Maddie & Josh * First 6 months

Maddie & Josh's first 6 months! 

(Josh going home August 8th @ 8 days old)

(Maddie going home August 29th @ 29 days old)

All settled in at home!

I just adore these babies!

SNUGGLES!!!!!!

Time has gone by so fast! They are happy, healthy babies and I feel so blessed to be able to watch them grow. 

Surrogate Solutions

I swear I have a dream job, working at Surrogate Solutions is everything I thought it would be its the best job. I LOVE sharing in the couples journey and being a support for surrogates. I have done a lot of work since starting in August but I am at the point where my first couple is off and running, I have a few more matches and more getting processed and its just great. Surrogate Solutions has such a great reputation and I love working with Gayle.

San Antonio has gotten so busy so while I am moving to Houston I know I will be here a lot because I have so much work and the clinics are great. :)

Its been stressful and super busy between work, moving and my family but I hope to be settled in and getting a balance restored back to my life come March.

No more contact * Alex & Aiden

The boys birthday came and went on January 1st (born 1/1/05) and as always I try to touch base and see how they are doing. Sadly I think the relationship has ended, I tried to contact several different ways but got no responce. I was rather shocked as there has always been some contact even if just a simple picture and mini update. I have always said I respect the parents choice to have me in their lives or not but I can say it hurts to be shut out. This journey was my second surrogacy and first set of twins I carried, they were special to me and I wish them all the best and pray they have amazing lives.

Fifth Surrogacy ~ Madelyn & Joshua / Twins are here

After 52 days of bed rest at 34 weeks 5 days pregnant I was woken up at 2:45 in the morning with contractions. I had been having contractions on and off for the past week so I just tried to go back to sleep thinking these to would stop soon. Then I had 3 back to back and these hurt a little more than the others so I decided to time them. At 3am I started watching the clock and they were about 10mins apart, they quickly went to 8mins apart and hurt more. I got up to walk around thinking a change in position would help and about that time I heard a noise, wasn't sure what it was so I walked towards the hallway and I heard it again. It was coming from Rylee's room so I opened the door and it was Brodi (our dog) he ran out and began running circles around me. It was so weird specially since he never wakes up in the middle of the night. He than begun running around the house he knew something was happening how crazy is that. Steve took him outside by this time its was about 3:45am my contractions were still coming strong and I told Steve maybe I will take a shower so I walked into the bathroom had another huge contraction walked out of the bathroom and said nope no shower its time, I know I am in labor. Just by luck my brother was spending the night so he was able to stay with the kids while everyone slept so Steve and I loaded in the truck and off the the hospital we went.  By this time my contractions were 5mins apart and hurt badly, Steve was driving like well a man who's driving his wife who is in labor with twins to the hospital praying her water doesn't break in his truck. lol We pull up to the entrance and they have one entrance blocked off (which is the one we have always used to get to labor and delivery) he misses the turn has to jump the curb and totally looks like a panicked first time dad type of thing it actually made me laugh. Since I have always been induced this was our first in the middle of the night I'm in labor drive to the hospital. Hehehehehehe

We called the parents and my mom to let them know it was go time, as soon as I got there they checked me and I was 5cm and 90% effaced. They did a sono and baby B was not head down or breach he was transverse, my OB was not on call but the on call OB said if I wanted to I could attempt a vaginal delivery and hope baby B went head down after baby A was delivered. I very much wanted a vaginal delivery but I also wanted to do what J & J thought was best for their babies. It was a very hard choice to make specially when your having contractions every 5mins but in the end I chose the c-section because I didn't want to take the chance of having a vaginal delivery for one baby and c-section for the next or something happening to one of the babies. 

 

I got the epidural and as always it worked miracles but this time my blood pressure dropped and I got very nauseated. They would only let two people in the OR and I didn't want to decide who so I left it up to them plus my mom wasn't there yet. This was the first time I had labored with out my mom which is probably another reason why my anxiety level was so high. They decided J (mommy) and Steve would go back so I could have someone to support me. I went back and as I sat in the OR while everything was prepped I began to cry and got very upset, I felt sick and kept second guessing my choice. Finally Steve came in and held my hand and talked to me I don't remember what he or J were saying but I know it helped. I remember closing my eyes as he rubbed my head and then I heard a baby cry, OMGosh its already happening baby A is here and 1min later baby B is right behind. I did find out that as soon as baby A came out Baby B went breach so had I delivered her vaginally I would have delivered him via c-section so in the end we made the right choice.

Madelyn

 Joshua

Madelyn was delivered at 7:10am weighing 5lbs 11oz and 19inches long and at 7:11am Joshua came in at 5lbs 3oz also 19inches long. I got to see both babies very quickly and then they headed off to the NICU in stable condition with their mommy and daddy right behind them. I know I laid there for a while longer with Steve by my side by I don't remember details and then before I knew it I was going to recovery. The epidural wore off fast, I had lost a lot of blood and I was in a lot of pain and still feeling very badly. I should have Steve write about the post delivery part since I don't remember most of it. lol My IP's did put us in a beautiful past pardon suite so that we could all be together yet still have our own space. I slept a lot, got sick and felt horrid most of the day. I wanted to go see the babies but I just couldn't but my IP's shared lots of photos with me and kept me updated.

I know some women choose c-section over vaginal delivery but I would never be one of them and not because of the pain of the surgery or recovery but simply because I felt robbed of giving birth to the babies. I have always had such a wonderful labor and delivery experience with lots of joy and happiness and this delivery was scary and I don't even remember most of it. Despite the delivery this journey has been beyond amazing more than I could have ever asked for and that in its self makes up for the delivery.

Thank you Jeff & Jen

Fifth Surrogacy ~ Madelyn & Joshua / Bed rest

Posted June 10, 2011

So yesterday's OB appt at 27wks 2 days didn't go so smoothly or as planned. My cervix which was closed and thick two weeks ago has now softened and is starting to dilate and I was sent home to be on bed rest. I told my doctor I have slowed down so much in the past 3 weeks I don't understand how this is happening and he said the problem is I am such a busy active person that my slowing it down is most people's normal daily pace. I have never been on bed rest and while most people would love the idea of not working and relaxing on the couch its a depressing thought for me. My pregnancies have never really held me back before they just become apart of my life and now this one is taking over. I want nothing more than for these babies to stay in till August and while I dread bed rest I will gladly do it to ensure these babies health.

I don't think the "bed rest" requirements have set in for my family yet and I have to say I am a little nervous about the strain it may put on everyone. Even after talking about it with Steve he asked me to take something back to walmart since it broke and then wanted us all to go get ice cream. Gaige certainly doesn't get it and honestly Rylee has been the most accepting. She has already started being the mother hen bringing me food and drinks and asking what I need. I know I have a lot of support from my whole family and I have great supportive friends and while I hate "needing" people I think the only way we are going to make it through this is if we all do it together.

I realize that focusing on a long term goal like making it to 40wks is to stressful so I have decided to take little steps and set little goals to help us all stay positive. So at this point our first goal is 28wks which will put us in the 3rd trimester :)

I gained another 5lbs so that puts me at a total of 15lbs, my belly is measuring 36wks and both babies sounded great.

Today is my first full day of bed rest ....... so here we go one day at a time!

Posted on June 14, 2011

Today is day 5 of home bound bed rest and well its been a stressful 5 days. No one was prepared for bed rest and for sure not this soon. I think we all just expected this twin pregnancy to go like the last one. Its very hard to lay in bed and not be able to help even with the simplest of things. Before Steve had a major melt down my mom stepped in and like a true women got everything settled down and worked out. Its not funny really but I did laugh inside a couple times watching Steve try to balance the kids, the house, chores and going to the grocery store all in one day. Let me tell you how he did it, he dropped Rylee off with Aunti Linda, Gaige with my mom, Matt did the yard work and he was doing laundry till midnight. I will say he did a great job getting everything we needed even my prenatal vitamins at the store. He complained and was cranky most of the day and while in his mind he thinks we spilt things 50/50 I hope during this experience he realizes its not 50/50 and while I don't mind doing more normally (when I am not pregnant) I really need him right now and now is the time he can take care of me. Yesterday was a better day over all everything seemed more balanced and went smoothly. I think with each day things will get better.

When I was growing up my mom used to say it takes a village to raise children. I grew up very close to my grandmother she was like my other parent and I had lots of Aunts and Uncles and I look back and realize how supportive my family has always been for all of us. I often need that village and when I need them the most my family is there specially my mom and I couldn't imagine raising my kids any other way. 

My work has also been very supportive which is a huge weight off my shoulders. I have a great assistant holding down the fort and a wonderful boss that allows me to concentrate on the babies instead of stressing about work.

As far as me specifically bed rest sucks :P its hard and most would think laying in bed is relaxing well its not. I try to rotate my time starting with coming down for breakfast in the morning and spending the morning and early afternoon on the couch. Then I work my way back to bed after lunch till everyone is home and its time for dinner. I do come down for dinner but by that time of the day my back is killing me and I will take a shower and get back in bed for some play/cuddle time with my little man. I keep myself busy with the tv, computer, gonna finish a book I started a year ago and I got a new bible study to do.

I have to do the 3 hour glucose test, get blood work done for my thyroid and my regular OB appt so it will be nice to get out of the house.

Last night was rough I had lots of braxton hick contractions and was very uncomfortable to the point where I did call the on call OB and almost went to the hospital. I ended up falling asleep waiting for him to call back (took like 45mins) and after hours of being uncomfortable things seemed to be settling down so I just went to sleep. The babies were VERY active during this time so I am hoping in all that punching and kicking each other baby boy went head down. Hope today and tonight is better!

A big update is we are 7 months today and in the 3rd trimester! WOOHOO

Post on June 23, 2011

Todays appointment went great I brought Rylee with me and the twins mom was also there. Although I am on day 14 of bed rest it is paying off as my cervix has stayed a 1cm and both babies are doing great. I didn't gain any weight and my blood pressure is good. I have had a couple episodes of braxton hicks contracts and thankfully there not making any change so I'm just sucking it up and dealing with them.

While there is still time I am getting very nervous about baby boy not turning head down and needing a c-section. I am so anxious about having a c-section for a couple of reason, I love labor and delivery its such a magical time and I don't want to give that up plus I am scared of the surgery and the recovery. I can't even bring myself to look up information on it because I think it will freak me out more. So please say some prayers for me that this little guy turns.

My belly is measuring 38wks already and I have hit the uncomfortable stage and I am very tired. My back hurts a lot and when the babies decided to stretch out ..... ouch talk about painful it feels like they are ripping my muscles. I have to retake the glucose test again next week and pray I don't get sick again so we can be done with this.

I am so excited to report that I got clearance to go to J's baby shower, I can't wait to meet everyone but most of all I can't wait to see J glowing with happiness cause her dreams are finally coming true. Everyone is so excited for these babies and I love that, they are such a deserving family.


Posted on July 21, 2011

I am 33wks and on day 41 of bed rest and we are trucking along. We had some preterm labor on July 5th at 31wks and had a lovely stay in L&D. The labor was brought on by a UTI infection I had so I was given antibiotics and the babies were given two rounds of steroids for their lungs to help mature in case they couldn't stop the labor or I went into labor again. I was so happy to find out during all the scary news that baby boy had turned and is head down plus the babies were 4lbs each. So now here we are at 33wks, both babies head down and at 32wks I was only 1cm still. They have dropped in the past week so the pressure down there is incredibly intense and I feel like they are going to fall out. lol At this point I figure the babies are at least 5lbs each and they are moving like little rock stars in there. We have a MFM appt on Monday and I can't wait to see how they are doing and then a OB appt on Thursday to check my cervix. Next week we will be 34wks and thats a huge goal for lung maturity so that makes me very happy.

Steve had his family reunion and took the kids on his own. I was so proud of him because I know its hard to do everything alone specially with a toddler but the kids really deserved this fun time and being with family is important. Gaige is having a hard time with us not really having a routine, its difficult to drop him off at daycare he has major melt downs and cries. When he is picked up he is happy and tells you all about his day, talks about his friends so I know he is having fun and the crying isn't lasting long but its still hard. He doesn't like me being pregnant and wants the babies to come out. While I am enjoying this pregnancy to the very end as its my last it will be nice when I am back at work, Rylee is in school and Gaige is back to a strict routine so things will go more smoothly.

Being pregnant plus bed rest is hard you give up a lot more than one would think but it will be so worth it when I get to hand J & J their precious little monkeys in just a few short weeks.

Fifth Surrogacy ~ Madelyn & Joshua / 2nd-6th months

Posted in April & May 2011

I know its been FOREVER since I last blogged but I haven't really been in the mood but here's a quick update.

It is TWINS!

The pregnancy has gone very smoothly and any issues we thought we were going to have with the antibody isn't even a concern to anyone. As always I was very sick the first trimester and I still am a little bit but with the zofran it doesn't even seem to phase me.

The first trimester I craved fruit and smoothie drinks like crazy I couldn't get enough and I wanted nothing to do with meat. My baby bump popped out early and before long everyone knew I was pregnant. Now that I'm in the second trimester I crave salads, I have one almost everyday and I still try to have fruit smoothies a few times a week to help with my calorie in take. I have more energy and want to do my normal things but it doesn't take long before I am just wiped out. The one thing that has been a constant is my love for orange juice, I drink a glass or two everyday and it hits the spot which is so weird cause while I like it, its not something I drank all the time.

Here I am at 2, 3 and 4 months pregnant and I feel great! I have gained 6lbs so far but I am sure I will start putting on more weight in the coming weeks. Today we had our 19 week ultra sound and the babies look great. Both are healthy, measuring right on track and very active. They are 11oz and there is one BOY and one GIRL :) The parents are over the moon excited and this journey has by far been the best. I love having them so close and feel like they are really able to be apart of this pregnancy. Next week will be the half way mark for us and I hope everything keeps going as smoothly as its been.

Here is my belly at 5 & 6 months along! :)

So in the past week I have noticed a huge change in the pregnancy I will be 25wks in 2 days but in one week I feel like a month has past. I am very emotional, my body is very tired and I feel huge. The babies are so active and I can't wait to catch them on video for their parents to see. At our last appt their mommy got to feel them move and kick so that was great. At this point everything is hard to do, going up the stairs I have to sit down and rest before I can do whatever it is i went up there to do. Going on walks is now out unless its to the mail box, I can't carry Gaige, i can't see or touch my toes and before when I over did it I could sense a change in my body now my back starts hurting and my lower belly starts cramping. I know I have to slow down but its so hard, some days I feel like I am just watching my life happen and I can't be apart of it. It can be over whelming but then I remember how important this is to me and how worth it this will all be in the end. I am used to slowing down just not this early but after barely making it through HEB to grocery shop I realize that the babies have taken over my body. lol I depend on Steve and Rylee a lot and thats hard for me so at 25weeks I am taking off the super mom cape and putting these babies first so we all get our happy ending.

At out last appt at 23wks my belly was measuring 31wks already, both babies were good and I had gained another 4lbs putting me at 10lbs total. I am very anxious for June to get here because we have a MFM appt and i love to see the babies on sono and check every each of them for growth plus we have a OB appt and I have to do the glucose test so needless to say the first week of June will be crazy busy.

I am in a support group with women who are all surrogates and due around me and its been a hard week because two of the girls also carrying twins are on bed rest already. One at home and the other in the hospital and another one who is carrying triplets delivered already at 24wks. So while a support group is great sometimes it can make things more emotional and it makes me worry about all the what ifs.

Some weeks seem to fly by while others drag on but the pregnancy as a whole seems to be going so fast and I enjoying it because I know this is my last.

Fun U/S Appt 

So today at 26 weeks 3 days (6.5 months) we had a u/s appt which are always great because we get to actually see the babies. Baby Girl is very active and Baby Boy is still breech. I pray every night he goes head down but I know we still have some time so I am not in panic mode just yet. At my last OB appt I was a little shocked to find out my belly was measuring 33 weeks but todays appt explains a lot. Baby girl is already 2lbs 7oz measuring 27 weeks 6 days and Baby boy is 2lbs 4oz measuring 27 weeks which puts them in the 60% category and for twins thats awesome.

I was so worried about not taking in enough healthy calories specially in the first trimester when I was so sick that I ate a lot of high calorie fruit smoothies and well the babies are loving it apparently. It feels great to go to each appt and see how well the babies are doing and seeing J & J so happy, I feel so blessed to be able to carry for them.

On another note Gaige is very fascinated with the pregnancy and my belly. He tells me at least once a week to take the babies out so he can get in my belly. He wants a turn to be the baby in my tummy and just last week told me he wanted a brother, I told him he had a sister and thats all he was getting. I often ask him who's babies are in my tummy to help him understand and he always says J & J but the other day he asked (I don't remember his exact words) why J & J's babies were in my tummy. Its like it clicked to him that these were their babies but wait why are they in your tummy. After I got over the shock he even asked me this I quickly said that J's tummy was broken so God put the babies in my tummy to grow and soon they would come out and go home with J & J. This 3 year old is giving me a run for my mommy thats for sure, he is to smart for his own good. The cutest thing he does is when he wants the babies to wake up he lifts my shirt up and when he wants them to go to sleep he makes me cover up my belly. Its so cute!

Our 28 week milestone is coming very quickly which will put us in the 3rd trimester, so exciting and I can't believe how fast time is going by. So far my cervix is doing great no signs of any type of preterm labor but knowing my history and if the babies keep growing at the rate they are i really believe we will be delivering again around the 35-36wk mark.

Fifth Surrogacy ~ Madelyn & Joshua / We're Pregnant

Posted in January 2011

IM = Intended mother / IF = Intended father / IP's = Intended parents / IVF = Invitro fertilization

I am so excited to announce that after one round of IVF I am pregnant for J & J!

On December 19th we transferred 2 perfect quality embryo's, it was exciting and I was so glad that my IM could be with me. Our trip together was great and I very much enjoyed getting to know her. 

On the 5th day (12/24th) after the transfer I tested and got a very faint positive over the next few days I test 2 some times 3 times a day (yes I am crazy) just waiting to see the line get darker on day 6 it was dark but by day 7 it was as dark as the control line on the test, I thought to myself we did it. On 12/27/10 I went in for the first blood test and it was 170 YAY I was indeed pregnant. That number is high for just one baby but on the low side for twins so it could go either way and then today 12/29/10 10 days after transfer our beta was 326 and on 12/31/10 12 days after transfer the beta was 746. Holy snapple I think there might just be two in there but I am really hoping for just one healthy little baby.

 

I started feeling nauseous Friday night and then it hit full force on Saturday and hasn't let up yet so I am very confident in this pregnancy. I started taking zofran and I am hoping it will help to make this first trimester easier. It just amazes me how quickly the body changes and I don't know if its because this is my 7th pregnancy but its just crazy to be sick so soon, super tired and already wanting certain foods.

We have a ultra sound on Friday (1/14/11) and both parents will be there and I am so very excited to share this moment with them, I should be far enough along that we should be able to see a heart beat.

So here we are 6 weeks pregnant tomorrow and in the first trimester!