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!
This is exciting, congratulations!!! So happy for you 🙂
Congratulations! So happy for you guys!
Congrats!
Congratulations, Jean! I’m so happy for you and so excited for the little one to grow! 🙂
Wish you all the best! ❤️❤️❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Congratulations! Im so happy for you guys!
I am over the moon happy for you all! This may be early by traditional standards but I’m so glad you shared so we could share your joy and be supportive. My first trimester woes were much harder since we didn’t tell anyone until later and I had to suffer in relative silence 😝 after all the work you’ve put into this, I sincerely hope you get the rare glowing blissful pregnancy ❤️
Congrats Jean and Nick!! You will experience a love like you haven’t known before. So happy for both of you! 💕
Congratulations 💕
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I’ve been following you for years and, after your recent post about infertility struggles, I’ve been waiting for this announcement like I know you in real life. So happy to congratulate you on the news! And how exciting it came at a time that I, too, am pregnant. I can’t wait to piggyback off your petite maternity style!
Congratulations! As a fellow petite female, I have often relied on your blog to help me find stuff and I can always count on it being the right fit. Today in sharing something so intimate and personal, you’ve taken this virtual unseen relationship a step further and I feel like I can count on your experiences in a richer way. Thank you & I wish you and Nick all the love in the next phase of your life.
Congratulations Jean and Nick! I wish you the safest healthiest and easiest pregnancy! 2018 looks like its going to be a busy year. (I look forward to pregnancy fashion posts!) But you two are going to do great, thank you for all your fashion advice and for sharing this sweet personal news. Enjoy this season of life 🙂
Congrats Jean!! Reading this just made me so incredibly happy! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your personal life with us and giving me hope. I’ve been following your blog for a while and absolutely love your style! Can’t wait to see your growing belly 💕
Congratulations, Jane! You really deserve all this joy in your life. Our babies will be the same age since I’m 8 weeks pregnant too! Kind of early to announce it as you said, but who cares! We are having the journey of our lives! Hugs and kisses from Mexico!!
Congrats!!! So happy for you I wish you all the best on your journey with your husband
http://www.mssparkleandglow.com
Congrats !
Congratulations, Jean!!! So happy for the both of you!!! Hope you get to experience the joy of holding your child very, very soon!😊😊😊
Congratulation! How exciting for u 2!
C-O-N-G-R-A-T-S 💛 Wow!!! Many blessings to you Jean, Nick and your new little life! ” For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Psalm139:13-14
Have followed you for years. Don’t know if I’ve ever commented? But I am so thrilled for you. Many years ago we tried to concieve for a year before being successful;, I can only imagine the feelings you’ve had along your journey. Congratulations! So exciting to read this happy update! Thanks for sharing it with your readers.
Congratulations Jean & Nick! Praying for a smooth pregnancy and healthy mommy & baby! Super happy and excited for you guys! God bless! <3
soo happy for u two! congrats!!
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.
👆 exactly the same feeling after we found out we were pregnant after years of trying!!
cant wait to meet ur baby!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve never commented, but followed you for a few years. I clicked on the blog to search for a pair of jeans. I literally yelled at my computer when I saw the post! So happy for you! Can’t wait to see you styling that beautiful pregnant belly!!! Congratulations!
This was me too lol I was looking for a pair of boots… I’m soooooo happy for you both!!! Following you for so so so many years makes you feel like a close family member already, So i’m extremely excited for your journey and we can wait for the future baby blogs. I have been praying and sending you positive energy since your first pregnancy post. CONGRATS!!!!!
Congratulations Jean!! I’m so happy for you and your husband. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. My husband and I have been trying for over a year now and we are considering IVF. This good news from you gave us hope.
Congratulations to you both on a path well fought … keep your hopes high and your desires will be reached in times. 👍🏼💗👍🏼
Congratulations!!! This brought tears to my eyes after following your journey. Best wishes to you and Nick always!
Congratulations Jean and Nick! Your baby will be absolutely gorgeous for sure. I have been following your ivf journey and am truly happy for this update.
Congrats Jean. I was in tears reading your post because I experienced infertility myself. It was a tough journey that felt like riding a roller coaster. After so many failed attempts, finally I am holding my precious little one in my arms with a successful IVF. And all the efforts and emotions are totally worth it!! Soon you will have your cute little one too! Congrats again!
Congratulations! xo
Congrats Jean ! This is such happy news.
“Though she may be tiny, she is fierce”
Absolutely the BEST news! I actually teared up reading your announcement! A huge, heart-filled ‘Congratulations’ to you both and wishing you a safe and healthy pregnancy! 💗
I’m so happy for you Jean and Nick! Praying for a very healthy baby and a memorable journey! This new love will bring you so much joy and love that you never experience before! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Jean – congratulations to you both! I’ve been waiting anxiously for your good news announcement since the day I saw your post about your IVF journey. I, myself, am also on that journey and while I do not wish anyone having to go through this…it’s comforting to read about stories of women such as yourself and your struggles with infertility. It truly made me feel less alone so for that, thank you for sharing! Wishing you both an effortless and safe baby journey for the next 7 months. Please continue to keep us all updated.
Congratulations Jean! Wishing you and Nick the best on your journey to parenthood!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! I pray you have a happy, healthy pregnancy.
So happy to read this news. I hope the best for the three of you!
Jean, I’ve been following your blog for a while and throughout your journey, I admire that you didn’t give up. Major congrats to you and Nick for reaching this milestone. Sending you the best wishes for your pregnancy and hope to continue to hear the good news!
exquisitely.me
Congratulations! So happy for you two.
Congrats to both of you. My brother and his wife got their daughter after 10 years of trying. Now they recently had a baby boy after 9 years of trying again. So I know how happy you guys are and hope for the best.
Congratulations!! Such wonderful news. Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and baby 🤞
Thats wonderful!! I am also about 9 weeks, and have also shared with family. The vulnerability is real, but the journey is one to be appreciated, every step. Thank you for sharing yours.
Crying while reading this post, Jean! So happy for you and Nick! Congratulations many times over!!!
Congratulation Jean! I’m so happy for you and your husband!!! This is excellent news. I hope your pregnancy will be a good one, hope the embryo will grow each day, hoping your body will be able to handle the morning sickness/nausea days ahead.
I’ve been following your blog quietly for the last 3 years or so. I’ve tried to copied many of your fashion style and advices as well. Once again, congrats!
Congratulations! ❤️
Hi Jean!!!
I’m so, so, so happy for you and Nick!!! I’ve been hoping that this is the good news we would hear from you soon!! Thank you for sharing so much of your journey and giving so many, including me, hope! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Jean I’m so happy for you!! Wish you and your family all the best and can’t wait to see some preggy outfits!
I AM SO PROUD AND SO HAPPY FOR YOU, JEAN!!!! Remember that you are a fierce woman, and with Nick at your side, you can get through this. Motherhood is not an easy road from what I can tell, but it is worth it. Your baby will be absolutely gorgeous, and you’re gonna be a great mom. You are a queen, remember that. And also remember that you’ve been a great role model and support to other mothers and mothers-to-be. You aren’t alone, and you’re courageous and brave to share your story with the world. Thank you, and REJOICE BECAUSE YOU’RE GONNA HAVE THE CUTEST LITTLE KID EVER (because let’s be real, you and Nick are a gorgeous couple).
I’m so happy for you both. We are also parents to a little ivf miracle. ❤️ It’s a long heartbreaking journey but oh how you’ll treasure your little one.
So so happy for you!!
Congratz, Jean & Nick! So happy for you. Be strong as you always do and can’t wait to hear your another good news in next 8 months again.
So happy for you!! 💕
Congrats! So excited for you two!
Congrats! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
Your blog has been utterly transformative for my style, and it makes me so happy to see you and your husband happy! Huge congrats, thank you for sharing your wonderful news, I hope you know how happy a stranger like me can be for you!
This makes my day!! My prayers for a healthy preganancy!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I want to cry… so happy for you guys.
Have been following since 2011 when you blogged about how to look professional at work. I went and bought a leopard cardigan and wore pearls because of you! Love your blog. You will be wonderful parents. Lots of love xox
I am so deeply happy for you. You seem to be so nice and sweet, you’ll be wonderful parents. I am a mom of a 2 year old boy, and I wish you all the joy that it brings, hang in there. Pregnancy is difficult for everyone so dont panic everytime there is anything. You will be fine, am sure. Just stay positive and in a few weeks you’ll be reassured when seeing your little one in your arms. Sorry for my english. Lots of love from north africa xx
Congratulations!! Very happy for you guys! I said a little prayer back when you posted about your infertility challenges and I’m so happy to hear it was answered. Just keep being positive and thank you for sharing with all of us.
congrats ! ive been through this path……now my daughter is 15 years old keep a journal its so worth it !