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This is very difficult to bring to you all, but here it goes...

Five and a half years ago, Zach and I decided to start trying for baby #2. We knew we wanted a big family, so why wait? Braden was 6 months old, we wanted them close in age, and we had no promise it would happen right off. Well, we didn't think it would take THIS long. 

After a year, we were a little nervous but still hopeful. That hope carried us for two years before seeking help. (Typically, if after one year there is no pregnancy, its recommended to seek help.) When we finally saw a specialist, we were diagnosed with secondary infertility and started treatment, but it didn't work. The Doctor then suggested a treatment that would run us $2000/month. Obviously we didn't have that kind of cash laying around, so we took some time off from treatment. Time to pay off the failed treatments. Time to ease the stress, because stress can seriously hinder chances of conception. As well as, time to focus on our health so that when the time came we would be ready with our best odds.

A lot of changes were made, and some big differences came from it. Enough of a difference that our diagnoses was changed. Unfortunately, not enough to eliminate treatment being needed altogether. 

We started treatment back up this past May 2018, which was successful, but ended in a chemical pregnancy (fertilized egg embeds and progresses. Started having positive pregnancy test readings that turned negative after a few days... the egg detached). Our next cycle was a dud. Followed by another cycle that was working, until it ended unexpectedly. The doctors don't actually know what happened that cycle, so we have added in monitoring, ultrasounds, and bloodwork to this months cycle.

We are generally pretty open about our infertility journey, more than anything, for overall awareness of how common fertility struggles are. For as common as they are, most insurance companies consider treatments to be cosmetic, and thus don't cover anything. With medication, ultrasounds, bloodwork, consultations, and especially the procedures themselves...it adds up quick. Although having a baby is something you "can't put a price tag on," we are really being stretched financially to even get pregnant. Plus, all bills must be paid up front, before treatments can start each month. Its all very time sensitive, and roughly $1,000/month.

Asking for help financially is way outside our comfort zone (hence why it has taken so long for us to get here) but we are so desperately wanting to add to our family. It has been a very long road, that we hope we are nearing the end of. Whether your contribution is prayer or financial, anything helps and ALL contributions are exponentially appreciated!

We strongly believe in the power of prayer, and wouldn't be where we are today if it were not for our faith in Gods plan. He has held us to tenderly through every heartbreak, defeat, and triumph. This has become a big part of our testimony before it has even resolved. 

So, whatever you're feeling called to give, THANK YOU!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.