Category Archives: Family Blog

Courtney Peveril Photography Captured the Luminance and Sentiment of our Fertility Journey

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Having conceived our babies through Assisted Reproductive Technologies – IVF, our parenthood journey didn’t come easily or happen overnight. At times we felt alone and disheartened, but our journey also brought strength, resiliency, and connection. While growing our family over the last 4 years, we experienced both challenges and rewards, but the journey has always been our own and we can’t (and wouldn’t) change anything because we were meant to have these exact little boys grace and brighten our world.

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Lazam Creations Custom Father’s Day Gifts

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When I was pregnant with my first we did not find out the gender until the birth so we loving named the baby “piña” (aka “pineapple”) while in utero not only because it’s cute and I once loved traveling to tranquil turquoise destinations to eat fresh tropical fruits, but also because I ate a whole heck of a lot of pineapples (yes, including the core) throughout my IVF experience to conceive Hudson. If you’ve been through fertility treatments yourself, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Pineapples have been dubbed a symbol for the trying to conceive (TTC) community and a symbol of friendship and strength for the infertile. Through hardship, pineapples stand tall and have pointy defenses to protect them, yet are bright, positive, and sweet. I love the analogy.  

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Mom with Scheduled C-Section Delivers Naturally | Birth Story

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Birth Doula Halifax
It was June 6th and we actually had an ultrasound scheduled that morning at 8am for a growth measurement. I was followed by a high risk OB so these were pretty routine. I only gained 10 pounds during my pregnancy so there was concern that Henry might be underweight. My alarm went off at 6:30am to get ready for our ultrasound appointment, when I woke up I grabbed my phone and started scrolling Instagram haha. I noticed my lower back was sore but I figured it was just from laying in bed. I got out of bed and started to walk to the kitchen and when I stood up I felt something wet. YUP my water broke when I stood up! I yelled for Josh to come quick, he sprung out of bed and asked what happened, I told him my water broke and that I had to call my parents. My parents live about a 4 and a half hour drive from us, so my first thought was… I should probably tell them. I called my dad because my mom didn’t answer, I remember telling him that my water broke and I “might” be having the baby today. He quickly went to grab my mom from work and they started their drive to see us. Josh called the number the hospital gave us in case anything was to happen. I was scheduled to have a C-section so they wanted me to go in right away if I went into labour beforehand. Josh called and spoke to the nurse who informed us to come in once we were ready. I got a shower, curled my hair, Josh had breakfast and we packed our bags which I think took about an hour, I still hadn’t had any contractions but I was starting to get anxious to leave.

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A Woman’s Dreams Realized: Having a Family and Creating a Family for Another | Birth Story

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In the winter of 2012, I went out with some friends for what I thought was a casual dinner. It turned out my best friend was telling us she was pregnant! I couldn’t have been happier for her.

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IVF & Recovery ICSI Success: Journey to Baby Bell | Fertility Story

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Friday Feature: Blog post by Brittenay Bell

Turquoise Compass Fertility Doula

When we started our journey to a baby in 2014, we had that blissful naivety that it would be easy, and initially it seemed like it would be. Our first month “trying” we became pregnant. I remember shaking with excitement and I remember Aaron panicking because he didn’t think it would happen that quickly. For 3 glorious weeks we basked in the joy of expecting our first baby. It had been a tough 9 months before hand, we were newly married and while Aaron was at basic training for the navy, my mom passed away from a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Our lives were a constant rollercoaster. But the notion of a baby brought a sense of calm and excitement. It was something good in all that had been so hard. But as quickly as our excitement came it was dashed when I woke up one morning bleeding. After 2 days in and out of the emergency room we confirmed my fears, we lost our baby. Continue reading →

Baby Ryker Brooks | Infancy Loss Story

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postpartum doula

Motherhood takes many shapes and forms. As a new mom and Doula I am constantly astounded by the bravery, strength, and courage of mothers. I’ve learned that being a mom is a gift, blessing, and is truly indescribable (oh, and it’s also hard too). I write this with one incredible mommy in mind (and all mothers who can relate). A fellow boy-mom and my dear friend: Layla. I write this with her permission unable to contain my tears and heartache. Layla lost her newborn son Ryker Brooks who lived just 5 days before being carried on angel wings to heaven. She may not see or know it yet, but she’s a super mom and one of the strongest mothers I know. She personifies love, selflessness, gratitude, and openness, even during the worst sorrow a parent will ever go through as described by Layla. Continue reading →

Baby’s First Christmas Present-Custom Screen Printed Birth Stats Poster

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Birth Stats Poster

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. My favourite “season” so to speak, other than summer, is Christmastime and it is finally here. It’s the only acceptable time of the year for snow. I love everything about this holiday – the music, the movies, the lights, the tree, the decorations, the festive gatherings, the outings, the holiday-themed baking, the turkey dinner, and the creative and meaningful gift-giving (I could go on and on). I especially love writing cards, making presents, homemade advent calendars, and all things sentimental and DIY. Every year I am excited to kick off the celebrations, but this year is extra special: my first year celebrating Christmas as a family of THREE.

Emotion-Evoking Newborn Lifestyle Photography Session by Kaleigh Betty Photography

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Kaleigh Betty Photography
Kaleigh Betty Photography I love surprises! One of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself was keeping the gender of our baby a surprise. Despite it being torture for my poor husband who would have preferred to find out the gender at 20 weeks, he humoured me and we waited. The wives tales, guessing, and anticipation was exciting and I waited anxiously for one of the greatest surprises of my life. Few things in life are surprises, but I knew this would be one worth waiting for. By not knowing the gender, I also found that preparing for the baby’s arrival (who we lovingly referred to as “baby”, “piña” – pineapple in Spanish, or “they”) was easy and enjoyable.

Nothing Says Travel Decor Like PinkSky Co

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PinkSky Co

With a natural born love for travel and the fact that I’m married to a commercial pilot, it’s no surprise that we decorated the nursery in a travel theme. Prior to our baby’s birth, we didn’t know the gender. I couldn’t wait to have the greatest surprise of my life – even though the waiting was torture for my poor husband. For that reason, we wanted the nursery to be unique, yet remain gender neutral. As for the colour scheme, we went with crisp white, pale greys, various shades of turquoise, and pops of vibrant primary colours. I knew once the baby arrived, I could add more gender-specific colours and decor to the room if desired – although I’m not a fan of gender-specific anything. I knew my colour choices would work perfectly for both a boy or a girl. Continue reading →