Welcome to our Bringing Home Baby blog! Over the next few months, Mike and I will be sharing a little insight with you on how our maternity/paternity leave is going. We are a few weeks away from the baby’s scheduled arrival and I’ve found myself thinking about what a blessing parenthood is. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling role in this world. But before we begin our journey with baby number two, I thought we would bring you up to speed on the rocky road we’ve taken to get here.
I recently spotlighted a couple in an adoption story who tried for years to get pregnant. In the story, I wrote that unless you’ve walked in the unlucky shoes of a couple struggling to have a baby - the emptiness is almost impossible to describe. I wrote that from first hand experience.
Mike and I were quite surprised when we found out we were pregnant with our daughter Katelin back in 2001. We hadn’t been trying - and thought children were still a few years away. But I can say now with absolute certainty that it was the greatest unexpected blessing of our lives. Katelin Rae has brought nothing but joy and wonderment into our home and we thank God everyday for giving us such an amazing gift.
Katelin Rae, Age 6
So naturally when we decided to try for baby number two four years ago - we foolishly assumed that it would happen immediately. One year later when we still weren’t pregnant - we turned to a fertility doctor. Now, the frustrating thing about fertility problems is that oftentimes, there is no explanation for why things are not working. That was the case with us. All the tests came back normal. So we tried a few different fertility tricks and eventually had some luck. In February of 2007 we finally got pregnant. I remember looking at the pregnancy test for a few minutes in disbelief before I brought it down for Mike to see. We just stood and cried and held each other for the longest time. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
Unfortunately, a few weeks later I had a miscarriage. We were both devastated. Miscarriage is such a common occurence, I think studies show that 25% of pregnancies end this way - and yet you never think it’s going to happen to you. First the struggle to get pregnant and now this. Why? Why us?
Over the next year and a half we had 2 more miscarriages…all chalked up to “bad luck.” Sometimes life just isn’t fair. (this is the emptiness that I mentioned earlier that is impossible to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself.) The wave of emotions hits you like a mac truck.
-Sadness at the loss of three babies.
-Frustration that there is no explanation.
-Guilt that you have a beautiful, healthy child and yet for some reason you are still longing for more.
-Jealousy at the people around you welcoming new additions with no problems at all.
-Shame that you are jealous of other people’s happiness.
I can’t even begin to tally up the tears that would fall on the due dates that were not meant to be.
This past spring, Mike and I made the decision to turn to adoption. We wanted more children and believed in our hearts that it really didn’t matter how they came to us. We were accepted into the Lutheran Social Services program and began filling out the paperwork, when wouldn’t you know it - we found out I was pregnant again. But instead of being overwhelmed with happiness, this time around there was just a dark cloud hanging over us. We had been through so much heartache and disappointment that we wouldn’t allow ourselves to get excited. We just didn’t believe it was actually going to happen.
But as the weeks turned into months and the picture of the ultrasound appeared, we were reassured that there was indeed a healthy baby growing inside.
20 week ultrasound
Seeing that beautiful profile and tiny little foot allowed us to open our hearts up to the possibility that we would be blessed with a child once again.
Four years is a long time to wait for a baby. Our due date is January 10th and with every passing minute I grow more anxious and excited to tell this little someone that the wait - was totally worth it.
Jennifer
*Stay tuned for news on Baby Thompson’s arrival! You’ll be the first to know. Okay, maybe the second.
on Dec 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations. It is comforting to know someone else shared the same emotions as me. I also traveled the difficult road of trying to have a child. We also went through fertility treatment and were devastated to have had two miscarriages. Well meaning people told us you are young, you’ll have time. This time seemed to drag on forever. After two years of giving my self shots and taking pills, we stayed pregnant. In June we welcomed our first child a son. He was worth all the pain and heartbreak we had to endure. Hopefully by others sharing their stories of infertility, couples will not feel so alone and will not give up hope of having a child someday.
on Dec 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
GOD BLESS THE TWO OF YOU.. IT COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO TWO NICER PEOPLE. I REALLY ONLY KNOW YOU FROM T.V. BUT YOUR PERSONALITIES COME THROUGH AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. JENNIFER I AM SO DARN JEALOUS OF YOU I THINK YOU ARE A VERY PRETTY LADY AND AS I AM 61 NOW JUST WISH I COULD HAVE GONE THROUGH LIFE WITH YOUR FACE.. AND MIKE YOUR OK TOO. BY THE WAY YOUR LITTLE GIRL LOOKS LIKE BOTH OF YOU. YOUR LITTLE ONE IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE 2 TALENTED PEOPLE LIKE YOU . LOVE THE WAY YOU BOTH LAUGH. MAY YOU HAVE A VERY LONG AND HAPPY LIFE. P.S. SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOSSES OF YOUR BABIES. BUT THEY ARE YOUR ANGELS OVER YOUR SHOULDER NOW.. FOR NOW I JUST WANT TO WISH YOU THE VERY BEST HOLIDAYS AND MANY BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON. MARY
on Dec 24th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Congradulations and God Bless both of you. Your little girl is beautiful as this coming child will be also. And to be born on a wonderful day like the 10th of January.
on Dec 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Wow, Jen…I had no idea about all you and Mike have been through. I’ve heard you say on air that it’s been a long road, but I didn’t realize it was this rough. You and Mike always kept a smile on your face on air, but you were really aching inside. I can’t even imagine how tough that must be to act like everything is all fine and dandy when it’s really not. There’s no way that I can imagine what you’ve been through, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year! And may God bless you, Mike, Katelin, and your new baby miracle!
on Dec 26th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Thank you so much for sharing your story. While I haven’t struggled with fertility, I have suffered a miscarriage. The excitement of seeing twins on the screen soon led to sadness as there were no heartbeats. It was absolutely heartbreaking, but as you said, so common. You just never think it will happen to you, and when it does you forever hold that possibility in the back of your mind. I am so glad that things have worked out for you so far, and that your due date is right around the corner. May you be blessed with a happy, healthy bundle of joy. Best of luck to you and your family.
on Dec 26th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. As I read this story it reminds me a little of what my husband and I have been through the last 4 1/2 years and it brings tears of happiness and yet sadness to my eyes. Blame it on the hormones I guess, as after 4 1/2 long years of wanting a baby our own we are expecting our little one to make his/her debut in February. The happiness comes for obvious reasons, but the sadness comes when I think of those children we will never meet. Unfortunately, we too know what it is like to have miscarriages, and not know why it’s not as easy for you to have children as it is friends or other family members. As I believe I was put on this earth to be a mother and my dreams are finally coming true. I wish you the best of luck on the pending birth of your baby!
on Dec 27th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I watch you and Mike everyday and I feel as though I know you even if it is only thru the airwaves. I love your In Search Of segments especially the adoption stories. Congrats to you and Mike and this soon to be born blessing. You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts. PS I think Bill should make weather quiz a little easier… I have no clue who knows some of these answers.
on Dec 29th, 2008 at 7:28 am
When Bill had said mayby you had also drank the water at the hospital was our first clue that you were expecting. How exciting for you. We love watching you and Bill. Enjoy that baby you will be missed. While I may be on the other end of the spectrum, I have 6 children under 10 I do also know what a mc feels like having two of them. Congrats again to you and your husband. HOpe to see you back in a couple of monthes.
on Dec 29th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I want to first tell you that I am so happy for you… You are a wonderful lady, I watch you every morning. Just know that we are all praying for you and your family.. May god truly bless you and mike.. You are amazing people. Thanks for being so upbeat every morning too, I could not start my morning without you. Congrats and god bless you….
on Dec 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Hi everyone! I’ve been getting some questions from a few of you so I thought I would answer for all to see. We did not find out whether we are having a boy or a girl. Any guesses? We do have some names that we have narrowed it down to, but nothing set in stone…so suggestions are welcome! Thanks to all for the nice comments - we really appreciate all the well wishes.
on Dec 30th, 2008 at 7:28 am
When we didn’t see you this morning on TV, we came to the website to check for news of the arrival of your baby! I had no idea that you had gone through so much, and I am so humbled to read your story. We have struggled our whole marriage to have children, and after seven miscarriages are very, very blessed with five beautiful miracles! If adoption is on your heart, keep it there, for it is an experience like none other. It has brought us one of our greatest joys. We will be watching for the announcement of your little miracle! Our prayers will be with you.
on Dec 30th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
First off, let me say that I have been a regular fan of your morning show for years, and was so happy when I moved from La Crosse to Eau Claire for grad school, when I realized I could still get Newschannel 8 here! :p
I would just like to say congratulations for your little one on the way, and thank you for sharing your story with us. You are an inspiration to many. I hope you and your family had a lovely Christmas, and that 2009 brings you even more joy.
Oh! You said you were taking suggestions for possible names…For a girl, how about Faith?
Best,
-Karrie
on Dec 30th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
This is such an exciting time in your life and I’m so glad that you, Mike and Katelin are willing to share it with all of us!
Congratulations and we’re looking forward to hearing the announcement of Baby Thompson’s birth!
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Congratulations. I fully understand what you mean about feeling jealous of others having babies while you are not. I also understand the shame you mentioned. We have been trying for 13 years now to have a child with no luck. Luckily I did have a child before I was married and am lucky to have him. However, it is very hard to want another but to not be able to and have no explanation as to why. Stories like yours give me hope. Good luck to you all! Beautiful pictures by the way.
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Jen and Mike,
I, too, watch you every morning and enjoy your morning program with Bill. I wish you all the best with the birth of your child. You have traveled a long road and now soon, your new little one will be here! Enjoy, because as you know the time will fly! I just recently learned I will be a grandma. I am very excited, and like you, my daughter and her husband are choosing not to learn the sex of their baby. That is just all the more exciting!
I will eagerly be awaiting to hear the news of your new baby!
on Jan 2nd, 2009 at 1:49 am
Jen and Mike,
Congrats on your soon to be new bundle. I too have suffered from issues with pregnancy. It is really nice to know from you and others posting here, I’m not the only one. After being blessed with my oldest, I was told not to try again, 5 years later I found myself pregnant again. We lost our beautiful girl at 36 hours old (born at 23wks), 1 year later we had our youngest son, who is now 8. With 2 boys a little girl would complete our family. However after 5 more miscarriages I did give in to the doctors. Adoption is a possibility for us but we are investigating yet.
I wish you well and a safe delivery for you and baby Jen! I agree Faith would be an excellent name if your blessed with a girl. :)Grady Michael for a boy?
on Jan 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I am so happy for all of you and look forward to hearing about your new baby, I went through years of wishing for a baby, after being married 9 years we adopted our oldest son, who is now 45, over the next few years we adopted another son, and two daughters, after being married for 18 years, I finally was pregnant, and our youngest daughter is now almost 37. I am so proud of all 5 of our children, and now have 15 grandchildren, and two other children who I consider grandchildren, also I have two great grandchildren. God has richly blessed our family and may he greatly bless yours as well. I was able to attend your Mothers Church when my daughter lived in Marian a few years ago. What a wonderful lady, and all the people in the Church were so welcoming.
on Jan 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Congratulations seems like such a small word after you’ve been down “the road”. And boy did you hit the nail on the head—you don’t really know until………
My husband and I lost a baby girl at just over 19 weeks in December 2005. We were then struck again in May 2006 at 17 weeks. I never thought it would happen………until June 3 2007…….
He was 9 lbs and BEAUTIFUL! And here we are again……….but this time we weren’t trying……….due on June 4 2009! I’m finally getting over being nervous–and shocked!!
You are both such wonderful people and such GREAT parents! I hope all goes well for you. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that this is not a road travelled lightly–or alone!And you’re right……..what a BLESSING children are!
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 7:35 am
Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your story with us - I will miss you in the morning. I always LOVE seeing and hearing you. You are such of an inspiration to many. Your happy and upbeat personality is catching and such of a great way to start the day.
I do think Bill gives you some hard Weather Quiz questions - how about turning the tables and seeing how good Bill is at answering Quiz questions from you? HA!
Katelin is adorable, she will be a big help to Mom and Dad.
Blessings to all 3 of you and we will anxiously be waiting to hear of the arrival of that precious new little baby Thompson!
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
As a mother who’s daughter is following your same path of disappointments I find your postings very comforting.. I don’t ask ANY questions so your postings are informative to me. Maybe 2009 will bring good news for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Happy new year!! and what a way to start it, with a new life! (for all of you!) I am one of 12 siblings, and we are all so close, you showed our family picture one year for mothers day!, so I cant imagine what you have been through, good for you for sticking with your hopes…dreams…and love, and I think its wonderful that Katelin will experience a sibling, take care, Jaynie
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for sharing your story - I watch you and Bill every morning before I leave for work. You are really amazing to have been dealing with so much over the past few years and still always a happy smile and upbeat message each day. I wish you and Mike and your family the very best and will be anxious to hear of the arrival of the new baby.
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 3:43 am
congratulations you will all be one happy family .
Have a great time off with your daughterKaitlyn and the new baby
share those special moments with Mike too .
Alice
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your little miracle.I am thankful that I have two children who are with me as well,however I still ache for the one who had to deliver who didnt get to come home with us.I saw your developing story with hints from Mike on the news and then witnessed your good news share during the morning segment.I was feeling a little down before that dreading the upcoming date of the loss of our first child,but your strength and your blog has helped me through.
My boys and I watch the morning show religiously before school and enjoy the bantering with you and Bill.My husband and I watch the evening shows with Mike.We appreciate the jobs you do and how you do them.Enjoy your new little bundle,and have a healthy,happy baby.
God Bless
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Congratulations, I watch you every morning. I enjoy watching you laugh&smile I like to hear that in the mornings to start my day. My suggestion for a girl name is Nevaeh. Heaven spelled backwards. Good luck and have fun.
on Jan 6th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Congratulations on your brand new baby girl!! I remember when you had your first daughter being I was pregnant with my first son at the same time.. He arrived on Nov 19th, 2001… I’m so happy that you’ve decided to share your story with everyone.. I wish I would of had the same opportunity to read blogs of what other people are going thru as I also went thru surgery for endometerious, etc.. also had a block tube.. and went thru all the inferitility treatments from taking clomid to 4 artificial insemenations and IVF with nothing working .. I totally understand all the frustrations and disappointsments and tears and all the trying to be helpful people saying what they think is helpful when it just makes you more frustrated. but my husband didnt give up.. we took a 2 year break and then decided to give it one last try and i got pregnant that month.. after 8yrs of trying we welcome our baby boy in 2001 and then after 15months of trying got pregnant with our baby girl born in 2004! We are so blessed with two heathy children!! Thank you again for sharing your story!! I’m positive it will make alot of people feel not alone!! Congratulations on your two beautiful babies!!
Ps.. to the mom who’s daughter is going thru the same things ask questions, let her tell you if she wants to talk about it or not.. for me anyway, I wish I would of had the extra support!!
on Jan 8th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Hi Mike and Jen:
Congratulations on the birth of Finley, She is a beautiful baby. You, Mike and Kaitlyn have to be so happy. Both of you have been Blessed with two miracles , God Bless all four of You.
I tape your show every day and watch it when I get up in the morning. we’ve all been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive thank God it went well.
We have three children but I had two miscarriages between our second and third child and they are a loss you never forget. We now have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren and they are all beautiful miracles. Enjoy Your time off together, But stay inside it’s cold out there!!!! You will be missed on the air, both of you.
Our prayers our with your beautiful family
God Bless each of You Kathy
on Jan 8th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Jennifer and Mike:
I am so glad that you have become blessed with another child. I know the feeling about losing a child due to miscarriage. I lost one and that was enough. Then after the D&C the next day I had to go back because I was in labor and they had to do another one. That is the most horrible experience. But I have two of my own now and they are total blessings from God. I cannot have anymore biologically but Adoption has really been on my mind for quite awhile. Thank you for thinking about the children who are out there and do not have any families. You are two wonderful people and your children are gorgeus. God Bless you. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I know it must have been a decision that was well thought.
Kerri
on Jan 10th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Congratulations! I am so happy you have a happy ending! We have a very similar story and I had many of the same feelings you did. We too have our happy ending after five years of disappointment and sadness. I have followed your story as I would get updates from some of your friends. I wish you the best with both of your children. Enjoy the miracle and enjoy your time off with them!
on Jan 14th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Congratulations on your new addition to your family. I am sorry to hear you were having so hard of a time getting preggers and that you had a miscarriage.
Have they tested you for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome? That can cause fertility problems and miscarriages. Please ask your doctor to test you for this. For more information please go to http://www.apsfa.org.
on Jan 14th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Wow! Congratulations on your new addition!
I read your blog… A long wait the second time around, really touched me, I cried! My husband and I too, have went through many miscarriages. I have a daughter from a previous relationship and had been married to my now husband for 8 years and had 3 miscarriages, one included twins. You do think… Hey I got pregnant before what am I doing wrong?
Early in the morning on Fathers Day of 05′, I took a home preg. test and it was postive, I handed it to my husband and said, “Happy Father’s Day! we’re having a baby! In January of 06′, we had a little boy. 3 Months later, my hubby gets deployed for overseas for 18 months, what a emotional roller coaster! But thats another story!
We had just moved into our new dream house which was completed last October, and 2 months later, Wham! Find out we are expecting! Hubby keeps teasing me about the old saying… New House, New Baby! I thought that only happens to newlyweds! Oh, well. We weren’t expecting this to happen!
But Yes, I have the worries everyday about losing this one, but I feel sick and have soar boobies and thats a good thing! Right!? We are expecting child #3, 08-08-09!
I love Finely’s middle name! That is my middle name too!
I wish you so much happiness with you and your family! Both of your daughters are beautiful. You and Mike did… GOOD!
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Congratulations on your beautiful baby! Our family is expecting baby #2 in May, after waiting over 11 years of trying! Our son has been praying for a baby brother or sister for years and years and finally God felt the time was right. ! God’s blessings on your new arrival!
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Hi Mike and Jenny - I am so proud of both of you for having the courage and willingness to share the raw reality of your pain while trying to produce child #2. You will never know how many people you touch with your honesty. The responses you have received reflect that truth and my guess is that there are many others who you’ll never hear from that have a little more hope in there own efforts to have a baby. I know there were times you raged against God and couldn’t understand why you were experiencing the losses of precious babies that you (and we)wanted so much. I did my own raging as well. There are questions that will never be answered and mysteries that may be known only in eternity. For now it is enough to embrace the miracle of Finley Mae and celebrate that Katelin Rae is indeed a big sister. (As well as Scarlett Rose’s Fairy-God-cousin!) Thanks for sharing the continuing story, and the joy, in the midst of sleepless nights and endless feedings. My heart is full. I love you both. Mom
on Jan 16th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Congratulations! Your story bought tears of joy and tears of pain. It brought back memories I experienced with the joy of one child, but wanting more. I’m so very happy for all of you. Kaitlen looks so proud and happy. Finley is a blessing!
on Jan 19th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I can’t believe this - but your story is almost the exact duplicate of my life! Minus the fact that I have not had the surgery for endometriosis - although they think I might have it. I have had 4 miscarriages, one before my son was born, and three since. It is reassuring to know that there are others out there that have gone thru the same thing and have felt the same thing. And the best part - your story gives me hope and actually makes me want to explore the issues and try again after I have decided we should give up trying for another baby.
Can you email me off-line and send me the name of the Dr you were using at Skemp? I am still doctoring in Winona and think I need to go to a higher level. Thanks much and CONGRATS!
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Congratulations Mike and Jennifer!
I, too, am currently experiencing difficulty in having a child. It has been a long road for my husband and I, and to add to things, I have endometriosis. We believe adoption is in our future, but we cannot give up yet trying to have our own miracle together. I have been seeing a well-known reproductive endocrinolgist at Franciscan Skemp for about three years now. We have done the fertility treatments as well, and I have had two surgeries to remove the endometriosis. I, too, can definitely share some of the same feelings you have had in your own struggle. It is true that unless you have walked in these shoes, you will never completely know how it feels to have month after month of let-downs. You are so blessed to have not just one, but two beautiful children. I hope that one day God will bless my husband and I with a little one.
Thanks for sharing your story. I love to hear happy endings. It helps for me to see other success stories like yours as I carry on this long, difficult, emotional journey of trying to have a child.
God Bless you!