Most of you know pieces of our story, but not this part.

Truthfully, sharing this makes me wildly uncomfortable. I'm usually the person who figures things out quietly and only talks about it after the storm has passed. But if there's ever something worth being vulnerable for, it's this.

Years ago, because of medical issues, I had a hysterectomy. It wasn't really a choice. It was just the hand I was dealt.

I don't talk about it much because, honestly, what is there to say? I grieved it, accepted it, and moved on with life.

Then I met Jake.

Most of you know him. If you do, then you know exactly the kind of man he is.

When he came into our lives, he didn't just love me. He loved my children. He stepped into a role he didn't have to step into and never once treated them like they were anything less than his own. There was never a conversation about it. Never a hesitation. He just showed up. Day after day. Year after year.

And somewhere along the way, we started dreaming about having a baby together.

The problem is, because of my hysterectomy, the only way for us to do that is through IVF AND surrogacy.

We actually thought we had our answer.

A family member we love very much offered to carry for us. We were overwhelmed. It felt like one of those moments where everything was finally falling into place.

Then life had other plans.

After delivering her own baby, she experienced serious medical complications. Thankfully she is okay, and that's all that matters. We never even considered asking her to move forward after that. Not for a second.

But it left us back at the beginning.

So here we are.

Being vulnerable.

Being hopeful.

And honestly, being a little scared to even post this.

We are exploring every avenue available to us. We are looking into grants, financing, fundraising, and all the things that come along with this journey. We are willing to do the work.

But more than anything, we're hoping this reaches the right person.

Maybe that's someone who has considered being a gestational carrier. Maybe it's someone who knows someone. Maybe it's just someone willing to share this.

If you've had healthy pregnancies, love being pregnant, and feel your heart tugging at this story, we'd love to have a conversation. No pressure. No expectations. Just a conversation.

Truthfully, this isn't easy for me to share. Asking for help has never been my strong suit.

But if sharing our story gives even the smallest chance that one day Jake gets to hold a baby that's biologically his, then it's worth being uncomfortable.

if someone comes to mind while reading this, I'd be forever grateful if you'd share it with them.

Sometimes the right person is closer than we think. 🤍

Emily & Jake