Baby Boy
20 weeks 2 days
12 oz.
heartbeat 135
A Bright Star
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Week 20 Update
The IPs flew to the United States this week from France. They were able to meet with our surrogacy agency to discuss legal matters once the child arrives.
Then, they drove to Iowa and had a barbeque dinner with me and my family. We really enjoyed their visit! When they arrived, they had gifts for everyone and brought some items for the baby. One of the IP's mothers sent gifts for the girls and for me. The necklace she sent is beautiful that has a very faint jingle to it. She bought one for herself to wear after her first grandchild arrives in hopes that the baby will recognize the sound and find comfort. It is a very beautiful necklace and I'll be wearing it often.
My DH was extremely happy with his gift from the IPs! They brought him a variety of beer from Germany. He immediately put one in the freezer to chill so he could drink it after dinner while they were still visiting. I know he's looking forward to drinking the others.
The IPs brought a baby bassinet/car seat, clothing, booties, towels and baby bunting for their child. Since it will be born during the Iowa winter, they will need the bunting. There was one concern with the bassinet because of United States laws with car seats. Infant car seats in the U.S. must be rear-facing, and their bassinet/car seat only lays down. They will be looking into this further to ensure they have the proper seat for safe travel while driving in Iowa and when on their return flight to Iowa.
Friday, August 26, 2011
We met the IPs at our local hospital for the BIG ultrasound. Everyone was allowed in the room which was wonderful. It was absolutely amazing to watch my IPs see their first child for the first time. The technician was very helpful and answered all of their questions. Of course they were concerned with the baby's health. She reassured them that everything looked right on target - the baby was measuring 20wk2day (perfect!).
At one point she tried looking for the gender but wasn't sure, so she moved on and did some other measurements. The baby was moving around so much which made it difficult to get an accurate picture until...there it was - left leg, right leg, and in between "boy parts"! I know one of my IPs was extremely happy, for a boy, but again mostly to know their little one was healthy!
After ultrasound, we walked to the women's center for a birthing tour. Our tour guide, Shari, was amazing. She was welcoming of surrogacy and very helpful with the paternity process. She led us to a delivery room where she patiently listened and answered every question my IPs had about the hospital, delivery and baby. Next, we went to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Of course this is not where any parent wants to be, but with first time parents it was important for my IPs to know that their baby was going to be in the best hands if it needed extra care and love.
Shari encouraged the IPs to take some classes when they return in January. She suggested the class "Baby Care Basics". My DH and I both took this class and feel it would be wonderful if they can utilize the resources at the hospital to give them more "newborn" confidence.
As soon as we were finished with the tour, one of the IPs called his mother! She was so excited to hear the news (although he woke her up) about her grandchild. She cannot wait to meet the little guy.
We left the hospital to go for lunch. After ordering we gave the IPs a gift - it was a super soft blankie, a set of toys for the car seat/stroller, and some blue clothes! It was so fun picking something out for their baby. They took pictures of the items to email to family. Too cute! We chatted about politics, the recession, and of course the baby. My DH and I reassured them both that we will be here for them when the baby arrives. We understand how nervous one can be with a newborn, but we want them to know we will help whenever they need.
The meeting of my doctor - the pregnancy and baby doctor was next! Once checked in at the office, I asked for the name of the baby - but I am not going to share here until January.
The nurse called me in. We went through the normal routine - urine check, weight and blood pressure. Everything is looking good but I gained 7 pounds in the 30 days! I think I'm up to 16 or 17 pounds - need to slow down.
The doctor came in the room and I introduced him to everyone. They asked if they could record what he would be doing, and of course he said, "Yes." He is the nicest doctor I've ever had - another reason why we need him to be my delivery doctor!
He talked briefly about the ultrasound and said everything looked good. The IPs had some questions in relation to the due date, induction, and chances of the baby arriving early. He said that is mostly depended on me, but the egg donor and IF could play a part too.
Next, he measured my uterus. At 20 weeks it should be about 20 cm but it was 22 cm - he said that was fine, nothing to worry about with it being a little bigger. Next, he checked for the heartbeat. I really don't feel the baby likes it when he does this - it's difficult to find and then once the doctor has it, the little boy moves around and it's gone - so it takes a little bit for him to get an accurate reading.
Saying Goodbye...
We left the IPs in a part of our town called "Czech Village". They were going to look around, return to their hotel, and head back to Chicago. We took some pictures and said our goodbyes.
It was a very emotional trip for everyone. I cannot wait to see them hold their little boy!
Much love to my IPs and their families who are anxiously waiting for him.
Then, they drove to Iowa and had a barbeque dinner with me and my family. We really enjoyed their visit! When they arrived, they had gifts for everyone and brought some items for the baby. One of the IP's mothers sent gifts for the girls and for me. The necklace she sent is beautiful that has a very faint jingle to it. She bought one for herself to wear after her first grandchild arrives in hopes that the baby will recognize the sound and find comfort. It is a very beautiful necklace and I'll be wearing it often.
My DH was extremely happy with his gift from the IPs! They brought him a variety of beer from Germany. He immediately put one in the freezer to chill so he could drink it after dinner while they were still visiting. I know he's looking forward to drinking the others.
The IPs brought a baby bassinet/car seat, clothing, booties, towels and baby bunting for their child. Since it will be born during the Iowa winter, they will need the bunting. There was one concern with the bassinet because of United States laws with car seats. Infant car seats in the U.S. must be rear-facing, and their bassinet/car seat only lays down. They will be looking into this further to ensure they have the proper seat for safe travel while driving in Iowa and when on their return flight to Iowa.
Friday, August 26, 2011
We met the IPs at our local hospital for the BIG ultrasound. Everyone was allowed in the room which was wonderful. It was absolutely amazing to watch my IPs see their first child for the first time. The technician was very helpful and answered all of their questions. Of course they were concerned with the baby's health. She reassured them that everything looked right on target - the baby was measuring 20wk2day (perfect!).
At one point she tried looking for the gender but wasn't sure, so she moved on and did some other measurements. The baby was moving around so much which made it difficult to get an accurate picture until...there it was - left leg, right leg, and in between "boy parts"! I know one of my IPs was extremely happy, for a boy, but again mostly to know their little one was healthy!
After ultrasound, we walked to the women's center for a birthing tour. Our tour guide, Shari, was amazing. She was welcoming of surrogacy and very helpful with the paternity process. She led us to a delivery room where she patiently listened and answered every question my IPs had about the hospital, delivery and baby. Next, we went to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Of course this is not where any parent wants to be, but with first time parents it was important for my IPs to know that their baby was going to be in the best hands if it needed extra care and love.
Shari encouraged the IPs to take some classes when they return in January. She suggested the class "Baby Care Basics". My DH and I both took this class and feel it would be wonderful if they can utilize the resources at the hospital to give them more "newborn" confidence.
As soon as we were finished with the tour, one of the IPs called his mother! She was so excited to hear the news (although he woke her up) about her grandchild. She cannot wait to meet the little guy.
We left the hospital to go for lunch. After ordering we gave the IPs a gift - it was a super soft blankie, a set of toys for the car seat/stroller, and some blue clothes! It was so fun picking something out for their baby. They took pictures of the items to email to family. Too cute! We chatted about politics, the recession, and of course the baby. My DH and I reassured them both that we will be here for them when the baby arrives. We understand how nervous one can be with a newborn, but we want them to know we will help whenever they need.
The meeting of my doctor - the pregnancy and baby doctor was next! Once checked in at the office, I asked for the name of the baby - but I am not going to share here until January.
The nurse called me in. We went through the normal routine - urine check, weight and blood pressure. Everything is looking good but I gained 7 pounds in the 30 days! I think I'm up to 16 or 17 pounds - need to slow down.
The doctor came in the room and I introduced him to everyone. They asked if they could record what he would be doing, and of course he said, "Yes." He is the nicest doctor I've ever had - another reason why we need him to be my delivery doctor!
He talked briefly about the ultrasound and said everything looked good. The IPs had some questions in relation to the due date, induction, and chances of the baby arriving early. He said that is mostly depended on me, but the egg donor and IF could play a part too.
Next, he measured my uterus. At 20 weeks it should be about 20 cm but it was 22 cm - he said that was fine, nothing to worry about with it being a little bigger. Next, he checked for the heartbeat. I really don't feel the baby likes it when he does this - it's difficult to find and then once the doctor has it, the little boy moves around and it's gone - so it takes a little bit for him to get an accurate reading.
Saying Goodbye...
We left the IPs in a part of our town called "Czech Village". They were going to look around, return to their hotel, and head back to Chicago. We took some pictures and said our goodbyes.
It was a very emotional trip for everyone. I cannot wait to see them hold their little boy!
Much love to my IPs and their families who are anxiously waiting for him.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Waking the Baby
Now that the little one has been moving around a lot, my youngest daughter thinks it is fun to help! She has a small pink pig flashlight that she shines on my bulging belly and about thirty seconds later, little one is on the move! I never tried a flashlight with my own pregnancies, but read recently online that if you shine a light, it'll make them move.
Not only does light wake the baby but so does a variety of foods. In a previous post I mentioned the Mexican food, that has ceased -now anything with a sweetness in it. Not that I eat a lot of sugar, but I do have my ice cream (almost daily). Little one also likes tootsie rolls - which is chocolate, but not really. It'll be interesting to see if there is anything else that gets my surro-baby rolling around!
Last week, instead of me waking the baby the baby woke me up! He/she is getting so strong, strong enough to wake me from sleep. Who needs an alarm clock when you have an onion growing inside of you! I keep looking at onions at the market, but they see so small - and I realize measurments online leave out the length of their legs. Which means that my almost 8 week surro-baby is really about 8 inches long already, no wonder why I can feel it so much! Go ahead, measure out 8 inches, pretty BIG huh?
A few weeks and we'll have the 20-week check up (half-way!!!) and the BIG ultrasound with my IPs. They want to find out the sex of their baby - YAY! Then I can start saying I am carrying a, "petit garcon" or "petite fille" (little boy or little girl).
Cannot wait to see my IPs again!!!
Not only does light wake the baby but so does a variety of foods. In a previous post I mentioned the Mexican food, that has ceased -now anything with a sweetness in it. Not that I eat a lot of sugar, but I do have my ice cream (almost daily). Little one also likes tootsie rolls - which is chocolate, but not really. It'll be interesting to see if there is anything else that gets my surro-baby rolling around!
Last week, instead of me waking the baby the baby woke me up! He/she is getting so strong, strong enough to wake me from sleep. Who needs an alarm clock when you have an onion growing inside of you! I keep looking at onions at the market, but they see so small - and I realize measurments online leave out the length of their legs. Which means that my almost 8 week surro-baby is really about 8 inches long already, no wonder why I can feel it so much! Go ahead, measure out 8 inches, pretty BIG huh?
A few weeks and we'll have the 20-week check up (half-way!!!) and the BIG ultrasound with my IPs. They want to find out the sex of their baby - YAY! Then I can start saying I am carrying a, "petit garcon" or "petite fille" (little boy or little girl).
Cannot wait to see my IPs again!!!
Heartbeat
Little one's heartbeat - 140 bpm
You can really hear it around 11 seconds.
Sorry - the picture isn't lovely but the beating of the heart is a miracle!
You can really hear it around 11 seconds.
Sorry - the picture isn't lovely but the beating of the heart is a miracle!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
An Avocado today
Well...just returned from my 16 week doctor appointment and found out that I gained 5 pounds this last 4 weeks! Yikes! That's a total of 8 - I am still wearing my "normal" clothes and haven't gotten into any maternity wear yet, but I have a feeling that door will need to be opened soon.
Over the next few weeks, the little one is going to double in size! That's right - go from only 4-5 inches long to 10 inches! I know by then, my current clothing will not fit the same.
The little avocado's heartbeat was at 140 today :) I was able to record it too. I emailed the IPs and cannot wait to hear from them. I am not going to upload it until I know they've heard their baby's heartbeat for the FIRST time...I can only imagine their joy.
Since this is an international surrogacy, legal things are just a bit different. I need to find my birth certificate for them along with getting a "statement of pregnancy" from my doctor. I'm not really sure what that is, so I'll be contacting TSC to see if they have a form to use for this. I hope so, because my doctor wasn't sure either.
The next four weeks will go by fast I am sure. I'll return to teaching full time in three weeks, then school begins and I'll have 5 new sections of sophomores and juniors. Finally, the IPs will fly here from France for the BIG ultrasound, hospital tour, and doctor appointment. I'm still not sure if they plan to find out the sex of their child - I hope so!
Cannot wait to see them again!
Over the next few weeks, the little one is going to double in size! That's right - go from only 4-5 inches long to 10 inches! I know by then, my current clothing will not fit the same.
The little avocado's heartbeat was at 140 today :) I was able to record it too. I emailed the IPs and cannot wait to hear from them. I am not going to upload it until I know they've heard their baby's heartbeat for the FIRST time...I can only imagine their joy.
Since this is an international surrogacy, legal things are just a bit different. I need to find my birth certificate for them along with getting a "statement of pregnancy" from my doctor. I'm not really sure what that is, so I'll be contacting TSC to see if they have a form to use for this. I hope so, because my doctor wasn't sure either.
The next four weeks will go by fast I am sure. I'll return to teaching full time in three weeks, then school begins and I'll have 5 new sections of sophomores and juniors. Finally, the IPs will fly here from France for the BIG ultrasound, hospital tour, and doctor appointment. I'm still not sure if they plan to find out the sex of their child - I hope so!
Cannot wait to see them again!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
15 weeks 6 days
A quick update:
Baby Orange loves Mexican - I think I could eat it everyday! I believe I had some 4 days in a row, and now it is time for more :)
I haven't been sleeping much. :( The ever growing belly is beginning to get in the way of being comfortable. I will probably start looking for one of those "mommy" pillows. Also, if I am laying on my side and roll to my back I instantly have to use the bathroom! What's that mean? I'm in my second trimester and I shouldn't have to use the bathroom as much but this little one must love the bouncing on my bladder!
Tomorrow - baby appointment. I hope I can record the heartbeat this time. I know my IPs would be ecstatic to hear it!
Baby will be an avocado tomorrow - that's BIG!!!
Baby Orange loves Mexican - I think I could eat it everyday! I believe I had some 4 days in a row, and now it is time for more :)
I haven't been sleeping much. :( The ever growing belly is beginning to get in the way of being comfortable. I will probably start looking for one of those "mommy" pillows. Also, if I am laying on my side and roll to my back I instantly have to use the bathroom! What's that mean? I'm in my second trimester and I shouldn't have to use the bathroom as much but this little one must love the bouncing on my bladder!
Tomorrow - baby appointment. I hope I can record the heartbeat this time. I know my IPs would be ecstatic to hear it!
Baby will be an avocado tomorrow - that's BIG!!!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Announcing Via Facebook
Since most of my family, friends, and co-workers don't see me daily in the summer I thought it was time to announce the gestational surrogacy to all. At first I was a little worried and debated about announcing at all. Some people have their opinions and I really didn't want to hear any of them! This journey with my IPs has been amazing, therefore anyone else raining on my parade was unwelcome.
Much to my surprise! Everyone that has commented or sent me a message is ecstatic for me and the IPs. It amazes me how the ones closest to you, can accept you for all of your decisions without judgement. It's a great feeling to know I have the support of many.
I've really been feeling well. Still hungry as ever, but that gives me an excuse to have an extra cookie! No, not really, but it does encourage me to eat more fruits and veggies. Also, I've really tried to integrate more dairy - but if you know me at all, drinking a glass of milk is the last thing I want to do. Instead I've found a great yogurt -cherry crisp! It's delicious.
Only five weeks from now, and I'll be back to work full-time. The summer has gone by too fast already. Any ideas on how or what to tell my high school students?
Next doctor appointment: July 27 - hoping to capture the heartbeat on a recording for the IPs!
~Much love,
The Rolling Stork
Much to my surprise! Everyone that has commented or sent me a message is ecstatic for me and the IPs. It amazes me how the ones closest to you, can accept you for all of your decisions without judgement. It's a great feeling to know I have the support of many.
I've really been feeling well. Still hungry as ever, but that gives me an excuse to have an extra cookie! No, not really, but it does encourage me to eat more fruits and veggies. Also, I've really tried to integrate more dairy - but if you know me at all, drinking a glass of milk is the last thing I want to do. Instead I've found a great yogurt -cherry crisp! It's delicious.
Only five weeks from now, and I'll be back to work full-time. The summer has gone by too fast already. Any ideas on how or what to tell my high school students?
Next doctor appointment: July 27 - hoping to capture the heartbeat on a recording for the IPs!
~Much love,
The Rolling Stork
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