#34 Fiona, Serene and Reuben

We officially got together on my 40th birthday in 2007. Even though it was very early in the relationship, Serene agreed to come on the baby journey with me because I was in a big hurry due to my age. We did 10 IVF cycles with my eggs and after that we decided to use Serene’s, conceiving on the second attempt.

Our son Reuben was born some two and a half years, and 12 IVF cycles later. He has brought us so much joy. In the early, sleep deprived days of having a newborn, Serene said having him was the best thing she had ever done – I completely agree. Being a parent is hard, tiring and demanding but it has cemented our relationship in a way I have not experienced with anyone previously, and this sense of our little family brings me incredible contentment.

It pains and angers me that our relationship and family is not seen as equal by some people and that we are not able to marry if we choose to.