A bit about me and how I ended up here.....For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mom. When I was a senior in high school, all of my friends were so excited to leave home and have freedom to do what they wanted. I just couldn't wait to get past the college part, find a husband and have babies. I was planning to start my family at 23. In hindsight, I was definitely not ready for any of those things at 23! In my late 20's, I reconnected with a friend from high school and we ended up in a 9 year relationship. During that time, we tried to have a baby. We never did any testing but my doctor said I was very healthy and I shouldn't have trouble but it just never happened. That relationship ended and I found myself single later in life than I expected. What I grieved most about the ending of that relationship was that I wasn't sure how I would ever start that family that I'd always wanted. For the next few years I worked towards building the life that I wanted and becoming stronger in myself. I was privileged to have time in my 20's to gain confidence in doing life on my own and getting to know myself so this time was just a time to gain strength in those things. I felt the time slipping away and I just didn't know how I was going to build a family. I always knew that adoption would be a part of my journey at some point but I really wanted to have a baby as well. I started looking into having a baby on my own. I found a fertility clinic, did all of the testing, picked a donor and had my first IUI. It was unsuccessful, as were the next 2 rounds. I decided to change clinics, which involved a zoom meeting with the new doctor. This doctor was so amazing and spent a lot of time explaining the science and the literal miracle that is pregnancy & birth. I am very healthy, I'm just at an advanced fertility age so my egg quality is diminished. I decided to move on from that and told myself I would just work towards adoption. Over the last few years I have tried to convince myself that I'm ok with not growing a baby inside of me, giving birth and going through all of the things that natural moms go through, but I'm just not. In looking into Embryo Adoption, I have hope again. This is a way to adopt and do all of those things I just stated. This is also my last shot and I need to try it.

 

Now that you know my journey, this is who I am. I am a daughter, a friend, a sister, an aunt (by blood and by choice), a niece. I am a hard worker, loyal, reliable, patient, funny, creative, curious and empathetic. My family and friends come before everything. I take my health seriously....I lift weights several times a week, hike when I can, eat a mostly plant based diet and see a therapist regularly. I am very independent but lucky to have people in my life that know when I need them, even though I won't always ask.

 

I currently live in a 2 bedroom apartment in the lower level of my parent's house. My parents and I are very close, my mom and I even work together. They were very young when I was born so we kind of grew up together. We live in a lake community. As a family, we love to take the boat out, kayak, paddle board or float. They have 2 sweet rescue dogs who run the household and we really love each other! My space was a labor of love that the 3 of us worked together on over the last 3 years (mostly my dad but I helped when he would let me) and it is the coziest space with an amazing view and a big fenced in yard with a swing.

 

I have one brother who lives in a different state with his family. He gave me my 2 very favorite people, my nephews. They are just the coolest little guys. Constantly talking, constantly amazing me with their little brains. The bigger one wants a cousin so bad so I told him I would do my best. We all spend as much time as we can together. I go there about 4 times a year and they come to us for about 3 weeks in the summer. As a family, we try to take a trip every couple of years. My nephews are great little travelers and definitely love to see new places.

 

I love to travel and try to take a solo road trip every year. I find myself chasing waterfall and the best views. These trips have been one of the best things I've done for myself.

 

I grew up with a southern Grandma that always made us quilts. My whole childhood, I never had a store bought blanket. Her quilts were the best Christmas gifts when we got them. I am the only one that inherited the love of creating like her. I have made a few quilts and intend to continue to make them. I also dabble in watercolor and drawing.

 

I love animals. I volunteer at a farm sanctuary a few times a month, the goats are my favorite! I have also spent lots of time volunteering at dog rescues. My family and I have adopted several of them over the years

 

I work for a lovely family owned business that truly is a family. Several babies have been born into our work family over the years, including our owner's who have a 5 and 7 year old. We are super kid friendly and can bring our kids in if we need too. I am also in a very flexible job and I know that will come in handy with a baby.

 

I am not religious but I do believe there is something bigger than me and that there is a plan for me. I have no doubt that being a mom is part of that plan. I do my best to simply be a kind human. I respect everyone's right to tell me who they are and I believe everyone should be able to be themselves safely and with support.

 

I have cultivated the best little village of people surrounding me and they are all so excited to be on this journey with me. I have the best mamas in my life and I've definitely been paying attention.

 

I hope to have 2 children in total. I have no doubt I have the capacity and capability to create a beautiful life for any children I'm lucky enough to have.

 

Thanks so much for reading all of this!!