Zoey is here!!

As most of you know Zoey made her arrival on October 31st at 2:25am. She weighed 8lbs 1oz and was 20 inches long. I will write the whole birth story in a few days but I wanted to share some pictures for right now, because they are to precious not to!

When Zoey made her debut!

Onn got to "catch" his daughter!

Immediate LOVE

Holding daddies hand.

She looks like a little snowman!!

This picture sums it all up!!

The Final Countdown!!

Okay we are really getting down to the nitty gritty here!!! Amit called me today from the airport, he was getting ready for his 18 hour flight to Canada until next week when both him and Onn will be here!! I can not wait to see them and more importantly I can't wait till they have their baby!! I am sure this next week will fly by it's filled with appointments and everyday errands and chores! I am really looking forward to the Halloween/Meet the Parents party we are having next Saturday. We hosted our first Halloween party last year and it was so much fun I just had to do it again. Halloween is when Chris and I started dating so it means a lot to use, not to mention getting to dress up with the kids, just so much fun!! I also love decorating, I can't seem to help buying more every year. 

I have been feeling slightly more tired lately, mostly because sleeping has become more difficult mainly because I have a hard time getting comfortable and it is difficult to roll over! But besides that everything is great as usual! 

I know I said I would post some pictures so here are a few.

Caleb and I at the Race with Grace Fun Walk 9/23/12 35weeks

Parents Day for Cayden's Football Team 9/29/12 36weeks

Lastly for a little fun I added a Baby Pool below, I thought it would be fun for everyone to guess when Baby Peanut will get here and how much she will weigh! Can't wait to see who guesses right!


 

Getting closer!

I have been a horrible blogger, it has been forever since I have made a post but honestly there has not been to much to report! Which is a GREAT thing!! I have changed Midwifes, I am seeing a great Midwife in Wadsworth so she is closer and I will be delivering in Medina, which is also much closer. She has her own practice and there is no more run around when the guys or I have to call, she actually personally called me with test results, which was odd but SO great!! She is an awesome person and always greets me with a hug at every appointment it should be such a great experience to labor with her!  

I also recently took a Doula Certification course so I could become a Doula and it was so educational and a fun experience to be learning with some great woman who like myself, had a "calling" to help other woman through pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. I am looking forward to start this next journey but right now I am concentrating on bringing this "Lil' Peanut" into the world!! I myself also have an awesome Doula that I have been meeting with for several months now and lucky me she is also a Massage Therapist so, I have been getting massages as well. She, like my Midwife, is an incredible woman and I am looking forward to her support during labor!

So today I am 33 weeks, so moving right along!! Time is just going by fast and I know that this little girl, who still has no name, will be here to meet here daddies very soon! The guys have bought their plane tickets and booked their hotel room, they will be here October 20th. I can't wait because we will get to spend some more time together and they will get to "experience" this pregnancy more! I am also hoping to be able to have a get together with family and friends while they are here since I have had so many of you ask if you will get to meet them. They would love to meet everyone also! I hope it all works out! 

I know that Onn and Amit have been busy cleaning, organizing and decorating for when it is time to bring baby home, they say they are "nesting!" I guess I have been doing some "nesting" of my own, we have been busy here cleaning, painting and upgrading some things that needed upgrading. I have also been staying busy with the kids starting school, dance class, football and other school activities. It has been great!! 

That is all I have for now, I will be posting pictures and videos soon, if "Peanut" will cooperate. I am getting more and more excited!!

Who has Pride?

Well last weekend was Pride Day in Tel Aviv, the guys said they had a good time celebrating! The city painted the sidewalks rainbow colors and there was a great campaign picture that was in the central square of the city. It was so perfect that I had to share it with everyone!

It's such a great picture!!

Okay well I also had an appointment this past Thursday. I had the 20 week anatomy scan done, and baby peanut looked perfect! She was measuring right on track weighing 2/3 of a pound and was moving a lot! I can feel her moving a lot now, sometimes feels like she is doing flips!! I am starting to show now as well, my belly really "popped" out in the past week or so! I will have pictures of "the bump" soon!! Still feeling great, at the halfway point now and can't believe it has gone so fast!!

How are you feeling?

Okay, it has been a long time since my last post and I apologize to Amit & Onn and their family, I  know they look forward to updates. I also know I have some other "followers" that I don't see on a regular basis that are wondering what is going on, I apologize to them for keeping them in suspense!! But honestly things are going so smoothly there is not to much to report!

So today marks 18 weeks and 2 days, and honestly still not "feeling" pregnant! But I am certainly not complaining, it is just so different from my own three pregnancies.  I had an appointment and an ultrasound about two weeks ago and everything looked and sounded great. Finally got to hear the baby's heartbeat and also found out that little peanut is a GIRL!!! There was also some genetic testing that was done, and everything came back negative, risk for down syndrome is extremely low.

Profile 5/17/12 16 weeks

That's right it's a girl!! 5/17/12 16 weeks

This view always looks like an alien! 5/17/12 16 weeks

 So for those of you that ask, "How are you feeling?" I am feeling great and I hope that it continues, I can't believe that we are almost at the half way point, time is flying by!!

 

Baby, Baby, Baby!

So today baby peanut is officially 12 weeks 5days. I had an appointment with the OB last week and things went well. Amit was able to talk to the doctor and ensure that the genetic testing that they wanted to have done was going to be done. All the testing they want done will be done, and I go to have the Nuchal Translucency done on Wednesday. Here is some more information on the test just an ultrasound and blood test. http://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchal-translucency-screening_118.bc

The doctor, whom I worked with before, is great and was able to answer the guys questions. She has worked with other surrogate patients so she is familiar with the process. Thanks Dr. Kirven!!! She then tried to find the babies heartbeat, she was unable to so I had to have another ultrasound, darn. The baby looked great and actually looked like a baby instead of a peanut!!! 

Baby Peanut 4/18/12

I have been feeling okay but my nose has been super sensitive. The boys were microwaving leftovers for lunch yesterday and the smell was so bad for me I thought I may be sick, they felt so bad but I told them it was not their fault!! Oh well, nothing I can do about it!! I will give another update with the results of the NT in a week or so hopefully!!

I just saw a quote from a comedian and I thought it was funny because of some of the thoughts I have been having lately and I just wanted to share!

The Vatican is against surrogate mothers. Good thing they didn't have that rule when Jesus was born.

                                                                                -Elayne Boosler

YAY!!!

I am celebrating because tonight was one of the first nights in several months that I did not have to ask Chris to give me my injection!! That is right no more injections!! I can finally give my sore bottom a break! 

There has not been to much else going on lately, I know it has been awhile since my last post. I had my initial OB appointment with the midwife and had a few more ultrasounds just to check the peanuts growth. Everything looks well, I have an appointment with the OB next week so I can schedule a few genetic test that I need to have done! I have been feeling pretty well just extremely tired all the time but that seems to be subsiding.

That is all for now, more to come!!

Baby Peanut!!

So my day started off with a smile on my face, today was the day I had my first ultrasound! I was excited but nervous as well, started to get butterflies in my stomach as I was driving to the doctor's office. When I got there I was messing with my phone trying to make sure I had some connection so I could Skype with the guys. It took some time and several tries to get it to work, plus I was chasing Violet around the lobby but, finally we got it to work! The ultrasound tech finally came and called me back but, when I got into the room she informed me that I could not be on the phone at all!!! So I had the let the guys know the bad news after all that hard work:( but told them I would call them right after!! So it was good news, everything looked great, there is one little Peanut in there and were even able to see the heartbeat!! Baby is measuring 6weeks and 2 days so due date is October 30th!!

 

 

 

There is Baby Peanut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So although I was not able to be on the phone with the guys, the ultrasound tech did give me a CD with the video of the babies heartbeat on it so I can send it to them and everyone can see it here!!

Make sure you enlarge this video so you can see Peanuts heartbeat!

So of course I called the guys right after I got dressed and made my next appointment, they of course were so excited to hear the good news! Everything looks perfect so far, and we could not be more thrilled!  I have several more ultrasounds in the weeks to come just to make sure things are going as they should  and I will continue my hormone injections and monitoring bloodwork as well!

Until next time, just keep smiling!!

Best email, Ever!!

So I received the best email this afternoon from the guys! It is one of those that takes you so long to get through, because it is hard to read through all the tears. It was so heartwarming and benevolent, it just reinforces the reason we are on this adventure together. In the email they asked that I share what they had to say on the blog so, here it is for everyone's reading enjoyment!

 

Dear Michelle and Chris,

First and far most, we want you to know that as far as we are concerned, from now on you are part of our family!

In the beginning of this long and emotional journey we tried to imagine what kind of person we would like our gestational carrier to be. We hoped she would be warm and loving, would want to share and enable us to experience the pregnancy and its progress with her. Michelle, you definitely embody all of these characters in one amazing person.

Our relationship began with a physical distance between us, 2000 miles across the globe, passing through the waves of the Internet. Even then we could already feel your kindness. We were overwhelmed by the big love we felt towards you immediately when we first met at the hotel lobby in NYC, we immediately felt connected to you and that this was destined to happen.

When we were looking for our gestational carrier we didn’t put too much thought in regards to who her husband or spouse would be. Only after we met the two of you we realized how significant Chris’s role is in this journey. Not only does he provide you with the full support you need, he also instilled faith and courage in us. We were in awe of your ability to give to others. Your huge sense of commitment to this journey we have embarked on together affects us on a deeply personal level. Chris made us feel very safe and secure, and Michelle touched our hearts. You are  beautiful people! After 24 hours of an unforgettable experience with the two of you, we felt that we don’t want our time together to end. That says a lot about the kind of people you are.

We took many photos in our trip but out of them all we find ourselves looking time and again at the pictures we took with you.

Michelle, you write so sincerely and honestly. This initiative of yours, on top of everything else, had made us so happy and our extended family too. We have formed a new tradition now; every week, on our Friday family dinners, we all sit around the table and read your blog . We all get so emotional about it. Thank you!!!

We also want to extend our gratitude to your family and friends, who help and support you. It is not taken for granted, your openness is heart warming, and we understand this might be difficult for some of you.

On the evening we met, when we raised our glasses for a toast, Chris blessed us with the most accurate and heart touching words ... we can’t repeat him word by word so we’ll say it in our own words:

Here is to new family members, friends and a very exiting future!! 
We love you a lot,
Amit and Onn.

 

 

 

 

Quick update!

I am so excited to share with everyone that me Beta levels have gone up so well. On Monday they were 195 and today they were 838!!! So things are going as they should it just took a little bit longer for my body to "pick up" on it. My next appointment will be on the 8th of March, it will be the first ultrasound! So next time I hope to have some pictures to share!

Great News!!!

Okay so after what seemed like the longest wait of my life, I got the great news that my Beta HCG results were positive!! I am so excited, the last two weeks went by so slow and I am just so glad to be able to give my IF's the good results!! The guys called me several times but each time I had to tell them that I didn't have the results yet. I told them that I had a good idea that it would be positive, because secretly I had taken a home pregnancy test last night that was positive!! Sorry, Onn and, Amit that I didn't tell you guys but I just wanted to be 100% sure!!! 

 

Today we are 11 days past our 3 day transfer and my beta levels are only 41. So they are still on the low side so the clinic said it does not "scream" multiples to them but only an ultrasound will tell for sure. So know continues the hormone injections and bloodwork to monitor my beta and hormone levels and then if all goes as it should an ultrasound on the 8th of March.  This is all so exciting!!! YAY!!!!

Fingers Crossed!!

My beta is tomorrow so, everyone please keep your fingers crossed that it comes back with awesome results!! I will let everyone know how the results when I do!

INTRODUCING.....

Our Intended Parents, Amit and Onn!! I was waiting  to talk to them about my blog before sharing with everyone who they are, I am so happy that they said , "YES please do!" 

Amit, Me, Chris and Onn

 

So, yes as you can see I am becoming a surrogate for two DADDIES and nothing can make me happier! This being the first time we met the guys face to face I was nervous but there was no reason to be! From the moment we met it felt like we had known each other for years, conversation was so easy and it felt like we just picked up from where we last left! The guys are so sweet, caring and ready for parenthood! 

Saturday we flew into NY and our car took us to our hotel, On The Ave, in the city on the Upper West Side. The guys were there waiting for us, hugs were shared all the way around and we went on our way to see the city. We started by a nice walk in Central Park,

then to Rockefeller Center to the Top of the Rock!

We of course had to stop at the Lego Store to pick up something for the kiddos!

 After walking around for several hours it was time for dinner, we went to the amazing, Benjamin's Steakhouse. It was the best steak ever and the conversation was even better, learning more about the guys lives in Israel, their family and Jewish traditions. Our next stop was  Palace Theater on Times Square to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert, an absolute amazing show!!

 

Chris, myself and Onn

 Saturday was an amazing day but now on to Sunday, the reason we made the trip, the transfer. The guys called the clinic early in the morning to ensure the embryos still looked okay and the transfer was still on. Everything was a go so we made our way to NJ. When we arrived at the fertility clinic they said it may be awhile because they were busy and they were right, we waited for awhile but that is usually how it works, right! Finally the guys and I went back and the nurses got us ready for the transfer, we had to get all dressed up.

Onn and myself

Amit getting "dressed"

 

The transfer took literally 5 minutes but it went well they transferred two fresh embryos one from each of the guys! After the transfer we went back to a hotel in NJ where I rested all day, it was great just spending time just Chris and myself! We left on Monday morning and are back home. So now we are in the infamous "two week wait," until we find out if everything stuck! 

 We love our IP's because never have we met two people that are more deserving or ready to have children. Chris and I feel truly honored and privileged to help them in accomplishing their dreams. It saddens me because I know there will be some that do not entirely support me in this journey but with the support of my husband, friends and some family I will help fulfill the dreams of two people that want to give their mothers and fathers grandchildren, their sister's and brother's nieces or nephews and their nieces and nephews cousins. It is our own way to help the "Modern Family" grow!

 

More Changes...

I got a call today around 10:30am from my one my IP's, plans have changed and we are flying out tomorrow afternoon!! There was some concern with the embryos and their well being so we want to do the transfer sooner rather than later!! So the troops were called into to change our plane tickets, hotel reservations and car service, everyone pulled through and everything is in order. I was in a mad scramble to make sure that child care was in place last minute since Mom is not leaving till tomorrow now. Thank goodness for great friends and family to pull thru last minute, we appreciate and love you all!! I am just hoping everything goes well for the rest of the weekend and following week!! Here we come NYC!!!

It's Offical

It's official, plane tickets were purchased!!! Chris and I fly out early Monday morning!! We are flying into NY and will be spending the day and night in the city with our IP's seeing the sights and going to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert on BROADWAY!!! I am just so excited to meet our IP's!!! On Tuesday, will be the TRANSFER!! The retrieval was today and there were 40 eggs retrieved so, fingers crossed there will be plenty of embryos for the IP's to choose from! I started  Progesterone yesterday and will continue to do so well into the pregnancy. 

Also excited that my Mom will be here tomorrow, she is staying with the kiddos while Chris and I are gone. The kids are so excited to see her and know that she will have a ton of fun things planned to do with them while she is here, she loves doing crafts, games and science projects with the kids and they love every minute of it!! So by this time next week I will probably be peeing on a stick and hoping to see that "BIG FAT POSITIVE!!" Fingers and toes crossed everyone!!!

How it all started!!

Hello All!! Well where do I start? For those of you that do not yet know, last January I began the journey of becoming a surrogate! It is something that I have been curious and interested in since the first time I heard about such a thing! I brought it up to Chris after Vi was born and of course being the awesome supportive husband he is he said, "Sure, why not?" So with the green light, it began, I did much research and found an agency I really liked that was in New Jersey, Reproductive Possibilities. I filled out an application and then waited, only a few days later I received a call but since I was still nursing Vi I would have to wait a while longer! Summer time rolled around and I received another call from RP and this time we were ready to move forward , so began the matching process to Intended Parents, medical screening, Psychological screening and then of course more waiting!!! Long story short in August we were matched with wonderful international intended parents and all of the screening was passed by everyone!! 

Fast Forward to January, I started on my cycle of hormone injections. One injection of Lupron I give myself everyday in my belly and then one injection of Delestrogen in my bottom every 3 days , this one was a problem! Going into the process I figured I would be able to give this one to myself as well but, not so much!! Chris was of course supportive in this process but was not at all comfortable with needles but once again being super awesome he said give my that needle and I will do it, I laughed but he was serious, so for several weeks now Chris has been giving me injections and he does so like a pro!! 

Now we are in February and we will be traveling to New Jersey in less then a week for the second time for an embryo transfer and to finally meet our wonderful IP's for the first time face to face!! All this time we have be communicating through email, phone calls and Skype which has been great but I can not wait to give them a huge hug!!! So this journey that we have been on thus far is taking one giant leap forward and I can not be more thrilled!!!