Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Our Story

First I would like to say thank you to all that left me a comment from my last post.  If you haven't seen the last post go here!  Each one of them was special to read and I look forward to sharing them with Chad when he returns from NYC.  We are loved in so many ways and feel very blessed to have all this love and support around us!  As I stated in my last post I am now going to share our story with you.  I hope that our story gives those that are seeking to become pregnant HOPE.  I just hope you don't get too bored! 
Us girls all have fairy tales, dreams, desires, wants, and plans for our future. We feel that if we make these plans that they will come true. My dreams have come true, but the timing of the dreams aren't always when I thought it would be. Let me start at the beginning.
Our story began when Chad and I got married in September 26th, 2006.  We spent our first year of marriage truly enjoying our marriage as a couple.  It was a great first year!  Towards the end of the first year Chad and I went on a 1st Year Anniversary Trip to Mexico and a month before leaving we decided to go off the pill and start trying to have a baby.  We spent the next 10 months trying on our own with no success at all.  I was scheduled for my yearly OBGYN appointment and we decided that we would seek additional help.  I still remember that day as if it was yesterday sitting in the doctor's office telling my OBGYN that we were having problems and than our world was turned upside down.  We both spent the next four months doing every test possible to determine a cause.  Chad was sent to a male specialist (sorry I don't know what they are called) and they did additional testing and it was determined that we would go on Clomid for the next 6 months to see if we could conceive on our own.  However it did not work and than they suggested that we try an IUI.  I just knew an IUI would work and we would be pregnant.  Well I was wrong we did a total of three IUI's from November 2007-January 2009.  It was disappointing to hear that our next steps were to seek help at the Tulsa Fertility Center.  We had our first appointment in February 2009 to review our history with the doctors at the clinic and determine what was the best option for us.  Based on our male factor issues our doctor decided that we should go straight to IVF with ICSI as based on our records we had less than a 5% chance of conceiving on our own.  This was dramatic for me to hear, but I knew at the time that I had to have trust in the doctor's that they knew best.  So we proceeded and began the journey of IVF.  After our first appointment it felt as if I would finally get pregnant and all my dreams would come true.  I had NO doubt at all that it won't work I just knew that once the doctor's put the egg and sperm together that it would create a embryo and it would implant in me and all would be great.  That is what I thought, but boy was I wrong.  I began fertility shots in April and we had our Egg Retrieval on April 16th 2009 and my Embryo Transfer on April 19th 2009.  During the month of April and a few weeks in May I ended up taking around 60 shots...YIKES!  On May 1st 2009 we did our first Beta test and we received news that it was a low positive and so for the next several days I did two more Beta tests and it was determined on May 11th, 2009 that I was not pregnant.  It was a very SAD day!  I just did not understand why this was happening to me.  During the peak of our fertility treatments I was surrounded by some many people that I love that were having babies or pregnant.  My twin sister Amie welcomed Drew in May 2009, my friend Ashley welcomed her little girl in June 2009, my friend Kendall welcomed her little girl in June 2009, and my sister Jessyca welcomed her little girl in July 2009.  I was around so many blessings, but I was dying inside.  I wanted what they had and I just didn't understand why it was so hard for us.  I don't want my friends or family reading this to think I was hurt or upset about their pregnancies I was more jealous than anything.  Only a few people know this, but since I am telling you our story I am going to be real with you, when Chad and I went to our failed cycle consult in Tulsa in May 2009 we were told that our best option to conceive was donor sperm.  Hearing those words and the lost hope our doctor had in us was heartbreaking.  I felt completely lost!  It was also hard because I felt as if I couldn't talk to anyone about what was going on because I thought that they would not understand and just tell me to be patient and I would get pregnant.  And that was the last thing I wanted to hear!  After the failed IVF I couldn't do it again as my heart was not 100% into trying again.  In June 2009 Kelly and I were walking in the neighborhood and we were discussing the options that we were given and based on our discussion and her faith I just felt a strong feeling that I needed to SIT and BE PATIENT!  Thanks Kelly! 
So from June 2009-August 2009 Chad and I decided that we would give our worries to GOD and let him lead us.  I am not saying that we didn't stop counting days and determining peak ovaluation days because we did do this each month, but we did focus more on our relationship with GOD than on getting pregnant.  It was difficult for me to give it all to GOD as I have the personality that wants to control all details and make it happen.  But as I continued to grow my faith in GOD I changed.  I felt called to the Alter one Sunday in early September 2009 and I talked to GOD and told him that I could not feel this way anymore, I could not continue feeling sad each month that I did't get pregnant and on that day I laid it all down to him so now it was his turn to take care of it.  About a week later I was walking with Bella and I just spoke to GOD and asked him to give me some sign that he was with me and taking care of me and I looked up and the sun rays were shining down on me.  I felt comfort and strength after that walk that GOD was with me.  On September 22nd 2009 I woke up and had a strong feeling that I needed to take a pregnancy test, I was 10 days late.  I already knew what it would say NOT PREGNANT!  HOWEVER TO MY SURPRISE IT CLEARLY SHOWED PREGNANT.  I was completely amazed I didn't know what to do.   I have never received a positive test since we started our journey.  I didn't want to tell Chad over the phone so I went to his office and he met me outside and I said, "Look at the photo I took this morning." 

He looked at my iPhone and there was a picture of the test.  He was completely in shock and he told me that I made his entire year!  I was still in shock and couldn't believe that this was happening that I went to Walmart and bought three more tests and over the course of the next three days I took five tests to confirm I was in fact pregnant.  On September 25th, 2009 I went to my OBGYN's office to confirm I was in fact pregnant and on that day all our dreams came true.  It was the best third year anniversary present we could give each other as the next day was our anniversary and WE WERE PREGNANT!  It is surreal to think that on our 1st anniversary we began the journey to become parents and on our third anniversary we were blessed with the miracle that is growing inside of me. Dreams do come true and I know this because of the miracle that God has given me.
I hope that our story gives each infertility couple faith and hope that you can get pregnant on your own.  We bet the odds and with MANY prayers from MANY people around the world we are expecting our MIRACLE in May 2010.  If anyone has any further questions or comments that they would like to share with me personally you can email me 
at mlstafford26@yahoo.com  
Sorry for the LONG post!  I hope you enjoyed!  Tomorrow I will share our story of us telling our family and friends!  Each day sharing the news with our family and friends will be a memory I won't forget and I can't wait to share it with all of you.  
God is Good! 

With Faith, Hope, and a Miracle I feel Blessed!

49 comments:

His Doorkeeper said...

Melissa, I'm sitting here with big tears in my eyes as I read your story. I was at Kelly's house when she received your card in the mail and I thought it was the sweetest thing I ever saw!

You know God has blessed you and wants the best for you and your hubby and new baby! I am so glad you listened for Him and waited for Him to work in your life. That, in itself, is such a blessing!

Congratulations and we will be looking forward to some "preggie" pictures of you!!

Many Blessings!
Judy (Kelly's Mom)

Jess :) said...

Sweet Melissa! Again, I'm just overJOYed for you and Chad! That is such a neat story. I know how difficult it was for you, but I'm so thankful that you gave it ALL over to God! :) That's the best thing to do! I also know you had some amazing family and friends supporting you through this journey. Another BLESSING!

I just wanted to say "CONGRATULATIONS" once again and let you know how thankful I am that you are willing to share your struggles and JOYS with us!

Love, Hugs, and continued PRAYERS always being sent your way! :)

Karen At Home Blog said...

Hi Melissa, words can not express how thrilled I am for you. I have been there and infertility is a sad and lonely journey. I am so glad that you kept up your faith and strength in God, he does perform so many miracles!!! One thing I learned is that it really is in his hands. I also having a planner/controlling type personality and infertility just does not mesh well with personalities like ours!!
I can't wait to follow your pregnancy journey. I hope you are feeling well and any morning sickness you may have had is on it's way out. I started to feel amazing after 13 weeks, all of your energy really does return as they say. I am so happy for you and your husband.

Karen

Life Happens said...

Congrats! What a great example of faith.

We have been married for 9 years, trying to start a family for 7 years, 4 IUIs, 1 IVF (so far), and 3 miscarriages later, we're still on this journey. But we have faith that the Lord knows us and our desire to start a family. He will bless us in due time.

Hearing stories like yours gives me hope. Congrats, again!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your miracle!
Your story was sweet and brought tears to my eyes!
My husband and I have been trying to start our family since December 2007. Reading your story really puts hope in my dreams. It's been a rough almost 2 years and every day has been a struggle. We've since relaxed with TTC. Not 100% because I am still disappointed when I pet my monthly visit from AF each cycle but I'm doing a lot better knowing our miracle will come but not until the time is right.
This is our 2nd cycle that we haven't been counting days, using my CBEFM or just tracking my cycle at all.
I'm so happy for you guys! Enjoy every minute of it!
Looking forward to following your journey!

Candace said...

I've totally been a lurker for the past few months (shame on me, I should have commented!). I've been praying for your miracle, and I am so thrilled for you!!!

The Guerra's said...

Yay! I am soo excited for yall! When I opened your last post, my jaw dropped to the floor and I just screamed! My hubby looked at me like I was crazy! I can not wait to watch your miracle grow! I have been truly praying for this miracle as so many people have! Congrats Chad and Melissa, yall are going to be the most amazing parents! God does answer prayers! God is good,all the time!!

Anonymous said...

Melissa,

Your story is similar to ours. We didn't not go as far as IVF, but stopped with IUI's. It was during a study of Job that I was able to let go of a little of my controlling/planning/needing all the answers personality. Believe me...it's still there but so much improved. We are happily expecting our third "miracle". We find out next Tuesday. Such a fun story!!

Sarah

Kaylan said...

I am reading this with tears in my eyes!! This is SO PRECIOUS!! It is amazing what God will do when you give something completely over to Him and stop relying on man. You are about to embark on the most amazing journey!! Congratulations again!!! I'll be praying for you and your baby until May (afterwards too, but for growth and development and protection until then :) )

Amber said...

Hi Melissa,

I'm stopping by from Ashley's blog. I'm so happy for you, even though I do not know you. Congrats to you and your husband and I can't wait to see how your journey unfolds. Glory be to God!

Love my 2 BoYs! said...

What an AWESOME story of FAITH! God is just AMAZING!! I am so happy for ya'll and looking forward to following your blog and your pregnancy. May God continue to Bless you. Im gonna send you an email about my story and a question I have.

~jennifer

Ashley said...

Melissa.... I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! Baby Stafford is going to be spoiled by Ashley! =)

Kelly’s Korner said...

I love your story Melissa because God gets ALL the glory! And now I know you will be an encouragment to so many still struggling!!!

tara said...

What a beautiful story you have to share Melissa! Yes, you have traveled through the valley yet your faith and strength in our Lord has shown through the whole time. May God continue to bless your family and your miracle baby!! I promise to keep all three of you in our prayers everyday!! XOXOX

Rachel H. said...

Congrats!! Your story makes me cry just thinking about it...our story wasn't as tough, but we were also told that we wouldn't conceive on our own, and we conceived when we weren't charting, counting peak days or even ready for a baby. It's amazing what God will do for us when we give it all to him and let go of everything else! Thinking of you, and I'll share your story with others! It's SO great!

Lindsay said...

what an incredible testimony! Praise God!

Summer Athena said...

I am crying. I just saw this and I am so happy for you. So happy. AND NATURALLY AFTER EVERYTHING!

Veronica said...

I'm still in awe over how the Lord worked everything out! I am SO happy for you guys and look forward to hearing about your pregnany journey!

Kelly said...

what a beautiful story
and congrats again

cannot wait to read your pregnany stories =)

Emily V. said...

I am so happy for you and Chad. I have been a blog STALKER for about 2 months now and I have prayed for your dream to come true. I have a little boy that is 14 months old and it truly is the best blessing in life. I pray your pregnancy continues to go well and healthy. Still in our prayers.

Love from KY-
Emily
http://emilybryanbrooks.blogspot.com

Summer said...

Melissa,
I am sitting here with tears of joy in my eyes for you!! I know exactly how you feel now with your miracle growing inside you! My hubby and I tried for over 2 years and after many specialists and low odds we left it all in gods hands and ta da three years ago we had our beautiful miracle girl! We never take any moment with her for granted and I know ya'll won't either!! You will be a wonderful mommy! Thanks for sharing your story!! It so gave me chill bumps!!
I can't wait to hear how you told fam and friends!!
Good Luck my new blogger friend :0)
Summer

Kelly Taylor said...

Hi Melissa! I found your blog through Kelly's Korner. I just wanted to say congratulations!

I too know what it's like to struggle with infertility. Like you, I'm another testimony to God's faithfulness. My husband and I struggled for quite a while and had almost given up before I turned it over to God COMPLETELY. He promised me that he would bless us and He did! I'm expecting our little miracle baby in April 2010 and we find out next week whether it's a boy or girl.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and for allowing those who are still struggling to see that God does see the tears we shed and He hears the prayers we pray.

Kelly Taylor

Bethany said...

I just had the best cry I've had in a long time...and it was all tears of joy! Your story is absolutely incredible and very inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing so candidly. I look forward to not only hearing more about how you told everyone, but also to following you on this journey of pregnancy and mommyhood!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!

Katie said...

SO thrilled for y'all. Been reading your blog for a bit now, and had continued checking on the left hand side where you have your "journey to become parents"... wondering if you would update soon... and here is the most AWESOME update of all!! Praise be to God & what an awesome story of how He showed up right before you found out this fantastic news.

I am due in May also, so I will remember to keep your pregnancy in my prayers! Hope you are feeling well.

Natalie "The Pampered Mom" said...

I just got chills ... congrats!

Alphabet Soup Momma said...

My eyes are filled with tears! God is sooo good. Congrats to you and Chad!!

The Elletts said...

Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! I do not even know you but I sit here crying at my desk with such joy for you! I found your blog through Kelly and have been praying for you. I have my own son (2 and 1/2) and love it so much. I pray for those that want children so much because it is such a blessing.

I will continue to pray for the pregnancy and the baby growing inside of you. Such a miracle! Cannot wait to hear about the pregnancy thus far and hope it is going GREAT!

God Bless!

Kim at Scarlett Boutique said...

Oh Melissa, I heard the news and have been dying to let you know how ELATED with joy I am for you and your husband!!! GOD IS AMAZING...no matter how many times I see His loving hand in my life or the lives of others, it never ceases to astound and humble me! I know you will bring up that precious baby to love Jesus and what a beautiful testimony of faith and courage you will have to share with he/she when you tell them about how God breathed life into to them. Congratulations!!!

Amy said...

What an amazing testimony! God is in all the details!! I am crying! Thank you for sharing this...beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!

Girl with the Curlz said...

Oh I am so happy for you both!! We too went through every possible fertility treatment plus the donor egg and not even one positive pregnancy test. It wasn't until I gave up all my worries to God that we are now pregnant as well. I am due April 27th, 2010. Yeah for both of us!! Congratulations.

Hillary said...

Congratulations! Your happy story gives me so much hope! My husband and I did IVF with ICSI (our only option after 3 failed IUI's) in May and it didn't work. We have been heartbroken ever since, not knowing when we will ever be able to get the money to do IVF again. I have spent countless hours on my knees begging God to make me a mother and wondering why I am still waiting. Your story is proof that God hears us and answers our prayers.

Kim said...

Melissa, this is the sweetest blog post ever! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us. Such an amazing amazing story!
Take care of yourself!

beckylbranch said...

Yeah! So happy for you and pray for a safe and wonderful pregnancy!!!

Karen At Home Blog said...

Hi Melissa, I hope you don't mind, but I shared your story on my blog. It just warms my heart when good things happen to good people, especially for someone who has been praying for a baby for so long. Take care.

Karen

Liza said...

I am so happy for you!!!! I started reading your blog through kelly and when I read your post today I was sooo happy! I would literally think of you often and wish that you would get pregnant. Looking forward to watching you grow:)

Crystal said...

I have just read the WONDERFUL AMAZING news!!! Congratulations to you and your husband. I look forward to following your pregnancy journey. God is so good!!!

Dawn Brown said...

Congratulations on your precious miracle. Praise the Lord for His provision!!!

Diamonds & Dumptrucks Boutique said...

I am so happy for you! I have been reading your blog for awhile and it's my first time commenting. As you me and my husband have been struggling with infertility and its been almost two years. I am also surrounded with babies everywhere but I know my day will come and i'm soaking up my other blessing all day I can! :) Congratulations!

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

Praise God!!! What a beautiful story...I am so happy for you! Our stories are somewhat similar...we just got our miracle and are due May 16, 2010! His timing is perfect. :) Congrats again!! :)

Jennifer said...

I came over to your blog from Kelly's blog. My husband and I have been trying for almost a year. All of our friends in our church group got pregnant so quickly (some weren't even trying) and some of them are now on their 2nd or 3rd children. It has been so difficult. I have my annual appointment next month, at which point I want to discuss what to do next. It is heartbreaking and has me questioning God sometimes. Thanks for the encouraging post!

Erika said...

Hi Melissa, I found you through Kelly's blog and your story has really touched me. Thank you so much for sharing it. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for about 10 1/2 months and I really cling to stories like yours whenever I start feeling down...so thanks. And CONGRATS!!! :)

tootie said...

What an amazing story! I found your blog through Kelly.

Congratulations!!!!!

Lori said...

Congratulations on your miracle!! God is good.

Stephanie said...

Melissa, I can so relate! I just found your blog, through the web of bloggers and am going through a very similar story. We've been through the testing, tracking, Clomid, timing, temping, etc. for the last 2 years. I have been hesitant to move to IVF and IUI because I feel that God will provide in HIS time. However, it is so hard for me not to try and completely control the sitaution.

I know that God is teaching me something; and for the first time in my life I am spending time daily in his word and am more devoted to Him than ever.

I can totally relate as we have had 6 friends and a sister get pregnant while we have been TTC... and I just can't stand to hear anymore of the "just give it time, it will happen" and "you guys are still young". I just want to scream and cry with every negative test that I see.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, it is truly inspirational to those of us still trying. I am definitely going to blogstalk a little and follow you on this amazing journey. Congratulations!! Good Luck!

Stephanie
www.thegimlinfamily.blogspot.com

Bri said...

Congratulations to you and your hubby! I found your blog a few months ago through Kelly's blog and have been following ever since. My husband and I are on a TTC Journey right now, and it has been so discouraging. Your story gives me hope. I'm so happy for you and wish you all the best! God Bless You!
~Brianna

http://whensomedayisnow.blogspot.com/

In With the Light said...

I am so happy for you! I just came upon your blog and I wanted to share your joy. I will pray that things continue to go smoothly for you. AMEN!

Indy said...

Thanks for the encouragement...this is amazing! I am so glad that you listened and trusted in God and he granted the desires of your heart.

My husband and I have been trying for almost two years (in March it will make two). We are trusting His plans for us are perfect although I admit that it is extremely draining at times.

Nice to meet you on here...I'm going to be following your blog and look forward to getting to know you better. =)

joeybelle said...

Hi! I just popped over from my blog (joeybelle.blogspot.com) - You left me a comment, but I think it may have been spam. :) Regardless, I started reading your story and what an amazing, inspiring story it is!! I know this particular post is a few months old, but I just wanted to say congratulations! (and LOVE the pics of the nursery - what a fun/unique theme!). Praying God's best as you near your due date.
Take Care! And wonderful blog. =)

Lori said...

A mutual friend, Cindy Upton, sent me to your blog today to read this. Thank you for sharing!! I needed a success story. We are having our own infertility struggles and yesterday was a SAD day for us. I am day 41 but the blood test showed up not pregnant. I am started to feel like I'll never see "pregnant" on a test. Thank you again for sharing your story to help others!

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