30 weeks

I am gaining fat and muscle now. I have toenails and weigh almost 4 pounds!

Ahhh 10 weeks or less to go!!! I can't believe this milestone is here already, seems long overdue that we reach this part of our journey but the pregnancy itself is going very quickly.

We had an uneventful OB appointment this morning. As for me, urine and BP look fine ... I was up a pound from last week which I am a-ok with especially considering he's putting on weight too now. Baby G is looking great, his heart rate was a bit high for him. It was 150 when it's usually in the high 130's to 140's. Must have been the OJ I had with breakfast. All is looking good and we'll go back in two weeks for another growth u/s and check up.

A&T and I also meet up with the doula for some coffee. We went over the birth plan we've worked up and over a few expectations and what not. That's all taken care of now so unless we'd like to meet with her again to go over some birthing techniques we'll see her again on D-day!!

Sounds like A&T have been making preparations. The "nursery" is being cleaned up and they made a stop into BRU over the weekend to do some "research". IM and IF were discussing baby showers and I was very honored when they asked me to be a part of the celebration. No need to go shopping ... I already bought a "little something". I'm excited to meet some of their friends and family ... this lil guy is SOOOOO loved already!

Glucose Testing Update

I'll be honest I was a bit paranoid at the thought of having gestational diabetes. This "lil" guy is likely gonna be bigger than any of my girls just based on genetics so the possibility of having to manage diabetes to ensure he didn't get too big made me nervous! Plus I really feared being labeled if I am to do any future surrogacies.

So, I got my results this morning and big sigh of relief, I passed ... thank goodness!!!

The nurse said my numbers looked really good for the 3hr tolerance test. 84 after fasting, 160s after 1hr (same as other day), 130s after 2hrs and back down to the 80s after 3hrs.

Looks like my body is taking a bit longer to break down the glucose but it's getting the job done and no gestational diabetes diagnosis. So with the all clear I can breath again.

29 weeks

I can see light, taste, hear voices and smell. I weigh almost 3lbs!

I spent today in my Obstetrician office taking the three hour glucose tolerance test. Ugh! I got the results back from the one hour on Friday, my blood sugar was elevated and they needed me to fast starting Sunday at midnight and come in at 8:30 AM Monday (today) for the longer test to rule out having gestational diabetes.

Anyway, I guzzled my lovely morning cocktail and had blood drawn every hour on the hour. Baby G must have got a good buzz from the drink because he was super active and kicking the crude out of me. I texted IM to let her know her son was entertaining me with all the intense movements. I got a good sugar high too that was followed by a pretty big crash. When I got home I nearly passed out, no joke! I started sweating and the room began to spin. I got some food in my stomach and was able to lay down for about an hour and am feeling a much better now.

Not looking forward to the call tomorrow and just hoping for the best. Fingers crossed all is ok.

He's Adorable !!

Today we had our 28 week appointment and were surprised with some 3D images of this lil guy. He's such a cutie!! Cheeks are getting a bit chubby, a precious little nose and even some hair atop his head.

All the measurements looked good and he's even sizing up a week or more ahead. Right now he's estimated to be about 3lbs 3oz which puts him in the 76th percentile. The doctor was pleased with how everything is coming along. I was instructed to start those kick counts, 10 movements in an hour period and also to call if the Braxton Hicks become to frequent (more than 4-5 in an hour). So far I'm having some but only a couple times a day so no worries there.

After the OB visit we headed back to the house. We played a little Wii with the girls and had some good laughs. Jason whipped up some dinner for all and then we chatted for quite awhile over dessert and coffee.

IM gave me a compilation disk of some songs that have touched her in one way or another throughout their journey to become parents. She included some sentiments about why each song was chosen, brought tears to my eyes. I'm looking forward to listening to it all and enjoying the songs too.

Because I'm so stinking impatient I decided to give them a little ... well actually big item I purchased. I wanted to take the opportunity to gift it to them before anyone else did. My IPs now have a glider and ottoman to cuddle their lil guy in. It means a lot to me to think of them rocking him comfortably in their arms in it for months if not years to come.

Before the night ended IM did get the chance to feel him mov'n around and a good kick. Wish he had been a bit more active but we have several more opportunities for that coming up soon. Now we are back to every other week visits ... so glad I'll be seeing A&T on a more regular basis again.

28 weeks

Since there isn't much of anything new to report just yet, and we have a big appointment this upcoming Thursday (growth u/s and glucose screen) I thought I'd post some ramblings this week and then add a "baby update" later after the OB visit.

So the reoccurring question from strangers who see me out and about with my four girls is, "Are you finally having a boy this time?" To this I usually answer, "Yep it is a boy" and leave it at that but then sometimes they decide to continue the conversation with more questions or comments about me having a boy after all girls. These comments lead to me just telling it all as it is, "He's not my baby, I'm carrying him for a wonderful couple as their surrogate". The majority of people are impressed, excited, amazed but then there are the few that seem sympathetic, "Oh you finally have a boy and you have to give him away!". I don't even know what to say to that, usually I just add that he is not biologically mine so I'm giving him back to his mom and dad, not giving him away. Seems simple enough but there are those who still don't understand.

I like to equate my experience as a surrogate to that of being a daycare provider. I love my daycare children. I've bonded with them, care for them, love & nurture them when their parents are away but I am more than happy for their moms & dads to come get them and to collect the tuition payments each week. **LOL** I'd never dream of wanting to keep the baby I am carrying anymore than I'd dream of keeping one of my daycare children. In this respect I consider my role as a surrogate to be that of a "prenatal nanny". I have a family of my own, four beautiful girls and we are complete. I have no yearning for another baby and to be honest at this stage with our youngest soon to turn three, I'm glad it will be my IPs experiencing the sleepless nights and seemingly endless diaper changes and not me. **wink**

Yes I'll always have a special place in my heart for this little guy but A&T will share that special place too. I've become attached to them as a family, not attached to just baby. When I feel him kick I think first of his momma, waiting and preparing for him. When I talk to him I tell him how excited his daddy is to meet him and snuggle him. I can not wait until the day when I see them holding him for the very first time, to see their tears as all their dreams of family come true. I am so very blessed to have had this opportunity and as the end of the pregnancy draws near I'm looking forward to what the future holds for the family I've helped create.

27 weeks (Hello 3rd Trimester)

My brain is quickly growing and my eyes will open soon. I can hear voices outside the womb.

I can hardly believe it, we're now into month 7 and beginning the 3rd trimester.

This baby keeps busy and active that's for sure. I'll notice him get the hiccups from time to time and even startle at a loud noise. I continue to talk to him each day, making sure to let him know how very excited his mom and dad are to welcome him and how much he is loved. Sounds like A&T are beginning to get ready for their little guys arrival. I can't wait to see them in another week and hear about the preparations.

My pregnancy discomforts are pretty minimal, just the usual heartburn and shortness of breath or the occasional leg cramp. I'm finding my sleep to be a bit more restless, rolling over in a smooth movement is almost impossible and can't be done without me waking up to do so. Otherwise all is good. I continue to go to aqua aerobics twice a week and can't wait for things to warm up so I can get some walking in too.