Denton and my infertility journey started in 2012, at the time we had no idea how long and emotional it would be or how it would end.
Our Infertility Story
We met in our mid-30s working in Paradise, California. After just five months of dating, on December 31, 2010, we married. While still dating, I asked Denton if he would be interested in adoption. Infertility is a common problem and I wanted to ensure I didn’t fall in love with him only to find out it was a deal-breaker. He had an immediate answer, “of course we will adopt”.
After a year unsuccessfully trying-a milestone in a couple’s infertility-we moved forward. Starting with blood work, ultrasounds, and a Hysteroscopy none leading to a clear diagnosis. This is called unexplained fertility-a diagnosis of exclusion when a reason for the inability to conceive cannot be determined. After a not so pleasant visit with an infertility specialist in California, we decided to do the unexpected. Medical tourism.
Discovering Medical Tourism
Everything came together when we met Dr. Jaroslav Hulvert with ISCARE. We completed extensive research and found ISCARE is a leader in IVF. We decided we could also take the pressure off InVitro treatments. On four occasions we traveled, visited friends and went through treatment. The longest I was able to carry a pregnancy was seven weeks using donor eggs.
The Hurt & The Healing of Our Infertility
I would be leaving a huge piece out if I didn’t discuss the heartbreak surrounding the infertility process. Every book I read discussed couple issues like one partner blaming the other-this is common-but wasn’t our story we actually became closer and stronger. I can’t speak for Denton but I had two areas of hurt to dig deeper into. One, learning forgiveness for the body I felt had betrayed me-my own. I admit this remains an ongoing process you can read more about here. Two, remembering the plans and family I had imagined might end up looking very different but also better. Our prayers changed, we began praying for the family God intended and reconsidered adoption.
Once we began discussing adoption it became clear our goal was keeping siblings together. During our infertility treatments, Denton’s job moved us to Central California. It was here we found Family Connections Christian Adoptions. Eighteen months later we matched with siblings-not two, but four. Three boys and a girl ages 1 to 4. In September we celebrate three years together and May 24, 2020, was our year familversary AKA adoption day. I promise the adoption story is coming. I’m taking great care telling it since my story is so intertwined with those of others.
If you’ve been following us for a while, you may be wondering what happened. Wasn’t this was a dog health and wellness blog? We are evolving as our family has. You will still get a dose of dog-notice the white fur kid in the photo above but it will be mixed with our family’s journey. We hope you are still on board for the adventure.
Smiles, Barks, Waves, and Wagging Tails, The Gruzensky #SuperSeven