I grew up knowing I needed to be a mom someday and when I started dating my now husband, it became something we dreamed about together. We started trying for a family shortly after our wedding in 2016, but after a year of trying and months of tests, we discovered that there was a reproductive issue with both of us.
We tried several infertility treatments with no luck and worked our way up to IVF, and then in December 2020 we found ourselves pregnant with our only viable embryo. We shared the happy news with our families on Christmas Day and celebrated as we had never celebrated before. Unfortunately, we lost the baby a few weeks later and it was a devastating loss. It took a long time for us to come to terms with losing our only chance for a biological family, since we had decided that IVF was too physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting for us to try again. We could not and will never understand why God answered a prayer only to take it away, but we also knew that God gave us a desire for children for a reason. Regardless of what we thought our family would look like and how our children would come to join our family, God knew.
During a heartfelt conversation with my sister, she mentioned embryo adoption. Even while I was still struggling through our pregnancy loss, I was excited at the potential of getting to carry our children. My husband happened upon Snowflakes while looking at different programs online and we knew immediately that we had found the right organization. Our whole experience with them was and continues to be incredible! Everyone we have spoken with is so kind, patient, and understanding. Anytime we have had a question or concern about anything at all, they have been quick to schedule a phone call so we could talk it through.
We felt an instant connection to the second family we were matched with and got emotional at the vulnerability and positivity they portrayed in their family profile. This family had been blessed with many embryos and we were able to adopt six of them! I was optimistic moving into the next step, but sadly our first clinic was not a good fit and we had two failed transfers.
Our second clinic was a Godsend! I cannot even explain how the positive, welcoming environment and friendly staff lifted our spirits and relieved so much stress. We were treated like family and both doctors at the clinic cared for us and took time at each appointment to reassure us and answer any questions. It was not long before I was ready for a transfer and I became pregnant!
The journey forward was not perfect. Pregnancy after a miscarriage comes with doubt, fear, and anxiety. The symptoms were rough on my body too with me being in my forties. However, that pregnancy also came with unbridled joy at every strong heartbeat, every confirmation of growth and health, every good report at appointments, and the mere fact that it was happening. We were also fortunate enough to get to meet the family that so selflessly gave us embryos and we are in contact with the other couples that adopted from the same family. We are eagerly anticipating the continued relationships we will have with this extended family!
After over eight years of longing, heartbreak, and waiting, the fervent prayers of us and pretty much everyone we know were answered with the birth of our beautiful, perfect daughter in July 2025. Noel Marie is our little miracle, our snowflake baby, and we are forever grateful to God for granting us the desire of our hearts.
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
