Our Road to Baby

Sharing a snip-it of our trying to conceive (TTC) journey. Jam-packed with tips, apps, tracking, medicine, science, and faith.
infertility treatment hysteroscopy
(Me at the Reproductive Endocrinologist's office on June 3rd, 2019 about to get a hysteroscopy and transvaginal ultrasound)
endoscopy hysteroscopy infertility treatment diagnostic imaging
(Above is the camera they stuck in my lady bits to see my uterus. I so badly wanted to film this but they wouldn't let me)
target style fashion crochet tank boho skirt flatform sandals denim jackettarget style fashion crochet tank boho skirt flatform sandals denim jacket
June 3rd, 2019 - got a hot date with "The Wand." Only I would docket my outfit on this occasion.
Tank (Size up) || Skirt (Target, last season) Another Option || Shoes || Jacket || Necklace

This post has been a work in progress for years. It all started with post-its, then scribbles on the calendar, an electronic journal, to a diary, and now this... A blog post for all to read. The journey to conceive a child has had its highs and lows; a lot of hope with a little doubt. Some confusion, frustration, and sense of loss. Loss of worth; self-purpose being a big one. Above it all, persistence has been key and not losing sight of the big beautiful picture. Que vision board.

Of course, there are people out there who judge. Judge us for choosing the path we did, judge me for writing this. However, we chose what we did for a reason - please reserve judgment until you've been in our shoes. Yet...you can't, so please keep an open mind. I chose to put my thoughts, emotions in writing. I can't explain what [or how] but it makes me feel better. Choosing to not hide it anymore, because I shouldn't have to feel ashamed. By running from my emotions, has hindered bad feelings for far too long. The more I acknowledge this process the stronger, content and confident I become.

If you can't respect this, then please do me a favor and stop reading now.

Early on in our relationship, Eric and I knew we were in it for the long haul. Our relationship moved quickly, but it never once felt rushed. We were just having fun and enjoying each other's company. We went with what our hearts felt 100%. We moved into our one bedroom apartment 7 months after meeting each other. Bought our first home 13 months later. The day after we moved into that house he bought the engagement ring (obviously I had no idea...until 2 months later, when he proposed). Fast forward 10 months and we were married. We came a long way from the days we'd lay in bed and he'd whisper in my ear, "One day, I'm gonna marry youuuuu." 

If you lost count, we met in 2012, in 2015 we got hitched and [shortly] after we started 'trying' for baby #1. When I say 'try', I mean we pulled the birth control plug, with every hopeful intention to make a baby.

6 months post birth control

1-year post birth control


>>Bloodwork to test:

1.5 years post birth control


1.5 - 3 years post birth control


3+ years post birth control to current


  • OPK
  • Over the counter (OTC) supplements
  • Read this book and used their recommendations (current & for the past month, as of May 2019)
    • Prenatal with DHEA
    • Omega 3
    • Alpha Lipoic Acid
    • Vitamin C
    • CoQ10 (Qunol)
  • Used this fertility tea and noticed a slight difference in periods, took a break because I was sick of the taste after a month; my friend swears that this tea helped her get pregnant
  • Use this fertility friendly lubricant as needed
  • Eating fertility rich foods: lots of berries, spinach, +fruits/veggies with every meal, cut back on grains, especially gluten, and dairy. I've subbed out milk for cashew milk. Butter for coconut butter. Using a lot more avocado oil over other kinds of oil (olive, etc). Drink fermented teas (Kombucha), healthy smoothies with vegan protein powder, and at least half my weight in water a day (regular or sparkling H2O). Choosing organic over regular when I can, Again, the author goes over diet in this book and how it impacts our hormones, thus fertility
  • Switched over to phosphate, phthalate, BPA free products (hygiene, beauty, cleaning, and food storage). These chemicals affect our hormones and genetics, which you can also read about in this book
  • Relocated to a new area (moved) & started with a new Reproductive Endocrinologist
  • Baseline bloodwork Day 3 (May 2019, elevated AMH, low FSH, everything else normal)
  • Transvaginal ultrasound (May 2019, many tiny follicles in right ovary with one mature looking follicle, left ovary appears to have an endometrial cyst <1% cancer risk, RE believes I'll ovulate from R this month)
  • Hysteroscopy (May 2019, looked at uterus through a camera, normal findings)
  • Genetic testing/Carrier Screening (May 2019...awaiting results, takes about 2-3 weeks)

Katie Justina
XO