In November 2021, Nick and I decided it was time to start a family. Since I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a mom. We were excited, eager, and so hopeful.. nothing could have prepared us for the journey that we were about to endure.  After several months of irregularities and feeling like something was “off”, I sought out my lady doctor. She recommended that we try some fertility medications and non-invasive measures just to see what happened. After 4 rounds of treatment, in July 2022, I found out I was pregnant! Sadly, I lost the baby soon after. A devastation I did not know existed. We decided to try one more round of the fertility treatment and after its failure, it was time to take a break. We prayed about where to go from here and we ended up with a consult with a fertility specialist. 

In April of 2023, we met with the fertility specialist who conducted further testing into our fertility. Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) – meaning that my egg count is significantly lower than that of a woman my age. Another crippling blow. The specialist decided because of this diagnosis and some other circumstances, we were “perfect” candidates for IVF. 

In June of 2023, we started our first round of stimulation medications. We were full of so much hope for what was to come. After just 5 short days, the specialist realized my body was not responding to the medication.. once again, pointing to my ovarian reserve. We were devastated.  

In August 2023, we started a new round of medication with a different protocol. It took a few days for it to take effect, but it was working!!! After 14 long days of countless shots and bruises, we had our egg retrieval. 11 eggs were retrieved, 5 fertilized, 1 made it to a day 3 embryo, and one was frozen at day 5! It was time to do an embryo transfer! We transferred a perfect 3 day embryo, only to find out that it did not work. The loss of what could have been really hit hard. In October 2023, our perfect frozen embryo was transferred and after 4 days we saw a positive pregnancy test! Shortly after, the lines began to fade, and I soon came face to face with another miscarriage. We had no embryos left, no plan, and very little money considering what was already spent on the process. 

In January 2024, with the counsel of those closest to us, we were able to embark on another IVF round. After 14 days of injections, 9 eggs were retrieved, 5 fertilized, and 3 embryos made it to day 5. This was an absolute miracle! We were able to transfer an excellent graded embryo and just shortly after saw the words we had been longing to see – “Pregnant”. This was it. We could feel it. Little did we know that in just a few days time, I would lose this precious life inside me. Another miscarriage. 

Nick and I couldn’t give up. We wouldn’t. But this strength was not of ourselves, but of our Saviors’. On March 14, 2024, we transferred another excellent graded embryo. After many days praying and hoping, we were pregnant. My blood levels looked amazing and we went in for a 7 week ultrasound where we heard our babies heartbeat. I’ll never forget it. We continued to have successful ultrasounds for the next 10 weeks, but sadly.. at 17 weeks, everything changed for us. On June 25th, 2024, while at an early anatomy scan to find out our miracle babies gender, my OB found something concerning. I’ll never forget the words, “This isn’t good. This is really really bad” escaping from her mouth. We were quickly sent over to a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) doctor to find out more. We first found out that our baby, one we had prayed so long and hard for, was a boy – something that I have had vivid dreams of for years. And then we found out that he has anencephaly – a diagnosis that is “not compatible with life”. The MFM explained more about his condition as my husband and I sat lifeless and silent in the cold, dark ultrasound room. The MFM stated, “This diagnosis means big things for this baby.” Our options were 1) to travel out of state and induce early labor and say our goodbyes and 2) to carry him for as long as God would allow. The MFM told us that my body was his safe place and he would likely make it to full term. In that moment I knew that I would carry him and cherish every second I had with him. How could I pray to God for so long for this child and then turn around and be the one to end his life? I wouldn’t dare. 

At 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant, due to bleeding caused by placenta previa, Jadon Thomas Mooneyhan entered the world. He was born on November 6th at 2:09pm via C-section. He came into the world with the sweetest of cries. He looked so peaceful and was brought to me within seconds of his arrival. Over the next 50 hours, our son flourished and was so loved. He passed into the arms of Jesus on November 8th at 4:09pm. There is so much more I want to say and will say at a later date – but for now, just know that he changed my life and the lives of countless others. Thank you, God for this immeasurable gift of life.