If you have dealt with IVF or are starting your journey this is the story for you. Having 10 years of experience in Claremore newborn photography, one of my favorite things is hearing all of the amazing stories, but this one truly stands out.
Aaron and Kelsey met in 2011, and from the start, Kelsey knew she wanted to spend forever by his side. Despite their instant connection, there were challenges to navigate. Aaron, 13 years older than Kelsey, has grown children in Wichita, Kansas and hadn’t planned on having more. This difference in family goals initially slowed the pace of their relationship during the first few years.
Aaron went through not one, but two reversal surgeries in hopes of starting a family. The second surgery proved successful, and they decided to try a few rounds of IUI to accelerate the process. Unfortunately, IUI wasn’t the answer, and they were faced with the tough reality that IVF, though costly, was their best shot. In 2020, they were able to retrieve 19 eggs, resulting in 4 healthy, viable female embryos.
Aaron and Kelsey had two successful transfers and pregnancies that brought them Aria in 2021 and Kallihan in 2023, which I was blessed to capture both in my Claremore newborn photography studio.
Their family was “complete” in January of 2023…or so they thought.
After hearing from countless doctors that conceiving naturally was out of the question, Aaron and Kelsey had no reason to believe otherwise. But then, in an incredible twist of fate, January 2024 brought the most unexpected miracle: they discovered they were pregnant—on their own! 😱 And the surprise didn’t end there. Baby #3 was on the way, and it was a BOY! Little Brooks Aaron would be joining the family in September 2024, proving that sometimes, the most amazing things happen when you least expect them.
Becoming a mama later in life has been one of the greatest blessings of Kelsey’s journey. The story she shares is filled with power, resilience, and love. Motherhood, of course, brings its fair share of challenges—she says there are days when it feels like she’s barely hanging on, and the weight of it all makes her question if she’s doing enough. But no matter how tough it gets, she wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It’s her greatest gift, and every exhausting, beautiful moment is worth it.
For those women that have had fertility issues, or are currently going through it, don’t lose hope. Keep praying, keep fighting, and believing you will have what your heart desires.
If you have an amazing story or would love help with your Claremore newborn photography session (or surrounding city) I would love to help! Click HERE to see my newborn information.