Friday, February 21, 2014

This is My Story


Ever since I was a little girl, all I have ever wanted was to be a wife and a mom. Well my first dream came true when I married my husband, Brant on July 20, 2007. After a year and a half of marriage, we decided to try and start our family.

I had been on birth control for several years, so I obviously got off of it, but after 14 weeks, still did not have a cycle. That began our almost 2 year long journey to have a baby. The doctors began to run an assortment of tests, but nothing seemed to reveal the cause of a lack of ovulation. I was prescribed progesterone and different hormones in hopes that my body would react to them, but it didn't. I was prescribed high doses of Clomid, but is still did nothing. Last October, the doctor told us that our next option was an infertility specialist. He had exhausted every avenue possible to him but a specialist may be more suited to address the "problem."

As I began to research infertility specialists in my area, I reached a breaking point. I was stressed out, emotionally exhausted, and scared of what the future held. So I called a dear friend of my family, Mrs. Edith. Mrs. Edith has a doctorate in natural medicine. I simply called and asked her if she would tell me something that I could take for the stress. After a long appointment with her in early November, she put me on a cell detox. Her thoughts were that since I was on birth control, the tissue and cells of my ovaries and uterus had absorbed the toxins in the birth control; therefore, my body still had the drug in the bloodstream which prevented ovulation. So, I started to take a cell detox. On January 1st, I had a cycle.

I will remember that for a long time. Brant and I felt like we had finally won a battle in this infertility war because I finally ovulated.  Before I went to the infertility specialist, I wanted to exhaust my options. So we did. I continued the cell detox, got back on Clomid, and let nature take its course. After 5 months, we still were without a baby, and again felt completed defeated.

Brant and I began to talk about adoption more and more. We had finally come to a place where we just laid it at His feet. I told the Lord that I would be ok if I never "had" a child, but that I still desired to be a mother. I told Him that I trusted His plan, and that if He would just lead us, we would gladly follow. I remember what a peace I felt after finally giving it ALL to Him.

I never imagined that God just needed me to finally let Him have the reins before He was ready to put His plan into action.

August 20, 2010 is a day that changed our lives forever. After two years of trying, we found out that we were going to have a baby. On September 3rd, we heard the sweetest sound - a strong beating heart. Our sweet baby girl Emmalee was born on April 15, 2011.


Today, at almost three years old, she is one of the spunkiest, sassiest, and funny little girls I've ever met!  





At the time I never knew God's plan for my family, but He has proved Himself faithful over and over. On the days where I felt nothing but despair, He provided people to pray over me. When I felt hopeless, He provided women who encouraged me. He was my ultimate physician and healer.

Fast forward a few years and we were thrilled and VERY surprised when we found out that God was going to bless us again!  This past September Ms. Madeline Grace was born.







In an instant, God changed our lives. I will encourage those struggling with infertility by saying this: His plan is perfect, even when we are not. Rest in Him and follow where He leads you. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, ' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a HOPE and a FUTURE."


16 comments:

Jen Watts said...

Congratulations on your little blessing! Though I did not face the same struggles with infertility you did I partly understand what you went through. God Bless You!

Amanda said...

Thank you, Jesus! I smile so big every time I think of little baby Williams.

Jennifer said...

Yes, our God can do unimagineable things!

Tricia Nae said...

These posts give me chills! I am so in awe of our amazing God!! And, in the face of all the doubt and fear that I am facing regarding the family issue....there is hope in Him!! So happy for you miss Ashley!!

SAVING IN MN said...

Ashley- This is the first time I'm reading your blog - and I WILL be back! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Enjoy every minute of it, and I'll pray for you!!!!!

MBKimmy said...

Congrats on your blessing in the belly! I will be back to read more! Hugs to you and your hubby! May God always be with you!

Jen | Our Life Accounts said...

Congratulations! What an amazing answer to prayer? My husband and I are going through our own infertility walk but it's comforting knowing that God's in control and He's got a much bigger and better plan than I could ever dream! I posted about it here: http://thelifeaccounts.blogspot.com/2010/07/wedded-wednesday-b-word.html

amy (metz) walker said...

Yay! Yay! Yay! I've been so MIA from reading blogs so when I hopped over and saw this, my mouth just dropped! I'm so excited for you...what a wonderful, exciting journey you've just started. Can't wait to (do a better job of) follow along!

Allison said...

I found your blog through Kelly's Korner, and I would like to say congratulations! I love the Jeremiah quote and will pray that you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery!

Wendy said...

Found you through Kelly/Amy and wanted to say congratulations! Like me, you will now appreciate that sweet little baby more than most people do! :) That's a good thing that makes the hard part totally worth it!!

Celia said...

I linked over from Chapters to follow you...what an AMAZING story! Congratulations that God has blessed you with this miracle!

The A Team said...

thank you for sharing your story. I found you through Kelly's blog. You have beautiful babies!

Caroline @ In Due Time said...

Congrats! Thanks for sharing your story. Your family is beautiful!!!

stephanie said...

Your girls are so adorable!! I beat infertility too and now have two precious kids. Thank you for sharing your story of hope!

Ms. J said...

God is faithful!! Thanks for sharing!!

Heather said...

Great pictures, Ashley! My name is Heather and I have a quick question about your blog! Please email me at Lifesabanquet1(at)gmail(dot)com :-)

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