Signing Off...for now

It's been a crazy year and a half but it's time to say goodbye to this blog for now.  I may post updates occasionally, but you know how that goes.

I hope someone is able to benefit from reading about my experience through IVF and using Starbucks as a way to make the dream a reality.

If you've found this blog somehow, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions, I'm always happy to help out!!  Since I probably won't check the blog often for comments etc, the best way to reach me is through email abigailanna42@gmail.com or through facebook.  Another resource which I can't mention enough is the Starbucks IVF Mommas facebook page.  PLEASE join as there is a wealth of knowledge on there from so many other women going through the exact same thing.  It is probably the most encouraging and least dramatic facebook group I've ever been a part of.  Make sure to read the pinned post first as that will answer many of your questions if I haven't addressed them here.

With love,

Abigail

End of an Era

Well, now that March has come and gone, I've officially lost my Starbucks insurance :(. I'm actually a little sad because that was my last tie to the company and now it's really, really over.  It's weird to think about being completely done and that chapter of my life is closed.  Looking back, it all went to fast, but time is usually like that I guess.

I really can't describe the immense gratitude I have for Starbucks and everything it's given our family.  I know they get flack in the media every once in a while for one reason or another, but I will always stand behind them as a company who really cares about their employees.  My experience at Starbucks was always a positive one and I would encourage anyone who's thinking about applying to do so.  I've even suggested it to people who don't need infertility benefits, but just health benefits in general!

So thank you Starbucks, for giving us what really matters in life.  For making a reality something we thought may only be a dream.  Some little girls grow up wanting to be teachers, or doctors or lawyers and I only ever wanted to be a mom.  Now I'm getting that chance.

Is This Real Life?

I'm continually amazed at the miracle of life.  I feel so blessed to have been able to watch this miracle from the very, very beginning!  Not many people can say they have a picture of their kid when they are literally five days old.  It is insane to not only realize that a clump of cells becomes a child, but that this specific clump of cells becomes my child.  How great is God?!

Last Day :(

I've known for a long time that my insurance would terminate at the end of March, due to me not meeting the hours requirement during the fall.  I decided to have my last day be March 1st so that the insurance would carry through to the end of the month.

My store had a change in management and a lot of the employees left at the same time so the last few months have been crazy.  There have been a ton of new hires and even though I'd only been there a year, I was one of the veterans...weird!  Due to so many new people wanting hours and me not really needing (or really wanting...) a ton, the new manager was only scheduling me for 4-8ish hours a week during the end of January and February.  So when my last day came, it wasn't really a big deal shock to not be working anymore.

I didn't actually get scheduled on the 1st so I had to take someone else's shift.  I was able to get an opening shift from 4:30-9:30 so I could open with my favorite shift manager, Sydney, one last time.  She has been a huge supporter of me during this journey and also is just really good at her job so I obviously liked working with her ;)

It was a regular Friday morning, with all the regulars coming in for their morning coffee and pastries. The biggest decision I had to make was what would be my last free food markout!  I ended up opting for a blueberry oatmeal.

The last day at any job usually comes with mixed emotions and this one was no different.  I'm grateful to be done with the 4:30am shifts and really grateful to be done with 8 hour shifts on my feet all weekend.  I'm grateful I won't come home smelling like stale coffee anymore (and Nate is so grateful of this as well)!

But, I'm sad to be leaving this place that's given me so much.  And I'm sad to be leaving the people that have become my family.  Each one of them is so special to me and has lifted me and cared about me through a difficult year.  Every one of them, from the 16 year old high schoolers to the grandma of the group, has a unique situation and story, as do we all!