It's hard to believe I'm working on my third journey already! Seems like just yesterday I was carrying the twins from my first surrogacy!
I didn't write much about my second journey. I enjoyed it and having babies for people that cannot is always an amazing experience. But I didn't feel as connected to that couple as I did with my first journey. The contact with the parents was very minimal and there has been no contact since a month post the baby girls birth. I am completely fine with whatever contact the parents wish to have, but I am hoping for a little bit more interaction with the set of women that I am matched up with this time. I gave birth to the last baby on April 5th of this year. She was absolutely beautiful and she has an older sister who is 6 years old. I got to fly to Boston, MA for that journey.
This Thursday I get to fly out to Connecticut for my med screening. After that, I will get a tentative timeline for when my hormone injections will start and when the transfer might be. It's exciting to think that I could be pregnant again before Christmas! Wish me luck! :)
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Surrogacy Journey, Take 2
So, as of February 19th, Im 3months past delivery of the twins. And what does this mean? Its time for another surrogacy! :)
Needless to say, Im very excited to start another journey. Ive already contacted my agency and my paperwork from my previous pregnancy is already sent it for review and hopefully Ill be matched with a couple within the next week or two.
Rereading all my previous blogs has brought back so many emotions. Reliving the months from the transfer up until the birth just makes me even more excited to do this again. Now all I can do is wait and pray that my body is completely healed and ready to take on another journey...pray that I get the oppurtunity to bless and change another person/s life forever!
Needless to say, Im very excited to start another journey. Ive already contacted my agency and my paperwork from my previous pregnancy is already sent it for review and hopefully Ill be matched with a couple within the next week or two.
Rereading all my previous blogs has brought back so many emotions. Reliving the months from the transfer up until the birth just makes me even more excited to do this again. Now all I can do is wait and pray that my body is completely healed and ready to take on another journey...pray that I get the oppurtunity to bless and change another person/s life forever!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Such a Beautiful Miracle Times 2
Two amazing mens lives were changed forever when they received one phone call on Sunday, November 22nd, 2011 at 4:22pm...
The night before the big day, I had had a lot of pain; moreso than normal. I got up around 5am and waited til my son Austin and boyfriend Scott woke up. It was Sunday which meant football would be on TV. Scott took Austin out to eat for breakfast and to the store. I got a shower and went next door to visit my friend Danielle and her son. We then took the kids to the mall to get their hair cuts and headed home. Austin was quite moody so Scott put him down for a nap. I went back next door and wrapped some gifts with Danielle and she painted my toes for me (since I couldnt reach them lol). After that, I went back home to write out some bills and take a nap myself.
I was just finishing a Happy Birthday card for one of the twins' fathers when I felt a familiar "pop". I just smiled to myself and stayed on the couch for a few minutes. Scotts dad came over and Austin was just waking up from his nap. I decided to get up and head to the bathroom. Sure enough, my water had broke so I told Scott that I was gonna head to the hospital. He went and got Danielle and she handed him her baby to watch and off we went to the York Hospital.
Now my water never popped on its own with my son so I wasnt sure what to expect. I called the fathers as soon as I got in my car. They were in the middle of painting their place so they quickly cleaned up and headed on their way to the hospital as well. They were coming from New York so it would be a 4 hour drive for them.
We arrived at the hospital around 5pm. The labor pains were unbelievable! Hard contractions every 3 to 5 minutes. When the doctor checked me, I was 5cm dialated and contractions were every other minute. It seemed never ending and since I last ate at noon, they wanted to hold off the Csection until 6:30pm... That would be the longest hour of my life. Watching the clock while the contractions seemed to blend into one another. I had a ton of nurses and doctors and the anestesiologist taking over my room, asking tons of questions and all I could do was cry and try to breathe through the pain and answer them.
All the while, I knew the boys wouldnt make it for the birth. I was sad but I wouldve been more sad had they missed a natural birth instead. The Csection was the safest route for the twins. The boy was heads down but the girl was breech and sitting on his head which wouldve complicated a natural birth.
Anyway, I was finally wheeled off to the OR at 6:30pm. If I remember correctly, the baby boy was delivered at 6:54 and the baby girl was delivered st 6:55pm.
Benjamin Tobias
Alexandra Caroline
What perfect little angels! Alexandra came out screaming! She was always such a drama queen! :) And they both weighed over 6 pounds! Such healthy little ones. I went to recovery while the babies headed toward the NICU to await their anxious parents.
I believe they arrived sometime after 9pm. They came to see me around 11:30pm. I was so happy that they fnally got to meet their babies!
The next few days would be ones that I will never forget! The boys graciously welcomed me and my family into their family and included me in feedings and visiting, holding the babies and pictures. They truely are the most beautiful twins Ive ever seen. Benjamin seems to be the calm one.So quiet. While Alexandra is the more vocal one. Her eyes are captivating and she has a look about her that makes her seem worldly for her young age of only a few days. Something tells me these babies are something extra special! :)
I was discharged today (Wednesday). The babies will most likely go home Saturday which is amazing! I woke up this morning and could tell my hormones were crashing. I had tears off and on. I wasnt crying because I didnt have the twins to take home. They were tears of complete joy for the fathers'. And excitement to see my boys again. I missed home. And soon the babies would get to know their home. What a blessing everyday really is now for the fathers!
I will be visiting the twins and the parents on Friday to say our goodbyes. Facebook will be a wonderful way to stay in touch with pictures and such. Im grateful for whatever they choose. They have touched my life in a way that I wouldve never thought possible. They have helped me become a better person. To fulfill a dream. This journey is one I will never forget. I intend to do another surrogacy but none will be able to compare to this...
The twins!
Scott with the twins. :)
Alexandra and Daddy
Scott & I with the little miracles!
Proud Fathers' <3
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MIRACLE x2!
The night before the big day, I had had a lot of pain; moreso than normal. I got up around 5am and waited til my son Austin and boyfriend Scott woke up. It was Sunday which meant football would be on TV. Scott took Austin out to eat for breakfast and to the store. I got a shower and went next door to visit my friend Danielle and her son. We then took the kids to the mall to get their hair cuts and headed home. Austin was quite moody so Scott put him down for a nap. I went back next door and wrapped some gifts with Danielle and she painted my toes for me (since I couldnt reach them lol). After that, I went back home to write out some bills and take a nap myself.
I was just finishing a Happy Birthday card for one of the twins' fathers when I felt a familiar "pop". I just smiled to myself and stayed on the couch for a few minutes. Scotts dad came over and Austin was just waking up from his nap. I decided to get up and head to the bathroom. Sure enough, my water had broke so I told Scott that I was gonna head to the hospital. He went and got Danielle and she handed him her baby to watch and off we went to the York Hospital.
Now my water never popped on its own with my son so I wasnt sure what to expect. I called the fathers as soon as I got in my car. They were in the middle of painting their place so they quickly cleaned up and headed on their way to the hospital as well. They were coming from New York so it would be a 4 hour drive for them.
We arrived at the hospital around 5pm. The labor pains were unbelievable! Hard contractions every 3 to 5 minutes. When the doctor checked me, I was 5cm dialated and contractions were every other minute. It seemed never ending and since I last ate at noon, they wanted to hold off the Csection until 6:30pm... That would be the longest hour of my life. Watching the clock while the contractions seemed to blend into one another. I had a ton of nurses and doctors and the anestesiologist taking over my room, asking tons of questions and all I could do was cry and try to breathe through the pain and answer them.
All the while, I knew the boys wouldnt make it for the birth. I was sad but I wouldve been more sad had they missed a natural birth instead. The Csection was the safest route for the twins. The boy was heads down but the girl was breech and sitting on his head which wouldve complicated a natural birth.
Anyway, I was finally wheeled off to the OR at 6:30pm. If I remember correctly, the baby boy was delivered at 6:54 and the baby girl was delivered st 6:55pm.
What perfect little angels! Alexandra came out screaming! She was always such a drama queen! :) And they both weighed over 6 pounds! Such healthy little ones. I went to recovery while the babies headed toward the NICU to await their anxious parents.
I believe they arrived sometime after 9pm. They came to see me around 11:30pm. I was so happy that they fnally got to meet their babies!
The next few days would be ones that I will never forget! The boys graciously welcomed me and my family into their family and included me in feedings and visiting, holding the babies and pictures. They truely are the most beautiful twins Ive ever seen. Benjamin seems to be the calm one.So quiet. While Alexandra is the more vocal one. Her eyes are captivating and she has a look about her that makes her seem worldly for her young age of only a few days. Something tells me these babies are something extra special! :)
I was discharged today (Wednesday). The babies will most likely go home Saturday which is amazing! I woke up this morning and could tell my hormones were crashing. I had tears off and on. I wasnt crying because I didnt have the twins to take home. They were tears of complete joy for the fathers'. And excitement to see my boys again. I missed home. And soon the babies would get to know their home. What a blessing everyday really is now for the fathers!
I will be visiting the twins and the parents on Friday to say our goodbyes. Facebook will be a wonderful way to stay in touch with pictures and such. Im grateful for whatever they choose. They have touched my life in a way that I wouldve never thought possible. They have helped me become a better person. To fulfill a dream. This journey is one I will never forget. I intend to do another surrogacy but none will be able to compare to this...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Time Flys When Your Baking Twinkies!
Ok, so maybe the last few weeks havent flown by, but seriously, I can remember my day of embryos transfered like it was yesterday...
The twins will be 34wks tomorrow. Its been a very trying pregnancy. Completely different than my pregnancy with my son. I should have expected that, considering two babies are much more difficult than one. But I suppose you never fully understand until you actually experience it. I havent been able to sleep laying down for months now. I stay downstairs at night, propped up in the corner of my sectional. My friend has to do my grocery shopping since walking is literally a pain. And Ive been contracting for weeks now. Multiple trips to the hospital and praying the next one is when the babies are ready to come! :)
The twins were over 4lbs a month ago so Im eager to see what their growth is on Wednesday. I have 2 appointments a week for stress tests but the babies seem to be doing very well! Ive just been put on bedrest but it shouldnt be for much longer.
Anyways, even though its been a roller coaster of ups and downs, pain and excitement, I wouldnt trade this wonderful experience for anything! I couldnt have been blessed with more caring, down to earth parents to do this for. Im so excited for them to meet their babies. To see their faces when they see them for the first time. To get to be a part of making them a family is such an amazing gift!I feel honored that they allowed me to carry their own flesh and blood for nine months. They trusted me with the lives of their babies and knew that I would take good care of them. Aside from having my son, this is one of the greatest things Ive ever done!
I just want to thank everyone that has helped me along this journey. My IP's, of course. They were great to my son and spoiled me throughout the pregnancy. My best friend, Danielle, who took me to almost all my appointments and helped watch my son, gave me breaks when I was exhausted, administered my hormone shots and listened to me whine when I needed to. I couldnt have done this without you! And to Scott who supported me from the beginning with my desire to do this. Not many boyfriends/husbands are ok with their woman carrying other peoples babies. Also, Scotts father, who knew the amount of pain Ive been in and watched my son more times than he needed to. Lastly, my surrogate friends. It was so nice to get to message you with my concerns or questions. And to get to follow your journeys as well.
So heres to an amazing birthing experience coming very soon! What a special day for the twins and their parents. It is one that I wont forget, either!
The twins will be 34wks tomorrow. Its been a very trying pregnancy. Completely different than my pregnancy with my son. I should have expected that, considering two babies are much more difficult than one. But I suppose you never fully understand until you actually experience it. I havent been able to sleep laying down for months now. I stay downstairs at night, propped up in the corner of my sectional. My friend has to do my grocery shopping since walking is literally a pain. And Ive been contracting for weeks now. Multiple trips to the hospital and praying the next one is when the babies are ready to come! :)
The twins were over 4lbs a month ago so Im eager to see what their growth is on Wednesday. I have 2 appointments a week for stress tests but the babies seem to be doing very well! Ive just been put on bedrest but it shouldnt be for much longer.
Anyways, even though its been a roller coaster of ups and downs, pain and excitement, I wouldnt trade this wonderful experience for anything! I couldnt have been blessed with more caring, down to earth parents to do this for. Im so excited for them to meet their babies. To see their faces when they see them for the first time. To get to be a part of making them a family is such an amazing gift!I feel honored that they allowed me to carry their own flesh and blood for nine months. They trusted me with the lives of their babies and knew that I would take good care of them. Aside from having my son, this is one of the greatest things Ive ever done!
I just want to thank everyone that has helped me along this journey. My IP's, of course. They were great to my son and spoiled me throughout the pregnancy. My best friend, Danielle, who took me to almost all my appointments and helped watch my son, gave me breaks when I was exhausted, administered my hormone shots and listened to me whine when I needed to. I couldnt have done this without you! And to Scott who supported me from the beginning with my desire to do this. Not many boyfriends/husbands are ok with their woman carrying other peoples babies. Also, Scotts father, who knew the amount of pain Ive been in and watched my son more times than he needed to. Lastly, my surrogate friends. It was so nice to get to message you with my concerns or questions. And to get to follow your journeys as well.
So heres to an amazing birthing experience coming very soon! What a special day for the twins and their parents. It is one that I wont forget, either!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Baby, Baby!
Wow, its been a while since Ive blogged. Time has been flying by and Ive been so busy lately
Im 22 weeks pregnant now with the twins. I feel HUGE! But I love it! I started feeling the babies move on the Fourth of July. Its amazing to get to feel more than one baby inside me kicking and squirming. They tend to be more active in the evenings but I think thats because its the only time during the day that I get to relax so they take over. My belly is measuring a couple weeks ahead but thats normal for a pregnancy with multiples. The only downside has been that my belly is constantly sore. But I cant expect anthing less since its always growing. :)
I got to see A & J (The parents) the previous week. It was the gender confirmation ultrasound. I was right from the beginning...a girl and a boy! How exciting to get one of each! Raising each one will be such a unique experience.We scheduled the 3D ultrasound for September and will get to see what these beautiful babies will look like.
Im 22 weeks pregnant now with the twins. I feel HUGE! But I love it! I started feeling the babies move on the Fourth of July. Its amazing to get to feel more than one baby inside me kicking and squirming. They tend to be more active in the evenings but I think thats because its the only time during the day that I get to relax so they take over. My belly is measuring a couple weeks ahead but thats normal for a pregnancy with multiples. The only downside has been that my belly is constantly sore. But I cant expect anthing less since its always growing. :)
I got to see A & J (The parents) the previous week. It was the gender confirmation ultrasound. I was right from the beginning...a girl and a boy! How exciting to get one of each! Raising each one will be such a unique experience.We scheduled the 3D ultrasound for September and will get to see what these beautiful babies will look like.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
A Thankful Ass!
Today Im 10 weeks pregnant with the amazing boys' twins! :) Time is flying by. Seems like it was yesterday instead of almost a year ago when I realized it was time to start searching for an agency to be a surrogate. Its funny how the decision was such a big one, but also was one of the easiest decisions of my life. I have a ways to go with this journey, but I cant wait to begin another. I saw that one of the women that works for the agency posted that there are 40+ families waiting to be matched with a surrogate. How heart breaking it must be for those people to wait for months, even years just so they can have the gift of their own children. The gift that tons of people take for granite.
On that note, Ill be the first person to stand up and say Im proud of what Im doing. My friends and family are proud of me as well. Ive had people wrinkle up their noses that I am doing this surrogacy. Those are close-minded, ignorant people that probably never had to dream of having a family. Never had to deal with infertility or the fact that it would be impossible to conceive children. And it also upsets me to no end that there are still women today that are going to abortion clinics just because they might not know the father or cant afford the baby. Thats why there are adoption agencies. Tons of people/couples would love to adopt a newborn. I feel as if when women make that decision, it takes away everything that Im striving to do. Its the exact contradiction of my journey. They decide to end an innocent life and I decide to help bring new ones to very much deserving people. I never knew that I would have so many different emotions when I started all of this.
So, enough of that for now. My pregnancy has been wonderful so far. I havent had too many cravings. Hot wings, pizza with A1 sauce, pickels (thats an all-the-time fav though :) )...Thats about it. Oh, and salads as of lately. Ive been tired a lot of the time and its hard for me to stay up past 9pm. Twins def strectch the stomach out faster than a singleton. My belly is usually sore from the little babies constantly growing and making room. As far as morning sickness, Ive only been getting an upset stomach at night (same as when I was pregnant with my son) and it has been nothing bad that has sent me running to the bathroom. So Ive been very lucky in that area once again! :) Im finally done at my monitoring clinic in Baltimore so I may see my own OB in York. And the really good news?! I get to stop my hormone shots!!!! I have a very thankful ass!! :)
On that note, Ill be the first person to stand up and say Im proud of what Im doing. My friends and family are proud of me as well. Ive had people wrinkle up their noses that I am doing this surrogacy. Those are close-minded, ignorant people that probably never had to dream of having a family. Never had to deal with infertility or the fact that it would be impossible to conceive children. And it also upsets me to no end that there are still women today that are going to abortion clinics just because they might not know the father or cant afford the baby. Thats why there are adoption agencies. Tons of people/couples would love to adopt a newborn. I feel as if when women make that decision, it takes away everything that Im striving to do. Its the exact contradiction of my journey. They decide to end an innocent life and I decide to help bring new ones to very much deserving people. I never knew that I would have so many different emotions when I started all of this.
So, enough of that for now. My pregnancy has been wonderful so far. I havent had too many cravings. Hot wings, pizza with A1 sauce, pickels (thats an all-the-time fav though :) )...Thats about it. Oh, and salads as of lately. Ive been tired a lot of the time and its hard for me to stay up past 9pm. Twins def strectch the stomach out faster than a singleton. My belly is usually sore from the little babies constantly growing and making room. As far as morning sickness, Ive only been getting an upset stomach at night (same as when I was pregnant with my son) and it has been nothing bad that has sent me running to the bathroom. So Ive been very lucky in that area once again! :) Im finally done at my monitoring clinic in Baltimore so I may see my own OB in York. And the really good news?! I get to stop my hormone shots!!!! I have a very thankful ass!! :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Seeing Double :D
Today was my first ultrasound during this surrogacy journey. It was confirmation of heartbeat/s and to see how many babies there were. The day definitely started out quite frustrating. The clinic that I usually go to said that they had called my fertility clinic weeks ago and made them aware that they didnt do the type of ultrasound I needed done and no one made me or my IF's aware of this. So we all came to find that no appointment was ever remade. Needless to say, hours later we finally got a copy of my ultrasound order and were able to squeeze in an appointment today just shy of noon.
I was very nervous during the ultrasound. The technician wasnt really saying too much and she left the room to grab another technician. I started to worry, wondering if she couldnt find any heartbeats. But finally she told me and my IF's that there was two sacks and that it was twins with strong heartbeats! I about cried, I was so happy for the fathers! I know that they both were hoping for twins and I couldnt feel more blessed then to be able to give them their wish of that! I go back in one week for a followup ultrasound just to make sure the babies are growing like they should be.
I was very nervous during the ultrasound. The technician wasnt really saying too much and she left the room to grab another technician. I started to worry, wondering if she couldnt find any heartbeats. But finally she told me and my IF's that there was two sacks and that it was twins with strong heartbeats! I about cried, I was so happy for the fathers! I know that they both were hoping for twins and I couldnt feel more blessed then to be able to give them their wish of that! I go back in one week for a followup ultrasound just to make sure the babies are growing like they should be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)