Book Review: Unsung Lullabies

“When you are diagnosed with infertility, you are inducted into a club
you never dreamed you would be forced to join: the ' I can't have a baby club'…” 

Unsung Lullabies

There are many books out there about infertility, but there are few I have found written by authors who have actually experienced it for themselves. Everything I have felt (or feared) they described: the jealousy, feelings of failure, sadness of loss and the overwhelming frustration that comes with it all. They even go into the male side of infertility, which I have rarely seen covered.

Having the courage and the insight to speak about something most people choose to hide or ignore is commendable! Just the first chapter, “This Isn’t How It Was Supposed to Be” describes the whole situation so well. For anyone going through this, this book is a must read. It is very well written, touching and true… just don’t read it in public and make sure you have lots of tissues ready!

Open Letter: 14 Years...

“Respect yourself enough to walk away
from anyone or anything that no longer
serves you, grows you, or makes you happy”
Anonymous

14 years ago in that dingy hospital corridor I made the not-so-difficult decision to walk away from you, and your abuse, once and for all. After one final argument, about what a lousy daughter I was despite the hours of help and care I was providing you while you recovered from your quintuplet bypass, I said good-bye for the last time. I turned around and walked away from the poison you infected my life with for 21 years! I made my peace with that decision long ago, but I can honestly say that I have never forgiven you for everything you did, and never will.

Choosing A Photographer… Ugh!

I have a few different family photography type projects in mind that I would like to see happen over the summer. You would think that having a whole bunch of photographer friends would make the decision a no-brainier, but it really doesn’t. See, I also know these people well enough to know what I am up against and I am not so sure I want to get into all of that.

Pregnancy Reveals And The Social Obstacle Course

Is it just me, or is everybody pregnant right now!? We did have a record breaking cold winter, so I guess I know how all of you were keeping warm at night, huh? Anyhow, with pregnancy comes the inevitable reveals; to family, to friends, to co-workers and eventually… to Facebook, along with all other social media outlets. This used to happen around the third month mark, or beginning of the second trimester, but I notice more and more that people are waiting until their fifth month or later. New trend or simply the reality that we are all getting older and aware of the complications we could face? Who knows!

But, my point is, as natural and acceptable as it is to want to share your good news with the world there are a lot of women out there who just can’t handle it. I, thankfully, am NOT one of those women but I know many who are. Just the thought of opening up their news feed and seeing yet ANOTHER baby post can bring them to tears. Not because you are intentionally trying to hurt them, but the truth is… it can be painful.

A Resolution of Privacy

It may sound like a New Year’s Resolution since it all started around the holidays, but deciding to be more private in my day to day life as well as on social platforms was more of a life choice that I made for myself. I was nervous about it at first, becoming so open over the last few years, but it has been extremely therapeutic and I am very happy with my decision despite some unexpected losses.