Thus far . . .

In addition to our prayers and fasting, our process through this has consisted of . . . (& what we have to look forward to). . .

2010.09.05 - Met with our Bishop who reviewed our eligibility to utilize LDS Family Services

• Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, sealed to each other in the temple, and have current temple recommends.
• Married at least two years and have a stable marital relationship. If either partner has been involved in a divorce, manager approval is needed.
• In good physical and mental health with a reasonable life expectancy. If either partner has a history of voluntary sterilization, manager approval is needed.
• Documented infertility assessment
• Financially able to care for the needs of current family members as well as the child(ren) to be adopted.
• Able to clear criminal background and child abuse registry checks as required by government regulations.
• Able to provide health insurance coverage for adopted children placed with them.

2010.10.08-09: We're registered to attend the Families Supporting Adoption; Southwest Regional Conference

2010.10.14: Adoption Orientation at the LDS Family Services in Mesa, AZ

"You will teach the children that come to you. . ."

I have never been an intuitive person, but ever since I was little, I always had a feeling that I would never have children. I remember eagerly awaiting my Patriarchal Blessing in hopes that it would dispel my concern, but the gentle verbiage that was spoken did not settle my mind.

"You will teach the children that come to you. . ."

I always chalked this up to my belief that I would never get married. I didn't think I was attractive, and I didn't date much. However, even in my youth, I decided that if I ever got serious with a boy, I must tell him about my concerns about not being able to be a mother.

I met Brandon in November of 2003. We started a beautiful friendship, and knowing that he was adopted helped put my mind at rest concerning the matter, because I knew he wouldn't be opposed to adoption. I followed through on my personal promise and while we were still dating, I shared my concern about my possible inability to bear children. This, of course, never caused any issues in our relationship. Brandon and I were married on October 19, 2004. We decided that we did not want to have children right away because we wanted to enjoy getting to know one another as husband and wife first. Two years into our marriage I was on a medication that would have been extremely dangerous to become pregnant on (Accutane), but we decided after that regiment was over we would start working on adding to our family. On September 15, 2007 we were cleared to become pregnant.

September 15, 2010 marked the 3rd year of our infertility. We've both been tested, and there is nothing hindering either of our bodies from procreating, but each month comes and goes with growing anticipation and then, ultimately, disappointment.