Somedays I think that this might be it, I might be a Frenchie Mom forever! I can sit around and think about what I don’t have, or I can sit around and show gratitude for everything I do have. This thought process becomes a critical aspect of your infertility journey. The issue is when you enter the fertility game it becomes your whole world. You become this nutty hormone crazed maniac, baby on the brain 24-7, you eat, sleep and dream of your LH surge, OPK test strips, pregnancy tests, ask yourself constant questions like “Is the waitlist two years for the best pre-K or was it five years?” Life, fortunately, is not a success only if you can conceive.
I bought this little buggy for Frenchie last year when I took her to Colorado for IVF #5. I became THAT person that had a stroller for their dog. It took me about five minutes to get over it. I thought it’s time to stop caring about what people think. I felt so ashamed being diagnosed with unexplained infertility, feeling like I was the only one on the planet that couldn’t get pregnant. Ashamed that I had to go through fertility treatments, failure after failure the list goes on. When it came to Frenchie, I was ready just to DO ME. I proudly take her out and run errands with her in her buggy or her pet sling. She is my little emotional supporter, and I am proud to be the crazy hormone fur Mama.
My husband and I treat Frenchie like she is our baby. You can see by the picture above she knows the word “selfie.” I read somewhere that there was a genius Frenchie that could recognize thirty-two words. I shared this story with our little Frenchie, and we are working on breaking the record (I told you the hormones would make you crazy!).
We have met tons of other couples going through infertility that treat their dog(s) the same way we do so if you thought you were the only crazy one don’t worry we all have you covered.
I am so grateful that I have Frenchie to buffer our infertility blows. She brings us so much joy and love.
You girls know that my Bible studies are my saving grace through this infertility journey. I am enjoying each week of “In The Wait” a six-week study (don’t miss out on my Giveaway I am giving one away to a lucky reader) last week was about contentment. I sometimes look all around and forget to look up; I remember that God is the way, not all the worldly things around me that I give so much importance. I need to focus on what I do have and not what I don’t have. I have found once you get into the negative thoughts of what you don’t have they quickly multiply and before you know it you have entered the rabbit hole.
Gratitude is such a wonderful state to practice. It allows you to see all of your blessings from the little things to the big things in your life. I would challenge you to start a gratitude journal today. Write down all the things that God has put in your life. Meditate on them and praise Him. It’s a choice to have a grateful heart. Make today the day you see everything around you in a new appreciative perspective.
Keep Your Feet Grounded In The Truth and Your Head Looking Up To The Lord.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18
If you are comparing yourself to other women that have had the good fortune not to have to experience infertility STOP. Comparison is no way to proceed with YOUR journey. I tortured myself comparing my journey to everyone that could get pregnant naturally or only had to go through one IVF cycle and was successful. I can tell you from personal experience it’s highly detrimental to your mindset. Keep yourself grounded in your story, your journey and keep looking up not around. Get out walk your dog, praise God for where you are today, kiss your husband and tell him you love him, book a little self-care with a manicure and pedicure make sure you order yourself a glass of champagne, a little bubbly always makes your day better.
What are you thankful for today?
Keep Your Eyes Looking Up And Everything Else Will Fall Into Place.
Photographer: RayRay
Skirt: Eliza J Pleated Faille Midi Skirt Top: Alice & Olivia Shoes; BCBGeneration “Treasure” Pointy Toe Pump (Sold Out) Similiar here
Watch: Michele Watch Watch Band: Michele Patent Pink Earrings: Banana Republic Bracelet: Keep Collective Lipstick: Butter London