CONVERSATIONS WITH (YARI PUJOLS): My TTC Journey

One thing you quickly learn on the path to parenthood? No two stories are alike—and trust us, there’s always a story. Whether it's trying to conceive (TTC for those of us fluent in acronyms), waddling your way through pregnancy, surviving labor and delivery, or just figuring out how to function as a human with a tiny new boss, everyone’s experience is wild and wonderful in its own way. That’s why we love hearing as many different stories as we can. Today, we’re excited (and totally honored) to share the amazing TTC journey of our dear friend Yari Pujols.

YARI’S STORY:

The moment I decided I was ready to be a mother was the moment I stepped into a journey I hadn’t fully understood—trying to conceive (TTC). For me, this wasn’t just about having a baby. It became a path of self-discovery, finding strength in uncertainty, and making peace with the unknown.

Before we even started trying, I was deep into preparation mode. Everything from adjusting my diet, finding a good prenatal, to doing anything I could to make sure my body was ready to welcome a little human. I can be an over-preparer, but to be honest, I love it!

By November 2022, I had just turned 35. Of course, I had heard all the horror stories about TTC at my age, so I was anxious about what my journey might look like. I didn’t expect it to be easy, but having lived a pretty healthy lifestyle for a while, I thought it wouldn’t be too difficult either. I eat well, hit the gym regularly, and avoid fast food as much as I can.

At first, I felt hopeful. I even thought my body was showing signs of change. That first month, I was sure we had hit the mark. My uterus felt like it was stretching—only to have my period show up right on time. I remember the disappointment hitting hard. But I was determined. The second month came, and then so did my period. I started experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions—anger, sadness, grief—all the while knowing that all I could do was keep trying.

I knew I wanted to avoid IVF for as long as I could and didn’t want to go down the medical intervention route just yet. I believed in my body and trusted it was capable. The only thing I did was have my blood work done, which just revealed low Vitamin D—a quick fix with a new supplement to my morning routine.

Month after month, I tried something new. Tracking my temperature, using ovulation strips, adjusting my cycle tracking. You name it, I probably did it. And yet, with every period came that wave of hopelessness. One day, I turned to books.

I stumbled upon a book on Amazon called Spirit Babies by Walter Makichen. It was a little different from what I’d expected, but I couldn’t stop reading. For most people, it might seem too “out there,” but I was curious. It gave me a new perspective—that maybe this journey wasn’t just about me. That maybe my spirit baby was with me along the way, preparing just as much as I was.

After finishing the book, I dove deeper into the concept. I wanted to find a medium, someone who could help me connect with my little one. That’s when I found “Emily the Medium” on Instagram, but she wasn’t accepting new clients. After a while, someone followed me on Instagram—random, right? But it turns out, she was a spirit baby medium, affordable too. It felt like a sign. The reading I had with her gave me so much peace and assurance. It was exactly what I needed to keep going.

That first year of trying was tough. One moment that stands out was when an acquaintance casually mentioned how they “weren’t even trying” and got pregnant. He didn’t realize how hurtful that was, knowing how hard we’d been trying. I cried so many times, feeling the weight of every sacrifice, every disappointment.

I worked on myself a lot that year. Healing old wounds, taking meditative walks, and coming to terms with the idea that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t happen for us.

When you’re ready to release all expectations and free yourself from the disappointment that weighs you down, that’s when you can truly start to flow with life. Of course, it’s not easy—I found myself going back and forth between letting go and holding on. But when May 2024 came around, I felt free. I stopped trying to control what I couldn’t and allowed the unknown to just be.

That month was filled with love, friends, and babies. I visited a friend and her beautiful newborn son, who made me feel so deeply loved. When I returned home, I spent time with another friend and felt completely at ease around her little ones. Then another friend came into town, and we hung out with a group where I finally opened up about my TTC journey—it felt incredibly liberating. May was a magical month. I felt so loved and connected.

By the time June rolled around, I noticed how tired I was after doing very little. I took a nap—two hours long—and woke up wondering why. I’d given up tracking and testing, but something told me to take a pregnancy test. I had some HCG strips lying around, so I grabbed one, not expecting anything.

But when I stepped out of the bathroom, I saw it—two lines. Two lines! I was in shock. After all this time, it finally happened.

I walked to the store to grab a test that actually said “pregnant” and planned to surprise my partner when he got home. It was perfect timing. The test read “pregnant,” and when I handed it to him, we shared this beautiful, surreal moment together. We’re now thrilled to welcome our little boy into the world next year!

This journey has had its ups and downs, but to say I made it to the other side feels like a blessing. We can’t wait for this next chapter.

IN CONCLUSION

Wow, right? Yari’s journey was filled with so many ups and downs, but here she is, on the other side, ready to meet her little boy. We’re beyond thrilled for her and can’t wait to meet the little guy ourselves! Parenthood is like a giant grab bag of experiences—no two are the same, and that’s what makes it all so fascinating. The more stories we hear, the more we realize we’re never really alone in this rollercoaster. So thank you, Yari, for sharing your experience and for reminding us that even when the going gets tough, there might be a light (or two pink lines) at the end of the tunnel.

And as always, stay fresh, have a laugh & join the club!

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