quick clicks

iparenting canada articles

iparenting canada q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Life to Music

What's the Soundtrack of Your Journey?

By Mark Stackpole

I am sporting a new theme song these days, one that makes me feel like I am running up the steps to Philadelphia's Art Museum, Rocky Balboa by my side, ready to take on life and all of its challenges. No, I have never hit a frozen slab of beef to toughen the knuckles, never drunk raw eggs and certainly would never get into the ring with Apollo Creed (and let's face it – I would take the elevator before ever running up that many stairs). So, what could the Italian Stallion and I possibly have in common? Why is Bill Conti's glorious theme song from the Rocky movies (Gonna Fly Now) echoing through my head and my heart? I'll tell you why.

Because, after more than four years of trying, one major surgery and six attempts at intra-uterine insemination (IUI), we were finally blessed with our beloved Corinne Elizabeth on New Year's Eve 2003. At that time, we were led to believe that we would probably never be able to conceive a child without medical intervention. We had planned to head back to the doctors for more IUI (with its plastic specimen cups and sympathetic glances to and from the others in the waiting room) when Corinne turned 1 year old.

Well, guess what? (Cue Music)

A mere seven months after Corinne's arrival, before any doctors or plastic cups entered the picture, we are expecting. (Na-na-naaah...)

That's right – againt all odds, it seems that one of my boys "ran the steps" all the way to the top – well, to the egg anyway. (Na-na-nah...)

Want to see more?

• Uncovering Common Infertility Myths
• What It Means to Be a Dad
• Dads Today
• Talk about it!