Annie & Steve

We struggled with infertility for many years, both with our first child and leading up to our second. We feel extremely lucky to have found Shady Grove Fertility in Denver, CO, after some difficulties at two other clinics. We wanted to try a new clinic with new providers, and we heard amazing reviews on SGF. We were not wrong, and every step of the way we felt supported, cared for, and heard.

A clear roadmap

We went to SGF with hopes of having a second child when our son was around 2 years old. We knew in vitro fertilization (IVF) would be the step, so we jumped into it without hesitation. Our clinical team was amazing & attentive. Specifically, Lauren Roth, M.D., and our nurse, Leah, were vital in the process and so helpful. From the start, they both provided us with a clear roadmap and layout of what was needed, and communication was very clear.

Dr. Roth was located out of state in Maryland, and she provided virtual consultation and appointments while the doctors at Shady Grove Fertility in Greenwood Village, Colorado, performed the egg retrieval & FETs. Even though we never met Dr. Roth in person, this didn’t matter. We knew the fit was right. She was extremely knowledgeable, positive, and hopeful (which honestly is what we needed). She felt human above anything else. Our nurse Leah was always on the ball, detail orientated, and empathetic. As many know, the process of IVF is emotionally exhausting, and this was the first time in our many years that we felt the empathy and connection with our team and they were in it with us, on good days and the bad.

Going through IVF brings both highs and lows, and we experienced them all. Waiting for daily calls, updates on medication doses, having to be available at all times to go to an appointment (all while working a job) felt nearly impossible some days. We were told many times this was a normal feeling. We decided to take this experience different than the past, and just take it one day at a time. We tried not to get too ahead of ourselves, which is easier said than done.

Loss, love, and the decision to keep going

We had a successful egg retrieval, and somehow someway came away with four good embryos. We wanted to rush into a transfer, not knowing how important timing is as well as waiting (especially when you are scheduling a frozen transfer and not a fresh transfer).

Our first FET was unsuccessful, and we found out on Christmas. This was devastating and probably the lowest time in our lives. Luckily, we were in Chicago surrounded by our family and friends. Dr. Roth told us on the phone that same day how sorry she was, but that when ready, we could move forward with the outlook that the next time could be the one, and lo and behold, it was.

Parenthood is possible

In February 2025, we had a successful FET. I will never forget that call. We screamed so loud and cried happy tears. I still remember it to this day. Our nurse, Leah, was on the other line almost in tears herself. I was so happy to share that moment with her and the team, because we do know firsthand how making the hard calls can also feel. They deserve to celebrate just as we did.

The next few weeks were scary as one can expect, but day by day, progesterone shot by progesterone shot, we made it through and carried a successful healthy pregnancy. We graduated to our OB/GYN around 10 weeks and couldn’t feel more elated. Our beautiful and perfect miracle daughter, Willa, was born on October 22, 2025, at the hospital Steve works at. Her big brother, Nate, was so excited to meet her, and he loves his new role.

We are loving life as a family of four, something we never thought would be possible. We often look at our children like, how can this be? When we look at Willa, we are reminded not only of how amazing she is, but that she is here because we didn’t give up. Looking at her little face is the reminder we often need to keep going in life. That it isn’t easy, nothing is guaranteed, but it is worth trying. Because after all, look what came out one day at a time, one step at a time. Keep going. Thank you, SGF. We are eternally grateful.