May 17 is quickly approaching. Can anyone guess why this date is exciting? Yes, it's a Friday and we all LOVE Fridays, but it's also a big(ish) day for my second journey. Not "transfer" big though. We aren't transferring that day, but I am headed to the IVF office. Dr S. needs to take a gander at my baby oven and make sure all is good to go. I have no reason to believe the "oven" is not in tip top condition, but unfortunately there is always room for those dreaded what-ifs. However, I push those what-ifs out of my head just as quickly as they come in. Only positive thoughts are welcome to hang around.
So off I go to CA for a day trip. I fly out just as the sun is rising and I return after the sun has gone to bed. It's going to be a long day. I enjoy flying, but 4 different flights in one day is a little much. No chance I can sleep on the plane. (I couldn't even sleep during the long flight home from Tel Aviv last November. Talk about a glassy eyed, delirious woman by the time I landed in Minneapolis.) The quiet will be nice though. I'll definitely soak that up. It's exciting to think this trip brings us that much closer to transfer day.
Now... does anyone know what happens after the May 17th screening? Bingo... the start of meds. I can't say I'm looking forward to it. Have you seen the size of the needles? You just wait, I'll be sure to share a picture for those who haven't experienced it yet. All joking aside, the shots are totally worth the annoyance they cause. If the end result is a healthy baby (in our case 2 healthy babies), I'm all for the temporary pain.
As for the IPs, Guy and Dror - they are doing well. Excitement, happiness and anticipation are just a few of the emotions they are experiencing. I think we would all like to fast forward to the end of the 2ww (2 week wait), which will be sometime in July. Actually, I take that back... I love the anticipation of each new phase... the transfer, the 2ww and finally delivery. I'm good not having a fast forward button. It's all so exciting!
P.S. Imagine this coincidence... May 17, 2011 was the transfer date of my first surrogacy. Craziness or what?!?! Speaking of which, I know a few loyal readers/friends are wanting some updated pictures. I'll work on that!
May 08, 2013
April 28, 2013
I'm matched!
Late last year I decided to kick start the process of getting matched for my second journey. The agency I work with was quick to find a match they thought would be great for me. Soon after sending in my updated information, my family and I had some personal stuff come up. Putting the journey on hold bummed me. I really thought I was ready and these IPs (intended parents) did sound like a great match for me.
As time went by, our personal stuff was mending, but I found myself with a new(ish) dilemma. You can read about it here.
Today I'm very happy to say... I am ready.
Shortly after my last post and taking time to really sort through my thoughts, I received news from IARC. The news was regarding the IPs I would have potentially been matched with late last year. They were unmatched! I'm a person who believes in signs and "everything happens for a reason". For me to be ready and for them to be in need screamed positive vibes.
On a Monday, I spoke to IARC about Dror and Guy's visit to Minnesota, had a phone conversation with them the following day and the day after that Jeremy and I had dinner with them. On top of that, we had Elliott's 3rd birthday and we closed on our new house. It was a whirlwind of an awesome week.
I am bubbling with excitement! Being with them was completely comfortable. We spent 2 1/2 hours together and the time went by much too fast. They are going to make great dads and I can not wait to help make that happen for them.
Please stick around. I feel another great journey is about to be had!
As time went by, our personal stuff was mending, but I found myself with a new(ish) dilemma. You can read about it here.
Today I'm very happy to say... I am ready.
Shortly after my last post and taking time to really sort through my thoughts, I received news from IARC. The news was regarding the IPs I would have potentially been matched with late last year. They were unmatched! I'm a person who believes in signs and "everything happens for a reason". For me to be ready and for them to be in need screamed positive vibes.
On a Monday, I spoke to IARC about Dror and Guy's visit to Minnesota, had a phone conversation with them the following day and the day after that Jeremy and I had dinner with them. On top of that, we had Elliott's 3rd birthday and we closed on our new house. It was a whirlwind of an awesome week.
I am bubbling with excitement! Being with them was completely comfortable. We spent 2 1/2 hours together and the time went by much too fast. They are going to make great dads and I can not wait to help make that happen for them.
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| Jeremy, Me, Guy & Dror |
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| How thoughtful... Dror and Guy brought along a birthday gift for Elliott :) |
Please stick around. I feel another great journey is about to be had!
March 07, 2013
A confession of a surrogate
I had a feeling even while I was pregnant with the twins that I wanted to do this again and again and again. I can not think of much that feels more rewarding than surrogacy. There's something a little addicting about it. Could it be the joy of watching someone become a parent or maybe it's the amazement of bringing a child into this world? It's both. The look of love in the parents' eyes as they hold their newborn baby and knowing you helped make it all happen, you can't compare anything to that. The act of bringing a human being into this world, you really can't compare anything to that either.
So with all this goodness, what could be holding me back from doing another journey? I absolutely love being pregnant, it's the best babysitting job I have ever had, sweet little babies are involved, I met and created a bond like no other with Roy and Avner.... oh there it is! Roy and Avner.
I know I've said this so many times, but you'll have to just settle down and hear it again. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would create such a special bond with the IPs (Intended Parents). More so due to the fact that they wouldn't want a relationship with me.
It happens to be quite the opposite. We have formed a very special relationship. A very unique relationship. I don't have this kind of bond with anyone else. With that being said, I have some feelings that I am sorting through. I'm close to sorting it out. In fact, just writing about it seems to take a load off.
Here's a little peek into my thoughts...
After having a first child, a lot of us daydream of having more. When the time comes we feel we are ready for a second child, we usually go through emotional times and wonder how on earth we could love another child as much as our first? How could there possibly be more room in our hearts for another child? Then this outrageously guilty thought crosses our mind... what if my first child feels betrayed or that we don't love them as much as we did before?
As silly as it may sound, this is quite similar to what I have been feeling. How could a 2nd journey even compare to my 1st? Is there room within me to create another special bond with a new couple? And then OMG, what if Roy and Avner decide our bond isn't as special anymore and we slowly cut off communication? I would be so saddened by that. Now obviously they have never given me reason to think this would happen. It's more of an irrational thought, but it's a thought I've entertained.
Believe me, I tried and tried to convince R&A to have another baby. So far I'm not doing a terrific job at that. They have 1 year old twins... do you blame them for not being ready?
While they may not be ready, I feel like I am. Taking my age into consideration, I don't have a ton of time left. Yes, some surrogates do this well into their 40's. I'm not so certain I will be one of them. I'm slowly making my way to 37 and feel like I should be retiring my uterus within the next 3 or 4 years. It's done a darn good job of growing 6 children and I think it is capable of handling at least one more round of pregnancy.
There are still a few things I need to sort out, but I am fairly certain you'll be hearing more about my final decision within the next few months. In the meantime, feel free to send positive vibes and thoughts my way.
So with all this goodness, what could be holding me back from doing another journey? I absolutely love being pregnant, it's the best babysitting job I have ever had, sweet little babies are involved, I met and created a bond like no other with Roy and Avner.... oh there it is! Roy and Avner.
I know I've said this so many times, but you'll have to just settle down and hear it again. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would create such a special bond with the IPs (Intended Parents). More so due to the fact that they wouldn't want a relationship with me.
It happens to be quite the opposite. We have formed a very special relationship. A very unique relationship. I don't have this kind of bond with anyone else. With that being said, I have some feelings that I am sorting through. I'm close to sorting it out. In fact, just writing about it seems to take a load off.
Here's a little peek into my thoughts...
After having a first child, a lot of us daydream of having more. When the time comes we feel we are ready for a second child, we usually go through emotional times and wonder how on earth we could love another child as much as our first? How could there possibly be more room in our hearts for another child? Then this outrageously guilty thought crosses our mind... what if my first child feels betrayed or that we don't love them as much as we did before?
As silly as it may sound, this is quite similar to what I have been feeling. How could a 2nd journey even compare to my 1st? Is there room within me to create another special bond with a new couple? And then OMG, what if Roy and Avner decide our bond isn't as special anymore and we slowly cut off communication? I would be so saddened by that. Now obviously they have never given me reason to think this would happen. It's more of an irrational thought, but it's a thought I've entertained.
Believe me, I tried and tried to convince R&A to have another baby. So far I'm not doing a terrific job at that. They have 1 year old twins... do you blame them for not being ready?
While they may not be ready, I feel like I am. Taking my age into consideration, I don't have a ton of time left. Yes, some surrogates do this well into their 40's. I'm not so certain I will be one of them. I'm slowly making my way to 37 and feel like I should be retiring my uterus within the next 3 or 4 years. It's done a darn good job of growing 6 children and I think it is capable of handling at least one more round of pregnancy.
There are still a few things I need to sort out, but I am fairly certain you'll be hearing more about my final decision within the next few months. In the meantime, feel free to send positive vibes and thoughts my way.
March 03, 2013
February 22, 2013
Calling all (future) surrogates!
Did you know there is a shortage of surrogates?
Did you know surrogacy is illegal in many countries for same sex couples? Many same sex couples come to the States, get matched with surrogates and begin down a path that will, with all hope, lead to parenthood.
The agency I worked with on my journey is looking for awesome women to help make dreams come true. Everyone at IARC is extremely helpful, nice and not pushy at all.
If you are considering surrogacy, the best thing to do is get started by talking with knowledgeable people. You can research until your eyeballs want to fall out, but for me talking to IARC was what made me take action. I knew immediately after hanging up the phone that I was going to do this.
Surrogacy isn't something to take lightly though. You don't just take a day or two to think about it. The idea of surrogacy has been with me for so long. I wasn't thinking about it constantly, but the idea definitely tapped me on the shoulder quite often. You can read more about it here.
Just a few things to think about:
If you have a family of your own, you need to take them into consideration. To me, they had the most important opinions. If Jeremy wasn't on board with the idea, surrogacy wouldn't have been in my future.Thankfully, he has a big heart and also he realized how important this was to me.
Some husbands just can't wrap their minds around their wife carrying a child for someone else. If you find yourself in this boat, don't give up or become discouraged. Give him time to think about it, but talk about it, tell him how much it would mean to you. Remind him not everyone can have a baby the traditional way.
Your health is another consideration. Are you healthy enough to carry and deliver another baby or babies? Are you willing to give yourself shots, take fertility meds? There can be a lot of appointments. Will your employer allow this?
There is quite a bit to take into consideration (much more than I mention here) when thinking about surrogacy. This isn't something you can just jump into. I encourage anyone who has even had a quick thought about being a surrogate, gain some extra knowledge about it.
My journey went beyond what I imagined it would. I have a special relationship with my surrofamily. I adore them and feel so blessed to have been matched with them. I can't tell you how many surrogates have said the same about their journey and surrofamily.
And just for fun..........
Did you know surrogacy is illegal in many countries for same sex couples? Many same sex couples come to the States, get matched with surrogates and begin down a path that will, with all hope, lead to parenthood.
The agency I worked with on my journey is looking for awesome women to help make dreams come true. Everyone at IARC is extremely helpful, nice and not pushy at all.
If you are considering surrogacy, the best thing to do is get started by talking with knowledgeable people. You can research until your eyeballs want to fall out, but for me talking to IARC was what made me take action. I knew immediately after hanging up the phone that I was going to do this.
Surrogacy isn't something to take lightly though. You don't just take a day or two to think about it. The idea of surrogacy has been with me for so long. I wasn't thinking about it constantly, but the idea definitely tapped me on the shoulder quite often. You can read more about it here.
Just a few things to think about:
If you have a family of your own, you need to take them into consideration. To me, they had the most important opinions. If Jeremy wasn't on board with the idea, surrogacy wouldn't have been in my future.Thankfully, he has a big heart and also he realized how important this was to me.
Some husbands just can't wrap their minds around their wife carrying a child for someone else. If you find yourself in this boat, don't give up or become discouraged. Give him time to think about it, but talk about it, tell him how much it would mean to you. Remind him not everyone can have a baby the traditional way.
Your health is another consideration. Are you healthy enough to carry and deliver another baby or babies? Are you willing to give yourself shots, take fertility meds? There can be a lot of appointments. Will your employer allow this?
There is quite a bit to take into consideration (much more than I mention here) when thinking about surrogacy. This isn't something you can just jump into. I encourage anyone who has even had a quick thought about being a surrogate, gain some extra knowledge about it.
My journey went beyond what I imagined it would. I have a special relationship with my surrofamily. I adore them and feel so blessed to have been matched with them. I can't tell you how many surrogates have said the same about their journey and surrofamily.
Now is the time. Surrogacy is waiting for you, if you so desire it.
And just for fun..........
January 12, 2013
Beautiful Ella and Handsome Ely
Then and now......
Ella and Ely celebrated their 1st birthday with lots of family and friends surrounding them. They had delicious chocolate covered cake with zebra, lion, elephant and giraffe decorations. They received lots of awesome gifts and no doubt a ton of hugs and kisses. Oh how I wish I could have been there.
Happy birthday babies! I am so proud to be your surro-momma!
* Their birthday is actually January 13, but I wasn't sure if I would have time to get on the computer tomorrow. When I post this it will January 13 in Israel so it's all good :)
January 06, 2013
I'm a daddy and I know it
I'm dedicating this to all the dads out there!
It's too cute to not share...
Hope it gave you a laugh!
It's too cute to not share...
Hope it gave you a laugh!
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