26 weeks

Well we are in a double digit countdown now. 99 days or less to go! I can hardly believe how quickly it has gone by.

As the 6th month ends and we approach the third trimester we've been working on getting some things organized. I think I mentioned already that the doula has been hired, the PBO is in the works, an appointment to do the hospital tour needs to be set, maybe even taking part in a crash course birthing class and before long we'll be scheduling those weekly appointments.

Really not much to report this week. Baby G is very active and I feel him all the time. He still has plenty of room to flip flop around which makes my whole belly shake. Still waiting for IM to feel these movements, hoping when we see one another in a couple weeks he'll perform for her. I've beginning to feel some Braxton Hicks contractions ... it's practice time!

25 weeks

My spine is forming and I'm 9 inches long! My lungs are becoming mature.

Time is flying ... 25 weeks down, 15 or less to go!

Today was a great day! IM and I spent the afternoon being pampered with massages and manicures ... perfect! IM had an interesting conversation with her masseuse. The woman was engaging her in a lil small talk and asked if "A" had any children. IM responded with "No, not yet". Then the woman asked, "Do you just plan to spoil Tiffany's baby?" IM's response, "Well that's kinda an interesting story." LOL The ladies doing our manicures were just as interested in everything. Sometimes I'm not sure how much or what to tell strangers but usually all the details just end up spilling out.

(Edit: 7/8/2012): I had to share that one of the nail techs mentioned above is now my great friend and surrosister!  She was inspired by mine and A's experience and decided to contact the agency.  She moved forward with them quickly and her journey as a surrogate began.  She delivered a baby boy in early 2011 for IF "J".  She went on to do a second journey and just this past week she delivered "firecracker" boy/boy twins on the 4th of July for her IPs "M&M".  I just love all the wonderful people that I've been introduced to thanks to surrogacy.

Afterwards we went out for a nice lunch. We had plenty of time to chat and even looked over the birth plan I've been working on the last couple of days. Later we wandered around BRU for a good while just looking at all the baby stuff. I thought I could be some help when it came to looking at all the gear but was surprised how much has changed just in the last 3 years since my "baby" was born. So many more gadgets and all the options! I can totally understand why IM would be completely overwhelmed. After all that we came back to the house for some coffee while the girls entertained us with their silliness.

It was so nice to spend time with "A" today and hear her accounts of everyone's reaction to the news that they are expecting. Time to start thinking about getting everything ready now that the word is out! I gave Baby G a little gift, a newborn sleeper and a romper for when he's a bit bigger and these are the very first items they have for him!! Sounds like there may be some baby showers in the works though so I'm sure all will be set by his arrival.

I was really hoping IM would get a chance to feel him moving about some today. It didn't happen, by the time we sat down for a lil bit he was pretty quiet with just a couple random thumps that we missed, but next time for sure!

I took a couple pics to show off this belly, it's pop'n on out there now!

24 weeks

Had a nice but quick visit with A&T today when we went in for our appointment. Today's appointment seemed pretty uneventful, especially since we've had an ultrasound at every appointment leading up to this one since 12 weeks. Baby G is doing well, I'm feeling lots of movement these days which has really allowed me to relax a lot the last month or so. His heart rate was 148 bpm and my belly is measuring on track.

Downside to the appointment was getting reprimanded for my weight gain. Let's just say I've almost gained already what I was hoping to the entire pregnancy. Yikes! I'm feeling a bit bummed about it because I really don't feel that I've been over indulging, I just can't help that I'm so darn hungry all the time! I've gotta start drinking more water and eating more regular meals. I tend to starve myself till 2pm when the kids go down to nap and then I eat and snack the whole rest of the day. I'm also trying to get back into the routine of some exercise, it's hard though in winter and when home alone a lot of evenings with the kids.

Our visit today was short and sweet and I feel there is so much I wanted to chat with IPs about that we didn't get a chance to. IF had a plane to catch to Spain so their time was limited but IM and I are trying to plan a lil spa day before the next scheduled OB visit. In four weeks we'll go back for a growth u/s and I also have the fun glucose test as well. Hopefully then we can all catch up and enjoy some time together.

Thinking it's about time for another picture. When IF saw me today he said, "Now that's impressive" LOL I'll be sure to add one soon.

23 weeks

My bones are harder and I'm viable outside the womb! I weigh more than a pound.

Just a quick update. All is great here ... besides missing my IPs everything is going well. I think we all got accustomed to seeing one another every week or two, now that we've been communicating through just email and text for the last few weeks I miss them.

I'm beginning to feel more cumbersome but keep reminding myself there is a long way to go yet. I'm finding I have to scoot myself to the edge of the couch before getting up, I roll out of bed and even bending down to tie shoes has started to become a chore. I did lighten my load a bit recently, I made the decision to hire my sister back as my daycare assistant so having an extra set of hands is going to come in handy over the next few months.

I'm certain this lil guy is growing and doing just fine. He moves A LOT and even gets the hiccups from time to time. I can finally feel the movements from the outside too, but you have to be poised and waiting in the right spot to get a good thump.

We've got a lot to accomplish in the coming weeks. Time to get the pre - birth order ready, this is a document so that A&T's names go directly on the birth certificate. I also need to set up an appointment with the doula I plan to use and before long it will be time to meet with the hospital and staff to take a tour, go over expectations and the particulars about out situation.

The next OB appointment is Monday. A&T will be coming out but only for a quick visit since IF has to be on a plane to Spain in the afternoon. Can't wait to see them both ... I think they'll be surprised by how I've grown in the last month! Maybe it is just me but I feel like I'm really poking out there now. LOL

Half Way There ... some memories

The time has finally come for A&T to share the news that they are expecting with friends and family. It's been a long journey which they decided to keep private until we were successful. Then our success was followed with more ups and downs throughout the first trimester bringing more reservations. Thankfully the pregnancy is thriving and their lil boy is developing normally and perfect as can be and it is time to introduce him to the world.

As some of you know, I created a DVD for them when we first became pregnant to share the wonderful news that they were expecting. The package showed up on their doorstep while they were out of town and the wait for them to get back home and receive their surprise was killing me!! It was the greatest joy to hear IM over the phone, sobbing and so excited when they finally got the good news.

Congrats again A&T, I feel so privileged to be sharing in this miracle with you. You are wonderful, caring and special people and will be amazing parents too.

BABY STEPS VIDEO

20 weeks

Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a very very Happy New Year!!!

20 weeks

Today was our 20 week appointment/ultrasound and all is looking great.

I didn't gain any weight these last two weeks which was just what I had hoped for. I've been trying to be more conscious about my food choices and not over indulging and it seemed to work. I also have been exercising again since getting the all clear two weeks ago, hopefully my efforts will prove helpful throughout the holiday.

The u/s went great, heart rate was 138 bpm and he is measuring 14oz right now ... still so tiny. It was awesome to not only feel him moving during the scan but see the movements that were causing the sensations too ... ultrasounds never get old. A&T are just enamored by their lil man (yes he is still a boy) and I can't wait for them to share their excitement with friends and family over the next week.

Jason came along for this visit and we went out to dinner following the appointment and had a wonderful visit. After wards we headed back to the house for some dessert and coffee with our girls and exchanged gifts. IM picked out a really nice Pea in the Pod top for me and they also gifted the family Wii Resort and some accessories for the Wii too. The girls were very excited and can't wait to try out the new game!

I always hate to see our visits end but they'll be back in 4 weeks. Next time (24wks) it will just be a routine visit, haven't had one of those yet. It will be weird not to get to do an u/s since we've been getting a peek every week to two weeks for the last couple months. Can't believe we are half way there !!