Hi Friends-
Exactly one year ago today, I published this post:
It was an honest, candid post about our struggle with infertility, with thoughts from both me and hubby. If you didn’t read it last time and you’re struggling with infertility yourself, I encourage you to go read it. No matter how much it may feel like it at times, you are not alone.
I was, quite honestly, terrified about sharing our struggles with the world but the outpouring of love and support we received from family, friends, readers and complete strangers was overwhelming.
26 days after publishing that post,
I found out I was pregnant with Squish.
There is not a doubt in my mind that all of the positive thoughts, prayers and well wishes we received after sharing our story helped things work out for us and for that I’m eternally grateful.
If you want to read the details of our journey to getting pregnant, I shared it here:
As I reflect back on the past year, I find it pretty incredible that I’m sitting here today holding my 12 week old baby boy. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t appreciate how lucky I am to have him and being a mom is something I will NEVER take for granted.
If you’re struggling with infertility, my message to you is this:
- It’s ok to be sad, heartbroken or angry, but never give up hope.
- Talk about it. I bet you’d be surprised how many of your friends, family members and other people in your life have gone through similar struggles and can relate to what you’re going through.
- Don’t play the blame game. There are a million reasons why people struggle and blaming yourself or others rarely helps.
- Surround yourself with people who love you and can offer support when you need it most.
- Remember that you’re not alone! Feel free to email me if you need someone to talk/vent/rage/cry to!
–Lindsay–
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Linz @ Itz Linz says
xoxoxo!! great post!! so many can relate to this – me included!! i definitely never take my baby william for granted and am so happy for him every single day!! 🙂 🙂
CARLA says
So so so beautiful.
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
Isn’t it amazing the difference even just a few months can make ? I am so happy for you and so happy that many ofus bloggers stepped out there and put our stories out there for others…there are so many that need to know they aren’t alone!
Hollie says
It’s truly incredible to look back on a year and realize how far you have come. Congrats on everything.
Jess says
It is amazing! What a wonderful story!
Joanna @Makingmine says
Awesome post Lindsay. I often don’t know what to say on the topic of infertility because I have no experience. I do however, count my blessings every day just like you do. Squish is such a beautiful testament to your faith and perseverance.
Lindsay says
thanks friend!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Your story has such a sweet ending and is encouraging! I’m glad that you chose to talk about it honestly. And so glad you have baby squish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So happy for you Lindsey XOXO
Katie @ Fit Life by Katie says
amazing isn’t it! so happy for you! 🙂
Stephanie @ My Freckled Life says
Love this!! I was so appreciative of your honesty about your struggles when I was going through my own (long) journey to get pregnant. For whatever reason so many people feel like they can’t talk about their infertility struggles, so I truly felt alone until I saw your post and all the comments from people who were going through the same thing! Thank you again for that post, and for this reminder that we are not alone!
Lindsay says
You’re so welcome, friend! congrats!
Amanda @ Slimplify Life says
You sharing your struggle with all your readers will surely help someone else out, thank you for being so open and honest, you’re the best!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
Love this!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
love you girl!!
Bre says
This is a wonderful post and you’re so right, a year can make such a difference. Even one day can change everything. So happy for you and your family!!!
Sandra Laflamme says
Your openness will help so many people. Thank you for sharing your story.
Betsy says
Awww I am so happy for you! I understand the struggle as I ended up having my son through in vitro….and he turned 7 today!
Lindsay says
awww yay! congrats!
Danica @ It's Progression says
ah, “don’t play the blame game” – I think that’s one of the most valuable pieces of advice for someone who is dealing with infertility. It’s so incredibly easy to feel like it’s all your fault or that you don’t deserve it or something else awful like that.
I’m so glad you have that adorable little baby, and I’m certain that you’ll appreciate him a million times more even because, in the process of getting pregnant, you learned just how much you wanted to be a mom…that’s how I feel at least!
Lindsay says
definitiely! so true!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
Yay! I remember your struggle to get pregnant post was the first one I commented on on your blog. I can’t believe it’s been a year! Time sure does fly. Thanks for being so candid in your journey; I think it’s important to show others that there are hard times too.
Lindsay says
Thanks Erin!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
I had no idea you had such a hard time, and I’m so sorry you had to go through all that. But hooray for a happy ending! Your son is adorable and I’m thrilled for your family 🙂
Lindsay says
Thank you!!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
The struggles that so many go through to have children make you realize just how much of a blessing they really are 🙂
Lindsay says
so so true!
jobo says
aww LOVE this! what a huge difference a year makes <3
Kristin B. says
Words can’t express how thankful I am that I came across this post! My husband and I have been trying for over a year and a half and just went into a fertility doctor to get the process rolling. It is refreshing to hear that there are others who feel like I do every single time I hear/see another person get pregnant. Both my sister-in-law and best friend delivered their second babies this week (cue knife through heart). I am elated for them, but still break down privately. Thank you for having the courage to share your story so people like me can reaffirm they are not crazy and/or alone for feeling the way they do!
Lindsay says
oh girl, so sorry! glad the post brought you some comfort! thinking positive thoughts for you!
Katrina says
A year can fly by but have SO MUCH CHANGE and evolution involved!
Mattie @ Comfy & Confident says
This is so nice and honest. Thank you for being so open.
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
I’m so happy for you and your family! Thank you for sharing stories like this. I’m sure you’ve helped many women who share the same feelings.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Love this so much and absolutely beautiful.
Miss Polkadot says
While I remember reading your post back then but [think I] didn’t comment I admired your openness. And I’m sure you helped countless others struggling out there. It takes one person to start the conversation and others will relate, feel relieved to know they’re not alone and follow.
I’m so happy your story had a wonderful ending!
lindsay Cotter says
just saying I LOVE YOU. Thanks for being real linz. <3
Lindsay says
xo love you friend!
Dietitian Jess says
Definitely an amazing and personal story to share with so many people- although I haven’t personally struggled with this issue yet, I know that many friends do and it is very hard to talk about. So happy you and your husband were blessed with a beautiful baby boy 🙂
Lindsay says
Thanks Jess!
francesca says
You’re amazing!
katelin says
Could not agree more with everything you said. Love this. xo
francine says
i love your willingness to put yourself out there with something so personal! i am sure that your post helped many readers struggling with infertility. i am so happy for all the joy this past year has brought y’all!!
Lindsay says
thanks!!
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise says
Thanks for resharing the post–I missed the original and I really needed to read that. It’s so hard as a woman not to blame yourself when your body doesn’t seem to be working the way that it should. So glad you two have your sweet Squish now! Thanks for sharing your journey and your thoughts about a really difficult subject!
Lindsay says
you’re welcome! i def know what you mean! hang in there and feel free to email me if you need to.
Meghan @ Freezer Friendly Moms says
Thanks for sharing. Once you start to open up about infertility and/or baby loss, it’s amazing how many women have experienced it to some degree. It’s a subject that is near and dear to all of the FFM’s hearts. What a great way to spread love and support!!
Lindsay says
Thanks so much Meghan!