The American Dream + 4 Steps to Take While TTC

The steps in life are pretty much laid out for us when we are kids. You start school, you learn all kinds of awesome information and you grow into a blossoming young adult, then it's time to head to another school and gain a college education. Once you graduate from college the next step is finding your true love and getting married. After that, you get a prestigious job, you buy a house with a white picket fence, and fill it with a houseful of babies. Right? I mean that's the traditional American dream for most people, anyways...

Well, my hubby and I have been anything but traditional from the beginning of our relationship. Being high school sweethearts, we moved into together when I was only 17 and he was 19. I started college early and though we both were enrolled and working towards our degrees the first few years we were together, we ended up taking an extended break and are back in school currently. We found our soul mates many moons ago, married for seven years this December. We both love our jobs, but still don't own our home (that may be in the works in the far future), but for now our rental is pretty awesome... and well, the last step is having a baby.

This last step is one that is SO important to me. Being a mom is something I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. I've longed to have a baby to hold, to nurture, to love since I can remember and now that we're finally in a good spot in our lives, it's time.  I'm excited that we are trying to conceive a baby of our own.This step isn't a new adventure for us though, we've tried for several years now and haven't exactly been the most fertile couple, obviously. We've considered adoption and that's definitely still in the works, but we don't want to give up on having a biological child as well.

That's why I'm working on a list for those that are new to the game and currently TTC. While we may not have been successful, yet... We are taking the next step on the infertility journey and we are visiting a specialist this summer, as well as taking some of the matter into our own hands and preparing our lives and our bodies for these future children.These are the few steps that we've taken to ensure that we are doing everything we can to conceive soon:

1. Make sure you both are eating clean and that your bodies are at your ideal weight, activity level, etc. Being overweight or underweight can cause fertility problems and having an unhealthy, unbalanced diet can also effect your ability to get pregnant.

2. Only use products that are specifically made for those that are TTC! Did you know that some lube on the market is horrible for reproduction purposes? Luckily, Astroglide has come out with the perfect bedroom helper for those of us trying to conceive. Astroglide TTC Trying to Conceive™ is the perfect product for any couple who wants a baby, offering adjusted pH levels, compatible osmolality, and a consistency similar to a woman's natural cervical mucus. I love that it's available almost anywhere and only costs $12.99, the best value on the market! TTC is the perfect way to make sure your body is ready when you know your ovulating...

3. Speaking of ovulating, you need to know your cycle! Most girls are aware of when they have their period, but did you know you can only get pregnant when you are ovulating? Download a free app on your phone and keep track of your cycle so you know when you are ovulating! You'll want to be extra romantic on those days that you are ovulating to ensure that you are more likely to conceive.

4. Be patient! This is something I've learned after what seems like an ocean of tears. Being patient and working on becoming healthier has kept me sane during the wait. It could take a few months or a few years, but hopefully we will all be blessed soon!

Now that I've shared my four tips on TTC, I'd love hear any advice you have for us on this exciting time in our lives! If you are on the same journey we are on, I'd love to hear your story in the comments below! I'll be sure to keep you all updated on our journey and can't wait to hear about yours!

Astroglide TTC™ sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine

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Know Sooner with First Response Early Result

I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for First Response. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

So, it's official... I've been diagnosed with a bad case of baby fever! I'm at "that age" when having a baby is definitely part of my short-term goals list and after being married for 7 years (this December), it's just the next step! Having a little baby is just what our house needs now, which means that we are trying and testing this year and waiting patiently for a bundle of joy!

We can't wait until we are blessed with a little one! It's going to be like Christmas morning, or even better than that, when I get a positive pregnancy test... and now that I can test with First Response 6 days before I even miss my period, we'll know when I finally get pregnant as soon as possible! I can't imagine the days when a woman had to wait to test, thank goodness technology has advanced!

With simple adjustments, like a longer, curved handle and a wider tip, First Response has come a long way and makes testing at home a reliable and comfortable process. I love being able to test so early and I take comfort in knowing that my results are so reliable! I can't wait to see a positive result, those two little lines are going to mean the world to me and my husband!

Whether you are testing to find out you are officially pregnant with baby number one or expecting baby number five, always trust First Response Early Result Pregnancy Tests to give you a reliable and easy-to-read answer, every single time!

I'll keep everyone updated on our progress with starting our little family! If you have any old wives tales or silly little anecdotes to share regarding trying to conceive, I'd love to hear them!

Also, if you already have a little one (or a few little ones), I'd love to hear how you found out you were expecting...?