It had been seven years since we first decided that we wanted to have children. We didn't think it would happen after the first try, although Veronika was convinced she would get pregnant right away, but we were certain it would take at least three to six months.

It had been seven years since we first decided that we wanted to have children. We didn't think it would happen after the first try, although Veronika was convinced she would get pregnant right away, but we were certain it would take at least three to six months.

After two years, Veronika talked to her gynecologist about the possible reasons why she couldn't get pregnant. Irregular periods would give us hope that something was already growing, but would end up causing even stronger period cramps. We didn’t listen to the gynecologist, and decided to try for at least one more year, that it was completely normal, that we shouldn't give up right away...

Another year passed without a baby and my wife started to blame herself, until Veronika's gynecologist recognized her need for treatment. He prescribed hormones to regulate her period and wanted me to take a spermogram - everything checked out. After months of no success, Veronika underwent a series of internal examinations and was diagnosed with endometriosis: both fallopian tubes were obstructed.

The ensuing months were a time of confusion, desperation, helplessness, and even thoughts of separation. We discussed adoption, but that just wasn’t right for us, and eventually we started talking about artificial insemination.

We couldn’t escape the thought that our baby would be somehow artificial, that it wouldn’t really come from us. We felt isolated and thought we didn't have anyone to talk to. Until one day, two of our friends told us that their twin daughters, Anja and Carla, weren't conceived naturally. And how many of their couple friends that also struggled with getting pregnant found it completely natural. They advised us to go to the informational evening at the Wunschbaby Center and visit Professor Feichtinger.

Sebastian, born March 26