We're (Finally) Pregnant!
By: The Dream Chasing Family
Happy Mother’s Day #TeamBabyDalton! After a 7-year infertility journey, we are beyond ecstatic to announce that we are (finally) pregnant, thanks in LARGE part to you, and your generous, heartfelt donations that pushed us through to this seemingly impossible milestone!
We have been cautiously optimistic, and so nervous to share the good news knowing there are still months to go before Sarah’s due date in November! But, the feelings of doubt and disbelief are being replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude as we get closer and closer to that miraculous prospect of growing our family! It is beginning to feel more like a reality, than the unattainable dream it was for so long.
We feel undeservingly blessed, and want to recognize those who are still in a season of infertility uncertainty, loss, or waiting. The pains of trying to conceive are too difficult to quantify with words. Please know we are hoping and praying with you for your happy ending to come!
Amid these difficult COVID-19 Pandemic times we are all navigating, we hope this good news is refreshing, and finds you safe, happy, and healthy!
Additionally, We just want to say “thank you” again for all your God sent contributions and concern that came at a critical time in our journey! We would not be where we are without your priceless love and support! We are forever indebted and grateful.
After learning that in vitro fertilization (IVF) was our only chance to get pregnant, we knew we couldn't afford it alone. If you remember, we wanted a way to recognize and remember everyone who blessed our infertility cause, so we wrote your names on the back of a puzzle piece to represent all the different pieces that came together to help us have the best chance at growing our family against the daunting odds we faced.
Your examples of charity have been inspiring and humbling to us, and is the ultimate reason we were able to start IVF treatments back in January.
There have been a lot of positive developments since then, like the successful egg retrieval!
Our last update was that we were able to freeze 6 embryos (or fertilized eggs), which was a huge accomplishment! Typically, a fresh transfer of the embryo to the uterus can follow a retrieval. But, because Sarah’s hormones were so out of balance from the IVF medications, our doctor recommended we wait at least another 6 weeks before an embryo transfer, to give Sarah’s body time to level off again and increase our chance of successful embryo implantation.
However, I felt strongly that we should attempt a transfer sooner than later. So last minute, on February 21st, we secretly transferred one of our embryos without telling anyone. Little did we know at the time, but shortly thereafter, the pandemic would halt any “elective” medical procedures, which IVF transfers are considered.
A week later, Sarah took a pregnancy test, which was positive. Initially, I was in complete denial (as you can see in the video). A blood test would later confirm the positive results, followed by an ultrasound showing a little bouncy body. And then, the scratchy sound of a healthy heartbeat - the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard.
Pregnancy has been very slow to feel real to us, perhaps because it has been such an elusive dream for so long. But, as true as Sarah’s mother heart is fierce, she is exactly 14 weeks pregnant today. For the first time in a long time, Mother’s and Father’s Day won’t be the frustrating holidays they have been for too long.
Sarah has fought through physical, emotional, and spiritual torment to get here, never knowing if it would work in the end. She exemplifies perseverance and commitment to what matters most - family. All in all, she has endured at least 260 uncomfortable shots, morning and night, since starting IVF treatment, never complaining. She tolerated countless invasive exams from a phallic-shaped medical device she nicknamed “Wanda”. Nothing about the IVF process is pretty, pleasant, or convenient, but somehow she made it look graceful.
Thanks again for all your support, and for being patient as we have shared updates at our own pace. We are so excited to finally tell our little secret - the big miracle coming November 2020!
“What are dreams for if they can’t be chased?”
