409 Bottles and Tasteless Jelly {Infertility Awareness}

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Our story of fertility started seven years ago, roughly three years after my husband and I were married. We made the decision that I would stop working full time and devote my energy to being a mommy. And after a year of trying to have a baby “the fun way”, we were dumbfounded that we did not yet have a baby. I mean, it seemed as if EVERYONE was getting pregnant — friends seemingly looked at each other and whoosh, another baby announcement.

My husband began to think we were doing it wrong. In fact, all of the “advice” we got from well-meaning friends, family, and acquaintances seemed to suggest that the traditional “methods” no longer worked. One of our favorite tips: stand on your head. Really, is that how all babies are conceived? I thought somewhere a bed would be involved. Next: don’t think about it, and it will happen naturally. Gotcha. I’ll get right on that not-thinking-about-it-but-it-consumes-our-thoughts-everday-for-six-years. And the best: you’ve got to try the Paleo/Atkins/Cardboard/Air diet. Now you think I’m fat. Awesome! Nothing like that self-esteem boost to really get me excited! I know they all mean well, but sometimes the best thing is to simply say nothing.

It was probably after attending the fortieth baby shower that we realized we needed professional help. And we decided then and there that if we were going to go through it, we were going to enjoy the process and laugh as much as possible along with way. We figured that was the only way that we could keep our sanity amongst the co-pays, deductibles, shots, and seemingly endless paperwork. Nothing can really prepare you for all that is involved, but I’m so glad we have the stories to share of our journey.

I mean, I had an idea of what I was going to endure, but my husband had no clue of what to expect. His journey started in the bathroom, essentially a utility closet, of our first fertility doctor. It was time for him “to do his thing”, and he was greeted by a very manly woman — let’s call her Ulga. Ulga proceeds to lead him to the utility closet, where she looks him in the eye and says, “Good luck.” After an hour of waiting, I finally see my husband turn the corner and do the “walk of shame”, cup in hand, past other women waiting on their husbands. “What in the world have you been doing?”, I ask. “Baby, I couldn’t really perform. All I saw was a bunch of 409 bottles and boxes of toilet paper looking at me. Not exactly a cure for performance anxiety.” I took him for ice cream afterwards.

Then came the countless days of vaginal ultrasounds, needle sticks, self-inflicted shots, disappointing phone calls, and incessant co-pays. At times, we pretended the ultrasound was a microphone, dancing in the room until the nurses caught us. Other times, the nurses would join us in the dance party. We’d ask for wallet-size pictures of the ultrasounds and if the jelly tasted funny. And towards the end, every time the nurse told me to “undress from the waist down, and empty your bladder”, my husband started to unbuckle his pants.

Simply, we saw this as a journey the Lord chose for us to take, and He guided us every step of the way. In fact, it made us rely totally on the Lord, and it brought us closer together as a couple — and we think that was the Lord’s intention the whole way. I’m happy to say our prayers were answered — we have a spunky 3-year-old boy, and we’re expecting a baby girl in October. And if you find yourself going through the journey of infertility, I encourage you to find joy and laughter in the most difficult of times.

Lullaby Wishes - Raising Infertility Awareness

In recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week, we are seeking to raise awareness about this struggle by sharing stories from local moms who have been in, or are currently in, this difficult place. Through this series, we hope to provide encouragement for women who are facing infertility, as well as perspective for those supporting them in the battle. Thank you to the courageous women who have shared a piece of your motherhood journey as part of this series.


About Stacy

Stacy grew up in the small town of Attalla, AL. She graduated from nursing school from Jacksonville State University and moved to Birmingham to work in the Cardiovascular ICU. She and her husband, Bryant, married in 2007. After many long days in the infertility clinic, she decided to leave the hospital setting as a nurse, which involved very long hours, to focus on trying to get pregnant. During that time she started in the field of medical device sales. Seven of their ten years of marriage have been spent trying to get pregnant or being pregnant. They have spent a total of five years going through infertility treatments: three years with their son Harris (3) and two years with daughter Julia (who will arrive in October). Stacy spends her time being a wife, mom, and friend; serving in their church; and working in medical device sales. She enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, snow skiing, eating great food, and traveling with friends and family.
 

1 COMMENT

  1. This is great Stacy!! I love to see what a blessing our trials can be and how the lord always works for good!! Count it all JOY! Love you sweet friend!!

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