22 weeks - My uterus is a punching bag!

Today marks 22 weeks. I can't believe it.

Mr. Peanut is looking more and more like a miniature newborn and weighs approximately one pound (So says Babycenter.com). He is getting bigger and stronger by the day! The little flutters I once was feeling are now turning into full fledged kicks and punches. Yesterday I was visiting with a few of my surro-sisters and I was literally stopped in my tracks by this guy's karate kick (or punch?)! I yelped and jumped up because it  was so powerful. Quite the scene. LOL! I don't remember feeling this hard of kicks with my own two kids at this stage of pregnancy. Peanut is very active and always has been. He's "awake" about every 3 hours or so and has no problem with letting me know that he's enjoying what I've eaten 20 minutes prior. I remember early on during my monitoring appointments the RE said on more than one occasion, "My, you've got one active baby there!" I'll never forget seeing little bitty Peanut moving all around on that ultrasound screen. I can't wait for A and M to finally feel Peanut's movements. Such an amazing feeling!

Speaking of A and M....my husband and I will be heading up North to stay with them for a few days next month and to attend their baby shower. I'm so excited to meet all of their friends and hopefully some family members too. Peanut will get to sleep a few days in his room, so that will be a sweet moment for sure. And most importantly...more quality time spent with A and M! I love them so....

How am I feeling? I'm feeling really great actually. I adore my ever growing bump. A few aches and pains here and there, but that's expected. I started prenatal yoga classes this week (my first time ever doing yoga by the way - LOVED it!!) and plan to continue throughout the remainder of this pregnancy. I was very sore these past few days, so I know all those great stretches are working and will only benefit towards a successful VBAC. Once I get a little further along, I'll probably start seeing a chiropractor as well to help keep everything in alignment. 

Doctor appointments: Not again until July 17th. I'll have a regular OB appointment and an ultrasound with the perinatologist. During our 20w ultrasound the tech found a placental lake so they just want to followup. A placental lake is a pocket of maternal blood on the surface or deeper within the placenta. Nothing to be concerned about and is actually very common. We'll monitor it and everything will be fine. My OB wasn't concerned at all. 

Weight gain: To date, I've gained a total of 10 pounds.

Sleep: I'm doing ok. I have my nights where it takes me FOR-EV-ER to fall alseep. Or, I'll wake up in the middle of the night to pee and then have a hard time getting back to sleep. But for the most part, sleep is still good. 

Cravings: Not really anything specifically. If I see an advertisement or commercial of a yummy dish I have to have it and won't be satisfied until I do. 

Mood: For the most part, good. I think. Although my patience runs thin quick. So don't piss me off.

Exciting moment: I've been asked to be a guest blogger for two different surrogacy related sites. I'm excited to help spread the word about surrogacy and share my incredible journey with others. 

Well, that's about it for now. Until next time...

Gender Reveal!!!

A and M were in town for our big 20 week ultrasound this past Tuesday. The u/s went great and everything looks wonderful - Peanut is growing nicely and right on target. We asked the tech to please write down the gender in an envelope and we were going to open it together privately after the appointment. Little did A and M know that I had a surprise up my sleeve for the big reveal. 

A friend of mine works in the same building as my OB, so her entire office was in on the big reveal. I had purchased two pairs of baby shoes - one pink and one blue. I wrapped these and handed them over to my friend before our u/s appointment. She was going to be the one to open up the envelope and give us the coordinating "package". We had an entire audience of office staff cheering us on, taking pictures, and recording the reveal. The entire room was filled with love, laughter, and tears. 

A and M are thrilled to announce that........

This is the collage that I created and posted for our family and friends on Facebook. 

20 weeks and 6 days pregnant with baby BOY!! Picture taken day after the big reveal. 

The heart of a surrogate

People ask me all the time, "How do you do it?"

I simply reply, "Why not do this?"

I have a lovely uterus. I have a proven track record of healthy pregnancies and births. I love being pregnant. I love helping people and making a difference in their lives. I have family and friends who support me 110%. So, WHY NOT do this? And better yet; WHY NOT help a couple who otherwise aren't able to have biological children on their own? The answer is so simple. I am a proud gestational surrogate because I CAN.

I look forward to the day that A & M meet their precious baby that I have carried and nurtured for nine short months.

I look forward to seeing the expression on A & M's face when they see and hold Peanut for the first time.

I look forward to witnessing a family created; a family that I helped to create.

I look forward to all the tears of joy and happiness that will fill the delivery room and I will be so proud of my accomplishment.

I look forward to the moment when A & M are able to take Peanut home and start their lives together.

I look forward to staying in touch and being a part of their lives as "Auntie Annie"; watching Peanut grow; attending birthday parties; and so much more.

I look forward to meeting the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

I look forward to doing this all over again.

Why?

WHY NOT?

Surprise bump pic!! 18w6d

One of my most favorite parts of being pregnant - the bump!! I love how it grows. I love how I carry it. I love it to pieces. I was just telling Eric (my hot hubby) last night that I wish I could always be pregnant. This way, I will always have an excuse for a big, cute belly.

18 weeks and 6 days with my first surro babe 

13 more days until we find out if Peanut is a HE or a SHE!! Feel free to leave your guesses in the comment section.

I'm guessing Peanut is a SHE...but I'm known to be wrong, so it's probably a HE.

I asked...and she said "Yes!"

I'm on track for a successful VBAC!

The hospital that I have chosen has one of the lowest c-section rates in Orange County.

My OB has cleared me.

My IPs support me.

And now I have the PERFECT Doula!!

I can't even tell you how excited I am about this. Everything is coming together so perfectly. This Doula was the first that I have met. I found her online - she was the first link that I clicked on. Come to find out, she recently opened up a local wellness center (just up the street from me!) along with her dear friend and colleague, who also happens to be a (former) surrogate. She has been asking the universe for the past six months to please, please, please send her a surrogate birth. And there I was last week, meeting with her in her new facility - She was thrilled! We instantly clicked. She was so easy to talk to and answered all of my questions and also gave me a bunch of helpful pointers. She is exactly what I had envisioned my Doula to be like. I told her I had to go home and talk with my husband about the costs, ect, and that I would be in touch. Within hours of our meeting and me not being able to get her off my mind, I emailed and ask her if she'd, "Please, please, please be my Doula!" and she said, "I am super excited and would LOVE to be your Doula!" Yaaaay!!

At this new wellness center, Blossom, they offer lots of great classes that I plan to take advantage of. I have been telling myself to look into prenatal yoga classes and now I don't have to look any further. They also offer Hypnobaby classes that I plan to take in the coming months. The best part is that my Doula is the one who teaches the class!! So, we'll get to spend many Saturday afternoons together preparing for the perfect birth.

I couldn't be more well equipped for this VBAC!

10 more days until the half-way mark of this pregnancy. Whoa! Can we please slow down a bit! Geesh.