Beginning Struggles On The Journey

Before my husband and I were married, we discussed when would be the best time to start our family.  Of course we were open to any children God may provide us as a loving married couple, but we were not going to actively try for a baby for a couple of years.  That would give us a few years to adjust to the new roles of husband and wife and to be better prepared to take on the responsibility of being a parent.

Well last summer we celebrated our second wedding anniversary and took an exciting trip around the world! When we returned from the trip, we were ready to settle down and start our family.  Sadly, it has been about eighth months since then and we still are not pregnant.

We bought a monthly ovulation kit, after hearing positive results that one of my cousins had from using a kit. But the couple of months that I used it were discouraging as the strip never darkened enough to show that I am ovulating.  I felt stressed out and worried that something could be wrong with me, so I stopped using the kit and went back to trying to relax more about making a baby.

One of my friends is also struggling to get pregnant.  She has seen a doctor and now takes hormones to try to help her conceive.  The books that I have read said to see a doctor after a year of trying, so I guess I have a few more months before I should make an appointment.

One of my friends sent a prayer card of St. Gerard since he is the patron saint of childbirth and conception. We are Catholic, so we appreciated the gesture.  She said it took her parents five years to conceive and then they were able to have six children.  Now we pray to St. Gerard to help intercede to God to ask for a baby on our behalf.

Another person told me it took her and her husband seven years before they were able to conceive. It gave me both hope and despair, hope that it would happen for us one day and despair that I may have to wait so many more years before I am able to hold a little baby of my own.

Then before Christmas, my mom informed me that my sister is pregnant.  My sister is two years younger than me and has been married for a year and a half, so I was happy for her.  My mom used a tone when she said that she “finally gets to be a grandma” which really hurt my feelings.  It isn't that I am trying to not give her any grandchildren.  I am just struggling to conceive.

Please pray for us and send us warm thoughts!

The Journey Begins!

My husband and I are on a journey to start a family! We love children so much.  I grew up as the oldest of six children and became an elementary school teacher so that I could continue being around children during my adult life.  I feel a huge calling to become a mother and help raise the next generation.

My husband grew up as an only child so he has mixed feelings about becoming a father.  While there are many benefits to being an only child, he did miss out on the joys of having siblings.  With viewing how much love there is between his cousins and their children, he has finally felt the father urges to start his own family.

Children are a blessing and make a family feel bonded together. They are entertaining as they learn and try new experiences.  Watching children embrace life makes adults remember their own childhoods and helps adults to have a simpler concept of life.

Not everyone has a calling to become a parent.  Some people prefer the single life and others cannot afford children and are wise to not bring any into the world.  Yet others, when they feel that they are financially and emotionally ready, open their arms up to God and pray for that special little person to bless their home.

God, please help us on this journey that my husband and I want to embark on.  Please be with us and bless us with a child of our own to nurture, love, and raise in your image.  We promise to teach our child about you God and to teach our child to have respect for all life. We trust you God.  Please bless our family! Amen!