"I started thinking about becoming a Choice Mom when I was in my early 30’s - long before I knew that there was a term or community of women who were also thinking about taking this journey on their own.

Every year, at my annual appointment, my ob/gyn and I talked about if it was the right time to proceed. Like many of you, I wanted to hold onto the dream and kept thinking that the next man I met might be the right one. My last serious relationship ended a little over a year ago. It took us two months to break up because I did not want to give up on the hope that he might be "the one". I came to realize that I was more in love with the dream than I was with him and ultimately know that he was not the right man for me.

In the weeks following our break up, with 40 around the corner, I started to seriously consider if it was time to proceed with single parenthood. I have wanted to be a mom since I was a little girl. When the East Coast was hit with a huge snowstorm last year, I took the time to start researching my options. I ended up ordering several books and educating myself on the process. I made an appointment with a RE and the tests began.

By the end of July, all the tests had come back very hopeful and I thought that I would have the green light to start trying in August. Unfortunately, the last test was the HSG in which they found several fibroids. I am now recovering from my second surgery. The doctor’s believe that the surgeries were successful (even though recovery has been quite painful).

I will have the HSG test again in a few weeks to confirm that I am able to proceed and then should be able to start trying in March. From the point of deciding that I definitely wanted to travel down this path to when I will be able to make my first attempt will be 13 months. The wait has been frustrating but has confirmed for me that this is the right decision even though a scary one.

My suggestion to any thinkers is it is never too early to meet with a RE and have the tests run so that you know the state of your fertility. In my situation, my body needed time to catch up with my mind.

I am now 40. I have shared my plans with family and close friends. Everyone has been very supportive. I was terrified when I told my 97 year old grandfather but he took my hands in his and told me that he knew in his heart that I would not feel complete as a woman if I could not be a mom and I should treasure technology for being able to help me reach my dreams. (smart man!)

I know that the road ahead with TTC may be bumpy, but; as with all of the other goals I have achieved, well worth every struggle. I hope to get to know the women on this site. It is wonderful to have the Choice Mom community for support.

-- Michele