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Happily Hughes

Family

Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith

August 1, 2017

Today I wanted to share a story that’s not mine.  It’s my friend Ambers.  A little backstory- Amber was my boss at Buckle back when I was in college.  Her and her husband Julio are actually why I went on a date with my husband!  He kept calling the store to get my number and then hanging up nervously before leaving his.  It was so cute and I remember Julio telling me to give the poor guy a chance.  So I did, and the rest is history! 

I felt compelled to share Amber’s story, as it’s one of hope, faith and happiness amidst her fertility issues.  Here she is:

Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith

Well hello Friends, 

I’m Amber, I love pretty things in real people and I blog over at GlamberandGrace.com  

These days I blog a lot about my journey to mamahood via Adoption. I’m honored to guest blog over here at Happily Hughes because I’ve adored Jessica since our Buckle and Taco Mac days. That’s right back in 2010 our priorities were to look pretty selling blinged out jeans by day and stuff our faces with dollar tacos and margaritas by night. Some things never change but oh how both of our lives have evolved since then. 

Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith

We all grew up and chased dreams.  My husband and I took turns being bridesmaids and groomsman in all of our friend’s weddings. Then the invites to all of their baby showers starting rolling in. We took fun vacations and even did a few mission trips to Venezuela and Honduras. 

Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith

Just after our 8th wedding Anniversary, I remember the first time I started to feel fearful that getting pregnant wasn’t in the cards for us and that we had fertility issues. We celebrated our friends in the welcoming of all their new babies, and as time progressed it became apparent that something was wrong. We tracked ovulation, changed our diets, put into practice all the crazy unsolicited advice from friends, family, and strangers.  We prayed our hearts out… and still nothing. 

Finally in 2013 we were referred to a reproductive specialist and we both underwent a series of tests.  I’ll never forget that 3rd visit.  The one in which we would receive the test results and put together a plan for a procedure. I went into it thinking, “Amber don’t jump to the worst, you might not even have to do IVF (In Vitro fertilization) you might just have to do IUI  (Intrauterine insemination).” 

The Dr. came in, results in hand.  She didn’t make much eye contact.  She looked over the results and circled some numbers on a paper.  Finally, she peered over her black plastic frame glasses and very bluntly stated: “You have two options, adoption or sperm donation.”  Our worlds changed forever that very day.  We were shattered, shocked, confused, angry and absolutely heartbroken at our fertility issues.

For a few months we tried all sorts of vitamins and supplements, and read everything we could about fertility issues.  We were in denial for another year.  Then we just started ignoring it altogether.  We were exhausted and couldn’t change it so we decided to try to accept it. 

We did our best to build a fulfilling life and strengthen our marriage. We were bound determined to be enough for each-other. Then the craziest thing happened. 

Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith

I woke up one day with an overwhelming sense to be a Mama and I felt hopeful. I could pretend that I have no idea where it came from but that would be such an injustice. I believe with my whole heart that Jesus put that hope there. He had been preparing our hearts for the most perfect plan.  Read more about this hope here: http://glamberandgrace.com/2017/07/31/why-do-we-hope-reblog/

We attended an adoption info session, put together an adoption plan, chose an agency, and waited almost a year to be added on their list of families.  We used that year to fundraise.  We got really creative with our fundraising!  So creative that I talked my husband (middle school assistant principal) into filming our own music video.  Watch us Whip and Nay Nay here: https://youtu.be/vXV4I6K7Ffg

When I say that heaven and earth were moved and the universe aligned to make adoption possible for us, I’m not joking.  We had a friend take pledges per mile and hike the Appalachian trail for us.  We had Elementary children sell bracelets for us, our church families donated thousands.  Support came in from high school and college friends and their families.  To this day the support that our friends, family, and even perfect strangers showed us still puts a lump in my throat.  It was a strange and wonderful thing to have people literally hand us money for our adoption.

In January 2017 we received the phone call that every family waiting to adopt dreams about. You can read more about that very special phone call here. http://glamberandgrace.com/2017/01/16/a-letter-to-my-baby-girl-on-the-first-day-i-learned-of-her/

We met our Birth Mom and Birth Dad two weeks later.  They are more than we could’ve ever asked for in an open adoption.  They have amazing hearts and have already used their story to offer support and change people’s lives.  Watch this video and see if yourself just how amazing they both are.https://youtu.be/upwszqRb-UI  I can’t even tell you how thankful I am that these are the people that we get to share Violet with.  There are no secrets or shame in her story.  She is a very well loved little girl. 

Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith Fertility Issues & the Road to Adoption Through Faith

On March 9th at 5:38 AM I was able to be in the room with Mary as she gave birth to our little girl.  Violet has changed our lives in so many ways that I could barely even touch on in this short post. She has taught us that you can survive on way less sleep that you think is humanly possible and that poopy blowouts can happen anywhere at anytime, especially in the Target Starbucks line without the diaper bag. 

But she has also taught us that God is so good, and that he loves us more than we can imagine. She reminded us that when we feel like our life ruined and joy will not return, that he’s just not done writing our story.  She has taught us that hope never gives up and true love never fails. 

Thank you so much for reading this.  If you find yourself in a similar fertility issues situation just know that somewhere out there I’m praying for you and I am living proof that infertility and your circumstances do not define you;  Hope does.

faith fertility guest post

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julia Hall says

    August 1, 2017 at 6:44 am

    Well it’s no surprise how I feel about adoption. Love this story and she is gorgeous! So much of this hits home. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Brittany says

    August 1, 2017 at 8:31 am

    This story is beautiful. I love how uplifting it is! Thank you for sharing this.

  3. Amber says

    August 1, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Such an amazing story and so beautifully written.

  4. Chef Dennis says

    August 1, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    What a great story. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. I know you’re going to have an exceptional life with your child.

  5. Glenda says

    August 1, 2017 at 8:18 pm

    Oh, my gosh what a beautiful touching story. Thank you for sharing with us! God does work in mysterious ways. You have such a beautiful baby girl and I love the picture of Violet wrapped around a blanket next to you. Wish you and your family the very best.

  6. Jessica Bradshaw says

    August 1, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    What a special story. So moving and an incredible reminder of His power. So happy for your sweet family.

  7. Adriana Lopez says

    August 1, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    God has a plan for all of use. I was not able to have a child and it just didn’t work out for me the adoption route. But I am happy to see your family is complete and blessed.

  8. andrea says

    August 2, 2017 at 12:47 am

    This is such a beautiful and inspiring story! I really wish this gorgeous little family all the best, they deserve it 🙂

  9. Kelly Reci says

    August 2, 2017 at 5:30 am

    God is always good and amazing, your story is truly lovely and inspiring as well. She’s also gorgeous, god bless your family!

  10. Candy Rachelle says

    August 2, 2017 at 11:13 am

    I’m sure at the time that news was devastating. But adoption is just as precious as birthing your own. And I do congratulate you on your bundle of joy!!!

    http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com

  11. Courtney Blacher says

    August 2, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Beautiful pictures, your baby is so cute.

  12. Deanna says

    August 2, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    I have had my issues with fertility, so I completely understand this. It is a journey many understand but also at the same time. The love in the heart of someone for a child does not have to be blood. Love is love. Great post!

  13. Ron Leyba says

    August 2, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    Inspiring and uplifting story. Love truly prevails. Amazing!

  14. travel blogger says

    August 2, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    Such a moving story! It is wonderful that you are so open about sharing your story. It offers so much hope and encouragement to other couples struggling with infertility.

  15. krystal says

    August 2, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    What a sweet and endearing story. It is a blessing to become a parent.

  16. Julie Torres says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Such a cute baby! Nice read.

  17. Roxy says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Omgsh, what a sweet story! I’m so glad Amber got her wish to be a mama!

  18. Alicia says

    August 2, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    What a beautiful story <3 Love how friends, family and perfect strangers chipped in to raise money for the adoption!

  19. Rosey says

    August 2, 2017 at 10:40 pm

    Such a sweet story, and a beautiful family. Big congratulations to them.

  20. My Teen Guide says

    August 3, 2017 at 2:47 am

    Thank you for sharing Amber’s story. Their baby is beautiful. I can relate to their story because I have a cousin who was also adopted at birth. Amber and her husband will be great parents because they put their faith and hope in God in the center of their lives.

  21. Olivia Stacey says

    August 3, 2017 at 10:17 am

    It’s so inspiring to hear your story and how your faith guided you to motherhood. God works in mysterious, but beautiful ways. Violet was meant to be yours. Wishing you many blessings!
    xoxo,
    Liv
    http://www.livslookbook.com

  22. Carol Cassara says

    August 3, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Many couples suffer from infertility and it’s always so inspiring to see couples sharing their stories. It gives hope for the other couples out there who are going through the same things. This was such a touching post. Thank you for sharing your story.

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A throwback to @hiltonsandestin The kids and I j A throwback to @hiltonsandestin 

The kids and I just spent a week here and as always had so much fun! 
Can’t wait to share more of this magical place with you 😍

Have you been to @30a before?
.
.
#digitalmarketing #atlantabloggers #influencers #influencermarketing #influencerdigital
It’s better to look back and say “wow I can’ It’s better to look back and say “wow I can’t believe I did that” than “oh I wish I did that” 🌎

Never get tired of going on adventures with these kiddos. 
Tell me your summer break plans mamas, we need new adventures!
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#livethemoment #embracethemoment #mombloggerlife #travellingwithkids
Who else loves to match with their man? I sure do, Who else loves to match with their man? I sure do, and @meundies has the cutest matching loungewear and undies. And they are SO comfortable. These joggers are a staple in our relationship, and you'll see us snuggled up in them watching our favorite show. #ad Use code happilyhughes for 15% off your first order! #meundiespartner
#icyhotpartner With the NEW Icy Hot® PRO at Targe #icyhotpartner With the NEW Icy Hot® PRO at Target I can workout anywhere and get targeted relief on my muscles in minutes. 

Go to @Target and get the Icy Hot® PRO with the massage applicator for 10% off with the Circle Offer from 5/29-6/11.

*Use as directed

@icyhot #Target #AD
If you've been following for awhile, you know the If you've been following for awhile, you know the kids and I have had on our dream board to go on an African Safari. Well, @qatarairways has partnered up with Wilderness Safaris to make this an easy to plan (and pay for) trip of a lifetime! The only option is to pick which package to take- do we want to do the Savannah Safari and Gorilla Trek in Rwanda or visit Botswana, Cape Town, and Wine Country? Click the link in my stories to see all the package options and let me know below which one you would choose. You can get an extra $350 off using code WQR100
Already missing the magic of @ritzcarltonameliaisl Already missing the magic of @ritzcarltonameliaisland, but feeling so rejuvenated and relaxed. Which pic is your favorite? 

Make sure to go play the favorite game on @chelseapatricia feed as well!

These pictures are from Friday when we got to experience First Call. First Call is a Ritz specialty in which the bartenders make a slow drip infusion drink. They start the concoction in the morning and by 5:45 it’s available for order. This one was an Angel’s Envy, strawberries, and cinnamon old-fashioned. 

If you missed our trip, head to stories or click on my highlight! Where should we head to this summer?? 

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