Another Journey ???

I wasn't sure where I wanted to share this ... Here? Another separate blog? Well, for now I'll keep everything in one place ... somewhere familiar.

Let's see where do I want to start. First I'll begin by saying ... I shared some news prematurely on my last entry and have since edited it. Here is where you will find "the latest" so read on.

I guess I'll first rewind to a few months ago when I was contacted by a wonderful traditional couple about being a gestational carrier for them. We talked via email and phone multiple times and began to get excited about potentially matching but, after some consideration we decided we were not perfect for one another.

Then in the midst of that I was contacted by another individual seeking a surrogate. This time it was a single intended father who is currently working with a GS friend of mine. His baby boy is due in March and he wanted his family to continue growing with out much delay and was interested in starting a second surrogacy, a "sibling project" in the spring. We discussed matching and decided to move forward with a "match meeting". Over dinner we got to know one another, it went great and we decided to move forward. My desire was to not start the process till after the New Year so for the time being things were on pause. In the weeks following our match I began to do some soul searching and decided I wasn't entirely comfortable with my choice. My original inspiration to pursue surrogacy was my heavy heart for those couples affected by infertility. I realized I wasn't passionate about my new match and it was missing something. I made the hard decision to contact the IF and express that I just didn't feel I was the right surrogate for him.

So that brings me up to present times. I'm proceeding cautiously after now talking with two IPs and realizing that neither was my perfect match. It was just so easy the first time ... I think I expected it to be the same this go around especially considering I'm "experienced" and know (or at least thought I knew) what would be my ideal match. I try to remember that although I felt connected with A&T from the beginning we weren't instant friends. Our relationship was built over 2.5 years and shaped by our journey; the ups, the downs and everything in between. I'm anxious to find my perfect second match and have decided to go back to working with the agency I used the first go around. I know one thing, I want to be a surrogate again ... the questions is for whom?

~ Tiffany ~

" So Big "

The family and I had a great visit with my FIPs and 'Lil" Giovanni Monday night. They spent the weekend in Wisconsin and had to come through our area on their way back to Chicago so they stopped in for dinner and a quick hello.

OMG the boy is huge! I can't believe he was 6 months old already this past weekend and growing like a weed. He's mastered sitting up and has his first two teeth (bottom). Sooooo cute! His new favorite thing is to jump, jump, jump! This kid needs a Jumperoo before he wears out mommy & daddys arms. (Shhh, I already have one on the way for him **wink**)

I'm looking forward to seeing pics of him at Halloween, they are thinking he might be a baby Superman with the signature curl in the middle of his forehead or a lil Prince. IM also mentioned a classic Pumpkin but IF doesn't seem keen on the suggestion. Whatever they choose I'm positive he will be adorable.

I'm going to be visiting again next weekend already. IM, my very good friend Daisy and I are all going to enjoy a Ben Folds concert together and since the venue is just blocks from FIPs home Daisy and I are staying overnight. I get to have a slumber party with the lil man on what will be the 3 year anniversary of A&T, Jason and I all sitting around a large conference table meeting one another for the very first time. (Nov 6, 2007) Wow look how far we've come.

Visits with the "Lil" Guy

So it has been awhile since I updated. Let's see ... not long after the last entry the surro family came out for a visit. We had a great time, served up some tacos and margaritas, and chatted into the early hours of the morning again. We [my IPs, my husband and I] all tend to be those people that close out parties/gatherings so when we get together nobody wants to be the first to call it a night. LOL Baby G was a real treat that visit, he was vocal and smiley and just a joy to snuggle with.

Then a couple weeks later, the evening before our flight headed to Jamaica, Jason and I visited with them in Chicago. We had a fabulous dinner at a Korean restaurant downtown. IF reserved us two ducks and brought a couple bottles of wine and we all stuffed ourselves. Baby G was such a good boy at dinner. At one point he needed a diaper change and Jason volunteered me for the job. He was so cute talking and smiling at me on the changing table. After we got back to the others I kept him occupied so mommy & daddy could finish their meals. Eventually he gave into sleep and passed out in my arms. Following dinner we all went back to A&T's place for more conversation. It was of course another late night, I think we were back to our hotel around 3am. I have some pics of our visit together so next time ya see me if you wanna peek at the "lil" guy let me know. (Out of respect for my IPs privacy they won't be posted here.)

Speaking of the "lil" guy. Baby G recently had his 4 month well baby check. His measurements came in at 16lbs 14oz and 26.5 inches! Considering he was 10lbs at birth he had a great head start but I still can't believe he is nearly as big as my girls all were at a year, and he's not even half way there yet. Way to Grow Baby G!!! He's not a chubby baby at all though, just solid and long. He's such a handsome little boy with his round cheeks, full head of dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes.

No plans yet for another visit but we intended to keep in touch, until then I'll cherish the giggles and cuddles we last shared. Feeling Blessed.

What an Amazing Year!

No other word can describe this past year ... it has been nothing short of AMAZING! One year ago today my IM and I held hands as we went through a third transfer, a third chance to dream, wish and hope. After two failures it was hard to not wonder if we were in for another disappointment but we all stayed positive and prayed. One year ago today a lil man, literally only cells big, came into our lives and we didn't even know it yet.

Happy Transfer Anniversary A&T and Baby G.
Today also marks the end of a chapter. I had decided that this week would be the end to me providing breast milk. Over the last 4 months I've supplied him with nearly 30 gallons of liquid gold! I'm very proud of this accomplishment and want to thank my IPs for the opportunity to stay connected and continue providing for him beyond the womb. It's a little bittersweet but after 365 days of nurturing sweet Baby G I'm glad to have my body back. Besides the chunky rolls to show for it I'm hoping the benefits keep him healthy through his first cold and flu season.

The surro family will be out for a visit and final EBM pick up later this week. I'm looking forward to some cuddles and seeing how big he's grown in the last month. His four month well baby check is just around the corner too so I'll update again soon.

This is happiness

Cuddle Up

The surrofamily came to visit yesterday. We had a very nice time chatting over a delicious dinner at our home. It's always so nice to see them and check in on how big the lil man is. He was quite bright eyed and alert and very busy checking out the girls and sharing smiles with us all. Baby G was such a good boy while we enjoyed our dinner, just gazing around the playroom, I imagine thinking how fun it will be to visit Miss Tiffany's house once he can move about and play. LOL

We caught up on the last few weeks over a couple bottles of wine and talked into the very late hours of the night.

Baby G has had a few babysitters in the last month and A&T have been able to enjoy a few short evenings out alone. Sounds like everything went well, they have a lot of friends and family who can't wait to help out, he's been in very good hands while mom and dad are away.

IF just wrapped up work for the next month so they all have a bit of time to enjoy a couple laid back weeks before IM's maternity leave ends. She'll go back to work in August so it'll be just the guys hanging out at home for some male bonding until early fall when IF returns to work too.

IPs have a couple of their first trips with "baby on board" coming up. They'll be visiting friends & family in Michigan next week and then early August it is off to their favorite city, New Orleans, with Grandpa and Grandma along too. Wishing them lots of luck with their first adventures away from home!!

I'm in disbelief that Baby G will be 3 months old this next week! Where has the time gone! Can't believe that tomorrow (Friday) marks 12 weeks ago that I went into labor and the second phase of this journey began. I know I say it nearly every update but I can't express enough how blessed I feel to have been a part of helping such a wonderful couple create their family. My heart is full.

Two Months (and a visit)

Another update for you all. I'll start first with Baby G's 2 month well baby check-up. He's doing great! IM said the appointment went well and his stats are 13lbs 3oz (90th percentile) and 25 1/8 inches (95th percentile) so he's keeping up with the curve and staying high on the charts. He had to have five vaccines which didn't make him a very happy camper so it was a bit of a rough night following the doctor visit. Poor baby.

Baby G is making little sounds, smiling and giggling, and seems to recognize his mama's voice. He can easily hold his head up and he holds onto rattles and toys for small amounts of time. He's starting to focus and follow things with his eyes and he loves to be in his bouncey chair and to kick!

We got in a visit this week which of course is a nice treat. Yesterday we went for a quick lunch at a locally owned fast food joint, Beef-a-Roo. There was one down by the hospital that we delivered at and IF commented a couple of times that he wanted to check it out ... YUM cheddar fries!! After wards we went back to the house to sit on the patio, it was a gorgeous night! We all enjoyed a little red wine while the kids played in the backyard. Our daughter Chloe (10) is taking an acting class this week and A&T helped her rehearse some lines and give her a little direction since that is their area of expertise. She was eating it up!! I was able to get in lots of snuggles and was excited to get some smiles too! I held the little guy while he took a short cat nap, so peaceful & precious!

A&T brought along a gift from Baby G's grandma & grandpa (IF's parents). It was a beautiful Llardo angel figurine from Spain (Angel Dreaming). It will be the perfect memento of our journey to display in my curio cabinet. My deepest thanks for such a special gift L&F.

After awhile we had to come in (darn mosquitoes) and visited for a little longer indoors. Baby G was getting tired after not getting much sleep the night prior thanks to the shots, so it was time for them to head home.

I feel so lucky and blessed, I never would have imagined a year ago that the relationship with my IPs would be all that it is today. As A&T were leaving we briefly discussed when we'd be getting together next. The trend has been every 10-14 days, mostly due to the EBM pick ups, but it has been great that we see each other so frequently. IM commented that we weren't gonna be able to get rid of them now ... believe me the feeling is very mutual.