Four years ago on 25 Feb 2021, I became a mum. Not officially, not in a way that involved birth certificates or sleepless nights (yet!), but in a way that changed everything.
That was the day the embryo – the one that turned out to be Kaydes – was transferred into my womb at FA. A microscopic, blastocyst bundle of potential, full of unknowns and impossibilities. Yet somehow, with some doubts, she stuck in like glue. And now, four years later, she’s my best friend, my little +1, my greatest adventure!
A Day That Means More Each Year
I used to think this anniversary was just a quiet milestone for me. A date to tuck away in my heart. A personal marker of hope, science, and a bit of luck. But as Kaydes gets older and just more – more personality, more hilarity, more pure life. This day takes on even greater meaning.
25 February was already a special date in my family – it was my Pop and Nana’s wedding anniversary. They were married on the day in 1956, and even though they had both passed away before the DEIVF journey, it felt like a little sign from the universe that my embryo transfer happened to be scheduled for that date. A new chapter beginning on a day that had already held so much love and meaning.
Now marking this DEIVF embryo transfer anniversary is a reminder of just how far we’ve come. Watching her grow, learn, and navigate life, I can’t help but feel all the gratitude. For the endless energy, the unstoppable joy, the wit delivered with intelligence. The way she throws her arms around me and declares I’m the “best mummy” (usually right after doing something for her). For her fierce independence, softened by the way she still reaches for my hand when things get overwhelming.
I never take it for granted that she’s here. That I get to be her mum. She is in every way, my miracle babe.
If You’re on the DEIVF Journey…
For anyone on this path, whether you’re in the thick of it, waiting, hoping, or navigating the heartbreak that can come with it – I see you. I know the rollercoaster. The spreadsheets of medications, the endless acronyms, the emotional freefall of “will this work?”
And I know that, for some, embryo transfers bring hope that sticks. For others, they bring heartache and tough decisions. Wherever you are in your journey, know that you are incredibly strong, regardless of the outcome.
For me, this DEIVF embryo transfer anniversary is a moment to reflect on the journey that brought Kaydes into my life. This day, 22.10.20, and her actual birth day, pivoted my life, my heart, and my future in a way I could never have fully imagined.
I’ll never stop being grateful for that tiny embryo that defied the doubts – and for the unstoppable, hilarious, makeup-devouring whirlwind she’s become.
A Note to Future Kaydes
And Kaydes, if you ever find yourself reading through this one day, I want you to know this – being your mum is the greatest privilege of my life! You are pure magic – full of joy, independence, and a bit of sass that keeps me on my toes! Watching you grow is my absolute favourite thing.
Also, for the record – your hair does grow at night. Now, please go back to sleep! 😂
What’s a milestone in your life that means more as time passes? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments below.
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
