ttc-journey

Picture this: You're minding your own business, sipping coffee, when your phone lights up. "Here’s a Memory for You!" it chirps, as if it's the world’s most uninvited fertility doula. Suddenly, there you are—2018, clutching a DIY ovulation test, smiling bravely for your followers (who didn’t ask). Fast forward: that low-res photo is now center stage, and your emotions are the opening act.

If you think I’m making this up, look no further than Julia Edelman and Ginny Hogan’s hilarious New Yorker piece, "Everything My iPhoto Memories Has Chosen to Resurface". Their tally of smartphone photo nostalgia is a glorious-yet-cringe reminder of just how erratic—and oddly poignant—our devices can be. While their memories run the gamut from questionable haircuts to overenthusiastic brunches, those of us deep in the Trying to Conceive—TTC—trenches know a different breed of photo bomb: fertility trackers, pee sticks, and inspirational quotes that felt wise at 2 a.m.

So, why do these digital ghosts haunt us, and how do they shape our fertility mindsets?

The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Reminders

Let’s face it: the modern TTC journey doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s meticulously (over-)documented in cloud storage. Apps, journals, calendar reminders—our attempts at control. But when our phones randomly decide to resurrect our past struggles (or, if we’re lucky, triumphs), it’s emotional roulette.

• One photo: you beaming with an at-home insemination kit.
• Next swipe: discarded packaging, hope, and maybe a little mascara smudge.
• Then: nothing except an out-of-focus cat who definitely does not care if you’re ovulating.

It’s bittersweet, isn’t it? These digital mementos hold both our highest hopes and deepest frustrations. Our devices mean well. (Probably?) But sometimes, it feels like your iPhone is both your biggest cheerleader and your most savage troll.

But wait—is there a method to this photo-driven madness?

Technology: Friend, Foe, or Frenemy on Your Fertility Path?

On the days when you feel like the star of your own fertility flashback montage, here are a few truths to remember:

1. You Are Not Alone (Even When Your Phone Suggests Otherwise)

That awkward snap of your first at-home insemination attempt? Thousands of other hopefuls have practically the same photo. And if you used a MakeAMom kit, you’ve got good company; their user base reports a 67% success rate. (That’s practically a sequel to the Harry Potter books, statistically speaking.)

2. Laughter Is a Coping Skill, Not a Sign of Defeat

Maybe you never meant to memorialize your bathroom counter, but these photos can actually help you process the journey. Julia Edelman and Ginny Hogan’s comedic approach reminds us to give ourselves permission to laugh—even at the moments that didn’t go as planned.

3. Reflect, Don’t Ruminate

If your smartphone memories feel overwhelming, try reframing: these aren’t just evidence of trying—they’re proof you keep going. Did you try a new at-home insemination kit? Switch from the CryoBaby to the BabyMaker because of sensitivities? That’s resourcefulness, my friend.

But are there ways to use digital reminders for good?

Turning Tech Triggers into Triumphs

Instead of dreading surprise photo pop-ups, here’s how to make them work for you:

• Curate Your Own Highlight Reel: Pick your favorite TTC moments—big, small, and everything between. Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.
• Document Wisely: Take photos for you, not some future, judgmental phone. Try journaling alongside snapshots to capture your real emotions.
• Connect With the Community: Sharing your honest journey (yes, even the hormone-induced ugly cries) can transform personal memories into collective support. Your story might help someone else feel less alone.

And if you’re ever staring down a sea of fertility product photos, let’s make sure you’re using options that deserve a starring role. MakeAMom’s discreet, reusable kits are specifically tailored for a range of needs—cryopreserved sperm, low motility, or sensitivities. You’ll find guides, real-life testimonials, and yes, advice on how to document the process with a little more dignity (and probably better lighting).

Final Thoughts: Are We Our Photos, or Something More?

Here’s the big question all those resurfaced images are really asking: Are you defined by your fertility journey’s snapshots, or by the perseverance behind them?

Let’s be clear—there’s magic in those imperfect, sometimes absurd memories. They show you’re still in the game, still hoping, still laughing (even if it’s through tears and a camera smudge).

So next time your phone unveils "a memory from this day," raise a glass (of sparkling water, probably). You’re not just reliving the past—you’re fortifying yourself for the future. And who knows? Today’s awkward snapshot could be tomorrow’s triumphant, share-worthy moment.

What’s the weirdest TTC memory your phone has resurfaced? Snap a pic, share a story, and keep the conversation rolling below. After all, fertility is a journey best traveled together—with a few unexpected digital detours along the way.

Confession time: I’m OBSESSED with Labubus plushies—and not just because they’re adorable. Hear me out: if you’ve ever tried to conceive (TTC), these little gremlin-like toys might have more in common with your fertility journey than you’d think. Let’s talk about it!

The World’s Gone Labubus-Crazy—And Here’s Why That Matters to Us

Have you seen the latest Labubus plush toy frenzy? Collectors are scrambling for the newest designs, the market is booming, and social media is absolutely flooded with #Labubus unboxing videos. At first glance, it’s just another viral craze (move over, Squishmallows!). But look closer, and there’s a surprising parallel with the TTC community.

Why? Because both journeys are packed with anticipation, highs and lows, and more than a sprinkle of hope and uncertainty.

Let me explain.

Chasing Labubus vs. Chasing the Two Pink Lines

Think about it—the rush of trying to hunt down a coveted Labubus for your collection is SO much like the emotional rollercoaster of follicle tracking, ovulation apps, and waiting for that fateful pregnancy test. Both are filled with questions:

• Will this be my month?
• Am I missing out on something everyone else seems to have?
• What if I make a mistake and miss my shot?

With every plush drop (or ovulation window!), your heart pounds. The “did I get it?” feeling is followed by either euphoria—or a sigh and a scroll, ready to try again. If you know, you know.

The Numbers Game: Not Just for Collectors

The Labubus article dives deep into the numbers—how many units shipped, how fast they sell out, the odds of landing a rare edition. Let’s be real: anyone on a fertility journey can relate. We become mathematicians overnight, calculating success rates, chances per cycle, and reading every stat with wild hope.

Did you know that with at-home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom’s resource library, the average success rate is around 67%? It’s easy to get caught up in numbers, whether we’re trying to win the plushie lottery or our own personal “baby jackpot.”

But here’s where it gets real: Numbers are only part of the story.

The Secret Middle: What Nobody Talks About

Whether it’s plush collecting or the TTC grind, there’s a secret middle that doesn’t make the news—the waiting, the doubt, the “not sure if I can keep doing this.” Collectors post triumphant selfies, but few share the heartbreak of a checkout fail or a plush stuck in customs.

For us, behind every Instagram announcement or line progression post, there are months (sometimes years) of stumbles, disappointments, and having to pick ourselves up to try again.

But just like with Labubus, community makes all the difference. Reddit threads, group chats, and forums are full of people swapping tips on rare drops or ovulation hacks, trading both plushies and encouragement. TTC is so much less lonely when you’re surrounded by people who “get it.”

Innovations That Make the Wait Easier

One thing I love about our modern moment? We’ve never had more options to take control of our journey—and that’s empowering. Whether you’re hoping for the next “ultra-rare” plush or that longed-for positive test, technology is on our side.

For many, at-home insemination has cracked open new possibilities outside the clinical box. Brands like MakeAMom have intentionally designed their suite of reusable kits—from CryoBaby (for frozen sperm) to BabyMaker (for sensitivities)—to fit the unique needs of different families. Discretion, affordability, and accessibility matter more than ever when navigating the very personal terrain of TTC.

Just like knowing the “drop times” for Labubus gives collectors an edge, having the right tools and information in your fertility toolkit can make the process feel a little less daunting—and a lot more hopeful.

Here’s the REAL Takeaway (and a Challenge!)

At the end of the day, Labubus plushies won’t change your life—but finding moments of joy, community, and self-compassion will. The numbers don’t define you, and neither do the setbacks.

If you’re in the middle of your own fertility wait, remember:

• You’re not alone. There’s a whole squad cheering you on.
• Every emotion is valid. Excitement, disappointment, hope, frustration—we feel them all, sometimes at the same time.
• There are tools out there that might just make the journey smoother (and yes, sometimes a little cuter).

So, what do Labubus plushies really teach us? Maybe that collecting soft, squishy moments of joy—no matter where we are on our path—is worth just as much as the rarest find on the shelf.

Have you found unexpected comfort in something totally unrelated to fertility? Or have you tried an at-home insemination kit that’s changed your perspective?

Drop your thoughts (and plush pics, if you’ve got ‘em!) in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going—and remind each other that every collection, and every journey, is unique and worth celebrating.

Ever feel like you're stranded on your own cliff during your fertility journey?

If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch this jaw-dropping video of a stranded dog being rescued from a rock ledge in Mexico. I stumbled across it this morning, coffee in hand, expecting a quick feel-good scroll… but instead, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Because that dog? Scared, frozen on a narrow ledge, high above the ground with nowhere to turn. I swear I saw a piece of myself—and maybe, if you’re reading this, you’ll see yourself too.

When Life Feels Like a Cliff’s Edge

Trying to conceive (TTC) has this way of making every little hope or setback feel massive. You’re charting, you’re testing, you’re doing everything right—and then, month after month, you might feel as stuck as that poor pup, teetering between hope and hopelessness. Sometimes it even feels like the universe is watching and shaking its head, right?

But what I loved about the story wasn’t just the happy ending. It was how the community and the firefighters used a rope mechanism—simple, but effective—to guide the dog to safety. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t high-tech. It was about resourcefulness, teamwork, and quiet, steady progress.

TTC: It’s Okay to Ask for a Rope

Here’s the thing I forget (over and over): no one climbs down from the cliff alone.

• Sometimes your “rope” is a supportive partner who holds your hand through every two-week wait.
• Maybe it’s an online community that actually gets the heartbreak of another negative test.
• Maybe it’s a trusted product or a company that offers information and real solutions, not just empty promises.

If you’re maneuvering the twists and turns of at-home conception, it’s easy to feel isolated. And yet, so many small tools, resources, and stories—like that firefighter’s rope—are out there quietly waiting to guide you down safely, one step at a time.

The Power of Small Steps

What struck me about the dog’s rescue is how patient and careful the team was. They didn’t rush. They didn’t shout. They just kept at it, little by little. That’s honestly the realest metaphor for TTC I’ve ever seen.

Here’s what I’ve learned (and re-learned) through my journey:

• Every “no” could be one step closer to a “yes.”
• It’s okay to feel stuck or afraid. That just means you care.
• Progress doesn’t always look like a leap—most days it’s just inching forward and trusting the rope will hold.

Finding Your Own “Rescue Team”

We’re lucky to live in a time when even the most daunting cliffs—literal or emotional—aren’t climbed alone. While reading up on safe, affordable fertility tools, I landed on MakeAMom’s resource hub and was honestly impressed by how they break down the scary stuff into encouraging, practical advice. I especially appreciated that their insemination kits are reusable and discreet, with different options for unique health needs. (I mean, how many times have you felt overwhelmed by choices that don’t actually fit your real-life situation?)

An average success rate of 67% is more than a statistic—it’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and real results are possible. And sometimes, the plainest package on your doorstep is the very “rope” you’ve been waiting for (no noisy branding attached!). Check out their personal stories and guidance if you need a bit more backup—no pressure, just another hand on the rope.

If You’re Feeling Stuck Right Now, You’re Not Alone

Maybe today is one of those cliff-edge days for you. Or maybe you’re further down the path, looking back at the ledge you left behind. Either way, the story of that rescued dog reminds me—and maybe you—that stuck isn’t forever.

So, how do you keep going when hope feels thin?

• Reach out: Whether it’s a professional, a product, or a virtual friend, don’t climb alone.
• Stay patient: Progress is still progress, even if it’s slow.
• Allow yourself to hope: Even if it feels risky or naïve.

Final Thought

We all need a rescue rope sometimes. Maybe today, this post is yours. Or maybe you’ll be someone else’s tomorrow.

Tell me: When did you last feel “rescued” or supported on your fertility journey? Or, what’s your rope when hope gets hard to hold? Drop your story in the comments—you never know who needs it next.

Because whether it’s a firefighter in Mexico or a friend on the internet, help is always closer than you think.

Ever feel like your fertility journey is one giant, unpredictable rocket launch? If you caught the recent news, you probably saw SpaceX’s Starship experience what they cheekily call a "rapid unscheduled disassembly" (translation: it exploded) during its 9th test flight. For a brief, hope-filled moment, the world watched as that super-advanced spacecraft soared—and then, as its fuel leaked and things spun out of control, our collective hearts sank.

Sound familiar? Because if you’re trying to conceive, there’s a good chance you’ve felt the dizzying highs and lows of launching your own “mission.” And maybe—just maybe—you’ve wondered what to do when your plans go up in smoke.

The SpaceX of Trying to Conceive: High Hopes, Wild Rides

Honestly, when I first saw the Starship test flight go off script, my first feeling was empathy. Not just for the engineers and mission control, but for all of us on journeys where success isn’t guaranteed. Because here’s a truth people rarely say out loud about trying to grow your family: for every careful plan, there’s an equal amount of chaos, surprises, and yes—sometimes failures.

But just like the folks at SpaceX, it's not the explosion that defines the mission—it's what you learn and how you launch again.

Mission Control: Where the Unexpected Happens

Let’s get real for a second. If you’re reading FertilityUnlocked, maybe you’ve:

• Perfectly timed your ovulation window… and still seen a negative test.
• Tried every chart, tracker, and tip, only to be blindsided by another "not this cycle" reminder.
• Poured energy into hope, only to have it fizzle when something unexpected happens (timing, health, life itself!).

It can feel like no matter how much you plan, you're always a tiny leak away from your own “unscheduled disassembly.”

But what if these setbacks aren’t failures—just data points? What if, like a scientific mission, every attempt brings you closer to success?

Embracing Failure Like a Rocket Scientist

Here’s my “aha!” moment after watching that Starship clip: SpaceX expects things to blow up sometimes. It’s built into their process. Each setback is transformed into a lesson, a blueprint, a stronger next try. They don’t see disaster as the end, but as one step closer to the goal.

Can we do the same with our fertility journeys?

• Document what went right and wrong. Was it the timing? Was it the method?
• Get curious, not defeated. What can you tweak next time?
• Talk about it! (Hello, you’re here! So am I.)

Building Your DIY “Ground Control”

While we can’t all have a team of rocket engineers on speed dial, we can create a support system and use the best tools at our disposal. That’s where at-home innovations, like those from MakeAMom's resource-rich site, have honestly changed the game for a lot of us.

I learned—maybe the hard way—that the journey isn’t about heroics or suffering in silence. It’s about:

• Finding tools you trust. (Reusable kits like CryoBaby or BabyMaker make things a bit less daunting, especially if you have sensitivities or unique needs.)
• Having privacy and support. Packages arrive without fanfare—no need to explain yourself again at the pharmacy.
• Adapting and iterating. Each try is another chance to learn, tweak, and grow.

From “Unscheduled Disassembly” to Unexpected Insight

What if we could reframe every failed cycle as a mission test—one that teaches us what we’re made of?

Here are a few reminders I’ve picked up after way too many launchpad moments:

1. You’re not alone. There’s a whole launch crew out here, quietly rooting for you.
2. Every attempt matters. And every setback brings an opportunity to improve, even if you can’t see it yet.
3. It’s okay to laugh. Sometimes you need to call it a “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” have a good cry (or giggle), and plan your next liftoff.

Final Approach: What’s Your Next Step?

If SpaceX taught us anything this week, it’s that there’s no such thing as a flawless mission—just another chance to fly again, armed with better data and bigger dreams.

So, what’s your next step? Are you going to try the same method? Switch it up? Or maybe, just maybe, do some research and see what tools—be it reusable insemination kits or a new tracking app—might give you a fresh start? (For real, poke around MakeAMom’s info-packed guides and testimonials—it can be a game-changer.)

Your launchpad is waiting. And if one cycle ends with a bang, just remember: the next attempt could finally take you where you want to go.

Have you ever had a TTC setback that taught you something surprising? Drop your stories below—I’ll bring the snacks, you bring the honesty. Let’s lift each other up, one “mission” at a time.