Monday, May 31, 2010
Thank you
I have been overwhelmed by your messages and comments. Thank you all for your support and kind words.
On the appilcation I answered the question, "Do your family and friends support your decsion to become a surrogate mother?" Of course, I answered yes. In general, my family supports me and the choices I make, but there was definately some uncertainty. Knowing now that I have not only the support of my family but also the support of friends and peers reassures me of every choice made throughout this process.
Having a great support system is so very important but difficult at the same time. I am fully aware that I am not doing this alone, which means that all of you are a huge part of this. My husband will be there when I get sick or there to feel my belly as this baby kicks. My family will be there to watch my girls if I need to make a run to the hospital, go to doctors appointments, or just take a nap. My friends will grab me whatever it is I'm craving on thier way to visit and go with me to shop for maternity clothes. Therefore, they all will be very much invested in this pregnancy. I know my family and friends will be there for us upon delievery of the baby, and I know it will be hard for them to see me laying in a hospital bed with no baby in my arms and no baby to pass around and show off. However, I know now more then ever that I have their (your) support.
Thank you all so much. Having you stand behind me just because you love me has made a whole world of difference. Know that I am doing this to give this couple the joy and love I have been given, and that I know exactly what I am doing. I am in a very positive state of mind and look forward to carring this baby for 9 months, going through labor and delivery, and handing him/her over to its smiling patient parnets.
If you ever need support, (love, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a pat on the back) I hope you all know Chris, Ruby, Hazel and I will be here ready to give you the attention you have given us!
Thanks again!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Introduction
I am a 25 year old wife and stay-at-home mother of 2 (daughters, Ruby-2 Hazel-1). My family and I live in a small town in Putnam County Indiana where we enjoy the simple things life has to offer. However, after long talks and 2 years worth of research we have decided to throw the "simple life" out the door in exchange for a life changing adventure that we are sure will be nothing less than rewarding.
Last year I applied to become a Surrogate Mother*. I was shortly approved, and my application became a viewable profile. Two months ago in March, my profile was reviewed by a couple unable to naturally have a child, and they chose me to be their surrogate.
My husband Chris and I are so excited to go through this process, and we couldn't be happier to help this couple experience parenthood. Our two beautiful daughters have given an entirely new meaning to our lives, and to think that we will be giving a loving couple that same blessing is unbelievably humbling. We know that this will be life changing for them and us, and we are thrilled to be apart of something so amazing!
Now, I am preparing my body to become pregnant, so I have stopped taking birth control and started taking prenatal vitamins and charting my body temperature to monitor my ovulation. I will do this for 3 months. During this 3 months my family and I will get the opportunity to meet the couple and discuss all things regarding the pregnancy, delivery, and post delivery.
This blog is aimed toward my family, friends and people who are interested in surrogacy for any reason. I hope that sharing my experience keeps everyone close to me informed and provides anyone else who is interested with some insights into surrogacy that could only be discovered by considering the the words of someone going through the process. I will be blogging on the actual pregnancy process, my emotional state, the relationship I have with the couple, as well as any and all other potentially worthwhile thoughts I have about being a surrogate mother, a wife, and biological mother of two. I am not a lawyer, a doctor, a psychiatrist or professional in any way, so these accounts are strictly my personal opinions, thoughts, and emotions. Through the words I share, I hope to provide an open window to our adventure into surrogate motherhood.
I look forward to sharing so much more with you all, so feel free to ask questions regarding my experiences thus far. I am more than willing to do my best to answer as quickly as possible.
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and be safe!
Alexis
*Surrogate Mother: A woman who agrees to become pregnant and deliver a child for a contracted party. She may be the child's genetic mother or *gestational carrier.
Note: I will be acting as a gestational carrier which means I will become pregnant via IVF (In Vitro Fertilization using an egg given by an egg donor and sperm given by the biological father). This child will not have any of my or my husband's DNA. I am acting as the "oven" or "babysitter" or 9 months, at which time I will sign over all legal rights of the child to the couple.
Milestones completed to date:
-Accepted by the surrogacy agency.
-Chosen by a prospective couple.
-Completed psychological evaluation with my husband.
-Met with lawyer from surrogacy agency. (The lawyer explained all of the legal documentation, described the overall process, and answered our questions on the process.)
Next Step:
- Meeting the future parents.