Stacey & KC

Stacey and I met about six years ago. At that time, neither of us had ever thought of getting married and having children. However, finding the right person changed our minds. We got married in 2022 and soon after our wedding we began the fertility journey. We both knew we each wanted to carry a baby. So we put our hope in Shady Grove Fertility and with Dr. Tara Budinetz. Luckily, neither of us had infertility issues, but we knew the challenges for use would be more emotional and financial. Yet that didn’t stop us. We knew we wanted to start our family.

Finding a fertility team we trusted

We knew a lot of people who used Shady Grove Fertility and Stacey had previously seen Dr. Budinetz. Stacey’s first words to me upon meeting Dr. B, was “you are going to love her!” Those words stand true to this day. Dr. B has been amazing from the very first visit all the way through when we graduated to our OB/GYNs. She sat with us numerous times to explain our options in intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). We always knew she was always honest with us, which made the process easier. 

We decided based on Stacey’s advanced maternal age, and my limited egg quality, we would each try to have children around the same time. We began the appointments in the fall of 2022, but after about a year of driving to Allentown and Philadelphia for appointments, it became very mundane and exhausting. Throughout the entire journey, Dr. B and the staff were always so welcoming and supportive and knowing the result would be to start our family, we knew it would all be worth it.  

After we completed the genetic testing, it was time to look for a sperm donor. We knew we wanted our children to have the same donor. We took our time to find the right donor, as we needed to find someone who was not a genetic carrier of Cystic Fibrosis, since I’m a carrier. We eventually found the perfect match! 

After much discussion with each other and Dr. B, we decided to both go through IUI around the same time, based on our cycles. We know, it sounds crazy! 

Two little miracles

In May of 2023, I began the IUI process first and Stacey started her IUI in June. The two-week waiting period was the most emotional time. Come to find out, my IUI worked on the first try! We were pregnant with our soon to be little boy! Stacey’s first round of IUI did not take. We decided to try IUI one more time with her. The second IUI also did not take. This brought a lot of emotion—good and bad. We were so happy to be expecting one little miracle, and sad to experience the heartbreak of IUI not working and us having to determine the next steps. After further discussion with Dr. B, we decided to do IVF. Stacey’s dream was to always be a mom and to experience being pregnant. In the Fall of 2023, we began the process of IVF. Stacey was a warrior during this time, she began the medicine and shots, and December 11, 2023, was her transfer day! We were hoping for an early Christmas present and thankfully, the transfer worked! Stacey was now pregnant with our second little miracle, a little girl.  

An amazing time

It was such an amazing time to each be pregnant together. We were able to share similar experiences in our pregnancy. In fact, we got to know everyone at our doctor’s office so well since we were going there so often! Our son, Cameron, was born March 15, 2024. Then on August 23, 2024, our daughter, Callie was born. 

We are so fortunate to become mothers together and to go through the birthing process together as well. We learned so much about ourselves during this time. One thing we tell future patients is to never give up on your dreams, to trust in your doctors, and to build that relationship with them. Without Dr. B and her staff, we would not be where we are today. They have so much love and passion for their patients.