Wednesday, July 20, 2016

A Different Direction

WOW!

I don't know where to start. I know I have been gone a long time. I am slowing coming back. This blog will be a journey of finding me. A look back to where I am from and where I have been, two different places indeed but both make me who I am today.

I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on April 30, 2013. 


He was born by c-section, at his parent's request. They had recently had a friend suffer the tragedy of losing a child during a VBAC. I understood their nervousness after trying for so long and having failed surrogacy journeys with other surrogates at different points on each different journey, before this one. But I will admit I was disappointed. The recovery was much longer than I had hoped or wanted.

I didn't get to witness the parents, no longer IP's, meeting their son, but my husband did. He filmed their meeting for me. I didn't get to witness the first surrogate baby meet her parents and I did not wan to miss the opportunity again.

So much happened during this journey. A lot was not surrogacy related, but still connected in a slight way. There were hurt feelings. Toes were stepped on. Boundaries were crossed. Sick family members. Job issues and loss. In the end I lost a lot. I lost a lot of myself and I am still slowly getting myself back.

I met him once a couple of months after he was born. I got to hold him for a few moments.  

His mommy and I still stay in touch. I get photos every now and then, I got more photos in the beginning. Life gets busy, especially the life of a mommy! 

The journey wasn't about getting to know him and be a part of his life. It was about helping a heart to heal and dreams to be realized. My relationship was with his mommy. And even though it was him I carried. she is who I miss the most.

I will write more about the surrogacy journey as reflections. I feel I can be more honest now that I am finding myself again.

I live such a BLESSED life. The opportunities I am given amaze me.  

The different direction...

Live kidney donation! I am in the late stages of testing and may soon be a donor to a local man. This journey is similar, in many ways a little more scary.  And I know I am here at this place in this moment to do "this".

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Surrogacy can get in the way sometimes...


Surrogacy costs my family other "things" than money.  

Today my sister and brother are moving my mom into a nursing home.  I can't go home to help.  My mom lives in Iowa.  It is a 15 hour drive straight through.  I am currently 7 weeks pregnant.  There is no way I can ride in a car for 15 hours straight.  I am not allowed to travel without "written permission" from the IVF Dr.  

I just found out last Friday evening.  I thought the date was would be a little farther in the future so I could get everything on my end together so I could help, I mean I just found out the week before that they were seriously talking to the social worker about it.  I had arranged to take 11 days off over Christmas because that is the time-frame mom had been talking. 6 days notice is not enough.  I've needed to travel for work and I had to get permission weeks in advance. Unfortunately, I got back from a work trip late the night before I was told they were moving my mom and I need to leave again Tuesday.  

This stinks.  I want to be there for my mom, sister and brother.  I don't want to be seen as the child who doesn't care.  I love my mom.  Please pray for my family as they get everything together.  Pray for my mom as she surrenders her "freedom".  Pray that I am able to be of some help from here and when I do get to go home.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Be with my family. Please guard, guide and direct our ways as we move into this new phase of my mom's life.   Please help me to be there for them even though I am so far away.
Amen

Thursday, August 30, 2012

BETA is 192.3

The RE Dr. Brahma called me herself to tell me.  Everything looks great, BETA(HCG), Estrogen, and Progesterone.  Now the wait is on until Tuesday September 4, 2012 for a second check.
I believe the IM is happy!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you!  Please continue to have your hand on this pregnancy.
Amen

BETA is today!

So, today is the official pregnancy blood test.  The blood is drawn and now I wait.