Baby Jacob is a week old tomorrow!!!

Today is October 12th, 2011 and Baby Jacob will be Officially 1 week old tomorrow! Everyday is a gift from God. I am going to see him today in the N.I.C.U and hopefully take a few pics if the nurses allow. I have made the decision to pump for baby Jacob. I initially was NOT going to pump had he been born full term but when he came out I knew I had to pump for him as I had seen time and time again while working in the N.I.C.U and how much it helps the developing baby in more ways than one. Once It was ok with my IP's that I pump I started immediately. I am glad that each day he is getting stronger and stronger. He has had a couple little set backs but overall baby Jacob is doing great. I feel so much closer to my IP's, it's amazing how a child can bring two couples so close even though we were already close before the birth this is just one more thing for us to have as a treasured memory. I started a collage of pics of baby Jacob today from 6 weeks to present and I will continue until my due date Jan 15, 2011. This is more than I ever dreamed I would be doing or capable of. God knew the strength I had in me before I knew I had it. My IP's have been blessed with a gift from God and I am grateful that I was able to be apart of this process. Here are a few of Baby Jacob's 1 week pics.

An Early but Unexpected Arrival

So on Thursday October 6, 2011 @ 3:53pm Baby Jacob was born early @ 25 weeks and 5 days. It was a regular Thursday for my family. I had a visit to my Ob's office to pick up my glucose drink for my GTT test and i had spoken to my IP's right after my visit to update them. We (me & hubby) picked up our kids early from school and headed out to LA to drop him off at work and visit with my mother in law for awhile before heading to choir rehearsal. Well, as I was getting into the car to pick up the kids I started having cramping in my lower abdomen but it would go and come so I didn't really worry about it. but once we picked up the kids and got on the freeway the cramping got stronger and I had a really bad urge to urinate so I had hubby pull off the freeway twice to relieve myself and once I did the pain decreased so I left it alone. I dropped hubby off @ work around 2pm, but as I got out of the car on the passenger side to go to the Driver's side I had an extremely hard time walking and the pain was almost unbearable. My hubby started to become concerned but I assured him I would be OK and that I would go to a nearby hospital to get checked so he would be at ease as well as myself, since I had now started to worry as well. I barely drove myself to my mother in laws house when the pain became unbearable. she took my kids and I proceeded to drive myself to the nearest hospital. When I got to the hospital I parked and the security Guard saw how much pain I was in and got me a wheel chair. Once I got to the triage area to be assessed I was assisted by the nurse and ONLY undressed from the waist down. The Nurse proceeded to check if my water had broke and on examination found out I was already 10 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced, my bag of waters was bulging. She told me and I screamed "WHAT, THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING........IT'S TOOOOO EARLY". I immediately called my husband back and explained to him that they were taking me to deliver the baby but that they would try and do all they could to prolong it for as long as they could. I then called my case manager to inform her so she could inform the IP's. In the meantime I am in VERY active labor, im scared cause im at a hospital I didn't plan to deliver at alone my husband is now on his way, but I am delivering a premature baby @ only 25 weeks and 5 days. I IMMEDIATELY started praying that GOD's hands be on and with this baby and me as well and that everyone would be ok. For a few moments I felt a calm rush over me and I knew that everything would be ok! They gave me a few shots to try and strengthen the babies lungs and keep him inside but it wasn't working, so the Dr. came in and informed me that I would have to deliver the baby. I only pushed twice and the second time baby came out still in the bag of waters. they asked if I wanted to know the sex so I said yes and It was a "BOY". Right after I delivered the baby my hubby walked in and I cried first because i had delivered there baby early and was not sure why, 2nd they missed out on the birth of their new son, and 3rd because I did it all ALONE. SO I just cried for awhile trying to absorb all that had just happened. A few minutes later my Case manager had arrived as well. I was ok until they brought me my dinner and I went to lay on my side and I realized I didn't feel baby kicking I immediately broke down. About 35-45 minutes later my IP's sent over the name of their new son Baby Jacob. I just continued to pray and wait until I was allowed to see baby Jacob for the 1st time. He was so little and I had so many questions for the doctors. I asked the NICU nurse if I could take a few pics to send to the IP's and she agreed so I took a few and sent them to the IP's. SO my case manager left and it was just me and hubby for the rest of our stay until discharge. I took a few pics of baby jacob on his 2nd day in the NICU see below.

My 6 month OB appt

Today was my 6 month check-up. Everything went great all my vitals and urinalysis were normal. I am still measuring 1 week ahead of schedule but the doctor says she is not concerned. Baby Perin is moving constantly and it's starting to get a little hard to sleep but I am still enjoying the pregnancy so far. Fatigue has not set in yet so it's great right now. Baby's heart rate was 156 today. I am getting ready to go on my cruise to the Caribbean next month and I am really looking forward to spending my Babymoon with my hubby all by ourselves!!! Looking forward to the return of my IP's in January for the birth of their child. This year is really going by quickly so I feel like I will see them sooner rather than later. until later loves...............

Pics with my IP's during their visit 8/27-8/31!!!

Left to Right (my Son Jonathan 10, Daniel and my daughter Jasmine 5)

( my son Jordan and me)

Daniel and Jasmine playing on the computer

Jasmine and Jordan at Denny's

Me, Hubby and Jordan and Denny's

The Murray's and The Perin's enjoying Dinner together!!

Left to right ( Carol, Me and Breann)

Carol, Me, Stella and Breann

Left to right (Carol, Michael and Daniel,Me, Stella and Breann)

The End of our visit, 8/31/11!!!

Well it has been a great 4 days, my IP's and I have learned so much more about each other, we had a blast getting to see the baby on the u/s and @ the Dr.'s appt and the many chats and gatherings we had. I truly enjoyed our time together and am looking forward to there return in January for the birth of their child. Everything is normal and within normal limits with baby Perin, baby is growing right on schedule. At the dr's appt Baby Perin was measuring a week ahead but the dr said that was ok other than that very uneventful pregnancy. I was happy that M & S got to feel the baby kick and took home some awesome u/s 3D pics of their baby and lil daniel got to help hear the baby's heartbeat. My family enjoyed the visit as well; the children got along excellent and were a little sad when my IP's had to leave as well. very happy with the turn-out of this visit so until later loves............

My IP's are here to visit and see the baby!!!!

So my IP's arrived on Saturday 8/27/11 and my family and I have truly enjoyed our time together. We spoke briefly yesterday due to traveling restraints but we met up today after I came from church and chatted for about an hour then had dinner later on in the evening ( I am officially at the halfway point in this pregnancy-20 weeks today). I have truly enjoyed my time with them and their son is just adorable, he's a lot taller than I saw on Skype but still cute and very mannerable. Looking forward to our breakfast tomorrow with my hubby and them and my Dr.'s appt and 20 week u/s on Tues. this has been a really fun weekend and I plan for it to stay that way for the rest of their visit. I am truly enjoying them while they are here. they also got to feel the baby kick and see how big I have gotten since the last time they were out here. going to bed on a high note. all smiles. until later loves..................

Almost to the halfway mark

Hello All,
I know it's been awhile but I've had a very busy summer. I have gotten over all morning sickness and have been having a blast enjoying this pregnancy. My IP's are sooo adorable and they will be here in two weeks for our 20 week u/s. A lot of progress has happened during this pregnancy. Baby Perin is very active and in the full swing of things, lol. I'm truly enjoying every minute of this pregnancy and it's even more precious because I am able to share in the joy of another family thru the birth of this child. Here is a pic of me at 18 weeks 3 days, I'm already BIG,lol.

. I want to try to take a pic every month from here on out now that I actually have a prego belly. So my next pic will be at 20 weeks and every 4 weeks after that until delivery. Until Later loves....................

Officially in Maternity clothes!!!!

So, I am officially 4 months and I can no longer zip up my pants, lol. I have come to the realization that I need to start buying maternity clothes!. Baby Perin is moving around and fluttering about on a regular basis now, mostly at night once the day winds down. I Skyped my IP's approx a week ago and I let them hear the baby's heartbeat in real time with the Doppler that I rented (the heartbeat was 150 beats per minute). This is a very exciting month coming. My husband birthday is coming up,the kids are going back to school, Our Wedding anniversary, My IP's are coming down and We will all get to see baby Perin for the 20 week ultrasound together. I am truly excited and overjoyed about this month. I can hardly wait. until later loves..........................

OB appt 7/19/11

Today was a good day. Went to my appt baby is doing great. Heartbeat was 139 beats per minute. and this baby is just moving and flipping and fluttering about, lol. It's too cute. I was able to record the heartbeat today on my phone and sent it to My IP's so hopefully they will be excited to here there baby's heartbeat. I was also able to schedule the 20 week u/s today for august 30th. I have an appt next tuesday 7/26 for blood work and in regular OB appt on aug 16th. So my life is getting really busy and I love it. Is excited and anticipating the arrival of my IP's at the end of next month. My family is looking forward to it as well. until later loves...............

NT Ultrasound scan

Today I had my NT Scan. It was a first for me as I have never had it done in previous pregnancies. It was a very easy, painless procedure. It was so funny because "Baby Perin" was not cooperate at all. The baby was moving around and turning flips and doing it's own thing. My appointment took a little longer than usual. We did get the heartbeat, it was 156 bpm so still pretty fast. Breann was at my appt today and recorded and took some pics of "baby perin" for my IP's. The appt all in all went great once "baby perin" started to cooperate. We will have the results of the scan by my next appt on 7/19/11. Well all is well over here until later loves......................

The Baby Doppler has arrived!!!

I placed a order for a baby Doppler, It arrived today via fed ex. I opened it and to my surprise I found "Baby Perin's" heartbeat almost immediately. I called the kids downstairs so they could hear it also and if you could've seen the excitement and awe on their little faces that they could actually hear the baby's heartbeat. This is the first time I have ever thought about or actually rented one. It was something that we were able to experience as a family and it is a memory that I will always cherish. I can't wait to Skype my IP's and let them hear their baby's heartbeat as well. I am grateful that this pregnancy is progressing so well and I don't take a minute of it for granted. I am grateful and thankful for each and everyday this baby is able to stay and grow healthy in my womb. side note: I took my last P.I.O injection on July 3, 2011. So, now we are on to our second trimester. I am content and blessed to be able to be the vessel used by God to bless the Perin family. I truly can't express it enough. I know they are grateful to me for doing this but honestly and truthfully I am grateful to GOD for entrusting me to carry and nurture their child. Thank you Lord. Again, this journey is unfolding and is becoming more and more in depth. I did not expect this journey to be so complex but I am learning a lot about my self and it is actually making my marriage and my relationship with my family stronger. I cherish it a lot more than before if that is even possible. well until later loves.................

The truth about Surrogate Compensation

FOR EVERYONE WHO THINKS THAT SURROGATES MAKE ALL THIS MONEY HERE IS A BREAKDOWN. SO IF YOUR THINKING OF BEING A SURROGATE FOR THE MONEY, YOU MAY WANNA FIND SOMETHING MORE PROFITABLE TO DO!!!

A Commercial Surrogacy Example

A first-time surrogate mother receives, on average, $20,000 compensation for a single journey (pregnancy).

This, of course, varies based on several factors, but for this example, we will use $20,000.

A typical commercial surrogacy journey, from matching to delivery, takes a minimum of one year.

This is a very conservative time frame, assuming that the lawyers and clinic move fast, and only one transfer or traditional surrogate cycle is needed to achieve pregnancy, two tops.

So, you could say, for example's sake, that a typical surrogate mother compensation rate equals $20,000 a year.

If you were a regular, full-time employee in a regular job, this would break down to:

$20,000 = 52 weeks = 40 hours per week = $9.61 per hour

However, a woman is not pregnant 40 hours per week.

She is pregnant 24 hours a day for 40 weeks.

Not to mention the countless hours spent taking tests, traveling to doctor's offices, and handling other aspects of commercial surrogacy.

A more appropriate breakdown of an “hourly” wage for a surrogate mother would be:

(yes, I realize this is not exact as a pregnancy lasts only 40 weeks and I am factoring in 52, but a surrogate journey will last longer than a year, in some cases more than two years.)

$20,000 = 52 weeks = 7 days = 24 hours = $2.28 per hour

Whether you are a potential surrogate mother, a potential intended parent, or just a curious onlooker, when put into perspective, a woman does not make much money for being a surrogate mother. The truth about surrogate mother compensation is that it is more about giving a wonderful gift than making a lot of money.

http://www.information-on-surrogacy.com/commercial-surrogacy.html

The Last 3 months ( A look back)

I am sitting at home and just reminiscing on these last 3 months of this pregnancy. As I approach my 3rd month (12 week mark) things are moving pretty quickly, the first trimester is coming to an end. I still remember the transfer day. It is truly refreshing to have the support that I have from my IP's as well as my Agency; not to mention the 24/7 support I get from my husband and mother-in-law. I love being me!! My life is great and I am truly grateful for the fact that my morning sickness is gone. I never in a million years dreamed that I would be so touched and moved by helping out someone else with their dream. It is far more involved than I ever imagined. I didn't expect to LOVE my IP's(Intended Parents) and develop a real friendship with them. I didn't expect to find an Agency that was so personable and in tune with their surrogates as well as their IP's. It is truly a dream come true to work with Building Families, Inc. They are genuinely in the business of helping couples build their families with help from surrogates like me. I am truly looking forward to my second trimester and being normal again!!!! until later loves..........................

My 2nd OB appt

Today was great............after the issues with the first OB appt I was really looking forward to this appt. It was the 1st appt I have went to alone, which was kinda a bummer but I am ok. I was not able to videotape this one but I was able to hear the heartbeat and via u/s the heartbeat was 179 bpm today. I was excited and overjoyed for my IP's. Their baby is growing right on schedule and measuring on target as well. I also really like my New OB she 's really sweet and very personable. She is 8 months pregnant herself, lol. We will see how this works out. Today was very productive and I am so excited to be able to do this and just see the faces of my IP's and hear that they are just as excited if not more over the milestones "Baby Perin" is hitting and achieving at each appt. My next appt is 7/19/11 @ 9am. I am happy that things are looking great and I pray that GOD continues to bless my womb to carry a healthy, viable term baby for The Perin's.


Until Later loves........................................

My 1st OB appt

So today was a Looooooooooooooooooooooong day...............I had an appt @ my ob @ 12:45 which got moved to 2:30 then rescheduled to Monday due to a emergency delivery. Then, I drove to Laguna Niguel for my dinner/Surrogacy Meeting and that was good, but now I am TIRED. I'm going to take a hot shower and lay it down. I was hoping to get a lot accomplished today but I guess God had other plans. So until later Loves..............good night

My last U/S @ SDFC..........U/S #3

Today was bittersweet for me. I had my last visit @ San Diego Fertility Center for my 3rd ultrasound. The Ultrasound went great. My hubby, Breann (Case Manager) and Carol (Program Director) were all there for my "Graduation" appt,lol. "Baby Perin" looked great, Breann videotaped as the nurse gave us a tour of the u/s and pointed out the head, heartbeat,and the limb buds of the hands and feet. Baby Perin is healthy and right where it should be developmentally. I was happy and excited but I am not sure what My OB will be like,especially after I have been spoiled by the staff and Dr.'s @ SDFC. Well, a new chapter is beginning and I am excited about it. Morning Sickness or All day sickness rather has kicked into HIGH gear but that just means that "Baby Perin" is doing great in here. I thank God on a daily basis for making my dream of becoming a Surrogate a reality. I am beyond humbled to have been led to Building Families, Inc. Who's staff have and continue to spoil me rotten,and I love it. They are there when you need them and very supportive. My IP's are as sweet as pie. I could not have prayed for a better experience or a more genuine couple to be working with. God is awesome. Until next time loves..............

To know or Not to know.................... that is the question???????

So I received a email from my IP's regarding knowing the sex of their baby, and they DO NOT want to know the sex. They want it to be a surprise. I completely respect there choice in Not knowing until the birth. I personally have always known by the end of the first trimester what I was having and it was ONLY confirmed during the 20 weeks U/S. So, now my dilemma is If I have a inkling of what it is how do I not let it slip out. I really don't want to go against there wishes of not knowing. I will let the technician know that we nor the IP's wish to know the sex of the child until birth. As the first trimester comes to an end and I am getting that inkling of the sex, what do I do? Should I find out to confirm and NOT tell the IP's? Well I wanna share in that experience with them in the delivery room. My husband and I have agreed to NOT officially find out what the sex of the baby is until the birth as well. I am excited because we have never NOT had a confirmation ultrasound, so it will be good to have something to share with our IP's on that special day. I am looking forward to finding out in 7 more months. until next time loves......................

Baby Perin's Poem

So a few days ago a little after my 2nd ultrasound appointment the Intended Mother sent me this Poem. I thought it was very sweet and thoughtful. In all honestly when I first read it,I cried. She really put a lot of thought into it. I would like to share it with you all.

Baby Perin

No bigger than a kidney bean

You burst alive onto our screen

A mass of black and white sketches

Your little heart beats strongly

It’s the centre of your universe

And ours



Over the weeks and months ahead

You will become a completely formed being

Gaining conscience and feeling

Becoming a complete human



We will all be following you every step of the way

Cheering you on



Little being

We have big plans for you

And a beautiful brother who waits for you too



Keep beating little heart

And grow bigger and bigger



Thousands of miles away over the sea

Your beating heart links to ours



Tasha keeps you safe inside

Her gift to us …… beyond measure



We await with eagerness

Your wondrous presence in our lives

Keep growing little one ……………….

Second U/S

So I had my second ultrasound on 6/2/11. It was so exciting to see the baby's heartbeat. This time only me and my case manager was there but she still videotaped the appt for my IP's to see. The only thing was they did not have a doppler there so we were not able to hear the heartbeat at the appt. I am excited about the progression of this pregnancy everything is going so well, Thank GOD!!! I pray it continues to stay on a good, progression as indicated. Was very nauseous today as I have been off and on. I have one more ultrasound on the 9th of June then I graduate to my regular OB appointments............kinda sad, I'm going to miss the San Diego Fertility Center staff and Doctors as they were very personable,sweet and helpful. Until next time

The First Ultrasound 5/26/11

I went to the 1st ultrasound on 5/26 and I was scared and excited because I did not know if there were one or two in here. We meet our case manager and we are waiting for the Doctor to call my name. They call me we go back to the room. Now I am undressed in my now familiar and usual position (pap smear position) and the Dr. is scanning and scanning and then Little "Baby Perin" pops up on the screen and my first thought was awwwwwwww the Perin's are Having a baby, then second thought was is this the ONLY one. After the Dr. scanned around for a little while longer he confirmed that there was indeed ONLY ONE!!!! Yay for The Perin's. Once, I got dressed and came out the room I received a card with the ultrasound pic in there with the Due date and all the information.and here is a pic of the card and the u/s pic.

This is the card they gave me

This is "Baby Perin" between the two markers @ 6 weeks and 3 days














Oh, yeah, Our Case Manager recorded a video for our IP's to see we did see a Lil flicker of the heart but it was to early to hear the heartbeat, but we should be able to hear it and see it on our next appt on 6/2/11. So, My due date is January 15,2011 and at the appt I was 6 weeks and 3 days. until then, bye bye loves

How many babies are in here?????

Well last night I went to my monthly group meeting with my fellow surrogates and Carol, the Program Director. Let me just say before last night I was almost certain that I was carrying only one child, it never really occurred to me that possibly both embryo's may have attached. I just naturally assumed that one took and I was carrying only one. Now,after talking to the girls and Carol, over dinner I am not sure if I am carrying one baby or two. I did get sick very early on in this pregnancy, so now I am unsure. I was so excited for my IP's that we were pregnant, this time, I never gave it a second thought that it could be more than one, lol. Now, I am more excited than ever to find out next Thursday if they will have one new addition or two new additions, either way I'm happy for them!!! How ever many babies are in here, I am sure they will be loved and nurtured either way. They, he or she is truly a miracle and a blessing from GOD! Only time will tell,until Thursday. Now I am very curious to know how many are actually in here ,lol.

Beta #2 Results!

Ok........so this morning I went in for my second blood draw and I just got my results call and my beta today is 305. It has more than doubled. All I can say is to God be the Glory!!!. I emailed my IP's with the good news because I can't call, but I am more than sure that they are just as excited if not more excited than I am. I can't stop smiling. This is truly a miracle from God! My next appointment is my 1st OB ultrasound so pictures coming soon. So I will continue with my daily medications and my PIO injection. Until later.......

Beta # 2 --5/13/11

Good Morning, today is another blessed day in the Lord. I am on my way for my 2nd Beta test. I am excited to see what the numbers will be today. I am more excited for my IP's than anything. I am still smiling from ear to ear just seeing their faces and reactions once I told them the good news. I am looking forward to all the things that go along with pregnancy. I just LOVE being pregnant. I LOVE being a woman. Just the thought us being able to bring life into the world- that is a gift in and of itself. I am blessed to have been able to do it for my family and i am humbled to be able to assist another family in accomplishing this same goal. Now I just have to wait for the numbers to come back.............I will be expecting a call between 2pm and 4pm today. Praying that everything will continue to go good. I am claiming that everything will go great!!!!until my results are in talk to you all later.

The "BIG" day-- My BETA Test and Results

So..........this morning I got up early and went to have my blood draw @ 9:00am. I anxiously waited for the call, but deep down inside I already knew the results. At 3pm I received a call that said " I was officially pregnant my Beta HCG was 114". I was so excited I could not contain myself. I ran upstairs and woke my hubby up from his nap screaming babe I am officially pregnant, I have to tell Stella and Michael. I laughed,I texted my case manager then I was so overjoyed that I cried tears of joy. I just started thanking GOD for blessing Stella and Michael with this child. I have to go back to the Clinic on Friday 5/13/11 for a 2nd beta test. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to keep to myself, especially after ALL of the pregnancy tests were positive and me having morning sickness from 2 days post transfer up to today. At 3:30pm we skyped our IP's and what made it even more special was that today was Michael's Birthday. They very elated to say the least. They could not stop smiling and thanking me, It was hard to have a regular conversation. I was overjoyed to see them so happy especially after the 1st IVF not working........They are making all sorts of calls now to friends and family members. It made me feel really warm and fuzzy inside to tell them "WERE PREGNANT" I pray that the Lord continues to allow this to be a viable term pregnancy!!! I am so excited for them. This process has taught me that it is truly NOT about me at all. Again, Congratulations Michael and Stella!!!! Now I am getting ready to have a celebratory dinner with my family before bible study. until Friday................

Tomorrow is the "BIG" day!!!!

So.....................a lot has been going on during this long 2ww, but I have been patiently waiting since my transfer day for the BETA test and results and tomorrow is the day, YAY!!!. I will go in for my blood test and find out the results all in the same day. I promised myself this time that I would NOT POAS (pee on a stick)and spoil the fun that I would wait for the blood results............Well, I caved, so far I have taken 2 pregnancy tests #1 -7dp5dt (7 days post 5 day transfer), # 2 9dp5dt (9 days post 5 day transfer. I plan to take another one tomorrow morning before I head out for my BETA test, lol and I am very anxious, excited, nervous, prayerful to see if the results of the BETA will coincide or contradict the responses I got on the pregnancy tests. I am also excited that my husband will be joining me for my Skype call for the first time with our IP's who I truly adore. They have really become a part of our family and I look forward to every conversation, update, and picture I receive and send to them. I've been resting a lot and allowing my hubby to wait on me hand and foot and loving every minute of it. Well, I am going to eat dinner take my meds and have my hubby give me my injection then take my shower, and rest up for tomorrow morning. I have to get up early to make my appointment for my blood draw @ 9:15am and I will say a special prayer before bed. (Tonight's Prayer) Dear Lord, I again come before you as humbly as I know how and I ask that your will be done in this situation Lord. I know you would never bring me to something without bringing me through it. You said in your word, that we have not because we ask not, well Lord I am asking that you bless this couple in there time of need Lord. I am praying tonight not for myself but on their behalf. I know that everything happens for a reason and I believe that you brought us together so that I may be the missing part of their puzzle to assist with adding to their family. I know you hear me Lord and I am praying that their prayers and mines on their behalf will not go unanswered. Lord, bless my womb that it may be able hold and carry a viable term pregnancy for them. I am claiming that it is already done. I ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Until tomorrow...................................................

The dreaded 2 week wait

I am more relaxed and calm this time around cause I kinda know what to expect. I have been having cramping since the day after the transfer. I have been nauseous off and on since the 2nd of May and to date I have actually threw up 3 times, but as crazy as it sounds I am excited about all of the above. This time during my 2ww I am NOT going to POAS (pee on a stick), at least that is my plan ( lol ). I am doing good so far. I go for my Beta pregnancy test on the 11th and I am praying for good news. I am sending my self sticky vibes, baby dust, positive thoughts and prayers for the Perin's. I know that God knows what He is doing and I am putting it all in his hands.  I have done all I can do for my part the rest is up to him. (My Prayer for today) Dear Lord, I come to you as humbly as I know how on behalf of the Perin Family.  You already know their situation lord and I thank you for allowing me to be the vessel you are using to bless them with this precious gift. I ask that you continue to strengthen my union with my husband as well as with our IP's and I thank you in advance for the child or children that I will carry for them. I have faith that this transfer will produce a viable term pregnancy and I am claiming it right now in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray this prayer with faith, thanksgiving and gratitude. In Jesus name I pray AMEN.

Our Day at the Park in Vista, CA

On thurday the 28th of April, My family and I met with the Intended Father at a park in Vista, Ca and had a ball see the attached Pictures. It was great to spend time with Him and let the kids spend time with him as well.

 My daughter Jasmine

My Son Jonathan

 The Murray Family with Mr. Perin

My husband and son

Mr. Perin and I

My Son Jordan climbing the rock wall @ the playground with help from his dad

IVF # 2

So, this time around we are doing a fresh transfer, which means I get to meet my IP's well at least one of them anyway. He (the Intended Father) arrived in the United States on the 21st of April. We met for the 1st time in person on Monday the 25th and we talked for awhile, then we had a play date on Thursday at the park( pictures coming soon). He as well as us had a great time bonding. I really enjoyed our time spent together, I don't even know if he knows how much that meant to me. Today was the embryo transfer and it was very informative and emotional. We were all in the room: Me, My Husband, The Intended Father and our case manager. Once the transfer was complete it was a moment of prayer and I looked over and the Intended Father was in tears and shortly after we were all in tears. I was so touched and humbled to be able to assist them in growing their family that I broke down as well. We all talked for awhile during my 30 + minute wait on the table. Once I was able to leave the facility I was  given my discharge and medication instructions on my way out headed to the hotel we had a warm embrace and again the intended father professed his gratitude and was off to his hotel until he leaves tomorrow morning back to Australia. I have been keeping in touch with the Intended Mother throughout this process also via skype, emails and calls. Now we will await the Beta test to confirm the pregnancy on May 11,2011. Now It is time to Eat dinner and continue to rest. Hubby is here at the hotel with me waiting on me hand and foot and making sure I DO NOT get out of this bed.

 

The two embryo's with stars were transferred to me ( sticky vibes,baby dust, positive thoughts and prayers)

Right after the transfer: Dr. Hummel, My Husband, Mr. Perin and I

Me on Bed rest @ the hotel

Pics from IVF # 1

                                                   Me before the transfer

                                     Me right after the transfer with my husband and Dr. Hummel

                                The ultrasound of the transfer and were the embryo's were placed

                                                              My Hotel room number

 

Me on bed rest and my beds in my room.

IVF # 1

I had started going to monthly Group meetings in Dec 2010. I wasn't really sure what to expect from these meetings so I was a little apprehensive. I meet monthly with the Program Director,Psychologist and fellow Surrogates and we discuss our joy's, up's and down and receive a lot of support from each other. I started skyping my IP's in Dec 2010, It was great to see them as opposed to just emailing and sending pics. We (the intended parents and my family) had grown close over the 3 month period. Closer than I would've ever imagined.  My first transfer was frozen embryos in Jan 2011, it felt surreal. I felt alone in some ways since my IP's were unable to make it, but I was still optimistic about the outcome. Unfortunately in Feb 2011 I received the devastating news that the transfer was unsuccessful. It was extremely hard to deal with for the sake of my IP's and once I finally mustered up the courage to skype them we all literally cried for most of the skype call. We decided to take a step back and allowed our IP's to process their loss and decide if they wanted to try again? If they wanted to try again with me as their surrogate? I wanted to give them the privacy and space to digest this. Luckily after a brief deliberation from my IP's, they still wanted to move forward with me but we needed more embryo's since those were the last two from the previous retrieval. I started my second round of IVF meds in late Feb 2011.  Pics to follow from IVF # 1

Moving forward Step by Step

I submitted my application in June of 2010 and It was a rigorous 3 months of background checks,and psych eval's and in-home visits. We were approved to move forward as a Gestational Surrogate and were waiting to be matched with some IP's (intended parents). I was under the impression that this stage would take awhile but in Aug of 2010 we were matched with a couple and we all clicked instantly. Then once everyone agreed to move forward we were sent a 45 page contract to go over with our lawyer. Everyone had to be on the same page as far as what we expected of each other. Contracts were signed in Nov of 2010.  In Dec of 2010 I received my first set of IVF medications (pictured above).  First IVF transfer was scheduled for January 24, 2011.

BACKGROUND INFO

Hello Everyone and Welcome to My Surrogacy Journey. I wanted to start off by telling you all a little bit about myself and why I have chosen to be a surrogate. I am married to a wonderful husband, I have 4 Children of my own ranging in age from 9 1/2 to 2 1/2. I have been working in the medical field since I was 18.  I have been blessed to conceive virtually without trying.  I was married to my 1st husband at 17 and gave birth to my 1st son at 20. My pregnancy was GREAT-well minus the normal morning sickness. I was divorced by 22 and a single mom til I met my current husband 2 years later.As long as I could remember I wanted to be a surrogate. I saw the agony and frustration first hand with my family member who had tried for several years to get pregnant and was unsuccessful. That experience with her made me wanna give back to someone the same experiences of Joy, Laughter but most of all LOVE that a child brings!!! So, I started researching surrogacy. I researched books, internet, I asked the doctors I worked for, my co-workers;any information I could find I looked for. In 2010 after meeting with several surrogacy agencies over the last 5+ years I found an agency that seemed to be a perfect fit for me. The only problem was now I would have to inform my husband as well as convince him to support me on this decision and show him the passion I had for wanting to help another couple. It took 10 months of talking to,praying with and consulting God for him along with showing him articles and answering questions, but he finally came around and in June of 2010 is when my Surrogacy Journey Begun.