Preheating the Oven (again) !!

Today I met with K&S and I'm very excited to say we are matched!!!! Our face to face meeting was great and we both expressed we'd like to move forward before even leaving Family Source Consultants [surrogacy agency]. I know for Jason and I it was very relaxed and warm and we enjoyed getting to know this wonderful couple.

I mentioned before that they are from Chicago which will allow them to be very involved in the journey. I'm excited to share another close relationship with my IPs, something we both seem to agree on. We have a lot in common too so I have no doubt we will have an easy time developing a friendship over time.

They've been through a lot in the last two years while struggling with infertility but have such a positive attitude and outlook. Unfortunately K&S have been dealt more than their fair share of disappointments which have included two dangerous ectopics, an early miscarriage as well as several failed IVF attempts. They've come to a place where they can either continue to gamble with the odds - which haven't been in their favor - or go with an option that has a more predictable outcome. Surrogacy will allow them the opportunity to still have a biological child and hopefully avoid more heartache. The decision of using a surrogate is not an easy one I am sure and I was impressed with how at ease and comfortable K&S are with the decision. There are still many variables and unknowns but hopefully with some faith we can see their dream of a family come to be. I'm very honored that K&S are willing to put their trust in me to carry and care for their lil miracle(s).

So where do we go from here? We will begin getting all the preliminary things checked off the list; medical clearance, psychological evaluations, contracts and more. The process is a little overwhelming but from experience I can say it's not all that bad. Once we complete all that it may be a bit of a wait before we transfer in the spring (my request) but hopefully it will go by quickly.

Here we go!!!

Searching ... Finding ...

Over the last week my profile has been viewed by a few different couples. Exciting! I've gotten great feedback from each one which was wonderful but, a lot goes into a match so sometimes although every thing seems great one small detail can mean not being a perfect fit. For me the one thing that's setting me back is that I don't want to transfer till spring, after my surrobabes 1st birthday. Realistically May isn't all that far away but, to a couple anxiously ready to get the process started, waiting even an extra month to transfer after getting all the preliminary details out of the way can feel like a lifetime.

So, this Thursday I got a call from my agency to say that one couple in particular is very interested in meeting me and willing to wait on my time line. They [FSC] thought we'd make a very good match so late the other night I was forwarded their profile and some pictures. After looking it over Jason and I had a great feeling about moving ahead and setting up a face to face.

My only hesitation was wondering if I should, for lack of a better phrase, "shop around". Not because I'm unsure about them, only because this is the first profile I've viewed since I started working with the agency again. However, I reminded myself this is one of the reason I'm working with an agency. They look over a number of IP and GS applications alike and then present each party with only the potentially good matches dismissing the ones that aren't a good fit. There really is no need to view multiple profiles if all the criteria are there. Getting an initial good vibe after looking over a profile is just icing on the cake. With that in mind I have no problem jumping in with both feet and making the next move. Besides, A&T were the first ever IP profile I saw and look how amazing that turned out.

I'm looking forward to meeting K&S, a Chicago couple in their mid/late 30's who have gone through so much in the past two years trying to achieve their dream of a family. It is stories like theirs that inspired me to be a surrogate and I'm honored that they are considering me to help them create their family.

Anniversary of Sorts

Today couldn't have been a better day to wake up on an air mattress in my surrobabes nursery. Three years ago today A&T, two ladies from FSC, Jason and myself all sat around a large conference table for a match meeting. It was awkward, it was emotional, it was exciting. I remember it like yesterday. Three years ago we began working on a dream and the beautiful journey that brought Baby G to A&T's arms.

I enjoyed a slumber party with my surro family last night following a concert attended by myself, a good friend and FIM. The music was great, the food good, and the company was perfect. We ladies had a wonderful time sharing margaritas and then back to join FIF (who was on baby duty) for some late night (morning) conversation. We woke up early and I was happy to get in some snuggles with Baby G and gush over some goofy baby grins & giggles before heading home.

Three years ago ... Wow, once again amazed.

Also just a quick Baby G update. His 6 month appointment went well ... still at the top of the charts 18lbs 12oz (75th) and 28 inches (90th). His new highchair has arrived and he'll be enjoying his first home cooked meal tonight, butternut squash. He also got to test out the new bouncy I got him .. pretty fun stuff!!

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.