My journey started 16 years ago when my husband and I decided we were ready to have a baby. In the community we were in it seemed like everyone was having babies. So that made it feel even more tragic when after trying for over a year to get pregnant, we finally did! But unfortunately it did end in miscarriage.

16 years ago people were not talking about miscarriage so openly like we do now. But a few close friends and family reached out to share their own pregnancy loss stories with me. It was strengthening to be able to learn and get support from other women who had been through the same thing. 

After my first miscarriage I decided that if my body wasn't going to give me a baby, I was going to "punish" my body and took up running. As soon as I was able, I signed up for a full marathon and started training. 

It's funny to me now. Looking back. That I thought running was a punishment because now it's one of my very favorite ways to unwind and clear my head. But this push was the beginning of a health journey that eventually helped us have our three children!

It then took us three more years before we had our daughter. This four year journey was one of the darkest of my entire life. I felt so alone. I felt so misunderstood. I felt the deepest level of sadness I have ever felt in my life. 

But at the same time, there is good that has come. My husband and I had opportunities to bond and strengthen our relationship as we relied on each other. And over the years I have been able to use my personal experience to empathize with other families who have similar experiences. 

So that's the short version of my story. I am so excited to follow along, cheer for you guys, and support in every way I can!