Trying to get pregnant took longer than we expected—and longer than my OB/GYN was comfortable with. After some time and concern, we were referred to a fertility specialist. I was nervous—terrified, really. There were so many tests, appointments, and what felt like gallons of blood drawn. Each month, another negative test. Another heartbreak. Some months, we’d cry together. The grief was heavy.

And then came the strange emotional dance of being happy and heartbroken at the same time—celebrating others’ pregnancy announcements while quietly grieving our own struggle. I know our story is mild compared to what so many endure, and I hold that perspective close. Still, it was one of the hardest seasons we’ve faced.

When our test results came back, mine were thankfully normal. But it turned out the issue was on my husband’s side—a twist we weren’t prepared for. Most fertility stories center on the women, the warriors. But in our case, he was the one devastated, feeling helpless. And I had to be strong for him, even while I was hurting too.

We were told we had less than a 10% chance of conceiving naturally and that IUI would be our first step. We had our appointment scheduled. But then, just a week before that first treatment, we got the shock of our lives—we were pregnant. Naturally. Unexpectedly. Miraculously.

We still can't believe it. We feel deeply, deeply blessed.

Have you ever gone through something similar? I feel like men do not speak outwardly of their fertility struggles and I saw first hand how isolating it can be for them. 

Without getting into too much detail, there was trouble with the sperm cells. As I was relieved for myself, I saw the sadness in my husbands eyes. I remember him desperately asking the specialist what he can do, and he was told there isn't much of anything and fertility treatment would be our only shot.

I remember waking up one more to a slew of packages on our front porch, every supplement under the sun was ordered and researched by my husband. He was taking anything imaginable to get our chances up even 1%.

Like I said, a miracle happened and we were blessed with a beautiful daughter. I really, truly believe our children come to us exactly when theyre supposed to. Especially because if it happened anytime sooner, it wouldn't be the same sweet girl we have today.

Solidarity to all the couples struggling to get pregnant, and solidarity to all the men who are on a silent journey through this.