Last January I vowed to you all that I was going to write more...well look what happen...life! I seemed to be so absorbed with school, doctor appointments and then summer vacation that I left you all hanging!
Sooo what has the Bradley household been up to the last few months!?!? Two words...Doctor Appointments! UHG! Since February of this year I have had at least two appointments a month :/
We are approaching two years since I had my miscarriage and not a day has gone by that we don't think about, hope/pray or even dream about our future family. This has not come easy for us...actually has been extremely difficult and heartbreaking at times for us!
October 18 2012- Miscarriage
November 2012- A large dermoid cyst was discovered on my right ovary.
February 2013- Cyst was removed and we were encouraged to begin trying to expand our family right away.
One Year Later....
February 2014- After a year of trying on our own with no intervention I went into the doctor to see what kind of assistance they could provide for us. At this time I chose to stay with my regular OBGY as opposed to the fertility clinic.
March 8 2014- Infertility testing for both Jason and Allyson. Thankfully all tests came back normal; however, this was also frustrating because it just made no sense as to why we were not getting pregnant. With much prayer and consideration of our options we chose to pursue Clomid, which is a strong, highly used fertility medication.
March 2014- Round #1 Clomid = Negative Pregnancy Test
April 2014- Round # 2 Clomid = Negative Pregnancy Test
May 2014- Round #3 Clomid = Negative Pregnancy Test
June 2014- Decided to stop the climid treatment and seek assistance from the Grand Rapids fertility center. We were diagnosed with Unidentified Infertility.
July 2014- Round #1 Fermara with a trigger shot mid cycle = Negative Pregnancy Test
August 2014- Round # 2 Fermara with trigger shot mid cycle AND IUI= Negative Pregnancy Test
Needless to say we are tired. We are frustrated. We are confused as to why nothing seems to be working; however we do have faith and strongly believe that God WILL provide us with a little child...maybe just not now...on his timing not our timing.
As hard as these words are to swallow we have also been considering other options along this entire journey. We have looked into adoption, foster care and even further fertility center treatments such as injectable shots and IVF.
As much as I thought my heart was going to lean towards adoption, we quickly discovered that this is not the right option for our family.
Injectables and IVF is still on the table, should it need to be an option, FINGERS CROSSED THAT GOD HAS ANOTHER PLAN:) We are going to proceed with other treatment options for now.
However, foster care...well that one got us both thinking!
We are very happy to let you all know that we have submitted our foster care application with DA Blodgett and have begun the three month licensing process! We will anxiously await a child (6 months-5 years old) to walk through our door step sometime in December or there after. Jason and I have both seen a lot of neglect and abuse in our careers and we really feel compelled to try to make a difference in some of these kids lives...even if it is for only two weeks...or a year. We will welcome any one of these kiddos into our home, treat them as our own but pray for reconciliation with their own birth parents.
In the mean time we are asking that all of your PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for our family. This is a huge decision but we feel very positive and strong about it. No decisions like this are easy...or smooth. There will be bumps in the road, but we have a strong support network and trust in the lord to help us get through this time in our life.
So there you have it:) The Bradley's are continuing on the journey to becoming parents, throwing a little twist in there as well! No one ever said the straight and narrow road was the best traveled...we like things a little different! Can't wait to share more about our journey with you all!
God Bless,
Jason and Allyson
