Half way there!!!

So, we are half way there! I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is FLYING by! I did go for my "big u/s" which is the anatomy scan and all was well. Sadly, my intended parents were not able to make it. I did get a dvd for them and they are hoping to come up some time in November. It will be nice to see them and I am sure it will help them feel how real it is that their precious baby boy will be here in around 18 weeks or so. My amazing husband did go with me to my u/s appointment so it was nice to have someone to share it with. Little baby is growing just perfectly and was moving around and looking so adorable. I am so excited for his parents and family. I can't wait to meet him! I am hoping to make a video of my next OB appointment. That will be the 28th of this month. Until then, thanks for reading! :)

We Have Movement

So, I was laying down last night in bed watching HGTV when all of a sudden, I feel little kicks. FINALLY! I am feeling this sweet little guy move. I can tell already that he has the sweetest disposition... I know that sounds weird but I just feel it. I am so honored to be carrying him and can't wait for his mommy and daddy to see him on the ultrasound screen. They will be coming up from Lebanon for the big u/s in a week and a half. I am anxious and so happy for them! I will update more when I can! Thanks for following :)

16 weeks TODAY!

Wow! Time is FLYING! First, I found out that I am carrying a precious baby boy! Yep, my IPs will have a baby brother for their son! That should be lots of fun. I was possibly going to be delivering in CA but the chances of that needing to happen are looking less and less which I am pretty happy about. I would LOVE to go see my former IPs and adorable surro-twins but it is appearing that there is just no need for the move or added stress to me and my family. Of course, the option is there if needed but I am happy at the thought of being home and having a nice scheduled delivery. I go for my second OB appointment this coming Monday. I will have a quad screening done. Hopefully that will all come back OK and if so I will not have to get the amnio that is scheduled for the 30th. On the 17th I am scheduled for our big anatomy ultrasound. My IPs are going to try to be in town for that and I am super excited! So, that is it for now. I am working hard and loving life. My family and I just moved into our brand new home. It is our first home as well and we are so thankful and excited! We are very, very blessed! I will update more soon!

10 weeks pregnant...where does the time go?

So, I lied. I said I wouldn't keep you all hanging and here it is weeks later. I am so very sorry. I am pregnant with one little bean! Can you believe it? ONE!? I am usually the girl with the low HCG levels and all of a sudden I have numbers that are through the roof. They aren't lying when they say every pregnancy is different. I am still taking my medications and was hoping that the clinic in Belgium would give me a call today to say I could stop them soon. Instead, they tell me I have to continue for roughly 6 (yes I said 6) more weeks! CRAZY if you ask me. The meds make me feel so tired and just all around yucky because I am taking so much and I was praying that there would be a very near end in sight. Not so much. :( Anyway, I signed up for this so no more complaining :) I am blessed to have this opportunity. My OB appointment is the 29th of August and I will have another u/s at that time. My clothes are getting snug and I am holding out as long as possible to wear maternity clothes. All the clothes I have from my last surrogacy are winter...not doing me much good now in the triple digit heat wave we are having. I will update you guys more soon. I am not promising a time lol, because we all know I lose track of time these days! Until next time...

Surrogacy...international style: Hey guys...I have not been a very good blogger. So...

Surrogacy...international style: Hey guys...I have not been a very good blogger. So...: "Hey guys...I have not been a very good blogger. Sorry. Well, I had my betas done and I will list them for you. Here it goes... 7dp5dt 83, 9d..."

Hey guys...I have not been a very good blogger. Sorry. Well, I had my betas done and I will list them for you. Here it goes... 7dp5dt 83, 9dp5dt 228, 15dp5dt 3860, 22dp5dt 28887...so all I have to say about those numbers is that the u/s is this Friday and I am praying for 2 babies MAX :) We will see. I will definitely update and try not to keep the few who follow this blog hanging! Until Friday....

BFP! I can't believe it!

Ok, so traveling by far makes the wait between transfer and beta more tolerable. However, of course I am a pee stick-aholic and yes, I had to buy home pregnancy tests. So, I transferred on Wednesday. I waited allll the way until Saturday night to test. I was FULLY expecting a negative result. It was, after all, only 3.5 days past a 5 day FROZEN transfer. In the past with my second surro baby, who was also a beautiful totcicle at one time, I didn't get a positive until close to 10 days past the transfer. Needless to say, I felt one week from transfer day would be the EARLIEST I would see a BFP (big fat positive for those who don't know). So, I tested Saturday night on dollar test and a FRER and an Answer and got BFPs (surro eyes and those who are in a surro's family eyes only) but BFPs none the less. I still did NOT believe it. I waited til morning and peed again, yep sure enough BFPs that all could see. I am PREGNANT. J and T are pregnant. B will have a sibling or two! I am so excited. I go for my beta on Wednesday. I will update then. Until then, please keep me and little bean(s) in your prayers.

2 little frosties on board

So, I am here in Belgium in bed. I am praying these two little thawed 5 day embies (now 6 day) are getting snuggled in. My future SIL and I arrived in Belgium yesterday and the transfer was at 2pm. Upon arriving at the clinic, I was given my instructions and told to go into a room. I went in the room and waited. Noone told me to strip down and get into my hospital gown. However, once the two nurses came into my room and said "why aren't you undressed? the dr. is waiting for you!" I realized, I should have already been in my transfer attire. I told them I would put it on immediately and rather than them kindly leave the room while I stripped down, they just stood there, chatting in whatever language they were speaking. I felt a little awkward but knew to take it all with a grain of salt and Jenn kindly helped shield me while I attempted to put my hospital gown on modestly. I crawled into the bed and my IM came in and said, " you gave her the valium?" Of course not. They knew nothing about it and made a stink about why I needed it. I informed them very nicely that I did not NEED it. I preferred it as that is what we had done in the past on my SUCCESSFUL transfers and would like to keep everything as similar to the successful cycles as possible. My IM agreed with that and wanted the same. So, they gave me the valium and I had to wait another 30min. for the transfer but at least I was nice and relaxed. My stress level is higher there because the nurses did NOT go out o their way to make you feel comfortable or even human for that matter. I will say I like the Dr. While very quiet, he has such a kind face and makes me feel very at ease. There was also a very nice woman Dr. that seemed so "concerned" with our situation. She spoke for a while with my IM and just kept smiling the sweetest smile at me. I later learned she did the egg retrieval for my IM last time.
Once the transfer was done I was wheeled back to the room on my bed and told to rest for an hour. I fell asleep for 2! I woke up and felt so very bad that my poor IM and Jenn had to sit there for that long but they say they didn't mind. We left the clinic and I came to my room where I have been lying down. I slept all day yesterday and have just been resting all day today. I am enjoying the rest because this trip took a lot out of me. My husband didn't join me this time and I miss him so very much which makes me thankful that we are leaving tomorrow. HOPEFULLY, this time I am going to be PREGNANT!!! We will see....

Back to Belgium for FROZENS

So, I am headed back to Belgium next Tuesday. I am not sure who will be accompanying me on this trip. Sadly, it is looking like hubby can't make it. I am excited though, that my future sister in law may be coming. We will see. I also found out they are growing the embies to 5 day! YAY! So, we will have 5 dayers to transfer hopefully and I LOVE 5 dayers. Anyway, I will update more when I get to Belgium, I will have lots of time while on my 48 hour bedrest. ;-)

Half way around the world and a BFN to show...

Well, not entirely true, Franklin and I got to go to Brugge and Paris and meet my incredible IPs. So, really, it was not for nothing but the main purpose was to get pregnant and that just didn't happen. I am sad but hopeful for the next cycle. I can't focus on the negative too long. It is my coping mechanism I guess. I like to look forward as quickly as possible when things don't work out. So, it appears I will head back to Belgium in 3 weeks or so. My IPs have some frozens we will be using. I am excited at the thought of another cycle and am going to give it my all like always. We had discussed possibly having the embryos shipped here but the problem with that is the clinic must follow FDA guidelines and I am pretty sure a clinic in Belgium isn't going to do that. They have VERY strict guidelines but they aren't TECHNICALLY FDA approved, I don't believe. Either way, it would be expensive and time consuming to ship them so it seems to make more sense to make a whirlwind trip to Belgium and this time, GET PREGGO!!! We will see what God has in store. I know he has a plan.

Transferred and feeling good!

It has been 4 days that we have been in Belgium. It has been a fantastic experience. My IPs are fabulous and have shown us an unimaginable time. I am actually quite humbled by the many kind gestures.
On Saturday while Frank and I were navigating from the airport to the hotel, my IM was having her retrieval. They were able to get 10 eggs! I was very happy to hear the report and know that we were on track for a 3day transfer. Yesterday was the big day. We had visited the clinic a couple days before for some blood work so I had at least seen the facility before the transfer. Things were so very different from the U.S. Instead of this being just a clinic, this was an actual hospital. There was of course, the fertility wing which is where we would be having our procedure done. Upon arriving the morning of the transfer I had to have more bloodwork done. It seems Belgium is very strict on testing and things of that nature. I think you can never be too careful, so why not? They are very regulated there because healthcare is basically ran by the government in that country. I also had to speak with the psychologist and was told it was just a formality. The psychologist was very nice and informed me that the clinic does NOT do surrogacy. It seems I was their first. She stated they may have done others, but not knowingly. I think it is a pretty awesome honor to be the first known surrogate at that clinic. Everyone was so very nice there. I was amazed at how everyone speaks English with no problem. You can basically choose what language you want a person to speak to you there. One difference I noticed right away was that very few of the staff wear "scrubs" or formal uniforms. Everyone was wearing jeans and dressed very casual. It was funny to see that for some reason. Also, one of the gentlemen had marlboros just hanging out of his pocket. It was so interesting the differences between the U.S. and this clinic in Belgium. Once Frank and I were done speaking with the psychologist, Ips and I were required to sign paperwork that really did not at all pertain to surrogacy but it was basically all they had. It was initially created for egg donors and recipients. So, we crossed through and made changes and signed. Finally, it was time for the transfer. I was told to go into a hospital room where there were two hospital beds and take all clothes off and put on a hospital gown and a hat to cover my hair. It seemed so over the top compared to the typical US protocal. When they came to take me back I was surprised to enter what I would call a holding room where there were 2 other women waiting to go back for their transfers. They would wheel out one and wheel in another. I was shocked at how many transfers this clinic must actually perform in one day. Once in the "holding room" my husband and IM had to put on their scrubs over their clothing. Hubby looked quite adorable I must say! I was wheeled back to the OR where we were told we had 2 excellent, 8-celled embryos to transfer. 2 would be frozen for IPs' later use. We watched the Dr. place the little embryos into my uterus by ultrasound. We were not shown or given pictures of the embryos as that is not done in this clinic in Belgium. Before leaving the OR I heard the assistant say "pull up your pants...sir your pants." LOL! My hubby had let his scrub pants fall to the floor and didn't realize because he was so involved in comforting me. It was so funny and so cute. He is such an amazing support to me. I am very blessed. Once leaving the OR I was rolled back in the holding room before being moved by rolling hospital bed to the room I started in. I was told to lay there for one hour with legs elevated before being able to leave. IPs went and got us sandwiches and we ate before heading back to the hotel room to take it easy for a day or so. I sit here in awe of the experience I have been a part of. I am blessed and feel full of knowledge that I hope to share with others who may go through something similar for the first time. This whole journey has been a learning experience for me. It has been wonderful and eye opening and I feel I am better person because of it. I am happy to leave Belgium with amazing memories, greater knowledge and hopefully a baby croissant in the oven for my IPs!

So much to see and do, so little time!

Europe...there are no words!

We are here! Finally! We have made it to Europe. The trip was not too bad at all actually. We had a very long layover in DC and I did my best to sleep on the 7.5 hour flight from DC to Brussels. Hubby and I felt as though we were on the Amazing Race upon arriving. My intended mother had her retrieval around the time we would be arriving so it was up to us to navigate in this new uncharted (at least by us) country. We had to get a train in order to be within walking distance to our hotel. Before doing that, we had to use our debit card to change dollars to euros. It was very neat to get something besides American money out of the ATM. The train alone was a new experience for us. We enjoyed the peaceful rocking motion of the train and observed the scenery. Once we arrived at the train station we attempted to find our way to the hotel. We had been given a map so we did our best to use that and I must say we did pretty well. We fended off a few shady characters in the train station but other than that, things went smoothly.

Once at the hotel we crashed. Hubby and I were exhausted. We slept until about 2 or 3 pm. The 6 hour time difference had really caught up with us. We are still trying to get our bearings regarding the time here vs. the time at home. Our bodies are still on home time but we are operating on Belgium time. After waking from our nap we decided to venture out and get a phone so that we could call home. American cell phones operate on a different frequency so our communication with loved ones was hampered for a while. I was very nervous about that so we made it our mission to take care of that source of stress. Thankfully, finding a phone was pretty simple and inexpensive. We were able to call my babies and all was well. I was a happy mama!

We met up with my intended mother and father and they took us on quite the tour around the area. We had a snack and hubby had Belgium beer (he loved it) and then we walked the streets. The buildings we saw were just unbelievable. I will post pictures when we get back to the states. Finally around 8:30pm or so, we sat down at a beautiful sidewalk restaurant Chez Leon(probably spelled wrong) and had famous Mussels for dinner. Frank even ate some! He even had fish as his main course and LIKED it! I am so very proud of him ;-) Evidently, it is not uncommon to eat very late in Belgium. It didn't even get really dark until about 10pm.

IPs are super nice. I was a bit nervous of how things would go because we had not been able to communicate all that much up until that point. However, the moment we met, I knew they were great people and that this would be a great experience. My IM reported to me they retrieved 10 eggs! I can't wait to help them become parents once more. They informed us that they had bought tickets on the fast train for us to go to Paris. Tears filled my eyes because that to me was just an unbelievable and immensely thoughtful gesture that truly means so much to us! As the days transpire, I will post more. Love you all! xoxo

Transfer Date is approaching!

Well, less than 24 hours and hubby and I will be heading to Belgium! I had a lining check today and was told my lining was a 10.5! Perfect! It should increase a little more between now and our finally OFFICIAL transfer date of May 10. I am so excited to at last have a date and SO excited to have this opportunity. I must admit nerves are coming into play but I know once we are on the plane I will be fine. I feel really good about the transfer itself. I am taking a break from running around like a mad woman to get all the things done that need to be done when you are leaving three children behind to go an international trip, in order to update you all. To all those IPs out there, I think it would be really helpful if you are considering this to make sure you give your surrogate as much time to plan as possible. Communication is very important. It seems European clinics do things much differently than U.S. clinics in that the dates and orders are given at a moment's notice. I was told yesterday to go in today for an u/s. For a mom and nanny, that is pretty last minute. However, as a surrogate I know that it is all part of the journey. Nothing ever goes as planned and if you are even thinking of being a surrogate...FLEXIBILITY is key. Rolling with the punches has been the name of the game but in the end, it will all be well worth it. The anxiety comes from wanting to have everything done on time and RIGHT on my end. I put my whole heart into my surrogacy but at the same time, I try keeping the balance between being a good surrogate and good mother. Mother's day is coming. I will be away from my children and that is difficult but it is all in the name of helping another woman become a mother once more. That is what surrogacy is all about and what a great lesson for my children! I hope to have internet access while I am in Belgium because I would love to update each day! (((HUGS))) to all! Keep us in your prayers and thoughts for SAFE and happy travels and an embie(s) that STAY PUT!

We have lift off...

Well not really lift off yet but a date and time that hubby and I will be on a plane headed to Belgium. I am so excited to bring this little baby, that I know I will be carrying, to his/her mommy and daddy and this is just a step in that direction. I am honored and humbled to have been chosen as a surrogate once more. I am just so excited and had to come fill you guys in on the update. My IM (intended mother) has started her injections so it seems we are ON OUR WAY to transfer and a BABY or BABIES! I will, of course, update as things change.

Let's get this show on the road or should I say in the AIR!

So, here I sit, 1 week and 2 days from when I am supposed to go to Belgium...I THINK. I was under the impression that dates were nailed down as far as us being there but now, not so much. My intended mother would prefer to wait until she starts medication and beyond to schedule flights and book rooms. How do I plan? I decided to plan around the window agreed upon by my agency, the clinic and myself. I had done that last week some time but then, to hear that things could change again was well, nerve wracking so I decided to keep things as they are. I mean, in reality, I don't have a choice. Hubby took time off work...I took time off work. My family took time off work and planned their days around this window of time so we are leaving all plans as they are. At this point, whether I am in Belgium for 3 days or 11 days, the plans and arrangements will stay the same. I guess hubby and I could just go MIA if we aren't needed the entire 11 days. I am sure we can find some things to keep us busy somewhere! I did have the clinic from Belgium call and up my estrace to 4mg per day so that is a sign that things are progressing.
Other than that, I am clueless. I guess the time difference, culture difference and language barrier are all playing a role in the lack of communication by the clinic and my intended mother. These are all things any surrogate or intended parents contemplating an international surrogacy should consider. It can be a strain on everyone and had I not done 3 surrogacies prior to this journey, I may would feel slighted. I know that no one is doing anything on purpose or to be inconsiderate, it is just the differences coming out in us all. I have decided to roll with the punches. I signed up for this and I am certain that if I give it my best and be as understanding as possible, this will turn out just beautifully for all involved. In the end, I will be a more understanding and accepting and let's not forget patient person!

Cycling strong and flying far!

So, meds have started. I am loopy on lupron, emotional on estrogen and just waiting for the next crazy monitoring appointment. Not really, I actually handle meds quite well and look forward to this part of the journey because it means the journey is actually MOVING! Speaking of moving, I got word as of yesterday that my hubby and I will be off to Belgium, Brussels on May 5th! I can't believe it! Less than 3 weeks and we are traveling abroad. I am nervous to be away from my kids for so long and of course to be so far away but I know they are in good hands with sitters and family. I will say this journey has been a bit more stressful but I am certain it will all be worth it. Tomorrow morning I head to the monitoring clinic with a one year old and an 8 week old, both children I babysit. I am thankful I have an amazing daughter that I homeschool to help me out! So, next update will probably be in reference to the culture shock I feel being in Brussels! Until then, it is happy cycling for me!

Only the beginning of a long journey...in every sense of the word.

So, here I go again. This is my 4th surrogacy journey. Some say I am crazy, some say I am a saint. I say, a little of both! I love surrogacy. It is a passion I can't seem to forgo. I love helping couples, I love carrying children. I love each and every journey so far, all for different reasons.

This current journey will be a different one. The major difference? I will be going all the way to Belgium to undergo the transfer. Again, people call me crazy...I like to say adventurous! My agency, Agency for Solutions, talked to me about this and I immediately thought, wow, what an opportunity! I have never traveled further than the Caribbean and a trip to Belgium would be amazing! However, that could not be the only factor in considering this journey... there is way more to surrogacy than a great trip! So, the kicker was my former intended mother who is an attorney would be representing this couple AND we had met them in the NICU when I was delivering the twins from my last journey. You see, this couple had delivered a child extremely early and almost lost him. Thus the reason they had to have a surrogate if they wanted to grow their family. Another great bonus? Her OB was MY OB while I was carrying the twins and he was AMAZING. This seemed like a no-brainer! I couldn't wait to get this thing up and running!