Not many parents can claim to have cherished photographs of themselves bonding with their future children before birth, but Laura and Tom Jenkins seized a unique opportunity to do just that. After undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) as part of their journey to parenthood, they received a large cardboard box containing a metal tank housing their cryopreserved embryos when relocating to a new fertility clinic.
Laura recounted, “We were originally told our embryos could be shipped via FedEx. After seeing viral videos of delivery drivers mishandling packages, I quickly rejected that idea!” Instead, they opted to transport their embryos personally, fueled by a moment of inspiration. “Our embryologist mentioned that most couples choose to take them themselves, and we thought, why not make it memorable?” As they drove to collect their embryos, they began joking about capturing the moment through photographs and soon found themselves laughing uncontrollably. “When we picked them up, we decided to go for it!”
This delightful photoshoot was not just a spontaneous whim; it was deeply meaningful to the Jenkins. “We realized this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To us, these embryos are our children—they were as real to us as if they had already been born,” Laura expressed. Their day included visits to a playground, puppy shopping, and even a quick stop to introduce their embryos to their grandparents.
Facing Challenges on the Path to Parenthood
Laura shared her journey, revealing that they had anticipated challenges in conceiving even before their marriage. Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, the couple decided to prioritize their family-building efforts over a lavish wedding, opting instead for adoption and fertility treatments.
For those concerned about the safety of their playful photoshoot, the couple confirmed that they had consulted with their embryologist, who assured them that the tank was secure for a two-day period. The Jenkins successfully transported their embryos to the new clinic in just four hours, allowing them time to partake in memorable experiences like searching for a first Christmas tree and enjoying a leisurely stroll with their stroller.
A Joyful Outcome
In a delightful twist, the Jenkins welcomed triplets last August—an outcome their embryologist deemed a mere one percent possibility. Their beautiful babies, Max, Lily, and Ava, are now six months old, yet they will always have this unique collection of memories from their time as embryos in a metal tank. Their adventures can be followed on their dedicated social media page documenting life with their adorable trio.
As for how they plan to share these cherished photos with their children in the future, Laura humorously commented, “Beyond expressing how unconditionally loved they are, I’ll definitely encourage them to use these images for their Throwback Thursday posts one day!”
Resources for Future Parents
For more insights into the IVF process, check out this excellent resource on what the IVF process is really like. If you’re considering your own journey into parenthood, you might also find this home insemination kit helpful. And for anyone interested in insemination options, you can explore more at this link.
Conclusion
In summary, Laura and Tom Jenkins creatively documented their pre-parenthood journey with a fun photoshoot featuring their embryos, showcasing their deep emotional connection and unique experiences. After successfully welcoming triplets against the odds, they now have a treasure trove of memories to share with their children, emphasizing the love and anticipation that preceded their arrival.