Pregnancy Story and The Stork OTC

When my husband and I first started trying for a baby, we didn't know how long the process would actually take.  We tried for a few years off and on and tried to plan around our already booked family vacations, and had no luck. Month after month I took ovulation tests and pregnancy tests and all were showing negative. I was still getting my normal periods, and when they were late by 1-2 days, I'd get excited, take a test, and then start my period the very next day. It was exhausting. I remember crying wondering if I was even capable of getting pregnant. It's a very scary and lonely feeling. Not knowing whether or not getting pregnant would ever happen for us.  Not to mention, thinking of what our next option might be and if we could afford it. All these years trying to prevent it from happening and when we are finally ready to start a family it doesn't happen as soon as we thought it would--like they teach you in high school and make you think the first time you have sex that you'll get pregnant--

I started purchasing tests that helped determine whether or not sperm count was high or low as well as tests that showed whether or not I was ovulating.  More than 90% of male infertility cases are due to low sperm counts or poor sperm quality. And the most common causes of female infertility includes problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix.

Test after test, day after day.

None of my ovulation tests were showing positive and I started thinking it may be my fault. I started wondering if stress was a factor since all the tests and hoping for positive results was starting to really stress me out. 

I decided it was time to back off for a little while and let nature take it's course, and we'd discuss other options if it came down to that.  

Luckily, January 18, 2017, on the day I was supposed to start my period, I chose to take a pregnancy test that came back positive. (You can read more about that in this post here.)
I cried for days because I was so excited. I almost didn't even believe it.  I had already started researching other alternative options and what our next step would be if we found out we were unable to have children. When researching, I was actually surprised there isn't much out there other than ovulation tests for those of us who are trying to conceive.  That's when I came across a less invasive at home option called the Stork OTC. Not only is it available without a prescription, but it is affordable as well. (Compared to the extensive fertility treatments from a Dr.) My medical insurance did not cover fertility treatments, so I knew that it was going to be an expensive journey if we had to take that route.

  
Stork OTC is an FDA cleared medical device that you can use in the comfort of your own home that helps aid in conceiving. No need for a Dr. here! They are located in the contraceptive aisle near the pregnancy tests and sanitary pads.

When researching, Stork OTC had the best ratings, a 20% success rate along with an affordable price. (Those fertility treatments from the Dr. are super expensive not to mention time consuming as you have to go back multiple times! Stork OTC is now available for only $59.99 at Target and CVS! As well as online.)  No prescription is required to purchase. So you can feel comfortable purchasing at your convenience.

The best part? You can do it in the comfort of your own home. No awkward Dr. appointments or painful use of needles and testing. With Stork OTC, there's just a few simple steps and you are on your way to getting better results that are painless. You can read more about how it works here. 

1. Stork OTC is Now available for $59.99 at most retailers--available at Target, CVS and also available online at www.storkotc.com

Benefits of The Stork OTC:

• Proven: Physician technique now available for use in the privacy of your own
  home 
• Safe: FDA Approved. 
• Natural: Drug-free product. No pills needed.
• Non-invasive: No injections or surgery. 
• Easy–to-Use: Condom-like in collection, tampon-like in delivery 
• Cost-effective: Compared to fertility treatment options

I know a lot of moms have a hard time getting pregnant with their second child, so I will definitely be using Stork OTC if we have a hard time trying to conceive next time around.

If you are interested, Stork OTC is having a Twitter party coming up on October 19th at 8pm EST. We would LOVE for you to participate and use the hashtag  #TTCwithStorkOTC - You can learn more about it and ask any questions or concerns you may have.

This is a sponsored conversation from Mums the Word Network and The Stork OTC. All opinions (and the story) are my own.

Bump Style Fashion

Being pregnant is a whole different ballgame when it comes to fashion. Things just don't fit like they used to.  I know redoing my wardrobe while pregnant isn't the best idea, but I can't help myself by adding items that I can use after the baby too. Plus, I want to be comfortable enough to do what are now more "difficult tasks," such as bending over to tie my shoes, shaving my legs, and painting my toe nails. Of course finding the right fashion at an affordable cost is somewhat difficult. There's those hideous old school maternity clothes that just don't cut it. (and I would never be caught dead in) And then there's the super cute options that are just outrageously priced. I just can't get myself to buy something that expensive when I'm not sure how I will fit into it after baby. (Especially jeans)  I found that dresses are a safe option and can be worn while pregnant as well as after baby girl makes her debut.

Here are a few of my absolute favorites and must haves I've found so far that don't break the bank:

1. This beautiful floral baby doll is flattering for every body type. Plus they come in different colors for your liking.

Jane.com

2. This pretty navy floral from Beachcoco is one of my favorites! It's flowy and airy enough in the summer months, but you can also throw a cute cardigan over it and dress it up or down.

Beachcoco on Amazon

 3. These stripes make the perfect casual outfit for day and night. Pair it with some flats or some cute tennis shoes and you are set for the day!

PinkBlush

4. I've been really into form fitting dresses this pregnancy. I haven't felt like I could wear them (or feel confident enough in them) until I became pregnant. I love the idea of showing off the bump rather than covering it up. I mean, you're only pregnant about 9 months so might as well take advantage of the opportunity! Right?

Motherhood Maternity

5.  Kimonos are a lifesaver when pregnant. When you just don't have the energy to muster up an outfit, just throwing a kimono over a simple shirt is the easiest grab and go option! Especially in the third trimester when your energy starts to dwindle. I can't tell you how many times I just try to find something quick and easy to throw on for the day to run errands or meet up with a friend. Kimonos make it appear as if you've got it together and the best part is you don't need a lot of effort to achieve that look!

Pink Blush

Pink Blush

 
 6.  Sweaters and Cardigans- another versatile and needed closet piece. Perfect for every body type. Sweaters and Cardigans are flattering and simple. They can dress up any outfit.

Pink Blush

 

Pink Blush

 6.  Loose blouses are always a good idea. When you are just wanting something comfortable that doesn't hug your body. In my case, when I want to eat more without feeling self conscious or that I need to "suck it in." (Luckily I haven't had to do that for a while!) But I am also loving this pretty piece, because I can still wear it after baby, when I'm just not ready to show off my body yet.

Amazon- Ruffle Floral Blouse

Also loving this simple flowy top that can be worn with literally anything! You can throw a cardigan over it, or leave as is. It's simple, but still equally as beautiful.

Pink Blush

7. On those days where you need to dress it up, but shaving your legs just isn't happening.
Trust me, I get it. The struggle to bend over to even reach your legs is one thing, and then you have to balance to shave? Not happening. That's where this pretty long dress comes in handy. Plus it doubles as a nursing dress, which is a huge bonus in my book. If it makes my life easier, I am so in!

Pink Blush

8.  Last but not least, shoes. I have been keeping it super simple this pregnancy by sticking with shoes that are easy for me to get on myself, without having to ask hubby to help me. (Which yes, has happened more times than I can count). 
I have been living in sandals and slip ons, but I do love a fancier shoe when we go out to dinner. These are the most comfortable shoes I think I have ever owned. They are cute, fashionable, inexpensive and they don;t even feel like you're walking in heels. (Which can be scary when pregnant with the risk of falling or tripping).  They also come in black, and I really think I need to get them in that color too! PLUS, now they are 50% off, and I wish I got them for that good of a deal when I bought them!

Nordstrom - now $29.96!

As you can tell, I am totally crushing on the florals lately.  Florals are just so fresh and feminine. If you saw my Baby Shower post, then you know I chose a floral dress to wear. Something about it just makes me smile! Plus it was super comfortable especially in the hot summer months. Not only do I love revamping my closet, but I also love sprucing up the house with fresh flowers.  A beautifully selected floral arrangement of a dozen roses in different colors complimented with a pretty vase is guaranteed to make anyone feel fantastic. My favorite color is the mauve roses from Roses Only. It would be the perfect compliment to any room decor and freshen up the space.

What are some of your favorite wardrobe staples?

Some links in this post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on the links and purchasing an item I may receive a small commission. By doing so you are helping my little family at no additional cost to you.
 

Baby Shower Recap

I had my Baby Shower a few weekends ago and was so overwhelmed with love and support for our baby girl. It was the most relaxed, stress free party I think we've ever had. We normally host at my parents home, but decided having a venue take care of all the setup, food, etc. would be much less stressful for us. I also knew I wanted an indoor shower, as it's August and very hot! My cousins took care of the decorations and games, and I was able to enjoy the entire day!

We had vegetable crudites, a fruit platter and a champagne bar to start off the day.  (We also had a coffee, iced tea and pink lemonade station.)

My cousins took care of the games, made the diaper cakes for the table centerpieces, and really took a ton of stress off my mom and I for the fun day! For the games/prizes, we did:

• Don't say "Baby"
• Baby Word Scramble
• The tray game (We put various kitchen and baby items on the tray and walked around with it, once everyone got a good look, they had to write down as many as they could remember-- the person with the most guesses won!)
• Diaper Raffle

For favors, I made little pink and gold tags that said "mani thanks" and tied them to different colored pink nail polishes and set them around the tables.

For lunch we had Salad, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Roasted potatoes, vegetables, and garlic bread. And For dessert we had our raspberry confetti cake, and chocolate mousse. Everything was delicious!

Dress from Pink Blush of course!
Shoes: BP Decker Lace-Up in Nude

  

 The day was so fun and stress free! Baby girl received a TON of amazing gifts and all is greatly appreciated! Now to wash and get everything organized for her arrival!