National Infertility Awareness Week

It's that time of year again to bring awareness to those couples struggling with infertility.  I have written several posts in the past years; you can see them HERE, HERE, and HERE.  I have had several people ask me if the struggle has gotten easier since we adopted.  I hesitate to answer, for fear of sounding ungrateful for our two beautiful kiddos that we have.  I think the struggle is a little different, but not easier.  Infertility will affect me for my lifetime.  I still haven't had the opportunity to experience pregnancy, baby giggles, using the names we have picked out, first words, etc.  All those firsts that we dreamed of when we got married.  There are still very hard moments when it makes my heart hurt so much.
However, I totally believe it is possible for joy & grief to co-exist.  Zak & Kate have brought so much joy into our lives.  They are truly a blessing and I feel a blessing and a great trial can both be present simultaneously in our lives.  Yes, infertility still hurts and always will, but along side that, we have joy in our son & daughter.

This was the first family picture that we took about a week after they came to us. Nov 2016

 Fall 2017

Fall 2017

 Fall 2017

 February 2018- Our beautiful and handsome Valentines

 March 2018

  Officially a family

March 2018

Infertility will always be a part of my life story.  It is a disease that will never go away.  But we can use it to glorify God and to help others.  If there is anyone struggling with infertility that feels alone, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I understand.  I have a great support system and several other infertility sisters reached out to me.  And that has made a huge difference in how I processed my struggles.  I hope I can be that kind of blessing to others that are on the same path.  

To those of you that haven't experienced infertility- we appreciate your prayers and encouragement.  I wrote a post on how you can help HERE.  

To those of you still in the trenches- I am here for you.  I am praying for you.  You hold a special place in my heart.  Because I know the tears, the sadness, the feeling of failure, the grief, the anxiety.  But I also know the joy that can co-exist with that.  Life's challenges can make you bitter or it can make you better and I believe infertility made me better.  I believe it made me a better mom than I would have been had I not been through the trenches.  Live beyond "what if" and find joy in "what is".  Blessings and peace to you all! xoxo Krystal