Journey Thoughts.

So I had some wonderful photos taken by a super sweet photographer - Amy Luna. I have never done maternity photos before, but when she said she would take a couple for me, in the snow nonetheless, I couldn't refuse. I thought it would be a beautiful memory to have for myself and the parents as we close up this part of a big adventure.

After the thought of surrogacy came into my mind, I couldn't get it out. I spent a lot of time reading up, educating myself, my husband. I spoke on the phone with my agency for hours getting my questions answered and concerns addressed. Soon after I was putting in my application. It was all so exciting. Then I wondered who I would be matched up with. I was really nervous about this part of it all. It is a lot like dating. Match.com style. Also, if you get one profile, and pass on the couple, you can't technically go back to them later. I didn't want to mess up. I just knew I had to keep on following my heart the whole way through. When I received F&C's profile I was pleasantly surprised. They were very thorough in filling it out, which told me they were genuine and this was serious. There was one fall back, and that was how far away they were. I was skeptical to consider an international couple. Mainly because of communication - and my desire to actually get to know the parents and remain in touch after the journey was complete. BUT, being that I loved their profile so much I agreed to the Skype call. They seemed to be so much like Joe and I. They love a good adventure, traveling and fun. To this day, I am so glad I took the chance! Since having them here - meeting them for the first time, I feel so blessed. I was so nervous about meeting them, but how quickly that all went away. We really have built an amazing relationship the past year and a half. I really feel God has his hand in all of this. One of the most amazing callings I have ever had. It has not been an easy breezy journey, we had a couple bumps with my IUD and a chemical pregnancy first transfer, but we made it - and this sweet baby girl that has been wished for, hoped for, prayed for - will be here. Any. Day. Now.

The time is almost here, time to watch this beautiful miracle arrive. I have treated you as one of my own, growing you as best I can, and praying you would be healthy and perfect. I was so nervous for more heartbreak for your parents. And now I can't wait for your  BIRTHday, and to be able to see first hand the look your Maman and Papa's face when they see and hold you for the very first time. It is the moment I have dreamed about since beginning this journey with them. They are so deserving, and have dreamed of you for a long time. You will always hold a special little place in my heart. I have honestly enjoyed every moment of this experience, I am so thankful to have been chosen for THIS one, by these people. So for now, I will sit here and enjoy these last few days while you finish growing, and smile (and probably cry a little) when you make your way into their arms <3 What a beautiful day that will be.

My hope is that this friendship continues for many years. I pray I can watch you grow, and see the many adventures your amazing parents take you on. You will have one amazing life, I am confident in that. "Oh the Places You Will Go!" Bless you all, and most of all, thank you F&C for trusting me with your precious cargo these past 10 months. I know it can't be easy to go through this, but I hope for you that it has been as smooth a process as possible. I'm so excited for you guys!!

Much love,
Katy

38 Weeks.

We had our 38 week appointment on Tuesday. We were all able to attend, and it was great they were able to be there to hear their girls heartbeat. Kim did a quick ultrasound to be sure we were still in a head down position, and she was! We were so glad to hear that. Everything else looked good. I am 1 whole cm dilated. Now that she is back head down, I am hoping for more progress at next weeks appointment. We will see. We are all very anxious for the big moment. Im sure it is so hard waiting! We are so close, and wondering WHEN is killer! Maybe we should start predicting......

In the meantime, we wait. In one week they have done so much! They went to Santa Fe, the Old Town Plaza, malls, uptown, etc. We have had them over a couple times for dinner. C made us some amazing crepes!!! I love love crepes. I could eat like 20 at a time lol. We also gathered at Joe's moms and my parents for Christmas meals.  It was great to have them included, I didn't want them to be alone for the Holiday! They are so great and have definitely put many smiles on mine and Joe's faces. The girls too, they have been so gracious. <3 Maybe soon we will be sipping champagne cheers "ing" to the New Year and a new baby! Next appointment is New Year's Eve. Be thinking of us folks, we are SO CLOSE!

Meet the Parents.

So F&C arrived here on Wednesday evening. There were some delays in their flight, but they were only like 40 minutes late. We decided to meet up for dessert at flying star. I dropped Allie off at my brothers, since she gets tired early, and Sarah and I went over to meet them.

I was SO. Nervous. I have to admit. I don't know why, but it was all quickly gone once they walked in. It all turned to excitement. They are so adorable and super sweet. We chatted a while, Sarah ate her cookie and colored and we called it a night. Everything has finally set in, that this journey is coming to an end, and this sweet baby girl is gonna have some pretty awesome parents.

The next day they met here at our home and they met my sister in law Kelli, who watched the girls for us while we all went. We all hung out for a bit, then went to the hospital for the version. I changed into the gown and settled in. Told the nurse that if I was in fact getting the IV, I was going to need the lidocane first, because Im so super chicken when it comes to IV's haha. F&C came back and the nurse grabbed the ultrasound machine. Sure enough, her head was DOWN! Version avoided. So we all were very happy. They did have me stay on the monitors for about 30 minutes for a NST (non stress test) just to watch the baby and be sure she is good. And she is. SO off to breakfast we went. It was their first taste of chili!

It has been absolutely wonderful meeting them, and hanging out with them. Sarah loves going to see them, and was bummed to hear she won't be joining us for dinner this evening. They are great with my girls, and I can't wait to see them as parents to this sweet girl!!

Next appointment is on Tuesday. Hoping for some progress in dilation and effacement. I will definitely have her check on that. Will update Tuesday. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

37 Weeks.

Full Term! Baby girl we made it!

How am I feeling? Been getting lots of that question lately. I am feeling good. My tailbone/low back had begun to hurt and my hips still. But overall, I feel wonderful. It was a big day at my appointment today, I knew Kim and I were going to discuss the version, if baby had not turned back to head down. So I started the day off at the chiropractor- I found her on spinningbabies.com, hoping for someone certified in the webster method. It is supposed to help turn breech babies. So I went there this morning before my appointment, and she didn't even do the method (or much of anything to be honest). I didn't know what to expect, but after talking to my cousin (who is a chiropractor) I realized she didn't. Maybe something will come of it.

OH WELL. So off to my appointment I go. She grabbed the little ultrasound machine and sure enough, her head is still right up in my ribs. Little stinker! Sooooo, we are now scheduled for a version on Thursday morning. I am supposed to be there at 10:30 to get hooked up to IV's and the procedure will start at 11. For those of you that don't know what a version is - feel free to youtube it. This is the technical term "external cephalic version." Basically the doctor manipulates the baby from the outside and manually turns her to head down position. I've heard it can be pretty uncomfortable, but I am willing to try it if might help avoid a c-section. If the doctor is able to flip her, we wait for labor to start on its own. If its unsuccessful and she doesn't flip on her own over the next couple weeks, we will schedule a c-section. There are also risks, though somewhat rare. I will be set up with an IV line, in the case that the baby goes into distress, and we would need to rush back to the OR and deliver. But we don't foresee that happening. Kim thinks the baby is in a good position to be moved, and there is plenty of fluid pockets to help the process. I am hopeful that it is going to work, and all will go smooth!

That being said F&C did have to end up switching their flights by a day. I am glad they will be able to be here for the procedure, just in case. It all seem SO REAL now. I get to meet them tomorrow! This is all so exciting. And maybe a tad nerve wrecking. We are trying not to stress too much about Thursday, but again, it is going to all be fine. I can feel it.

Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts in advance for Thursday! Everything is crossed for a flip!
Here is the belly at 37 weeks.

36 Weeks.

Excitement, Anxiety, Wonder, Happiness - SO many emotions right now! 4 week from our due date, and everyone is getting ready!  F&C arrive in less than a week. I am thrilled to get to meet them. There are so many things racing through my mind, but Im sure we are gonna pick up like we have known each other for years. And we have, like a year and a half. It has been great getting to know them, but I am ready to MEET them, and give them their little bundle very soon. I can't believe we are this close to the end of this journey, and they will be off on a new one - as parents! I feel so blessed to have been chosen for this, and by them.

At 36 weeks I am experiencing some braxton hicks contractions. Nothing regular, nothing painful. Hip pain is back this week. Heartburn still crazy. I had my 36 week appointment at the OB and I was up 26lbs, measuring right on, BUT, she has flipped to the breech position. Once again hopping on the spinning  babies wagon, and hoping she flips for me like Allie did. Kim said we would discuss version at the next appointment. So flip baby girl so we don't even have to go that far. I am not stressing right now, we still have time - and honestly I have just been more at peace with this one, like God has it in his hands and however it goes, is the way it is supposed to go. Strange feeling, because with Allie I was so stressed, and in tears about it all. So the peace is kind of nice. Don't get me wrong, I really want a normal birth - a section is not what I want. Thoughts and prayers for a flip are appreciated! <3

The Christmas hustle and bustle has started and I feel like we still have quite a bit to do shopping wise to be ready. I need to start wrapping gifts, and see where I am at. Seems stuff is stached everywhere. 2 weeks until the holiday, and I am really excited for it. I can't believe how fast Halloween, and Thanksgiving came and went. I knew the end would go quick, but didn't think it would be this quick. Joe is working some overtime this week, but he is done with school, so he is ready for a break too!

Here are 36 week photos. Hooray for the homestretch!!

35 Weeks.

Y'ALL, WE HAVE 5 WEEKS LEFT! And in just 16 short days F&C will be here in New Mexico awaiting the arrival of their beautiful baby girl. I cannot believe how fast it is going now. Each week passes, and it just goes so fast. Anyhow, that is super exciting!

We had a 35 week ultrasound yesterday. Joe had court so I had to take the girls, and there was a wait, so they did get slightly impatient. I need to remember snacks, I always forget to stock my bag. Oh well, they didn't do too bad, just weren't as quiet as I had hoped. Baby looked great, she was hiding her face - face down and hands and feet in her mouth haha. She did give us a little peek after Stacy and I poked her a little bit ;) Silly girl. She looks like she is chubby, and her approximate weight at 35 weeks was 6 lbs 7oz. Oh man! She can slow down if that is case lol - don't want to be delivering no 11 pound babies lol! All I can say is I am glad that she is healthy and thriving in there.

I am feeling good. Getting more tired again in the afternoons, and generally feeling a little sore. But again, it is all normal and to be expected. She still moves often and she is head down. I have my 36 week appointment on Monday with Kim. And after that I will start going weekly. F&C will be able to attend those appointments with me, if they wish - and we can tour the hospital soon too. I can't wait for them to get here. Will be great connecting with them after over a year of chatting!

Here is a belly shot and a ultrasound photo of their sweet girl.

34 Weeks.

34 Weeks. That photo below is what my belly looks like after 2 plates of Thanksgiving food. It was good stuff, and I couldn't stop! I love November and December Good food, drinks (when not pregnant) and wonderful time spent with family and friends. I am really looking forward to December and all it holds! So we had Thanksgiving and mom and I and Kelli went shopping Thursday night. GASP! Yes, I am one that goes out and shops. No I do not think people should have to work on Thanksgiving, but they do, and I took advantage and got a great jump on my Christmas shopping. My feet hurt a bit afterward, but really, we only did walmart and mall briefly. It is a fun tradition with us girls, and I enjoy it every year.

Baby girl is growing! She looks like she is breaking out most night when I am laying in bed with the belly buds on. She still loves hearing her mama and daddy talk and sing to her. I swear I see feet poke out. I cannot believe that in 6 really short weeks they will be holding her in their arms. I am really excited for them. A local photographer, that is AMAZING with newborn photography contacted me and gifted them a newborn session. The talented Britt McVittie of Falling Star Photography - check her out on Facebook if you need some photos, she is seriously amazing with newborns! Baby whisperer I tell you. We also have more exciting news! We have a birth photographer, another gal (both I am in a photo group with) offered to shoot the birth for us, and I couldn't be happier to have her there. I think it is going to be amazing for us all to have those first moments captured, a gift I know I will treasure forever. Not only for our keepsake, but for F&C to take back to their family to share. So also check out the talented Kayla Kitts Fine Art Photography on Facebook! She is the sweetest as well!! I am so incredibly thankful.

So that is all for news right now. I have my 35 week ultrasound Monday the 1st. That post is coming up!

33 Weeks.

33 weeks in! Gotta play catch up! So much has been going on, with Thanksgiving here, we had family in town and several photo shoots scheduled, life got really busy and I fell behind! Still feeling good, other than the bad hip pain at night. This week was probably the worst with it, because I was on my feet so much. It was exaggerated it seemed. I actually had a cute limp. But it has improved since I have been taking it easier. I had a few friends offer up some tips, and they seem to have helped. I could live in the bath tub. Heartburn is still crazy bad too, but were almost done! Had an appointment with Kim, and all was great, as usual. She measured right on at 33 weeks, and up 24 lbs. 

 Sorry for this short update this week, but much more coming after this one!

32 Weeks.

Changes. I feel like a lot of things are changing. Sleep isn't so great right now. Between bathroom trips and hip aches I am up quite a bit. Usually around 3am I wake and go downstairs to sleep in the recliner. It is nice to be able to be on my back, elevated, without having to flip every hour or so. BUT still, I cannot complain. This pregnancy/baby has been good to me. I am super thankful! This is all just part of it. She is growing a lot I can feel that! It is almost like she is stretched out in there, I feel her in my hips, bladder, and ribs simultaneously. Then she will stick her little butt out pretty far too. Lately she is getting hiccups. Still quite the mover in there!

Our next ultrasound is on Dec 1, and I am really excited for that one. I always love when F&C get a glimpse of her from the inside again. Hopefully she will be ready to show us her pretty little face again. They are preparing for their trip here as we speak. I cannot imagine packing up for a little stay in another country, I would forget everything I am sure. But they seem to be on top of stuff, and Im sure it is all going to go great for them. I think about them daily, and am helping out in any way I can.  A lot of friends and family (and people I have never met) have jumped in and let us borrow a few things for their stay (pack n' play, bathtub, bottle warmer, etc) so they do not have to purchase while here in the states and/or have a bunch of extra stuff to take back with them. I am so blessed by you all that have offered to help. Also I have had two fellow photographer friends (that I have yet to meet) want to donate photo sessions to the new parents. Memories will last a lifetime, and the photos should be gorgeous. We all know I am obsessed about capturing every moment of my every day, they are so priceless. <3

Here are this weeks bump photos. I took three. Look how round the belly has gotten!

31 Weeks.

This week I am 31 weeks. I went for my appointment today (at almost 32 weeks) and I am up 22 lbs so far. The belly measured 32 1/2 weeks and baby's heart sounded great. It is so crazy to think that in 9 (SINGLE DIGITS) short weeks, they will be holding this sweet girl in their arms. It is going to fly by with the holidays I think. I am feeling pretty good. Tired and still waking up a bunch at night, but that is all normal. I have been getting more round ligament pulling pains too. Man those things are rough! Brings back some memories of some real labor pains (pre-epidural) lol. I feel like I have to really breathe through it when I get pull! Something to look forward too. LOL. Other than that, still have heartburn - hoping that means this little chick has lots of hair for her mama to put bows in <3

Sounds like F&C are pretty well prepared. Her room is all set, and super super cute I might add. I love hearing the excitement coming from them. I am just so anxious and even more excited for the big moment. A lot of people have been asking me lately how I feel about it all. If I feel connected, or if it is going to be hard to turn her over to her parents. The answer is no. I am more than ready for this girl to be with her family. I have enjoyed growing her from the inside, but she is not and was never ours to keep. She is not any part of me. While I feel a slight connection, it is not a motherly one. It is a sweet little innocent baby coming into this great big world, into the arms of her loving Mom and Dad - who have waited so long for her. This is something I have wanted to do for a long tim. I prayed about it, and prepared for it mentally for quite a while before starting the process, and I am 100% confident about it all. The look on her parents faces as she comes into this world, is going to be the moment I know just how amazing this journey really has been, and it will be ingrained into my mind forever. I have loved getting to know them, talking to them daily and sharing with them throughout. And I do hope that we can remain in touch as much as possible when they return home as a FAMILY. They have become a special part of my life, and I will never forget this experience. And the best is yet to come!

So here is a big thank you to everyone who has supported me and this dream, asked how I am doing, kept in touch, and asked curious questions. It is nice to know we are thought about, prayed for, and loved. No question is dumb, I think it is great to be curious, and I am an open book if any of you have any questions regarding the gift of surrogacy.

Here is our 31 week belly<3 It was voting day!

30 Weeks.

Ugh, been slacking again! So sorry y'all! But things are going well, and we are trucking along. I have hit the third trimester wall it seems. I am tired a lot. Prefer to be in bed by 7pm, wake multiple times a night, and up for the day around 6:45am or so. Which isn't terrible or anything. It is nice having a few moments to myself in the morning when everyone is still sleeping. Especially since it is fall and I love the cooler mornings.

Overall my body is feeling great still. I don't feel ginormous. But I always seem to grow a lot in the last few weeks. Since I don't remember much about this week, being as it already passed, I will just post that weeks photos for you! Here is the belly at 30 weeks! Also, my friend Emily and I, who is pregnant with a sweet little girl of her own and due practically the same day as me, won cakes at the church carnival for Halloween. We are two happy pregnant gals <3

29 Weeks.

Hey all! Not much to report this week. Feeling great, needing to get productive, and working on that. Joe and I really want to re-carpet our house, so we are going to start figuring all that out. The carpet they put in these houses is terrible, and I cannot take it anymore! It is so gross and embarrassing. Gonna work on decluttering soon - with the holidays coming I always feel the need to get rid of so much junk. We will see when that happens lol.

Baby is still moving lots. I feel like she is just moving all over. When I work up this morning my belly was really shaped weird, like she was laying sideways. Now it is back to normal. Silly girl. She is the size of a butternut squash this week. And according to the books, she is in for a huge growth spurt over the next few weeks. Here comes belly!

Today was C's Birthday. I sure hope she had a great day, it sounded like she did. I wanted to do something a little special for her, considering we are so far away that was kind of hard. But I figured out a little something, and send her a slightly different bump photo this week. I can't wait to deliver this gift for her!! Just 12 more weeks.  Happy Birthday C!! Or shall I say "joyeux anniversaire!" Bisous. Our family celebrated with cupcakes too, baby girl loved the birthday cake!!!

28 Weeks!

We reached the third trimester! Exciting stuff, and I'll bet the last 12 weeks or so fly by. So much going on and coming up with the holidays, I'm sure we will be keeping busy and time will just pass us by.  Little more than a month and F&C will be arriving here. So exciting!

So update on me: Still feeling fine. I am tired by the afternoon, and I find myself getting the girls in bed by 7:30 and heading to bed myself. It has been nice, even if I am not sleeping, just relaxing, working on some edits, etc. It is wonderful. Only other issue is hip pain in the night. I am constantly switching sides because my hips get really sore. But, I cant complain, these are all pregnancy side affects I can handle, and baby girl is doing wonderfully! Had my appointment with Kim this week, and all went good. Baby was measuring 2 weeks ahead when she measured my belly, not that it really means much. I had a pretty big jump in weight gain, but I have been giving into some cravings lately lol. Up a total of 19lbs so far. Baby moves constantly, more so in the evening than in the day, perhaps she is already working on the time difference at home haha.


We had our 28 week scan this week. With my hypothyroidism they monitor her growth a little more than usual, but that is all just safety precautions. She is growing just great, her weight today was 2lbs 9oz (or 15oz) I don't remember exactly. But they did estimate birth weight at 7lbs 9oz. So that I can deal with. Allie was 8lbs 2oz, so we have some play room in the weight dept. So far she isn't gonna be a huge baby, in fact, I bet she is just perfect! Fluid looked great, and she was healthy, and taking a nice morning nap. Our last ultrasound she was head down. This time around, she is butt down. So here's hoping she finds her way back into position over the next several weeks. Here are some photos of her sweet face. So excited for you guys to have her in your arms F&C!!!! <3

27 Weeks.

One more week until the third trimester! Yay! Such great milestones! I know F&C are so excited to get here and meet their baby. Not that I want to rush it, but I can't wait for that moment either. Im sure it will be a day filled with a lot of happy tears!

I am feeling good, symptoms are all the same, heartburn (if theory is true for this baby, she will have pig tails when she is born lol), and tired. I go to bed when my girls go to bed most nights. Which I have been enjoying. Not sure if it is baby, or just being busy in general, but I am feeling more run down lately. We had a great weekend with some family in town, attended the balloon fiesta, the greek festival and a little down time. 

At 27 weeks she is weighing in about 2 lbs now and she is about 14.5 inches long, the size of cauliflower. She is still loving working out and punching on my bladder, and throwing some roundhouse kicks to the ribs. I feel this girl growing nice and strong! Always a great sign. Yesterday I had the glucose test. Always takes me back to the sugary childhood barrel juices we all used to drink. It went well, I passed, and all is good. Phew! Next week I have my regular OB appointment Tuesday, and an ultrasound on Friday! So yay, for F&C getting to see her again! She looks sweeter and sweeter every time we get to see her. 

For now that is all I have for you, everyone is doing well, and keeping busy, and preparing as best we can! Be posting again soon. Next week pics of that sweet face!

26 Weeks.

26 weeks, I cannot believe how fast this is going. Some days I feel like it has been so long, but then it is a new week so quickly! Guess that is typical. 

I have been feeling good still, heartburn still rampant, and the exhaustion is making an appearance now too. I have not been very tired up until now. I feel like I need a nap by 2pm. Most days it is just hard to nap, especially with picking Sarah up at school in the afternoon, so I am in bed by 8:00pm instead. Totally fine with me! Guess I am up past my bedtime right now.....

At 26 weeks baby is about 1.75 lbs and 14 inches long. She loves to make her appearance known, she often kicks in my ribs and punches at my bladder. With that brings a lot more trips to the restroom! LOL, she must like her space. I am definitely growing, I am constantly applying lotion to my itchy belly, and after eating my tummy/back pulls pretty tight. I am now eating smaller meals more often to avoid that. 

Talked to F&C and they have paperwork to go through for the passport and birth certificate. I am excited for them and hope this process goes smoothly for us! Next up PBO. Pre-Birth Order. For those of you who have no clue what that it - it is an order granted by the courts when we submit the paperwork that F&C are baby girls legal parents, despite my giving birth to her. It also requires the hospital to list them as parents on the birth certificate (not me). If that makes sense. It is much easier to get this BEFORE she comes, to avoid having to get my name removed. Saves a step. :) 

Anyhow, moving right along! 

25 Weeks.

My gosh, I am so sorry for not updating here! Life is so busy right now, we are busy with Joe and Sarah in school, trying to adjust to schedules, appointments, work, family, friends, etc. SO now I am playing catchup for what has been happening the past three weeks!

At 25 weeks I am still feeling good. I have no complaints except for killer heartburn and a nagging tickle in my throat that makes me cough constantly. It will not go away! Baby is roughly 1.5 lbs and 13.5 inches long. She is very very active, and mostly at night when she listens to her mama sing to her on the belly buds. She loves it. I love to see how she is reacting to her voice. I frequently think of delivery now, and how it will all play out. I am so excited, can't say it enough, for F&C to hold this sweet girl. Here is our 25 week bump photo!

24 Week Ultrasound.

Today we had the 24 week ultrasound. I just love going to the ultrasounds. It is so exciting for me to see F&C see their little sweet pea. Of course she looks perfect. Stacy (my awesome tech) said that she is weighing about 1lb 9oz so far. She looks beautiful to me. Has the most perfect little nose and lips. Her profile is adorable.

This post will be short, just wanted to share a photo of this sweet thing really fast before Im off again, to grab Sarah at school. Such a busy day running around today! I also at a 24 week appointment at the OB. I will update with another post and belly shot later tonight. Here is her grand debut in 3d :) Cute! We totally know!

Thoughts.

Sitting here tonight, I can't stop thinking about a couple recent events. Since applying for surrogacy a little over a year ago, I have come to discover so many things about people close to me, people coming to me sharing their own personal stories of infertility that I never even knew about. I have been lucky to be in a wonderful community with fellow surrogates who each has their own story/struggle with their journey. Each story touches my heart, but nothing hurts more than the struggles, the failures, the high hopes, the let down.....the roller coaster of IVF.

A few fellow surrogates I know have been going through so much, and I just pray that it works for them and their IP's soon. Going through the weeks and weeks of injections, traveling to transfer, the anxiety of waiting for that first beta, some good numbers, only to get to ultrasound and see no baby, or no heartbeat. Two to three times. It takes a toll. Having just one chemical transfer was hard enough on me - I can't imagine what some others go through! To start all over again. Injections - the more you do the more you body hates them. Thinking this is the solution for the parents, is so hard when it does not work the first time. A friend of mine also has been on this roller coaster. The heartbreak after months of hard work really does stir up lots of emotions.  The loss is a lot to bear.

With that being said. It can be simply put that this is why I decided on surrogacy. To hopefully bring the rainbow to a family who has gone through so much. It is a lot, but the end result is going to be AMAZING.

So my friends, keep your heads up. I know it is hard, but I truly believe your moment is coming. You will deliver that perfect baby. Each and every one of you is on my heart and in my prayers, and I hope you know that.  I won't forget you, and I admire your strength as I can understand the struggle more now. IVF is a blessing, and definitely an adventure.  NEVER GIVE UP HOPE! What is ahead, is worth every minute of the process. Love to all.

23 Weeks.

Hello 23 weeks! This week went by quick. And I am feeling "bigger" now. And people are noticing. I think before it was like, well maybe she is, maybe she isn't. But yesterday, Sarah's teacher was the crossing guard at school and she said "whoa! You popped really fast!" So bring on the big belly! I am feeling pretty good, needing to book my first massage, feeling a tad tense in my shoulders and neck. So I will take some time out for myself soon. Baby girl is loving hearing her Mommy and Daddy on the bellybuds. She kicks around when I get them on. I try not to disturb her sleeping, and do it when she is already awake. Speaking of, she is a mover, I feel her often. Seems like she is already head down, yay, because I feel little kicks in my ribs on the right and smaller movements down lower. We will find that out next week at our ultrasound Tuesday. Maybe she will stay that way and not be a flipper like Allie was. Hoping to catch more movement on video soon for her parents, that has to be so exciting to see, but kind of hard to catch still.

At 23 weeks baby is the size of a large mango at 11.5 inches long and is weighing about 1.1 pounds. I feel like I am carrying this baby different than my girls. Like she is down lower and my girls felt so much higher. So fun to see the differences.  I can still wear a couple pairs of my favorite capris so I am wearing those over the maternity pants for now. Ready for fall so I have more wardrobe choices! Boots and sweaters please :) Love them.

Anyhow, all is well, moving right along! Here is this weeks belly photo. I have included a bare belly this week too! See the growth!

Hello Baby!

So the other day C and I got to chatting. She said soon she would like to start talking to the baby, since she can now hear sounds and all. I wasn't quite sure how we were going to go about that. BUT, I had remembered a post from a friend, Kelly I think it was you, about bellybuds. So I hopped on good ole' google and checked them out. C and I decided it would be just what we needed, so she hopped on amazon and had them sent to my house. We were so excited to start using them!

Basically how it works: there are two "buds" kind of like headphones that can stick on the belly, or be worn under a support etc. F&C can go online and record their voices, wether they are just talking to the baby, singing a song or reading a book to her. I believe it is a wonderful way for them to connect with their baby. I am so excited. They arrived yesterday and I used them for the first time last night. They have a couple recordings up already. Baby girl was definitely enjoying it, she was moving all over.

And funny, in one recording they are talking to the baby. Sarah now walks around the house acting like she knows french. LOL. Although she does know a couple words now. I wish I knew! C also sings a beautiful song, the girls ask for it. They love to hear it. Eventually I turned it off and told them it is for the baby to hear. But it was so sweet, and as much as she will deny it, C has a beautiful singing voice <3 Anyhow, I feel like this is a great way for them to connect with their baby, and deliver sweet, personal little messages to her.

22 Weeks.

Today I am 22 weeks! I sorta feel like it isn't going as quick as it was before. This baby is a mover. She gets hiccups now, and pokes around quite often in there. I am anxious for our next ultrasound in two weeks, ready for them to get a good look at her sweet face. 

At 22 weeks she is the size of a spaghetti squash at 11in and about 1 pound! Whoop! Great milestone.  Belly is definitely showing now. We went to the ranch for my grandmothers memorial this weekend. And a lot of family was there. Everyone was asking about the new bump and when I was due. I have to admit, it is different explaining to them that this is not our baby. Not genetically mine at all, I am just the oven with their embryo. A couple people just nodded when I told them. But majority of them thought it was such an amazing gift. I did not know my grandfather didn't know. He was so sweet and told me to keep him informed on how things are going. My dad's cousin said him and his wife are praying, and he hopes it keeps going smooth (and to not keep secrets from him haha). It is no secret, just not something everyone knows I guess until the see the obvious pregnancy bump, if they don't have access to this blog. Overall I felt the love and am supported by them all. And for that I am so thankful. 

Here is a 22 week bump photo. Thanks for following, checking in, and thinking of and praying for us all. It is all very much appreciated! 

21 Weeks

Playing catch up! This week was a busy one as I was preparing for my Grandmother's memorial in Ruidoso, and adjusting to new schedules with school etc. But everything is going great! Going to keep this post short, and just do a quick little update.

At 21 weeks the baby is about the size of a banana, about 10.5 inches! It weighs about 12.7 ounces as well. My belly is steadily growing, feel like it is getting bigger finally. Next week I will have a bump photo. I feel her moving every day now. She seems to be pretty active! I actually caught a little movement on video for F&C and they loved seeing it! I was excited for them to see her moving for the first time.

Little funny story while I am here. We went out to dinner the other night, and they hostess was talking about her kids and how they decided two kids were enough. I (visibly) pregnant, said, "Yes we think we are done too, but who knows what can happen down the road, maybe we will want a third." This not being my baby, I totally just don't think about how other people see it haha. This lady must have thought I was a wacko!

Other than that, all is going well. I am feeling better allergy, nasal, chest cold wise, so I think I am on the mend! Ready for a cool down, that is for sure! Come on fall!

20 Weeks.

Halfway there! I hope it continues to go by as fast as it has the first half of this pregnancy. I am so excited to have reached this great milestone for F&C. Baby girl is growing!

Went to my routine OB appointment this morning. Everything went good. I am up 8 pounds so far, and the baby's heart rate was at 160. I had not been feeling too much movement, little ones here and there, but laying here tonight, this little girl is definitely making her presence known. Kim did tell me the placenta in in the front, so that is why it is taking a little longer to feel her move.

Talked to F&C and they are starting to plan for the trip out here for the birth. They will come around December 20th, and stay until they need to stay. I am due January 5th, and I believe that will be enough time to plan for them to be here for the birth. I've sent of a few places for them to rent while they are here, and they are looking at flights, etc. So everything is coming together nicely so far. Kim, our midwife, is going to ask the hospital for more information regarding delivery and procedures in the hospital. The agency should be contacting them as well, as far as I remember.

Anyhow all is great! Still feeling good, just experiencing some really crazy allergies right now. It is hard getting sleep at night because my nose is pretty much blocked off. I cannot sleep with my mouth open, it is so annoying. SO, that can vacate my body at any time now, and I'd be in heaven. Here is the latest bump pic. Kinda blurry, but Sarah took it and she really needed to go to the bathroom. LOL.

20 weeks down 20ish to go! Baby is about 6.5 inches long and about the size of a small cantaloupe. Weighing around 10.6 oz.

18 Weeks & Gender Reveal

Today we are 18 weeks! Time is sure flying!! Today was a super exciting day, and we have been dying to know if this baby is a boy or girl. Although, I have felt it was a girl so far this pregnancy. C and I did a test with a strand of hair and my wedding ring over the belly and it too said girl. We just needed the proof!

I am feeling good, getting tired in the afternoons and still napping with the girls when I can. Baby is approximately 5.6 inches long and the size of a sweet potato this week, weighing around 6.7 oz. I won't write too much, I'll get to the good part!

Went for the ultrasound. Did all the required measurements, while I skyped with F&C. They were on the beach! How perfect for news like this. I felt the baby keep kicking the ultrasound stick thing. It was funny. Then Stacy asked if we wanted to make a guess as she tried looking for gender. They are so super excited about this news, and I can't wait to see them plan for their new bundle. Baby looked absolutely perfect! Without further adieu, here is the gender of their baby!! Yaaaaay!

It is a girl! I knew right when I looked up at the screen, a sight I've seen twice before. I am so excited to be carrying their DAUGHTER. She is going to be beautiful, and I couldn't be more happy for them! Congratulations F&C!!! Let the fun begin <3

17 weeks.

Today I am 17 weeks. I am actually posting on time! Haha. This week and end of last week I have been pretty tired. I have napped with the girls almost every day in the afternoon for about an hour and a half. Feels good.  My allergies have also been bad lately so that could be part of the problem. Not sure what is up with that. Anyone else having allergies right now??

The gender/anatomy scan is in ONE WEEK! I am so excited for F&C to find out the sex of their baby. I asked them if they had thought about names, and they have a few beautiful ones on a list. Nothing definite, but great names nonetheless! They will not be able to visit for the appointment, but they will be there via Skype again. It is going to be a super exciting day, and I can't wait!

Baby is now the size of an onion, about 5.1 inches long and weight around 5.9 ounces. I have been feeling more pulling in my lower back, so I think were in for a growth spurt. Also the round ligament pain is pretty crazy right now. Takes my breath away when it happens.

My family will be pretty busy this last month of summer before school starts for Joe, eek!, and Sarah.  We have somewhere to be every weekend the next four weeks. But it will be fun, and make the time pass quickly. I am getting pretty excited for slightly cooler temperatures and fall. I love it. Anyhow, here is this weeks bump! <3

16 Weeks & Preemies Milk Bank

16 weeks last week oops. Look for 17 week post tomorrow! I feel like time is just flying. Before we know it this little baby is gonna be at home with his/her mommy and daddy, and I'll be kicking butt in the gym to prepare for summer. LOL. Those are my main goals for post baby. I also plan to try and pump milk for preemies milk bank as long as possible. Have I mentioned that here? I've contacted them and got the ball rolling, started filling out paperwork, so we will see how long I can last. So much for being able to sleep at night - not having a newborn. I'll be up milking myself instead. All for good reasons though, Im totally pumped to do it, for myself (post baby benefits to my body) and also to help sweet tiny babies who need the best. My goal is six months. I am in a support group with other surrogates doing the same, and man, it is gonna take some dedication. Starting with about 8-10 pumps a day to start building supply. Just as if I were feeding a newborn I need to pump every 3-4 hours it seems. Hopefully tapering off as time goes on. Anyhow, didn't mean to jump right in to all that, but that just happened :)

16 weeks. I am feeling good, napping every couple days when the girls are down. Belly is growing. I have purchased a few maternity items, though still not necessarily needing them 100% yet. Comfortable though, yes. Baby is the size of an avocado this week, roughly 4.6 inches long and weighing about 3.5 ounces. I had an appointment with Kim, my midwife. As usual the appointments go fast. Never having any issues. We chat (and this time cry, because she was so sweet when speaking to me about my grandmother, and how she is never truly gone, and always with me), and check this babes heartbeat. All sounds great. I am up 5 lbs. I guess that is normal. I don't really remember where I was at this point with my own. Anyways, things are moving right along, and quite smoothly. I pray it is the same for us come labor and delivery.

Here is this weeks bump shot. Hope you enjoy, and don't forget, you can leave me comments. We love to hear from you too! xoxo. Thanks for keeping up with us!


If you are interested in donating to preemies milk bank, I can get you in touch with a wonderful lady to get you set up.

Here is a little information about why it is so important to these NICU babies:
During the last trimester, growing fetuses receive vast amounts of nutrition through the umbilical cord. However, very premature infants miss this crucial nutrition, so their caloric and protein needs are greater than what breast milk can supply. As a result, the standard practice in the NICU is to fortify breast milk with extra calories and protein to provide enough for the very premature infant's needs. Until the advent of Prolact+ H2MF, the only way to provide the extra calories and protein was to add cow’s milk- based HMF. Prolacta's lead product, Prolact+ H2MF, is the only product made from 100% human milk that can supply the extra calories and protein necessary for very premature infants. Prolact+ H2MF is specially designed to be used with mother's own milk, which is the best possible nutrition for critically ill premature infants. It can also be added to donor milk if mother’s milk is unavailable.

15 weeks

Wow, sorry I haven't posted here in two weeks. I have been super slacking, but also super busy. This past Saturday we lost my amazing grandmother, pretty suddenly, so we drove to Texas to be with family and celebrate her life. It did kind of trump everything else going on, and took over my mind. I forgot quite a few things (and will continue to), but I was right where I needed and wanted to be.

Anyhow, I don't have a 14 week photo. Oops. But I have a 15 week photo to catch us up. I have been feeling a tad bit more tired lately, but that could be contributed to emotions. I feel wonderful otherwise, and baby seems to be getting bigger and bigger. I am still in my regular clothes for the time being. Not sure how much longer that will last. Baby is now the size of an orange, and weighs about 2.5 ounces. Whew! It is still so amazing to me how fast these little babes grow. I do think I have started to feel tiny flutters, but nothing definite. Im sure it is something, but it is so slight right now. Wont be long until baby is kicking like a ninja! Here is my 15 week photo. I do believe I can say the baby officially "popped" this week. So excited for F&C. Cant say it enough!

13 Weeks.

I was 13 weeks on Tuesday, July 1. Still feeling great, despite having cold/allergies. Every night my nose stuffs up so bad I cannot breathe. And I despise sleeping with my mouth open. Hopefully that is all gone soon. The baby is now the size of a peach, about 2.9 inches long. I am 95% sure I have felt a couple flutters from baby. I hear that is possible the more pregnancies a person has, so hopefully I am right. I really do not have much to update this week! Belly is popping, still in regular clothes for the time being, and very very excited for F&C. I think they are really excited too. C starting crocheting the sweetest little booties for the baby. I can't wait for them to hold this sweet baby. Here is a bump photo. It was taken by Sarah right before we left to go out of town, busy day, but sweet little bump making an appearance.

12 weeks.

Will start taking good weekly bump photos for F&C. I will post here too. I'm so excited that things have gone so well this round for us, the excitement keeps building and building. I now have a little pooch popping out.

So with that, here is baby bump at 12 weeks.

12 Week Ultrasound

Today I hit 12 weeks. I also had the nuchal ultrasound. F&C have been anxious for this appointment and to get to this point. I was sure hoping Skype would work for them at the facility I was at, since the last one had no good reception for it.

I arrived and was greeted by my awesome friend Stacy. She has done ALL my ultrasounds with my girls, so it was great to go back for the surrogacy. She rocks. We were ready to roll on the appointment and I turned to video on Skype for F&C. It worked! It was so great to watch them see their baby literally bouncing around on the screen. They got to see and hear the heartbeat. Baby looked awesome, and checked out perfectly.

I had to stay after the ultrasound for the genetic counseling. Which didn't mean much to me, since this baby is not mine, or related to me in any way - therefor my genetics play no part in it. But, again, I was able to Skype F&C in so they could listen to the counselor and make decisions on their baby's behalf. Made me feel so much better and more comfortable that they were able to do that.

I had a quick blood draw, met with Dr. Gonzales who is the perinatal doc, and was sent on my merry way. Actually, before I left we schedule the anatomy/gender scan. Set for August 5th, 2014. Eep! We can't wait to find out the gender of this babe.

 Everything went so great, and I am so beyond happy for the parents to be. Seeing their excitement today literally made my year. I know I made the right choice in following my calling to surrogacy, and in choosing the parents to bless. I feel so lucky. I am forever in awe at this whole amazing, crazy, beautiful process. Upon arriving home I was able to video Skype with them a bit longer. They said they will try to be here for the gender ultrasound. I lit up! I really hope they can be here for that. Would be wonderful to meet them.

Here are a few photos from today's ultrasound. The first is the baby, and the second is a sweet little footprint. I totally loved that photo, you can see all five teeny tiny toes.

At 12 weeks, I am still feeling great. I do find myself getting tired early into the night. Like 7pm. Other than that, all is great. Baby is now the size of a plum and just a little bit over 2 inches long. Heartrate today was 165. My guess on gender.....GIRL. We will have to wait to find out on August 5th.

First OB Appointment

Today I had my first appointment with my midwife. I'm so glad to be seeing her now. And for the time being the appointments will be slowing down. It will be nice to be at ease and let the baby do its thing.

Kim was my midwife for my pregnancy with Allie. She is so awesome. And supportive of this surrogacy. I had gone to her for medical clearance when I decided to do surrogacy, and she was supportive and said to be safe and only transfer one. I took that advice. And here we are, pregnant with one healthy babe!

Just a normal appointment, getting re-established with them. Got all the information logged, then we were gonna listen for baby's heartbeat. I got pretty nervous when we couldn't find it with the doppler. Kim tried for a few, then said "this baby is gonna make me get my ultrasound machine out." So she left to get it. I said a quick prayer that baby was just in a weird position and all was fine! She came back in, and we tried with the ultrasound. Baby was in a strange position, with its back facing up, so it was hard to see the heart beating at first. We finally got a good view, turned up the sound, and there it was! Heart beating at 167. PHEW. Relief. And I got another photo for F&C. Not the greatest, the machine was basic, but we take what we can get! Can't see the baby, but here is the heart rate. Next up, 12 week nuchal scan, next week.