is more common than we think. But wanting to become a parent shouldn’t stop us.
Best wishes to you and your growing family! Looking forward to your maternity style posts!
Congratulations!!
I’m so happy for you both!
Ahhhhh congrats!!! <3 <3
Congratulations!!!
Hurrah!!!!!! Yay!!!!
How exciting! You both deserve all the happiness in the world and you both will make wonderful parents. This baby will be blessed to have you both as parents! Truly happy for you and wishing you the very best!
Awww I’m so happy for you and Nick! Congratulations! Wishing the rest of your journey to be a healthy and happy one.
Jean, I’m so happy for you two! Wishing you and your little one all the health and happiness in the world
Congratulations!
Congrats Jean And Nick. Sending lots of love from the Philippines
CONGRATULATIONS!! I am so excited for you. I am 2 weeks ahead of you at 11 weeks. I had a hemorrhage at 5 weeks that was terrifying. I was on bedrest, then pelvic rest, and was very stressed out. I ended up telling people like my neighbors much earlier than I would’ve- and Im so glad I did. In return I got so much support and didn’t feel so alone. I hope that’s the same experience you’re getting after sharing your news a little “early.” I can’t wait to get outfit ideas from you!!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and am excited to see your journey to mom!
I am so happy for you three! I can’t imagine how stressful the past few years have been but I’m sending you all the good juju from San Diego and wish you the best in your pregnancy. Your body knows how to do this even if it didn’t start out in the most traditional way. Women are amazing. xoxo.
Congratulations!!!! I literally threw my hands up and yelled “YES!!” when I saw this post. I am so happy for both of you. Take good care of yourself and be gentle with yourself. You’re going to be such wonderful parents. Much love.
Happy happy day! Congratulations to you both!
Congratulations Jean and Nick!! It wasn’t easy getting there, but the best things in life are worth fighting for. Can’t wait for you to share updates throughout your pregnancy journey, and see how you style those maternity outfits! Take care and don’t overwork yourself!
I’ve thought of you often since the November 5th post. So much love to your little family. 💕
On an entirely selfish note, I’m so glad you’ve stayed with us despite challenging times. I truly enjoy this blog, and it inspires me on the regular. I’ll continue be here, with love, for every post along the way!
I’m now in week 18 following successful IVF. 🙂 I know exactly what you mean by “not trusting your body” after the infertility journey. It is a scary thing, but all I think about is how much I surprised myself with having the strength to get through this process. CONGRATULATIONS to you, strong mama! Enjoy this time!
Congrats! I am so happy for you!
Congrats Jean and Nick! Thank you for sharing your an amazing story. You two are an inspiration to many.
Congratulations!! I’ve been eagerly waiting for this post! I can not wait for the baby-related posts! S/He is going to be beautiful!
I’m crying happy tears for you!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!🎊 🍾
I’m soon happy ,, I feel like I’m going to cry !!!
Congratulations darling ,, I wish you the safest and healthiest pregnancy,,
Thank you for sharing so much of you life with us ,,
Hooray! Congratulations on your tiny bean! Now grow, baby, grow!
Aww Congratulations Jean and Nick! ❤️️
Wishing you and your baby safe and happy journey here on.
Eeeek! Congrats! I’m so happy for the two of you!
I am utterly overjoyed for you & Nick! Thank you for being brave in your vulnerability to share with us your story. I am also happy we all can show our appreciation through our love and support for you and your growing family.
I’ve got goosebumps from head to toe!!! What wonderful news! God bless you all!!! 🙂
Congratulation! After your previous post, we were all waiting for an update with good new. You would be a wonderful mother. Look forward to baby posts.
I hardly make any comments on blog, but this I have to, CONGRATS! Although I don’t know you, but I feel very happy for you.
Wonderful news! Congratulations!
Hello,
I usually just watch your blog and don’t comment…but for this big news I will do exception! I’m so happy for this update and I’m very happy for both of you! Congrats!!
So happy for you both! Congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope your little bean makes it! Our TTC journey has taken a few years too, though we got lucky with getting pregnant each time we were considering moving on to IUI or IVF. Lost our #1 at 10 weeks due to a missed miscarriage but I’m now 20 weeks pregnant with #2 and so far so good. It’s been a little bit of a struggle finding good petite maternity clothes – I look forward to seeing future posts on this!
Anyway, the anxiety is hard to let go when you’ve had such a difficult time, but no matter which detours have happened or might happen, I hope your path will lead to a rainbow baby. Our due date is the exact anniversary of the day we found out about the loss of #1, so everything has a way of working out. 🙂
Congratulations!! So happy for you both. I can relate to so much of what you said in your post. After 3.5 years of trying, we found out 2 days after Christmas that I’m finally pregnant with my second. I must say, you look a heck of a lot better than I do right now. You’re glowing while I’m a constant shade of green. I hope you feel as good as you look and that you’re able to enjoy all the wonderful milestones ahead. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing all your new style choices. 🙂 xoxo
The time was right…and so it happened! Wishing you both and your families all the best in this wonderful adventure.
WOW…Congratulations!!!
Congrats!! I’m sitting here holding my own IVF baby on my chest, I’m so happy you get to share in this amazing journey. Thanks also for sharing your story, it helps others so much (from someone who only turned to IVF after wonderful friends shared their similar journeys with me).