Not every parent has the unique opportunity to capture memories with their future children before they are born, but Emily and Jake Thompson did just that. After undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive, they found themselves in a quirky situation that inspired a remarkable photoshoot with their cryopreserved embryos.
When the Thompsons relocated to a new fertility clinic, they were presented with a large cardboard box containing a metal tank that held their embryos. Emily recounts, “We heard that the clinic planned to ship our embryos via FedEx, but after seeing viral videos of packages being mishandled, we were not having that!” Instead of allowing their precious cargo to be sent through the postal system, they opted for a more personal approach. “Our embryologist mentioned that many couples transport their embryos themselves, so we decided to do just that.”
What began as a simple errand quickly transformed into an adventure filled with laughter and creativity. “As we drove to pick them up, we joked about taking pictures with the embryos. Eventually, we realized how special this moment was and just went for it,” Jake said.
The couple’s journey included visits to a playground and even a stop to pick out a puppy. Jake humorously “taught” his embryos how to swing a baseball bat, while they also made a quick detour to introduce their future children to their grandparents.
Emily shared, “We knew before getting married that I might face challenges with pregnancy. I was diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis, which is why we chose to pursue adoption and infertility treatments instead of an extravagant wedding.”
For those concerned about the safety of their playful photoshoot, rest assured that the couple consulted with their embryologist, who confirmed that the tank was secure for a short duration. They successfully transported their embryos in about four hours, squeezing in time for festive activities like searching for a baby’s first Christmas tree and enjoying a leisurely stroll in a stroller.
In a surprising twist of fate, the Thompsons welcomed triplets last August, defying the odds with only a one percent chance of having multiples. Their beautiful children, Max, Lily, and Sophia, are now thriving six-month-olds, and their parents cherish the memories captured during their embryo adventure. You can follow their journey on their social media page that chronicles life with their delightful trio.
As for what Emily plans to tell her children about those memorable photos, she laughs and says, “Beyond conveying how incredibly wanted and loved they were, I’ll definitely encourage them to use these pics for Throwback Thursday posts someday!”
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In summary, Emily and Jake Thompson turned a necessary trip into a heartfelt celebration of their future family, creating lasting memories with their embryos through a fun and meaningful photoshoot. Their story serves as a reminder of the unique journeys many couples face in their quest for parenthood.