Expect The Unexpected

Well as with most things in life you have to expect the unexpected and that's just what happened this past Saturday, July 6th. I woke up to some light pink spotting. I contacted my mid-wife and based on our conversation she determined it best if I went to the ER to get checked-out (she was out of town). She and I were both worried about the possibility of preterm labor as my Braxton Hick contractions were more frequent and I had been feeling a lot more low pressure in addition to the spotting. I hadn't had anything like this with my own so we felt better to play it safe with this special baby on board. 

I have never been in an ER so I was really freaked out, thankfully I had my husband and IP's with me who were all smiles trying to keep me calm. To relax myself as I was wheeled through hallways I tried to picture myself in a really good episode of Grey's Anatomy. They did a sonogram, urine & blood work, cervical check and gave me a IV of Saline (my first IV) to help with the Braxton Hick contractions. All in all baby was great, cervix was closed and no infection was found to keep me so I was discharged after a 4 hour stay.

My midwife had me rest with no activity on Sunday and I went in to see her for an appointment on Monday. On Monday, she did notice that my cervix is soft and baby G's head is far down. She estimates baby G will be at least 8lbs. (my own babies were in the 6-7lb. range). This might be why I feel such low pressure lately and could have been what brought on the spotting. But since we are only 33 weeks baby G can't come just yet so I have been put on 'sitting-rest' for the next 3 weeks. We just don't want a lot of pressure and/or friction on my cervix. 

My husband has been wonderful. He has had to take over the groceries, dinner making, laundry, housecleaning, etc. so I can sit as much as possible. My mid-wife said when I go to Target I should be the pregnant woman in the motorized cart, I am not so sure my pride will let me do that so Target might have to miss me for a few weeks (really it's me missing Target). I still tend to our 3 kids during the day but I try to stay sitting at whatever it is we are doing and I make it a priority to get back home after a few hours to rest on the couch.

It's definitely an adjustment since those of you who know me know that I am very active with my kids' but it's just for a few weeks and it is so worth it. I care so deeply about my belly buddy that I want the very best for her and I know right now the best thing for her is growing inside my belly for a few more weeks. So bring on the re-runs of Sex and the City (the weekend), Tia & Tamara (this is always on from midnight to 2:30am when I can't sleep), Little House on the Prairie (late afternoon) and 90210 (in the morning) cause I have a daily appointment with the couch.

Here is a quick picture of me from today.

32 weeks and Growing Right Along

How did we get to 32 weeks already?! Time has just flown by (probably more for me than the IP's) and here we are now finalizing the last of the birth plans for delivery.

Last Saturday, June 29th my family and I attended the IP's family baby shower. It was such a nice shower. I really enjoyed getting to meet their family and see how excited everyone is to meet baby G. Baby G sure is one lucky little girl to have so many people who already love her.

S & E received some really wonderful baby gifts. My family and I gave them a bath themed basket full of some baby bath essentials such as a pink Blooming Bath, Aveeno bath set, owl hooded towel, owl washcloths and a shampoo rinser. I was the most excited to give them a Blooming Bath, it received all star positive reviews and can you imagine the cute baby bath pictures? Here is a picture of me at 32 weeks just before we went to the shower.

Today my 3 kids and the IF joined me at my 32 week, 5 day mid-wife appointment.  Baby G measured 34 weeks (I always measure a little ahead), heartbeat sounded great and we got a couple more things in order for our birth and after birth plan. 

I often get asked if I will be a surrogate again, even my oldest daughter asked me at lunch today if I will do this again and my reply is yes. If I found the right 'match' and my family was in support I probably would. I cringe a little bit when I think of the medications I had to do before and early on in the pregnancy but of course it's all worth it in the end. 

Years before I started this journey I always had a feeling I would be a surrogate, it just felt like something I was meant to do. But before I can even think of starting this process again I will need to lose this baby weight, I will be pumping milk for baby G, of course give my body enough time to heal itself and enjoy some time with my family minus the baby bump and all that comes with it. 

I can't put into words the joy that fills me to know that I am helping grow a family. I feel so fortunate to have been matched with such a great set of IP's who care so much about my family and I and over our journey together we have all become such close friends. Although the journey doesn't really ever end because once I put this sweet baby girl into her parents waiting arms I will get to watch her grow and know that I helped bring this precious baby girl into this world. So amazing right?!

Body Butter and Hansen's Drinks

I had my 30 week, 5 day appointment last week on June 19th. My husband took this picture of me just before I went to the appointment. I was grateful he was around since I still struggle getting a good self picture in the mirror. The appointment went great. My labs all came back good, baby G turned and is no longer breech, her heartbeat was perfect and she is measuring a couple weeks ahead (typical for me and I have always delivered a couple weeks early...I think I just bake them a little fast). I have another appointment next week.

I have been having more Braxton Hicks contractions. I also had some issues with Restless Leg Syndrome making it impossible to get to sleep at night but thankfully the degree in which it happens varies and I don't deal with RLS every night.  I still use and find much comfort with my Snoogle pillow each night.

It's summer and with that comes entertaining my 3 kids (ages 9, 6 and 3) and trying to stay cool in this HOT TX heat. Most days are spent chillin' by the pool or fun indoor (air-conditioned) activities. 

I don't have much in the way of cravings right now (although I still love all things with avocado) but I was excited when I tried this yummy caffeine free Hansen's drink yesterday and told my husband we had to get some for the house. I am drinking sooooo much water throughout the day to stay hydrated so this will be a nice addition in my day. I need to try some of the other flavors. I wish I would have found these earlier in pregnancy. Another must have is my coconut body butter which I ran out of so I had to get another tub of it from Trader Joe's, it's so soothing on my expanding belly. 

The IP's are having a co-ed shower this Saturday and my family and I will be attending. I have had so much fun shopping for this baby girl. I can't wait to see E & S get spoiled with baby gifts, they have waited so long for all of this. My family and I couldn't be more excited that in 7 or so weeks they will have their sweet baby girl in their arms.

The 3rd Trimester

Whew what a busy week... I had two appointments and it was the last week of school for my kids. On Tuesday, June 4th the IP's joined me for an ultrasound. Baby girl is growing perfectly and already showing us she has a little weight to her. They estimated her weight to be 3lbs. 9oz., although I usually find that growth scans tend to estimate on the larger side as all of my kids were said to be 'big' yet all 3 were in the 6-7lb range. But who knows since this isn't my baby so it is possible baby girl could be a little larger but my guess she would be in the 8lb range at most. This could be me staying optimistic since she will be a natural birth and I can't fathom carrying a 9-10 baby on my 5'3 frame...eeeeep!

So frequently I have had a lopsided belly where baby girl is all shoved on my right side and on the ultrasound I got to see why... it's because baby girl likes to put her feet above her head. She is still in breech position, although she has plenty of fluid and plenty of time yet to turn herself around. It was so funny to see her doing it and see my belly raised on my right side. The IP's got some great 3D pictures of baby girl. She has the cutest chubby cheeks, a sweet little nose and I loved her little lips. I can't wait to meet my belly buddy in person.

Then on Thursday, June 6th I had an appointment with my mid-wife. Kathleen ran the Glucose screening which came out great and baby girl's heartbeat sounded perfect. They also scheduled me for all of the appointments until delivery. 

This past Sunday, I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with IM. We caught up on everything and discussed our birth plan. I am going to give birth in the tub {water birth} at the birth center so we had to figure out where everyone in the 'team' will be. My team will consist of: my husband, the IP's S & E, a birth photographer (I gifted one to IM for her Mother's Day gift) and of course my mid-wife and her assistant so it will be a full bathroom to say the least. 

I can't believe how fast time is passing, seems like just yesterday this little embryo snuggled in and now she is almost done 'baking'. It feels so empowering to have come this far and to know that in just over 8+ weeks I will give birth to this baby girl and create a family....how amazing and life changing is that?! I can't wait!!!

Here is a picture I took on June 1st at 28 weeks. 

I have a Snoogle, do you?

So here I am today at 26 weeks, 5 days pregnant. I am definitely slowing down now that I have almost entered the last trimester.

Today I enjoyed a yummy lunch with two of my good surro friends who are also pregnant. My recent cravings include: avocado, Granny Smith apples, watermelon and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

I have been having more trouble sleeping at night so husband surprised me and got me a Snoogle pregnancy pillow, which I have found much comfort sleeping with the last couple of nights. I wish I would have had something like this when I was pregnant with my own. My youngest calls it the 'candy cane' pillow and happily entertained herself for 30 minutes this morning while I was getting dressed. This pillow is definitely getting some good use.

It's starting to get hot here in TX; I am trying to ready myself for the long hot summer. If you need to find me this summer I will either be at a pool or inside somewhere with air-conditioning.

I make families. What's your superpower?

I had an appointment with my mid-wife Kathleen today, the IP's S & E joined me. Baby girl's heartbeat sounded and measured perfectly. S & E shared with Kathleen and I that they have started to pick items for their baby registry. I am so excited for them; I can't wait to see them put all the baby goods to good use.

I feel so fortunate that we were matched for surrogacy but also grew a beautiful friendship during our journey together. My kids always ask about when they will see S & E next and are anxious to have another friend to play with. I can't wait to watch S & E become parents and watch this beautiful baby girl grow.

I have noticed a significant growth in my belly the past couple of weeks so it's time to make another trip to the maternity store to get some tank tops to cover it. This sweet baby girl moves all day and night, many of her movements can be seen on the outside of my belly now. Baby girl does have a name, although I can't share it with you I can tell you it's super cute and unique.

I get to tell more and more people who ask, that this baby I am carrying is not my own. It feels really good to educate people on surrogacy. I just feel like even if surrogacy isn't something they could do or would do maybe it will inspire them to do something... donate blood, donate organs, donate to charity, volunteer or just do something to help someone else.

                                                                 23w,5 days pregnant

"I want to know what it's like to give life to a dream"

My blog title is from this song by Kellie Coffey. One of my surro sisters shared this heart wrenching song with me this week. I posted it on my Facebook along with my feelings after I first heard it below...

It gave me the chills....I LOVE what I can do...what I CAN change....the family I am helping CREATE ♥ I feel so lucky and honored to be a part of something so special and amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqfGqOx2iDQ

I had a really nice weekend filled with some wonderful people. On Saturday, my husband and I dropped the kids off at daycare to attend a luncheon that was put on by the agency I am with. We were joined with the IP's S&E and I got to see a handful of my surro friends that are also with the same agency. I also saw Dr. K who if you remember was my Dr. at the clinic and who performed our successful IVF transfer back in December.  S, E & I took some great pictures together and one of my favorites is the picture above. It just shows how much love this baby girl has and I can't wait to put her into her parent's arms. To top off this fabulous lunch I won a $100 Amex card...woot woot!

On Sunday, I got together with a large group of local surrogates whom I chat with daily in a private Facebook group. I can't imagine not having these women in my life. Ya know it isn't like you have a 'how to' book to read on surrogacy because each journey is different so they have been an invaluable source of information and support as I have gone through my journey. I am almost at a loss for words about how these women have all impacted my life, I feel so lucky to be in the same group as them.

I am in the turquoise blue dress, jean jacket with striped shoes in the front. With me being 5'3 I am often the one getting shuffled in the front for group pictures. I am now 22 weeks pregnant.

Celebrating the 1/2 way mark!

I had an appointment with my mid-wife on Thursday; baby girl measured right on track and her heartbeat sounded great. She is really gaining her strength because her moves can now more easily be felt on the outside. 

My husband and I joined the IP's for a double-date night last Friday night and it was the first time they got to witness me telling someone that the baby I am carrying is not my own. I told our waiter and he replied with, "Wow just like that girl from Friends." Yup, I am a 'real life' Phoebe but with one baby growing inside me. He was a little in shock but was so excited for all of us and gave many congratulations to the expectant parents. We had such a fun night together. 

In celebration of our 1/2 way, 20 week mark today...

Last week, at 19 weeks I wore this tank that was given to me by a surrogate friend. I think it's so fun to embrace and wear surrogacy proud. 

Special little shoes for a very special little...

Yesterday was a really exciting day for the IP's S & E, they found out the gender of their baby during an ultrasound. They are having a GIRL!!! I just knew it. I have said it was a girl from the very beginning when 'she' snuggled in a few days after transfer back in December.  I never wavered from my feelings that this baby was a girl. 

I actually correctly guessed the gender on each of my own 3 kids so the fact that I was right about this one feels pretty darn awesome. That means 4/4 times I was right! 

I had purchased a special pair of one-of-a-kind PINK handmade shoes from my very favorite designer Joyfolie to bring with me to the ultrasound. I didn't even buy a boy pair so it was a good thing I was right. I was thrilled to give these special little booties to the IP's to celebrate all things pink, flowers and frilly.

Kicking and Stretching

I had a quick check-up and blood draw at my appointment this past Wednesday. Baby measured right on track and the heartbeat sounded great. My husband was out of town this past week so the IP's came over with dinner Wednesday night and helped me entertain the kids, they are so thoughtful. It is always great to see them and my kids feel the same. 

My belly is getting pretty big now,  I can't fit into many non-maternity things. My youngest is always rubbing on my belly and telling me how big it is. I am using Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter on my belly to help soothe the dryness and help with the stretching. It smells so good and isn't greasy, definitely a must have lotion. Now that the baby is bigger I can feel it move and kick all day and night, I can actually feel it kicking around now. 

The wait to find out the gender is torture, S & E have that ultrasound appointment the middle of next month. I can't wait to shop for this special baby. I already have some gifts in mind but knowing the gender would really help me decide what to get.

I took a self picture on Wednesday for my surrogate group, here I was this past Wednesday at 17w,4d.

Baby Kicks

The IP's and I had our first appointment with my mid-wife Kathleen today, she reviewed all of the pregnancy basics with us as well as showed us the birthing room and bathtub where I will be giving birth. The birth-center actually closes during a birth so there will be plenty of room for the IP's family and friends to come, cheer us on and wait until the baby is born. It was a great informative appointment. Baby measured right on track at 15w and the heartbeat was strong in the 160 range.

I am so grateful and happy we made it this far and am so excited that we are now in the care of such a wonderful mid-wife. I also feel very fortunate to have such a supportive positive team, I just adore S and E. I can not wait for the day that I get to put their baby in their arms and make their dreams of being parents come true.

I will go back in 2 weeks for some blood-work and then our next real appointment is early April with the big gender reveal ultrasound mid-April. I have said from the day I first felt pregnant early December that this baby is a girl ...and I hope I am right because I LOVE shopping for girls.

I finally found some good low-waist maternity jeans with the elastic insets on the sides, I am not a fan of the full-panel options and thanks to the Jessica Simpson and Heidi Klum lines at Motherhood I can feel a little more like myself in regular jeans. 

I felt the baby kick last week on February 28th during my 14th week, I was so excited to share the news with E (IM) who then got to share it with S (IF). I am now 15 weeks,2 days pregnant and here is a self-picture from today. 

   

Support and Positive Praise

Pregnancy is going great, I am now 13w,4 days pregnant with this sweet surro baby. I purchased a doppler from a surro friend so I can hear the baby's heartbeat at home; I recorded it and shared it with the IP's. I had a really nice lunch with E, the IM this past Saturday. It is always so nice to catch-up outside of Dr. visits. This week I am working on scheduling the Maternity21 test and then we will have our first appointment with my mid-wife in a couple of weeks. 

Our three kids are now very comfortable and supportive with the surrogacy, they always refer to the baby as S & E's so that's been really great. I think it helps that my kids have met the IP's so they really have an understanding on where this baby is going after it comes out of my belly. My husband of course has been really wonderful since day 1 of the journey, he has taken over some of my usual 'jobs' in the house so I can take it easy and get some much needed rest in the evenings. 

It has been very entertaining to explain to people that this baby is not my own, even more funny when I am with my husband and we say it isn't his. Oh the look of shock and confusion is priceless but of course if they don't run we do explain things and so far I have had nothing but positive praise. 

I started taking weekly belly pictures for a surrogate group I am a part of and here is my self-picture from today. 

Holding Surro Baby in my 'Nest'

Last Sunday, January 27th was a really exciting milestone, it was the last day of my meds. I can't believe I had 63 Progesterone shots and that isn't even counting the Lurpon shots I did early-on. My husband and IM cheered me on leading-up to the final 'shot' day. I certainly don't miss having those done to me each night and I know my husband is relieved he doesn't have to administer them every night. The best part of it is that a few days after I stopped taking meds it was like the fog had been lifted, I had been so tired since I became pregnant early December but I think part of my problem was all of the meds I was taking. I feel so much better now.

We had our final clinic appointment this past Friday, February 1st. Dr. K performed this ultrasound and saw baby kicking its legs around with a perfect heartbeat of 174. He loaded the IP's up with plenty of pictures and then we all went to lunch to celebrate the exciting milestone.
10w, 6 days

                                     

At lunch, the IP's presented me with one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts I have ever received. It is a sweet round bird nest with 4 beads on the inside of it. Three of those beads represent my babies and one of them the IP's baby whom I am so honored to be carrying. 

Our oldest daughter, age 8 noticed the necklace the second day I wore it and I heard fate telling me loud and clear that it was the perfect time to tell her about the surrogacy. She of course had some questions. She asked,"so when did you put their baby in?" I replied, "early December" and then asked, "then what did you do?" I said, "I took a few days to rest." and so she asked, "well why did you wait so long to tell me?" which I simply explained sometimes early-on in pregnancy a baby doesn't continue to develop so usually people wait until late in what they term the first trimester to share the baby news. She was really happy with the news and excited for the IP's. Our middle son, age 5 said, "that's cool" and we haven't really talked about it much with our youngest daughter, age 3.

We even hung out over at the IP's yesterday for Super Bowl Sunday, it was really wonderful to be included and to meet their family and friends. It was also nice to have our kids get to hang out with them again, the IP's are so awesome with kids :) S & E are really SO amazing, I feel so lucky to have been matched with them and I can not wait to make them parents. We make a really great team. Our first appointment with my mid-wife is in March. 

8 weeks, 4 days and growing strong....

The IP's and I had another ultrasound at the clinic this past Thursday, January 17th to check on the baby's growth. Baby measured at 8w, 5 days with a strong heartbeat of 174. It was amazing to see how much growth happened in just 2 weeks. 

We have just one more ultrasound appointment at the clinic in 2 weeks before we get discharged. I have chosen to use my mid-wife Kathleen of Bella Births whom I used with my previous pregnancy and birth of my youngest. My IP's are in full support and I can't wait for them to have a beautiful birth experience of their baby as I did with my last. 

At the end of the appointment I gave the IP's an ultrasound frame that said, "Love at first sight".  I am so thrilled we have been so successful throughout our journey together and I am an anxious to pass this first trimester so we can mark another celebration milestone. I have had some nausea as well as fatigue but I think these will fade in the second trimester. I am still taking estrogen 3x a day as well as the progesterone shot each night but I am now happily counting down with just one week, one day to go before I can stop using them. 

One perfect Bun baking In The Oven

Such an exciting day today, the IP's and I saw one perfect bun baking in my oven via ultrasound this morning (YAY YAY such a happy day!!!!). We also heard baby's sweet heartbeat. The IP's were soooo happy, they loved hearing their baby's heartbeat.

The Dr. loaded them up with many pictures of their precious baby bean. I feel really empowered and honored to be a part of this wonderful team. Now their baby just needs to keep growing, we go back to the clinic in 2 weeks for another check-up ultrasound.  

I am so happy, my heart is just overfilled with joy knowing that I can help make the IP's baby dreams come true.  I am soooo excited for them. Surrogacy is really amazing.