tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55442804712849575642024-03-05T11:27:41.884-08:00SurrogacyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-28459475145641167152015-05-26T13:18:00.000-07:002015-05-26T13:18:10.390-07:00Testing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After matching with the couple, there were many tests I had to complete - the first being a Psych evaluation. I went CRAZY waiting to find out whether or not I was...crazy (not really)...funny how that works.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The psych evaluation consisted of a Skype interview with me, Phil and a <span style="background-color: white;">psychologist - general questions about every day life and why I want to be a surrogate. At the end of the conversation, I was told I passed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After passing the psych evaluation, I my next step was to go to the fertility clinic for a medical screening. At the medical screening, I got to spend the afternoon meeting the intended parents in person. It was amazing how comfortable we all felt around each other!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...I also passed the medical screening.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-1027080043473561602015-05-14T07:20:00.000-07:002015-05-14T07:20:56.473-07:00Matched<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">November 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phil and I met a couple via Skype and felt completely comfortable talking to them - like we've known them for a long time. Funny how that works.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all said yes.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-55621893580499116592014-12-12T13:24:00.001-08:002014-12-12T13:24:31.654-08:00Life as a surrogate in waiting...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a surrogate in waiting is very interesting. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You start out by doing a ton of paper work and interviewing. You have surrogacy on your mind all of the time. Then, there comes a point in time where you wait. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You wait to find those intended parents who have the same values as you. You wait to find those intended parents who want to work with you. You wait to find those intended parents you want to work with. You wait to find those intended parents you're compatible with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You wait to be <b>matched</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During this waiting process, a lot of times you forget you're a surrogate in waiting. You work, you raise your kids, you fix up your house - you simply live life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, without much notice, you get a call that intended parents have viewed your profile and want to meet you. Now, you're back to constantly having surrogacy on your mind again...but you realize you didn't find *those* intended parents and you go back to waiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phil and I have always had the mindset of, "if it works out, great but if it doesn't, that's okay" and I think that mindset is what has gotten us this far in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...til next time.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-71554626774098653832014-11-12T10:47:00.004-08:002014-11-12T10:47:37.719-08:00For rent<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><u>FOR RENT:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One womb. Fully functional. 28 years of age. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inquire within.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-27570692684982727892014-11-11T15:02:00.000-08:002014-11-11T15:02:02.775-08:00Matching<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thinking about matching independently. How does one go about marketing/promoting their womb? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to do more research! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-13755668577995443012014-09-16T20:29:00.001-07:002014-09-19T11:18:00.131-07:00Back from a long break<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi, all - remember me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer was SO busy. I didn't even have a minute to sit back and think about the fact that I haven't been matched with intended parents yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that things have settled down, I have sought the support from fellow surrogates. They are all in shock that it's been 10 months and I haven't been matched. They have suggested I look into other agencies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SO, that's what I'm doing. Researching and talking with other agencies. Wish me luck!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-21074466189109433572014-02-04T10:20:00.000-08:002014-02-04T10:20:11.035-08:00Hello again.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi guys - remember me? I'm back! The winter has been long so far. From November - January, I was completely booked with baking and now that we're into February, I am ordering my bees for the summer but will be keeping it low-key with only one hive (unless my other hives survived the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_North_American_cold_wave" target="_blank">polar vortex</a>).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On to this whole surrogacy thing. I have been waiting...very patiently to have activity on my profile. I figure if it happens, great and if it doesn't then it wasn't meant to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple from another country checked out my profile last week and liked what they read but they have additional questions and concerns at this point so I have yet to see their profile. Things seem to be moving along...slowly but surely. I don't mind at all. The longer I wait, the older my kids get, resulting in a better understanding of the process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will keep you all updated in the next couple of weeks. For now, enjoy the double digits, MN!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-50042303414269235732013-10-23T13:30:00.001-07:002013-10-23T13:30:40.032-07:00No update<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wish I had something more to write but the fact remains that I haven't seen another profile. I feel completely normal mentally - I don't feel anxious and most days, I don't even think about it. Every once in a while, I will remember or be reminded that I am a surrogate in waiting (at which point, I get super excited) but I typically just live my normal life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am constructing a 5-tier wedding cake next month and will be doing a test run in the next couple of weeks (so, if anyone wants cake...!). I will be baking 200 scones for a Christmas tea. And I will be baking 400 cake balls for a soft opening party. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Things like that keep me and my mind quite busy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope to update you soon!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-45992829291793436992013-09-23T08:35:00.001-07:002013-09-23T08:35:25.690-07:00Changing weather<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We received our first profile. It was a very exciting time for us (me especially). It really continues to amaze me - how quickly this whole process can happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We read through it multiple times and discussed a lot. We had conversations and meetings. We took the whole weekend to decide how we were going to proceed. When it came down to it, this profile just didn't seem perfect for us. We will patiently await other profiles. I really didn't think the first profile would be "the one" anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On a side note, I am having a real itch to be pregnant again! It must be the time of year. The smell in the air. Trying to not let this cloud my judgement. I am so thankful to have Phil by my side - helping me along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A second side note. Next spring, I am going to plant pumpkins. Once October hits, I'm going to have a fall festival with all the neighbor kids. I'm going to bake cupcake pies, there will be games, we will make caramel apples, and the kids will each get to pick a pumpkin from the garden and bring it home to carve.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's always been a dream of mine to own a pumpkin patch - who says it can't be in a city backyard?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ciao!!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-86897731058431935692013-09-17T14:10:00.000-07:002013-09-17T14:10:30.442-07:00Today<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's kind of funny how things work. Phil and I have been talking about this process for nearly two years. I started my blog a couple months ago and showed it to people who were interested in reading about my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today. Today of all days. I decided today would be a good day to make it public. To post it on social media. To let all people read about this personal experience that our family is going through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today I received my first profile. A profile to look through. To look through to see if I would be interested in carrying someone's baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today I am excited. Excited to go home and talk to Phil. Excited to leave the profile with him while I'm at a meeting at church. Excited to hear his thoughts when I get home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-49440146700304649752013-09-17T08:24:00.001-07:002013-09-17T08:24:26.219-07:00"All we need..."<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got an email this morning saying the agency has all they need. Now, I continue to wait to be matched - I know the perfect Intended Parents are out there for me. I'm feeling excited! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-59979813955793459882013-08-27T13:06:00.000-07:002013-08-27T13:06:21.957-07:00My other life<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We're kind of at a stand still at the moment. We are waiting to be matched. Currently, I'm okay with this stand still. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is late August. My favorite time of year - the Minnesota State Fair. It's also the time of year to extract honey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OH yeah, along with my introduction post, I should have told you a little more about myself. I have 2 hobbies. I am a beekeeper in the summer and very recently, I've turned my other hobby (baking) into a business. I won't get too in depth, but I love them both.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Beekeeping: I first started out when my dad's friend told me he has been keeping bees for many years. I thought, "hmm, sounds fun... I've never tried that. I probably should." I'm in my fourth year now and am completely hooked. I love it all - even my battle wounds. Up until this year, I have had a mentor. He's still around, when needed. I think I'm doing OK... there are a lot of bees and honey!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Baking: My true love. It relaxes me. I enjoy trying new recipes. I like hearing people say how delicious it all tastes. Do I like it as a job? Not so sure yet. I feel anxious when someone pays me for something I made. I worry whether or not they will like it. I worry whether or not I will get an angry call or email. I'm fragile in that aspect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Along with my hobbies, I have a full-time job, my husband and I raise two kids and a dog, and our house is always under construction (currently the kitchen).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'd love to be matched with a couple soon. But for now, I am OK with this stand still. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-84906042374264917202013-08-22T07:47:00.001-07:002013-08-22T07:47:47.576-07:00Bump<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My insurance has been reviewed. I do not have coverage to be a surrogate mother. Very bummed. The agency still thinks they will be able to match me with someone. It just might take longer than they had originally hoped as they have to find someone willing to pay insurance coverage for me on top of the medical bills and delivery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Time isn't an issue for me. I am 27 years old. I have had two c-sections. I have two kids. According to surrogacy law, a surrogate mother cannot have more than three c-sections. In my eyes, this will be my last pregnancy. Time is not an issue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A bump in the road. Not the end. Just stalled until someone picks up this lone hitchhiker...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-30537371202150316222013-08-21T10:50:00.001-07:002013-08-21T10:50:41.100-07:00Why?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why do I want to be a surrogate mother?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It started out as a selfish thought:: I am done having kids but I want to be pregnant again. I feel great when I'm pregnant. I like having a baby grow inside of me. I love being pregnant. Me, me, ME!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Surrogacy. I can be pregnant but not have a child of my own. Perfect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">People. Some people can't have kids. I love my kids. They make me happy. They make me sad. They bring out a love in me I didn't know I had. They make me feel complete. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyone who wants to, should feel that way. Everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why do I want to be a surrogate mother?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To give the joy of having kids to people who are physically unable to. To give someone else the sense of completeness I have. To bring a beautiful life into this world. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-43223817139165681992013-08-20T12:43:00.000-07:002013-08-20T12:43:17.128-07:00Daughter<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a daughter. Her name is Josephine. She is almost a "whole hand!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPg3_FFgb_KS7LchFXpWWF0KNjcmUh4Wva3-YDMcZ7AwzE1OmyR9JFhLyTbfKPpvLpcWu966rcfeacSs_Or75y3z4Rz_hJjMUsMW4wegAKQcnooTWcVjNed3b_T_UW5z1eSzOzqjK_7lW/s1600/joonthego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPg3_FFgb_KS7LchFXpWWF0KNjcmUh4Wva3-YDMcZ7AwzE1OmyR9JFhLyTbfKPpvLpcWu966rcfeacSs_Or75y3z4Rz_hJjMUsMW4wegAKQcnooTWcVjNed3b_T_UW5z1eSzOzqjK_7lW/s320/joonthego.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Me: Josephine, do you want me to have another baby?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Josephine: Ummm.... No.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Me: What if I had a baby grow in my tummy and then I gave that baby to someone else?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Josephine: Hmmm... Yeah - and maybe Amanda (aunt) can give baby David (newborn cousin) to someone else!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...okay. Not going as planned.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Me: There are some people who can't have babies grow in their tummy. A mommy and a daddy could put their baby in my tummy. It could grow in my tummy and when it comes out, I could give the baby back to it's mommy and daddy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Josephine: YEAH! THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sweet, sweet girl. And an ongoing conversation. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-85775968217005728892013-08-20T10:51:00.001-07:002013-08-20T10:51:04.078-07:00Happens for a reason? Not always. (Part one and a half continued)<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...The best method for me to get my insurance booklet to the agency is via snail mail. I asked the agency for the address to send the booklet to. I didn't hear back. For days. The day I heard back, I had *just* returned from my lunch break. My plan was to go to the post office the next day and send my booklet over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The next day came and there was a conflict. For the rest of the week, there was a conflict. I couldn't get to the post office! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FINALLY! Wednesday comes and I can go to the post office during my break. I have my day completely planned out... when I realize my husband and I have switched cars for the day and my booklet was in the other car. UGH!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That very same day, a friend directed me to an Instagram post. It was a post by a young lady who has been having troubles getting pregnant but wants a baby so bad. My friend tagged me in this post because she thought maybe I could carry this woman's baby but what I got out of this post was so. much. more. Despite this woman's inabilities to get pregnant, she had so much faith! It brought me to tears, reading about how her fertility treatments keep failing but it also brought me so much joy reading that she is still praising God - even when things don't seem like they will work out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Questions. Flooding my brain. Is there a reason I haven't been able to find time to send my booklet? Is there a reason my friend led me to her Instagram post? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I took the initiative. I am not known for being bold. But I did it. I emailed her. I told her my story. I told her how touched I was by her story and how amazing her faith is. I told her that if she and her husband chose to have someone carry their child that they could contact me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I didn't expect a response but she responded a few hours later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kimmie ::</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you for your <i>perfectly worded email</i>. You approached the subject with such grace and respect. Thank you again. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately
we are not interested in pursuing a surrogacy, I want nothing more than
to experience each part of pregnancy as much as it might be challenging
at times. We are going to continue this road as the Lord guides us and
pray and hope that it is in His will for us to have our own children. I
do have so many friends in this same icky infertility journey and will
keep my ears open if you would like and I could connect you. Just let me
know. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Again, Kimmie your heart. SO sweet and awesome. Thank you.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, you just have to be bold and see what happens. I didn't feel rejected. I don't know what will come out of the emails - whether or not her friends will contact me. But I do know some part of me was led to email her. And I did.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ending to that story? I mailed my insurance booklet to the agency. They have received it and are reviewing it. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got insight. I got perspective. I got the option of doing a private surrogacy got instilled in my brain. </span></span> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-86636553024442380312013-08-16T07:09:00.001-07:002013-08-16T07:09:57.983-07:00More Homework<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Homework: Talk to someone very involved in the pro life community and get information about the different processes. | I had a meeting a couple of weeks ago with a woman in our church who is very involved in the pro life community. I learned A LOT! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I want to be a surrogate mother to bring life to a family who can't have kids. To bring happiness to people who can't carry a child, for whatever reason. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My understanding of IVF prior to the meeting:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IVF. In Vitro Fertilization. Embryos are made in a Petri dish and implanted into someone and the baby grows inside of them. On average, not more than 3-4 implanted. I have already told the agency I will not be a part of selective reduction so everything is good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What I learned at my meeting:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IVF Process: 10-30 eggs are placed in a Petri dish with sperm. Many of these turn into embryos and are watched for 3-5 days. After 3-5 days, a number of them (but not all) are implanted. The parents of the embryos who are not implanted have different options: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Donate to stem cell research</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Freeze them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Discard them</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wow. I want to be a surrogate mother to bring life to a family who can't have kids. I do not want to end life for the ones who didn't get selected. Wow. This is a lot to digest.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I voiced my concerns to the agency.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hi Kimberly, </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You understand the process correct; and I understand your concerns. I want to add a bit more "food for thought" if you will...</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-While
10-30 eggs are retrieved a majority of them aren't fertilized due to
being immature. Then those that are fertilized only the strongest
embryos make it to transfer date. Many of them stop developing
naturally. We literally see this in the lab but in nature we don't
because its "inside" but studies indicate that 1/4 pregnancies are
chemical which would be the same scenario (the embryo fails to develop)
but in the womb. With that said the number of cycles that end with
frozen embryos isn't as high as it may seem and then the number of
embryos frozen is typically low. For example for my first surrogacy we
retrieved 28 eggs, about 20 of them fertilized and on day 5 we had 7
embryos left. We transferred 2 and the remaining 5 are still frozen (11
years later). </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keep in mind that these embryos
are going to be created or have already been created regardless if you
decide to become a surrogate mother or not. But if you DO decide to
carry you will be the caring person to possibly help give those embryos
life. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maybe to help ease your conscious you
could only match with a couple who already has frozen embryos. Therefore
you can rest assured you are not party of any procedures that would be
creating life with the possibility of not giving that life a chance to
grow. The life is already created and has "no where to go" </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We
have matched a lot of pro life surrogates but I think this concern is a
first so I hope I was helpful in your soul searching and decision
making. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Talk soon, </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Again, overjoyed. To be able to help a frozen embryo grow. To bring life to a baby who has already been created.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need to say Thank You! To everyone who has made me dig deeper and get answers and do research. I'm feeling very blessed today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Kimmie</span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-11640000426833319342013-08-16T06:37:00.000-07:002013-08-16T06:37:52.035-07:00Homework<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My homework: Talk to other surrogate mothers and their husbands and ask questions about the aftermath - the emotions they went through after birth and after giving the baby to their parents, after caring for him/her for 9 months.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let me tell you, with each person I interview, I get more and more excited! They all tell me the same thing about giving the baby to their parents - "That is the best part! To see the joy on the parent's faces." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just became a member of a surrogacy website and am joining a couple of Facebook pages to further my research.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each step I take makes me more and more excited </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Short and sweet. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-67139936051191761962013-08-13T11:00:00.001-07:002013-08-27T07:48:12.311-07:00Part I (and a half)<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I asked for a referral from my <a href="http://www.clinicsofia.com/" target="_blank">OBGYN</a> for a new surrogacy agency. I was referred to an agency in Chicago. I went on their website and filled out Part I of the application. Like before, I passed with flying colors. After Part I was complete, I got an email from a Surrogate Coordinator who works for the agency. She sent me a lot more paper work to fill out and asked a few questions. I started filling out Part II and told her why I was rejected from the other agency. She told me she doesn't think they will have any issue matching me with intended parents and asked if I would send them my insurance information. YES!....wait, WHAT?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WOW! Amazing! On cloud 9! Then, all of the sudden, scared out of my mind! How is this happening so quickly? There are a lot more people I want to talk to before a baby is implanted in me! I haven't talked to my work yet. I haven't talked to our Pastor. OMG! What am I going to do?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*Deep Breath* First, I have to <i>find</i> my insurance booklet. That will buy me a couple of days. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I talked to my work. They were speechless because they had never really thought about someone working for them becoming a Gestational Surrogate. They asked questions. I answered. They are very supportive. I am so blessed to have this job. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I set up an appointment to talk to our Pastor and he suggested I talk to a lady in our church who is very active in the pro life community so after a few emails back and forth, I set up an appointment with her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IVF...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-21732687832944660742013-08-12T08:17:00.001-07:002013-08-12T08:17:52.210-07:00Part I continued<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Abortion.</b> A controversial issue. I am pro life. If this blog post will make you mad, please don't read it. I'm not writing this to offend people. Like I said in my first post, this is a diary for me. People are welcome to read my diary but I write this for me. And guess what? I have the same values as me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do I understand that the parents would want the final say on what happens to their baby? Yes. Do I understand this is not my baby? Yes. Do I understand they are paying for the pregnancy? Yes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The thing I didn't understand from the email is how there can be an agency that has <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">zip, zero, null</span></b>, no one in their database who has the same views on termination as I. They dismissed me. Completely. They didn't say, "we'll keep your application on file for when we have someone with your same views." They didn't say, "we will try to match you with someone who is open to hearing more about your point of view." They simply dismissed me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why do I feel this way? I don't like abortion. I don't like terminating a baby for any reason. I always think there is another option. I have faith. I have hope. This is who I am. This is what I believe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My beliefs differ from a lot of people but I know, personally, I would not be able to participate in an abortion - whether it is my baby or someone else's baby, I would not be able to be a part of it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What I want to do with my role as a surrogate mother is bring life to people who want more than anything to be parents. I know how I feel about my kids and how much love they have brought to my life. I hurt for the people who struggle to get pregnant. I want to help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My search continues.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-38659600949172236362013-08-07T19:52:00.000-07:002013-08-07T19:52:43.353-07:00A word from my better half <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello, my name is Phil. My wife asked me to write a little about my feelings regarding her being a surrogate mother, so here it goes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided after our son Jude was born that our family as we see it is complete. I couldn't be happier with our two children. They amaze me every day and bring us so much joy. Both of Kimmie's pregnancies went exceptionally well. She had no complications, or issues of any kind as I recall. I know that she truly enjoyed being pregnant, and she finds great joy in helping others. So I understood her interest in surrogacy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was a bit uneasy when Kimmie and I first discussed surrogacy. I really didn't know anything about it. My immediate concern was for her physical health, and to be honest, my mental health. I didn't know how I would feel about her carrying somebody else's baby. I didnt know how Kimmie would feel after carrying a baby and then giving it up. I suggested we do some research.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After taking some time to talk, think, and pray about it, I began to feel a little more at peace with the idea of my wife being a surrogate. There are a lot of things to consider in this process, many of them moral issues. We are both pro life, and the more we learn about surrogacy the more we see it is a slippery slope, as she learned after part 2 of her application process. We are finding there are ways to go about this process in a pro life way. So that is the route we are currently looking into.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know that most times I see things in a worst case scenario. That's just how my brain works and I know Kimmie understands this. With that being said, I love my wife and will support her in what ever way I can, in what ever decision we make. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That is all.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-66260470448568913912013-08-06T13:05:00.000-07:002013-08-07T12:05:03.084-07:00Part I continued<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who do I tell? My parents? Sisters? In-laws? What if it doesn't work out? Will people think I'm doing this for accolades? I know, I just won't tell anyone until I'm pregnant. What a good idea. Wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I filled out my first application. I WAS ACCEPTED!!!! Physically, I was perfect for the job. I started filling out Part II of the application; the family profile, the morals and values. One of the questions that really stuck out to me: Who will support you emotionally through this? I can answer that question in my head, no problem, but it got me thinking. That's when I decided I'd tell people. I first told my mom and asked if she would support my decision. Of course she would. If there's one thing my parents have excelled at, it's been supporting us. My friends said they would support me, too. A few of them even told me I could put them down as a reference. Now for the scary part - my in-laws - some of the most wonderful people I know, but they also have a side to them I am not used to...being very blunt with me, asking a lot of questions, and making sure I'm well researched (all admirable traits, just not the norm for me). Well, that's exactly what they did. They asked a lot of questions. They voiced concerns. And they gave me some good references to talk to. And yes, they support me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I proceeded to fill out Part II of the application. I felt really confident in my answers. I submitted my application and was surprised to hear back within hours. I was even more surprised when I read the content inside of the email:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dear Kimmie,</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Thank you for taking the time to complete your application with our agency.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
However, we are unable to proceed with your application at this time. We
take many factors into account when reviewing applications for
surrogacy. We honor the wishes of the surrogate as well as the intended
parents. Most intended parents come to us wanting to make the ultimate
and final decision regarding termination/reduction of a pregnancy
should there be a problem detected. This does not mean they would
terminate for any reason, but that they want the right to choose what
happens in their lives and their pregnancy. Unfortunately, we do not
have any intended parents that share your views on
termination/reduction. I am very sorry.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Best wishes to you and your family.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Warm Regards,<br />
Surrogate Mother Coordinator</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">...until next time </span></span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544280471284957564.post-10868870023177437892013-08-05T12:50:00.001-07:002013-08-05T12:50:15.131-07:00Part I<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hi. I'm Kimmie and this is my life. I don't understand how people can find a blog and read it. I advertise my beekeeping blog but I don't advertise my other ones and somehow, people keep reading them. I write this stuff for myself...kind of like a diary. The thing is, I don't care if people know what's going on in my life. I am not a private person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">December 10, 2011. Jude Philip Pearson is born. Beautiful baby boy. Second pregnancy. Second birth. Josephine, sweet 3 year old girl, waits patiently for us to arrive home with the baby. Our family. Phil, Kimmie, Josephine and Jude. Complete. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kimmie: What do you think about me becoming a surrogate mother?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phil: I don't know... I don't know how I would feel...giving up a baby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kimmie: It wouldn't be our baby to begin with. I would just carry it so someone else could have a baby. I have great pregnancies and feel great throughout the whole thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6 months later</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kimmie: I'm thinking about becoming a surrogate mother</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phil: Let's do some research</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">December, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kimmie: I'd still like to become a surrogate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phil: Let's do some more research </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">July 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kimmie: Phil, I think I'm going to apply to be a gestational surrogate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phil: Okay.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649219946550800461noreply@blogger.com1