Infertility is something I never truly understood until I lived it. I want to be transparent about what we’re going through and to ask for support and prayers as Hayden and I continue to navigate this difficult journey. While this post feels so incredibly vulnerable and personal to talk about, I feel like it is important to share my story in case it can help someone else not feel so alone.

For the past 3 years, infertility has been my reality. Hayden and I have been doing everything in our power to grow our family, and it has truly been the hardest thing we have ever done. For us it has included 2 endometriosis surgeries, 6 IUIs, 3 early pregnancy losses, an egg retrieval, 3 IVF embryo transfers, and the recent heartbreak of miscarrying our baby boy, Mason. Losing him in November was a heartbreak we will never truly recover from, but we can’t wait to meet him one day in heaven, and we have peace knowing that he is safe with Jesus. Unfortunately, we have now used all of our embryos and are having to completely start the IVF process over with another egg retrieval soon. I’m also navigating a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease that significantly impacts my fertility and will require us to travel out of state for specialized fertility treatment. Making the decision to continue IVF was not done lightly, but we are also looking into avenues of adoption. We are still holding onto so much hope for our future baby that we long for every single day.

Infertility is not just “trying to have a baby.” It’s endless doctor appointments, medications, countless injections, procedures, and waiting for results that can change everything. It’s the financial strain and the thousands of dollars that you spend for every new chance at pregnancy. It’s the physical toll of everything you’re putting your body through. The constant change in hormones, the side effects, the exhaustion… and still finding the strength to keep going despite feeling like there is no end in sight.

But what people don’t always see is the emotional weight. The endless tears that are shed. The constant waiting. The hope followed by heartbreak after heartbreak. The emptiness of feeling like a piece of you is missing. The heaviness of feeling like it’s all on your shoulders. The feeling that you’re suppose to be okay and put on a smile while you’re falling apart inside. The grief that doesn’t always have space to be acknowledged. The way you can feel happiness for others while quietly hurting inside. The uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds and if you will ever be past this feeling.

It’s isolating. It’s overwhelming. It’s hard. And it consumes your life no matter how hard you try to not let it.

Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples. If you’re walking this road too, please know you’re not alone. I am here for you. And if you know someone who is, be gentle with them. You may not see the full battle they’re fighting every single day just to keep their head above water.

Despite all of the trials we have faced, Hayden and I have grown stronger than ever and have truly learned to lean on each other during the hard times. I couldn’t imagine my life without him and his unwavering love and support. This journey is teaching me strength I never asked for… but we are holding onto hope that one day we will have a family whether through IVF or the blessing of adoption. We can’t wait to meet our sweet baby one day and for this to be worth every second of this journey just to hold them in our arms and love them forever

Thank you so much for all of your love, support, and prayers. It means the world to us. If you feel led to help us financially with this journey we would be so grateful!