My husband and I both wanted to have a baby after about 2 years of being married, but we both agreed that we wanted to be more established and feel financially ready to raise a child. Meanwhile, we were feeling a lot of pressure from the "outside world" to start a family which was really hard because it's not that we didn't want kids, we just weren't ready.


Another year went by and we had moved out of our apartment and into a house. I was so excited for this move because I thought that since we had the space and I was off of birth control, a baby was sure to follow. A few days before our 3 year wedding anniversary I had minor day surgery (on my lady parts), and that meant I needed some time to heal. So we waited some more, but not by choice. I was feeling like our time would never come, and it was really starting to affect me mentally and emotionally, so I took up running and decided to just focus on myself and getting healthy. So we took the "let's just let it happen" approach.  

 
We decided that since it wasn't "just happening", we would really focus on trying to get pregnant. Man is that ever stressful! It became all about schedules and tracking numbers, and then that awful 2 week waiting period until I could take a pregnancy test. After 6 months of stress about not getting pregnant, I got the shingles virus. Weeks of sickness followed, which turned into months, and eventually it was 6 months before I started to feel better. During that time of countless blood tests and Dr.'s visits, I found out I had a thyroid disease (the thyroid produces and regulates all of your hormones), which was likely affecting my ability to get pregnant. I started seeing an Endocrinologist as well as a Naturopath, and I was finally able to start medication and be proactive about getting my health back on track. 
During those couple of years of desperately wanting a baby, I was angry with God. I didn't understand why He would put this desire in my heart if I couldn't have children. I felt embarrassed, angry, sad, and lonely. I was bitter toward others who were having their 2nd, 3rd, 4th child and here we were, with none.
But then I realized that maybe He had another plan for us, and I needed to be open to that. So I began to change my prayers, and ask God how He wanted make us parents. 

In January my husband and I started talking about adoption or foster care as an option. We have always known that we wanted to welcome a child(ren) into our family that needed to be loved, but didn't know if the timing was right. In June when I wrote about being at peace with whatever happened, I had truly accepted the fact that I may never have a biological child, and I was learning to be ok with it. I reconciled with God and was looking forward to whatever He had in store for us. June 26, 2016, I found out I was pregnant!

The thing that has amazed me in all of this hardship, is how God's plan, not our own, really came together. When we started sharing the news that we were pregnant, it was a very emotional time for me. So many people said that they had read my blog post and had been praying for us and for our future baby. Wow! It made me realize more and more that this was not by our own doing, but truly a miracle from God.

Everyone's situation is different, and though the timing is sometimes hard to understand or accept, God has a plan much better than our own. Looking back now, I can see that. 

If you are struggling to get pregnant or are going through something in your life that is preventing you from having children, there are tons of resources out there to support you. I am no expert, but if you do need a listening ear I am always here to listen. 
Feel free to email me littleredpurse.blog@gmail.com.

I remember seeing the embroidery trend come down the runway last Spring, and have loved it ever since. It always takes a little time for trends to make it to the consumer market, and I'm sure glad it has in time for Spring. There are so many beautiful pieces to choose from, and I love that even a pair of jeans or basic grey sweatshirt can come alive with embroidery. (I love that cat purse btw!)



Check out how these ladies styled this trend.

The weather can be temperamental at this time of year, so I love layering a bunch of neutral pieces to create visual interest. Usually when I think of neutrals, it's black, white, and grey, but I love how this printed dress can work just as well as a neutral base to build off of.

Spring is a time of blossoming trees and new growth, so this Lemon trend is right on queue. I love the playfulness of this bold print, and the variety of ways you can wear it.



Here's a glimpse at some ladies sporting this trend perfectly.

If you're looking to add a little colour into your wardrobe, now is the time! With this cold and dreary weather lately, adding a pop of pink is the perfect way to brighten your day.


Take notes from these stylish ladies...

If you read my Baby Registry post, you'll see some of the same items, however, there are definitely things that I have tried and don't like as much as I thought I would.


1. Electric Breast Pump
The day my milk came in was horrible. It happened overnight, so I woke up at 5am to engorged breasts and my baby was unable to latch. She was hungry and upset, and I sat in bed with a manual pump for 30 minutes in order to pump a bottle for her and get relief for myself. The next day we bought the Medela pump in style breast pump which has been one of the best investments we have made. 

2. Lanolin Nipple cream
I was recommended the Lansinoh Lanolin nipple cream from many mom's and found it really did help in those first few weeks as my body adjusted to breast feeding every couple of hours. It doesn't change the fact that it feels like your nipple's are being murdered while baby feeds, but it does protect them from severe cracks.

3. Disposable nursing pads
I tried these organic washable breast pads, but found that they would stick to my skin and was painful to peel off of my already tender breasts, and they also didn't have any shape. I now use the Lansinoh disposable nursing pads, which I like the best out of any I've tried. They are thin and lightweight, but absorb very well and keep your skin dry no matter how full they get!

4. Nursing tank
I spent the first few weeks at home in this Medela nursing tank. It's super soft, breathable and wireless, so can be worn day to night. It also has tummy slimming stretch which helps you feel more comfortable when you still have that post-partum belly to dress.  

5. Slip on shoes
This one might sound strange, but in my last month of pregnancy, bending over to tie my shoes became a struggle! I know some women also experience swelling in those last weeks as well, so a comfy pair of shoes is great. I bought a similar pair to this, and have been thankful to have them in this first month as well during my recovery period.