Have Baby - Will Travel

Well sounds like having a lil one has not slowed down my FIPs. At the end of summer they took a trip with Giovanni in tow to New Orleans, then just recently North Carolina. Baby G did so well with the flight that he'll be heading off on his first overseas visit next month - to Spain. FIM said that filling out the passport info was a bit comical; occupation, weight, height, etc. Um...baby, 20 lbs, 28 inches. LOL They've also talked about taking a trip to Italy before he's to old to travel for cheap - sounds like he's going to be quite the world traveler.

Giovanni recently went for his 9 month well-child visit. His growth seems to be leveling out - all in the 50-75% range - and out of the 90s! He weighed in at 20 lbs 10 oz and is 28 1/2 inches long. Still a big boy though (none of my girls hit 20lbs till well after a year)

IM says he's on the move, standing on his own for a minute and cruising the furniture - but no unassisted steps yet. He's also taken to wanting to climb so it's time to install the baby gates! He's a good eater and has been experimenting with plenty of foods, but still prefers his bottle. I'm sure he'll have a well developed palate before long - God knows with his daddy - picky eating will not be allowed. They've gotten lucky in the sleep department - who can complain about 10 hours a night? He's still not the biggest fan of naps, which I'm sure his nap loving dad has a thing or two to say about ... but overall he's a good sleeper.

I'm stopping in for a visit in just a little over a week, can't wait to get in some snuggles and see how big he's getting. Wow time is flying - won't be long at it will be party planning time!

Moment In Time (A message for A&T)

Happy 38 weeks 5 days!! It's probably silly that I know the exact date that marks this anniversary but, you [A&T] have had Baby Giovanni snuggled safely in your arms the same amount of time now that I carried him under my heart. It was 271 of the most amazing days of my life and I still feel so blessed and honored that I got to be a part of that experience with you both.

These last eight and a half months of parenthood are just the beginning - wishing you many many more wonderful memories.

Love you all!

Baby Steps,
Tiffany

Snuggles with the Christmas Elf

The family and I had a great holiday visit with A&T and Baby G. On Wednesday we went into Chicago for the evening and enjoyed a nice low key night with the surrofam. Mr. Giovanni greeted us at the door and before I even had my coat off was reaching out to me. **love** Either this lil man doesn't have a hint of stranger anxiety yet or he still recognizes me. We've been keeping our visits so regular, the longest has been 6 weeks, that I wouldn't doubt he finds me familiar. He spent a lot of time in my arms as we chatted in the kitchen while FIF prepared dinner. We then went downstairs to get my girls comfortable in the family room where I set Baby G down on the floor to join them. He didn't hesitate in showing off his crawling skills. He's got his own individual style, one knee on the floor and but he uses his foot on the other side to propel himself, it gives him a lil more speed. :) He's getting more steady when he stands and still loves to jump. I see steps in this guys future before his first birthday for sure.

After some visiting Giovanni went down for a little snooze, the girls played with all his toys and the adults enjoyed a delicious dinner and some great conversations.

After awhile baby got up from his catnap so we decided to exchange gifts. FIPs gave the girls some fun toys that kept them busy. They generously gifted me charms for my Pandora bracelet and a Pandora necklace so my collection can continue to grow. They are beautiful and I'm so thankful for their generosity. Jason received a book "1001 MOVIES You Must See Before You Die" so that should keep him busy for awhile. LOL They also gave us a copy of Cinema Paradiso, the movie they watched together on their first date. The movie is set in 1980s Rome, Italy, and tells the life story of a famous Italian film director through flashbacks. I know a bit about the movie because it was playing on the DVD player while I was in labor ... I didn't get to watch much of it though. Perhaps now I can sit down without any interruptions. ;) I do remember the soundtrack to the film was beautiful, that was playing during the actual delivery and one the nurses even commented on how lovely it was.

The evening ended with some more chit chat over dessert. Finally about 12:30 AM we decided it would be best to head home with our sleeping brood.

It is always so great to spend time with A&T and of course get in snuggles with Baby G too. This past year has brought them so much joy and I know they've treasured every minute and I'm so honored to have been a part of it all. Seeing them as a family enjoying the holiday season just makes my heart so full. I am very grateful to have them all in my life and that they continue to share Giovanni with me. It has been an amazing year with so many blessings.

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!!