A woman has given birth to her husband's baby 14 months after he sadly passed away.
Sarah Shellenberger, 41, from Oklahoma, lost her husband Scott to a heart attack in February 2020. Before Scott passed away, the couple had struggled to conceive, and had gone through two rounds of IVF.
They managed to create two viable embryos, which were then frozen.
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When Scott sadly passed away, Sarah fell pregnant with son Hayes using one of the embryos. She welcomed the little one in May 2021 and is now planning to give Hayes a sibling using the second and final embryo.
The embryo was created just a week before Scott died, on Valentine's Day 2020.
“I’ve dreamed about being a mum my whole life and can’t imagine not continuing our journey,” Sarah tells NeedToKnow.online.
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“My husband and I struggled to get pregnant and wanted a family more than anything.
“I am hoping and praying that this transfer is successful and brings our second miracle baby to our family.
“In our eyes, our embryos are our children and it’s only right to do everything I can to bring our second baby home.
“It would mean the world to give Hayes a sibling. I have a brother and know what a special relationship it can be. I want this for Hayes just as much, if not more, than I want it for myself.”
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Sarah - who shares her journey on Instagram (@TheWesternMomma) - is having the embryo transfer on 23 June and will find out two weeks later if it was a success.
She said: “It’s very emotional, but also exciting. I’m so thankful to have the hope of a second living piece of my husband on the horizon and know that he’s with me as Hayes and I carry on.
“I know this is what Scott would want me to do and I firmly believe he’s doing everything he can from heaven to help make this possible.”
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Sarah recently shared a tribute to Scott on Father's Day, explaining 'her heart still can't believe it'.
"Days like today just plain hurt," she wrote.
"I woke up today and imagined what our breakfast in bed would have looked like. How Hayes & I would have climbed into bed while you pretended to stay asleep and give you gifts, cards & kisses, as we celebrate the best daddy ever.
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"You would have been beaming from ear to ear as Hayes fed you pancakes, and would tuck his card into your top dresser drawer, like you did with other keepsakes that meant so much to you.
"But instead, I’ll honour you through the tears, today. I’ll give your boy a million kisses and remind him how much his daddy loves him."
We're wishing Sarah all the luck in the world.
Lucy Devine