"Baby" Steps

As I mentioned earlier, this week has been about taking steps. I am ready to tell you about another area in my life in which I have taken specific steps this week. Most of my readers are family or close friends, so I don't mind sharing this.

Although Patrick and I have been married for almost eleven years, we decided early on to wait before having children. About three years ago, we felt like it was time. Little did we know that the next three years of our lives would be so full of steps. The hardest part early on was hearing all of our family members ask us why we weren't having kids, or why it was taking us so long... Fortunately, all of that died down when the actual diagnosis of infertility came out. Of course, I won't bore you with all of the specifics because most of you know at least some of what we've been through.

God has been our refuge through all of this. Patrick has been extremely supportive and strong throughout the journey. Along with a very supportive family, God had the overwhelming grace and mercy to give me a friend that was also dealing with the struggles of not having children. I could not have made it through the last three years without her hugs, tears, and listening.

So where do the steps come in? Well, after being on-again, off-again with my specialist, Patrick and I decided to go back to set a plan in motion. We started with Clomid (it's the most basic and simple fertility treatment with the lowest percentage of success). It was a baby step, all puns intended...

After two months of Clomid therapy, the doctor decided that it was not being effective enough for me. So, this month, I officially became one of those women who use injectable medications. Okay, sorry if this is too much info for you, I just wanted share it with you. We are adding the injections in combination with the Clomid to see if that helps. I never in a million years would have imagined that I'd be one of "those" women. Patrick and I are pretty sure that this is the furthest we will delve into the fertility treatment options. Fortunately, our insurance covers the meds, so we are just out my copay. The other options aren't covered. Last night was my first injection and it was actually easier than I was worried about.

I know there are differing opinions about using medical intervention for fertility, but I believe medicine is good, when used for the right reasons. After all, where would we be without chemotherapy for cancer patients or without shots for allergies? Anyway, back to my point... Whether Patrick and I have children or not is totally up to God who created us. He is in control. When He wants us to have children, naturally or through adoption, He will bless us. In the meantime, we'll continue to treat our dog, Sebastian, as if he's our child (within limits, of course!). And if we keep Miles (formerly called Smokey), we'll treat him the same way.

Thanks for listening!!!! I apologize for the length!