Keep the sweets coming!

I passed the 1hr glucose test -- yippee!! I celebrated appropriately with some chocolate covered raisins. Yummmmm!


I had 5 minutes to gulp down this drink for the glucose test.
It wasn't bad--tasted like flat, orange soda.



Things are just peachy here. Same 'ol stuff and nothing new and exciting to report. Well, me passing the glucose test is exciting, but only to me because that means I can still eat what I....I mean Peanut wants. ;)

Oh! And I did have an OB appointment last Wednesday and I only gained ONE POUND since my last visit. Woohoo! My goal for this pregnancy is 25 pounds. So far, I'm at 15. I think I'm on the right track for success.

Most days you can find me sitting on the couch, relaxing, and with the fan pointed directly on me.
Peanut is 28 weeks exactly here..

Here in So. Cal., we're experiencing a massive heat wave complete with high humidity. It's not fun dealing with this heat when you are 7 months pregnant. And let me tell you...it's also not fun sweating in places that you shouldn't be sweating--so not lady like! A friend joked on Facebook that the heat radiating from her arm pits is going to cause a global warming. I commented that I think I've taken the cake....with the heat that's radiating from my crotch! See...told you it's not lady like!

Peanut is 28 weeks and 1 day here. He LOVES the beach.

He lets me know by all of his kicks and squirms.

My son, Aiden, has been super helpful (most times!) around the house.
I am thankful for these times...

Thanks to the 3rd trimester, I am now able to hire an actual housekeeper! She started last weekend and will come weekly to help me with things around the house. It's nice not having to worry about cleaning the bathrooms, mopping the floors, dusting, vacuuming the stairs, ect. This allows for more time spent...relaxing on the couch in front of the fan! It's hard work growing a baby, don't ya know. ;) All kidding aside though, the housekeeping allowance is a true blessing, and I am so thankful.

I didn't plan too well on how I spent the maternity clothing allowance a few months ago. I didn't buy hardly anything for the summer / heat waves so, today I waddled myself on into Target to stock up on a few essentials to get me through this dreadful time of the year. They didn't have much of a selection, but I did make out with two pairs of yoga pants and a cute tank top. I always go into Target for something and come out with something not on my "list". Ugh! Thankfully, a surro-sister of mine is shipping some of her maternity clothes to me this week. Fingers crossed there are some tanks, shorts, skirts and/or dresses in there or I'm in trouble.

Admiring my growing bump in Target. I like the double mirror shot.
These were the clothes that I wore into Target...not what I purchased.
Don't laugh...I had yoga class that morning!
Peanut is 28 weeks and 4 days here...

Hello 3rd trimester!!

We have officially hit the 27 week mark (yesterday/Thursday) and are already in the 3rd trimester. This is flying by!

I really suck at blogging lately, huh. Shame on me. Well get ready, cause this post is loaded with a bunch of fun and exciting stuff......including lots of great pictures of what I've been up to lately!



Johanna and Me at the farm!



These last few weeks have been super busy for our family--which is probably why I haven't had time (or eneregy!) to blog. We've been out of town every weekend trying to cram in last minute mini vacays while I'm still able to travel comfortably. The first weekend of July my husband and I stayed the night in Palm Springs. It was a nice mini get-away complete with pool time, a little gambling, and an awesome buffet before we hit the road home. The following weekend I packed up the kids and we headed North to Fresno. We stayed with my dear friend, Johanna, for two nights. Johanna is a 1x surrogate in the process of starting journey #2 for a new family - So exciting! We had a great time hanging with her family, picking fruit from a local farm, swimming, catching frogs (something I haven't done in ages!).....so fun!



The kids and  me at J & K Farkley Farms in Fresno. It was a HOT day, as you can see from our sun burns and sweat, but we had a great time picking peaches - And oh man, were they delicious! I'm 24 weeks and 3 days pregnant with Peanut here.

 

 Last, but certainly not least, my husband and I hopped on a plane to San Francisco and visited with my IPs for a few days. They showed us around town and treated us to some amazingly good eats. We also attended their baby shower and for that I was so grateful. Meeting all of their friends and a few family members was very special to me. The memories made on this trip will forever be engraved in my heart. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such amazing IPs. Peanut is one lucky little boy and is coming into a family filled with so much love.

The Daddies and me with a view of the city behind us.

"The Team" - Daddies A & M, Me and Hubby

25 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Peanut's first picture in his room!

How am I feeling? I'm feeling good for the most part. My energy levels are droping once again, but that is to be expected at this point in the pregnancy. My bump continues to grow nicely and Mr. Peanut has no problems keeping me aware of his presence. On occasions, when getting up from a seated position, it feels likes my insides are going to fall out of my vagina. TMI? Sorry...just keeping it real. I had this same feeling with my second born and apparently it's "normal".

Doctor appointments: My last OB appointment was a breeze - in and out and all is well. The only thing she pointed out was my 11 pound weight gain in 8 weeks. Whatever. I'm growing a baby here!! I also had an ultrasound with the Perinatologist to check on the placental lakes that were discovered at the 20w u/s. The Peri didn't understand why I was sent there and said everything looks fine and there is no need to follow up from here. Awesome!

Weight gain: I'm up to 15 pounds. My guess is I'll even out for a while and then pack on 10 more pounds  in the last two months giving me a total of (fingers crossed) 25 pounds. With my last two pregnancies I gained 40 and 30 pounds, so I think I'm doing pretty darn good right now.

Sleep: Still doing OK in this department. I don't wake nearly as frequently to pee at night as I did with my own kids. I think Peanut is just giving me a break, haha! There are MANY nights though that I will hop into bed only for Peanut to awake and think it's play time. Silly boy. I just lay there and take it all in because these moments are just too precious.

Cravings: Unfortunately, No. I guess this will help with the weight gain that my doctor had to so nicely point out.

Mood: My patience/tolerance level is running super low these days. I have to keep reminding myself of the changes that my body is constantly going through and take lots of deep breathes. Having my husband here to support and encourage me definately takes some weight off my sholders. (Most times) my husband can see when I'm having a hard time with the kids and will step in so that I can have a small break. For that I am grateful.

Exciting moment: I have two exciting moments!! See..I told you this blog post would be a good one!
1)  During our last evening out with A and M and they spoiled us rotten with an amazing dinner at a very special restaurant of theirs. After we filled our bellies with mouth watering food, I leaned back in my chair to give myself some extra breathing room. Peanut must have enjoyed dinner as much as I did because he started kicking and squirming all around. I quickly shouted, "He's moving...he's kicking!" and within seconds two anxious hands came flying across the table and landed ever so gently on my belly. A and M have FINALLY got to feel their Peanut move. I will NEVER forget that moment.

2)  The name of this baby was going to be kept private until the day of the birth. Even I wasn't going to find out the name until D-day. I was OK with this and respected A & M's wishes. BUT....when we were visiting the Daddies a few weeks ago we got a very special surprise!! As we were walking around town we decided to stop in this really cute children's boutique to have a look around. There on the wall were these adorable little letters, you know, the ones where you can spell out baby's name and hang them on the nursery wall. Well...to my VERY BIG surprise, A & M had a big reveal! M started grabbing letters and laying them out on the counter. As he did this, Eric and I started shouting out names of what we thought he was spelling. AhhhhEeeee!!!! Peanut has a name! And a beautiful name at that. Such a sweet moment to share with the Daddies!

What? You didn't think I would spill the beans did you? (Sorry Susu, my lips are sealed!) But I will give you one hint...even with the name right smack in front of us, we were still guessing alternate names and adding more letters...alright that's it! I've said enough. You'll just have to wait 13'ish more weeks to find out! ;)

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.

Got PRIDE? These Surro's do!

Last weekend a few close surro-sisters came into town for the Long Beach Pride Festival. Fun times!!! Our weekend was filled with lots of food, laughter, and small talk. I love having the opportunity to spend time with these girls that I have come to know so well and have grown so close with.

Dinner with the girls at La Creperie

Our shirts this year said "Filled with PRIDE".
Very fitting, considering our uterus' are/were literally "filled" with pride as we carry a baby for gay men.
Stacie's husband created the design and I absolutely LOVE it.
If you're interested in purchasing one of these rad shirts, you can do so here:
http://www.cafepress.com/filledwithpride

Exactly!!

Rock on, dude!!!

It shouldn't have to be earned... :(

OK, who's IPs are pictured on the poster? ;) And how cute is Grandma!
Love this!!

I've known this man since the 3rd grade.
When he came out in high school, I told him I would carry his baby.
Not knowing what Surrogacy was at the time, just that I wanted him to have the opportunity
to be a parent and have a child of his own if he chose to. My offer still stands.  

 

And last, but certainly not least, my dearest surro sister AMY was in town for her
medical clearance for round #2 (coming this Fall) so she was able to stay the weekend
and celebrate with us at PRIDE!!
She birthed 8lb boy/girl TWINS last November into the arms of their loving and ever so handsome Daddies.
In case you missed it, that was 8lbs EACH!! Whoa baby!!
God love my Minnesota Sister.

15 weeks and feeling great!!

Man-o-man...it's been a while. I'm so sorry. Things here have been so easy going (for the most part) and there's not much to post about. I guess that is a good thing and hopefully a sign of a nice, uneventful pregnancy from here on out!

We are 15 weeks along now. Little Peanut is doing AMAZING! He/She has passed the first trimester screening with flying colors. Such a smart baby already! ;)

I *think* i have been feeling Peanut move now and since about 13 weeks. It's not every day that I feel Peanut move, but when I do, I know it's him/her saying, "Hello! I'm here! Thank you for keeping me safe until I can be in my Daddies arms."

This is the best part of pregnancy, in my opinion. I love watching my bump grow. I love feeling baby move. I love the second trimester when I start to get all of my energy back and the nausea says, "so long!" I love the pregnancy "glow" that comes along with feeling fantastic in the 2nd tri. I love everything about being pregnant. And the most special part about this pregnancy is that I am helping to create a family. THAT is an amazing feeling, and one that I am so damn proud of.

We have an exciting month coming up next month (June). We'll have our 20w ultrasound and hopefully we'll be able to find out Peanut's gender (if she cooperates!). I keep wanting to call her a girl, so we'll see! Daddies will be in town for the big u/s and we're hoping to set up a private tour of the hospital. I can't wait to show A & M how wonderful this hospital is.

I will leave you with a few pictures of my bump progression (sorry for the blurry writing...I don't know how to fix it). It's crazy to see how much has changed already. If you look at 8 weeks, you can see how bloated I am. I am blaming it on all of the hormones and medications that I was on. Week 9 I look much smaller from the week before, and from there on, the bump slowly starts to POP! Did I mention that this is one of my favorite parts of being pregnant?

Hip Hip Hurray!!

I've graduated!!!

..from meds that is. 

After 14 long weeks of daily injections and pills, I am now officially off all medications (except prenatals of course).

My bum could not be happier. It was getting pretty tough there for a while with the daily injections.

I am now released to see my OB for the remainder of this pregnancy. We have the first trimester screening next week and my IFs will be flying into town for that. I can't wait to squeeze them!

Today marks 11w2d pregnant. I had a final u/s with the Fertility Doc this morning and was able to see Peanut squirming all around. Such an amazing sight! I'm looking forward to the coming weeks and when I can start to feel all the movements.

Not the best picture, but here is today's u/s...

11w2d pregnant
Peanut measures 11w4d and is about 2 inches in length
heart rate is 166bmp
(I'm kind'a guessing it's going to be a girl)