Aug 27 2008
When At First You Don’t Conceive, Try, Try Again…
In Spring 2007, some young blogger and his wife thought it would be a great idea to bring a bundle of joy of their own into the world. They would give up their social life; they would abandon manic holidays; they would put down the beer bottle and lift up the baby bottle; they would swap their social calendar for an ovulation calendar and they would definitely trade in the XBox for Nappy Rash.
To chart his trials and tribulations towards fatherhood, XBox4NappyRash began blogging his thoughts as he headed towards fatherhood. Sadly, things did not go quite as expected. His wife did not immediately fall pregnant. In fact, all this time later they’re still trying. They’ve been to fertility clinics, they’ve tried different positions to aid fertility, they’ve timed each sexual act with military precision and they’ve never given up, all the way along.
Today, he writes about being asked to guest post elsewhere. There is frustration in the post as he talks about the 18th Cycle (yep, they’ve been trying that long) and how each cycle feels like lather, rince, repeat, but the end of the post remains optimistic and very positive.
His blog is at times moving, at times clever, at times frustrating, but almost always very funny. His positive attitude has his readers willing him and his wife on (which, when you imagine what you’re willing him to do, is a little odd).
Mr XBox, Sir, we’re with you all the way. Best of luck – I have everything crossed uncrossed for you!
(another one of those freaky psycho moments D)
I think it’s great that they have been getting such great support on the blog – he has really highlighted the difficulties and heartbreak couples face when they face difficulties in starting a family.
It’s also very refreshing to get a mans view on this subject. He writes very honestly and from the heart. I really wish them both all the best and I look forward to seeing the baby photos that one day will come!
Talk about out of the blue…
Thanks for the kind words and well wishes. It’s been an odd old road so far, but we’ll stick it out and see what happens.
Blogging it out has most definitely helped along the way to keep healthy proportions of sanity and silliness on the go.
I can’t really believe I can say that and mean it.
Lottie, the support and encouragement, not to mention tips and hints that have come from readers is almost scary.
I would calculate about 30-40% of the readers that I know of would be in their own struggles also, different situations, different issues, but the same basic struggle. There is a whole lot of goodwill going around.
Figures released today that state women’s fertility rate has increased in Ireland, but that masks the reality that 1 in 6 couples will need help starting families, with that rising to 1 in 4 within 20 years.
Thanks a million Darren, very kind of you.
(especially considering the mental archive digging you must have done there)
(…and HOW did I miss that title for a post?)
I’ll shut up now, honest.
Seconded. xbox is highly entertaining. writing about a life that couldn’t be less entertaining and depressing. Nothing much more to add other than ongoing well wishes.
Truly enjoyable and heartbreaking all at the same time. Everyone should read.
I before E, except after C, Mr Byrne!
And I quite agree, XBox is excellent. I really must add him to my blogroll.
It’s wonderful.
Nice post, Darren
There’s 7 years between my offspring – not by choice but simply ‘cos that’s how long it took to produce Sprog No. 2, thanks to several miscarriages and multiple medical problems, but! we got there in the end and I’d do it all again tomorrow if I had to.
Keep on trying Xbox – your reward awaits you. Believe me, it’s worth waiting for!
I’ve been following his sexploits for some time and look forward to the success post!
Hi bro
i think you have way to much time on your hands!!! nappies or xbox mmmmmmmmmmmm i think xbox. but i think you and liz should be thinking about nappies i want to be a aunt!!! your the oldest so u have to be first, hahaha only messing dont want to be a aunt not yet ne way.
@Lottie Don’t even think about getting broody. I like the Xbox blog because I can live vicariously – I am not going down that route just yet.
@Xbox Well, I really enjoy reading your adventures and I’m never sure what to say on each post, so I thought it best to give you some kudos this way. As for the title, I know you like to have fun with the post titles and I thought you might appreciate this one.
@Andrew Damn you (and thank you). Don’t know how I missed that one.
@Steph As you say, worth it in the end.
@Quick Likewise. It will be a grat day in the blogosphere.
@Julie Hey brat! Thanks for dropping in. Don’t worry – there’s more chance of you making me an uncle. 🙂
Glad I found this, cheers.
Well you’ve said more than enough here anyway!
I’m seriously chuffed.
I still can’t believe I haven’t used it myself….
I believe just pray and you will have the most precious gift on the right time.