About Us

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Authors Teresa Villegas and Bernard Villegas MD together wrote and illustrated the children's picture book series "How We Became a Family." Teresa is an independent visual Artist, Author, Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor. Bernard is a Cardiologist, Author, Speaker, with a large private practice in Scottsdale, AZ. 

After many years of trying to conceive and then undergoing the diagnosis, trials and tribulations of infertility issues, we were finally able to have the family of our dreams. We are the parents to 3 children all conceived using IVF with donor assistance. Going through the journey of building our family, we soon realized we were not the only couple going through this process. However, we were surprised to find out that there weren't very many families talking about this, thus preventing awareness about infertility and inhibiting open communication with their children about their donor conceived origins. That is why we started our blog HowWeBecameaFamily.com that discusses and offers resources for parents about how to talk with their children about their donor conceived origins.

Would you like to put yourself at ease about this complex topic? Browse our site, read, comment, share and allow yourself to feel better by being more informed and prepared to have open honest communication and deep bonding with your children from the very beginning. 

We know what it's like to be uncertain about how to take the first step to talking and telling your extended family and your children about how you built your family. This is a process that will evolve as your family grows, and the sooner you begin talking about it, the easier it gets. Feel free to contact us with any questions, we're here to help.

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"How We Became a Family" a 32 page children's picture book for 2-10 year olds. This book is a comforting tool for parents to begin the complex conversation with their child about their donor conceived origins.

To make a family, first of all you need love. But how do you talk with your children about their in vitro origins? How do you tell your children they were conceived with the help of a donor?

  • Adding children to a family —making a baby— takes all the same parts needed to make any baby animal.
  • Knowledge of science and our bodies is a smart and beautiful thing
  • You can share this complex story in an easy and positive way that children can accept and be proud of.

This picture book is for couples who understand that their children’s well-being comes from knowing how much they are wanted, who they are, and how they came into this world and into their family. Celebrating the story of your child’s origins through the simple act of reading together can reinforce your family’s journey of deep bonding and open communication.  

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