Feeling relieved

Well I finally gave birth to two beautiful babies! I had a c-section last week, which was almost 39 weeks pregnant! Both babies came out healthy and crying. Baby A ended up being 5lbs and 13oz with Baby B weighing in at 7lbs and 6oz. The surgery went off without a hitch. It is amazing to get that far in the pregnancy and deliver the babies with no complications on either side. I have been asked aren't you sad? I think back and give the most truthful answer I can "No I look at the parents and see what I have given them and wouldn't trade it for the world. I also see them taking care of the babies and think nope I don't want to do that again!" I know everybody talks about what I did being such a great thing, and it is, but unless they have done it themselves they just don't understand how much all of this meant to me. I feel honored that they instilled their trust in me and let me share this journey with them. This was an amazing experience! I will enjoy my time not being pregnant but I am also excited to do this again! So I will be taking time off blogging for a while but will continue when I start my next journey!

I went to my last doctor's appointment today and everything is well! My BP is good and he is impressed with my blood sugars also. I have officially gained 13 pounds with this pregnancy or 17 if you count the weight I lost then gained back. These babies could come at any time! The parents are on their way into the states as I write this so they are ready for this to happen also. The doctor did determine that baby B is still transverse and they are kind of intertwined so a C-section is the safest bet for the babies and I. It is scheduled to happen next Tuesday so 8 more days, unless I go into labor before then they will do the surgery when I get there. I have not had natural contractions for 12 years so I am nervous about how it will go I told the doctor in that case I am almost like a first time mom. I informed him about my previous deliveries and how quickly they went once they got going (with Toby I went from 6cm to 10cm in 20 minutes) so he said if you feel steady contractions you should come to the hospital immediately. I am really ready to deliver these babies! The next time I post on here I will likely not be pregnant anymore but don't worry I will continue updates! Thank you to everyone for the support and uplifting words!

36 Weeks!!!

I went to two appointments today one ultrasound and one OB. The ultrasound went well Baby A is still head down, low, and weighs about 6lbs 1oz. Baby B, however, has turned to a transverse position over my ribs, he weighs about 6lbs 9oz. Then I saw the doctor they checked my BP it was 128/80 so that is good. I also got swabbed for the group B strep. My hemoglobin was tested and normal is 12 mine was 11.8 so that is good. When we discussed delivery he asked me what I wanted to try for I said which ever is the safest for the babies and I both. His opinion is that baby A could be delivered vaginally but since B is laying across my abdomen that could stifle my chances of delivering him vaginally. He could possibly go head or feet down as soon as she comes out or he could drop down butt first which would force a c-section to get him out. So in his medical opinion we should schedule a c-section and if he turns we can go for vaginal, or go ahead with the Cesarian if not. We will schedule it for 9-16 and if I go into labor before then we will check position and decide from there.  I am not sure I will make it that far I feel like I am really close but who knows. He also checked my cervix she is definitely low but my cervix is still high and posterior and I am dilated 2 cm. We will see how that goes!!

Another appointment!

I went to see the doctor yesterday and everything is looking good! Baby A did turn and now they are both head down so no C-section as of right now. But if she turned once it could happen again! We are hopeful that she does not and the doctor says now we just wait for you to go into labor. I have had some minor swelling in my hands and feet, which is totally normal, so I worried a little bit because it can be a sign of preeclampsia. My BP was higher than I would like it to be but still not high yet so we will keep an eye on it. I know will be going to the doctor every week and we will start checking for dilation and thinning. He is very pleased with my progress and told me just keep doing what you are doing! Next week I have my last high risk ultrasound at the Perinatal Partners since they do them every 4 weeks and I will be 36 weeks when I go and they do not expect me to be pregnant at 40 weeks. I am not sure how long I will last but I am sure these babies will come when the time is right!

I went to the doctors yesterday for a regular appointment. The babies have not turned from their current positions and he didn't seem to hopeful that baby A would turn to accommodate a natural delivery. I was given the option to schedule the delivery, I was asking when it might happen so that the parents can book their flights and plan the trip. He gave me three dates to consider and discuss with the parents. First was 9-12 I immediately told him that would not be the date I choose because 1) It is Tyler's birthday and I don't want to be in the hospital on that day if I don't have to and 2) It is a Friday so it would be harder for John since the kids don't have school on the weekends. The other dates were 9-15 and 9-16 after telling me discuss it with the parents and we can schedule it my next visit I emailed them to ask if one was better than the other for them. Last night I was thinking and remembered the first time we Skyped was on 9-16 of last year. I emailed them back and told them I thought it would be perfect to do the delivery on the one year anniversary and they agreed! So barring any complications or her miraculously turning we will be scheduling delivery for 9-16 which is just over 5 weeks away! We are all getting really excited!

You aren't that big!!

The worst thing to say to a pregnant woman is "You aren't that big!". I sometimes want to say how about you carry these babies for a little bit. I may feel bigger than I am but you feel like they are discounting what you are going through. It doesn't make me mad but it does get old hearing it constantly. An alternative to say is "You look good for being that far with twins".On another note I have had a cough for 2 weeks that just kept progressing so I went to the clinic yesterday and was diagnosed with a sinus infection. I got antibiotics and a nose spray and hopefully that will help this go away. I also went to get an ultrasound today to check the growth of the babies. They are both almost 4.5 lbs and growing well. I am now 32 weeks and the doctor told me we won't worry about their position until around this time. Well baby A has to be head down to attempt a natural delivery. She is on the left with her head in my ribs so she is not cooperating. As of right now we would have to do a c-section she can still turn but with each day the chances get smaller. Next week I see the doctor and we will discuss the options. I was asked by the parents do you have a preference to having a natural or c-section. My answer was there are pros and cons to both and so at this point which ever is best for me and the babies is the way I would prefer. I really don't care one way or the other I just want it to be safe and result in two healthy babies and for me to be healthy also. We are counting down and there is only 6 more weeks until I am 38 weeks and the doctor wants to deliver the babies! It really is going fast but I am loving the experience.

Appointments

Last week I had an ultrasound and doctor's appointment. In the ultrasound they determined that baby a is 2lbs 8oz and b is 2lbs 10oz. They are both doing good growing well and seem to be right on track. That was on Monday and the babies were both head down toward my right hip. Both of their heads were together. On Wednesday I went to see the doctor and determined my blood sugars are good as with everything else. He did an ultrasound to do a quick check on them. Well they moved and are now heads up toward my ribs. He is not concerned about it yet he said we will see in a month or so. We are hoping that they turn head down so we can do a natural delivery. I also reconfirmed that if I make it to 38 weeks they want to induce me so that means we are to the single digits in weeks. I will not be pregnant anymore in about 9 weeks! It is exciting and I can't wait!

Gestational Diabetes

So I was officially diagnosed with gestational diabetes last week. I think I have been dealing with it well! I have been taking my blood sugars four times a day and will discuss it with the doctor when I see him next week. Then I go to see the nutritionist the following week. I have been trying to keep with a meal plan that is supposed to help control it. My readings have under what they want them to be for the most part but the highest it was read just 122 and they want it to be under 120. I had a frosty just an hour before I took that one but took the blood two hours after I ate my meal. Tonight I ate a meal and a piece of cake, for my late birthday dinner, and it was only 110 so that means I can indulge a little just don't go overboard and don't do it consistently all day long. I am proud on how I am doing I never thought I would be able to do it!

Visit

Well yesterday the babies parents came into town! We got to visit some yesterday evening and spend most of today with them. It was great! We spent some time at my home then went and had dinner. They got to spend some time with my boys and get a real sense for my family. Today I got up and we went to the Peek in the Pod. For those of you who do not know what this is it is a place that does elective 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds. We got to see lots of angles and parts of the babies. This was the first time that the parents saw an ultrasound live and got to hear the commentary and ask questions. It was a great experience for both of us. Then we went to Meijer to peruse the baby aisles so they could get a basic idea of a moms recommendations and things that might not be necessary and why or why not. It was nice to be able to give my opinion. I know everyone must find what works for them but I am sure they want all of the opinions they can get so they can make an informed decision. After our shopping trip we went to take a tour of the hospital so we could all have an idea of what to expect. We got to go to the birthing rooms, the postpartum rooms, the nurseries, and the OR area. They also have what they call family rooms where the parents will be able to come sleep and spend time with their babies while they are there. I really is a nice place and I am glad we chose it for the delivery. We got to meet with the head nurse, and social worker to get all of our questions answered. Then we had lunch and got to discuss everything about today. The boys were supposed to have ball games tonight but due to field conditions they were canceled as much as that stinks for them I was glad because after all of that I am exhausted. It was great and I loved every minute of it!

Appointments

I had yet another set of appointments yesterday. The first was at my regular OB and it went very well. My BP was good I gained some weight and the heart rates were strong and steady. Next I went and had another ultrasound the babies are both about 1 pound and 9 ounces so they have almost doubled in size in the last four weeks. They are growing well and looking good. Baby A is still a girl and B is still a boy! My cervix is still nice and thick so we aren't trying to thin out early for delivery. Everything looks good so we are on the right track. I have about 16 more weeks to go to get to full term, though the doctor said he probably won't let me go past 38 weeks. This is a day by day journey we all know how quickly things can change so I have to just take care of myself and these babies and hope for the very best.

I just have to write about how much I enjoy discussing my experience. I want to share this amazing feeling with everyone I can. I did not do this for the attention or praise but I am blessed to be able to do this for someone else. I have loved every minute of this, yes even the bad ones, and will continue to do so for the rest of the pregnancy. I don't see this as some heroic thing that I am doing. I see this as an experience that can enrich my life, my families lives, and the lives of another family that I now think of as part of my own. This is amazing and I get to be a part of it! I am thankful every day for all that I have in my life including this journey. I do not think I will ever be the same after doing this and I don't think I ever want to. This journey is the best thing that has ever happened to me, besides my husband and my kids of course. Thanks for all the support.

Mothers Day

I know most people think this but I really do have the most amazing mother in the world! She has taught me what it means to be a mother. I love her so much for everything that she has done for me and my sisters. I am also thankful that I get to spend today being a mother myself to my three wonderful boys. They mean the world to me and I am blessed to be their mom. I know that the mother of these babies I am carrying isn't technically a mother yet but I know she will be amazing. These twins are very lucky to be able to have someone like her to love them for the rest of their lives! Happy Mothers day to all of the mothers out there you are all amazing women!

What are they?

I know everyone has been waiting patiently to find out the sex of the twins well here is the answer!

I finally got to talk to the parents and I wanted them to be the first to know. Everything is looking good. The sonographer couldn't give me any definite answers until after the doctor reads the ultrasound and writes his report. I gained 5lbs this month which puts me at gaining only 1.5 total from the beginning. Baby B, the boy, is just a little bigger than baby A. They are 12 and 13 ounces so they are growing. From now on I will be going for an appointment and ultrasound every four weeks. I am so happy for the family this is so exciting.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I love being pregnant but I am not sure I have ever done so with so much going on. Friday is the start of a busy few months. We have the 5th and 6th grade overnighter and opening day this weekend. Then we have a week full of games before Tyler goes to DC for a week. That week will be slow but I will be missing my boy! Then from the week he gets back we have at least four games a week but usually more. So I will be on the go for two months straight. Not to mention family get togethers and parties along with graduation. On a positive note I am feeling OK and go see the doctor next week. Also I get an ultrasound where we hopefully find out what sex the babies are. I am so excited to be able to do this for a family that really deserves this so all of the good over shadows the little bad things that I go through. Being busy will at least help the pregnancy go along a lot faster.

Stories

I have researched everything since I started the surrogacy process. That includes birth stories. I am not sure if I have only read the horror stories or that is all I remembered. Well I talked to a twin mother the other day about her experience and let me tell you she gave me so much hope on how my pregnancy can be. She went to 39.5 weeks and had a vaginal delivery for her babies with the same doctor that I am with now. I do know that no story is the same and there are no guarantees that mine will be anything like hers but it gives me hope that I might be just fine. I am still scared about bed rest, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor but I have hope that I will have a totally normal pregnancy now that I have heard a story that it can happen. The advice I was given was to keep hydrated and put my feet up whenever possible. I think I will do my best to try to make sure I have the best twin experience that I can.

16 weeks

So I am almost 16 weeks went for my routine visit today and everything looked great! The babies are doing well and have strong heartbeats. I am feeling better but the nausea is still a problem and my appetite isn't that great. When I went to the ER for the vomiting they weighed me and by my next doctors visit I was down 5 pounds and have only gained back one. For me that is normal and it is good with me being overweight to not gain too much too quick. I know I will gain it back and then some. I am definitely not one to ever stress about my weight I will gain what I gain and will still be me. As long as the babies are healthy and growing that is all that really matters to me. I am looking forward to the next visit because they will do the 20 week ultrasound and we will hopefully find out the sex of both babies! The parents want to know and I am so happy they do it would have been hard not to know for me even though I did not find out with my last child and lived through it. We will also be able to see the development internally and externally so it should give us a good idea of if they are behind or right on track but it can also help determine any abnormalities or problems there might be. All in all the ultrasound should be very informative and put our minds at ease.

Testing

I am so glad all my testing was normal and the parents decided to forgo the amnio for now since there is no indication of any abnormalities. They of course reserve the right to choose to do it later on down the line if something comes up that shows that there could be something wrong. I have been volunteering at the school and it is fun to talk to all the teachers and they are all interested in the process and pregnancy. I love talking about it because it is an amazing journey and I like to share it with everyone. I am grateful to be able to do this for someone. I don't know what I would do without my kids and I am just glad I get to give that gift to someone else x2.

Testing

So I went and had an ultrasound last week for some genetic abnormality testing and it went great. I got to see the babies and see that they are very active. Baby A did not cooperate with the ultrasound tech at all. Every time she got a good position to take her measurements the baby would move all over so she couldn't get it. She ended up getting all she needed but she mentioned in twins there is always one difficult one when they are inside. So today I recieved a call with the results for that ultrasound. She said everything looks normal in both babies their risks for abnormalities are low. She mentioned an amniocentesis that it is 100% accurate in detecting issues but is very high risk. There is a 1 in 200 chance that if I had one it would end in miscarriage. I am not sure I like those odds but this decision is totally up to the parents and I respect their decision either way. I was told that most people don't have it done unless the results are abnormal. I guess for that I will have to wait and see what they decide. All is going well right now I am feeling better and growing more and more every day! It is all overwhelming and very excited. I am so happy to be on this journey and appreciate each and every one of you even if it is just your concern or kind words you just don't know how much it all means to me!

Another Thing

So Saturday when I was getting ready for bed I found a bulge in my private parts. I, of course, freaked out and went to the emergency room. Apparently they weren't as freaked out as I was because I sat there 3 hours waiting to be seen. When they did the exam there was nothing physically there so she chalked it up to swollen vaginal tissue but the doctor thought it could have possibly been a cyst. So Monday I called the OB office and she recommended that I just keep an eye on it. Well Monday night it happened again 3 times and once this afternoon.  So I called the doctors again and she told me to come in to see the doctor. He told me that it is my uterus and it would correct itself with time. So not a huge deal! I am glad none of my issues have been to bad and have been easily corrected.

So I went to the OB and she did indeed take the catheter out so back to normal life for me! I am happy about that but now the nausea has crept back in so I am back to taking the medicine. When I went to refill it, because I only have one left, they said insurance says it is too soon I have to wait till Monday. I don't quite understand that since I haven't taken any more than prescribed. Just another thing on the list I just hope I don't start the vomiting where I can't stop. I am feeling pretty good and I am 12 weeks so next week I am officially out of the first trimester! Everything with the babies looks good and is progressing nicely. I am so excited.

Bump

I have had yet another bump in the road with this process. Yesterday I couldn't pee at all so I had to go to the ER and get a catheter inserted. Well they immediately drain 800ml out. Then determined I have a bladder infection and urinary retention. Sent me home with a catheter still in and we will see what the OB wants to do on Tuesday and whether she wants to remove it or not. Soon this will all be a distant memory.

Changes

Well I am officially 10 weeks today! I have had very little nausea this week and no vomiting. Things are progressing nicely but I realized today that my clothes aren't fitting the same anymore. It must be about time for maternity clothes because I don't want to stretch the stuff I have because I need them after I have these babies. My husband says it is a little early to be showing but I reminded him by 3 months I was showing with all three of my boys and this time there is two babies in there not just one. I can tell everything is adjusting to make room, I can't even go up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I go to my first official appointment with the OB in a week and a half. I am so excited about this process and all the changes coming my way (a little scared too!).

Doing good

Well yesterday the fertility clinic called and after my ultrasound on Tuesday I am officially released to my OB! It is a great step she said everything looked good. The subchorionic bleed was small to begin with and got a little smaller so they are not too concerned about it. I also went to see my new OB to get a refill on my nausea medication. They are great I am so happy with my choice. So though I am still having the nausea and vomiting it is all going well. I am so excited!

Redemption

I went to get another ultrasound yesterday and everything looks good. I had the same sonographer that I had when I was at the ER last week. She said she saw my name and decided she had to take care of me so she could apologize for her behavior. She explained she let the equipment issues get to her and took it out on me which she was very sorry for. She explained that my nurse complained and she did get reprimanded. She was really nice throughout the procedure and even talked more and showed me the babies. I do believe she was really sorry for her actions so she redeemed herself. On a side note I am throwing up almost everyday. I have to take the antiemetics more than I would like to so since they didn't give me many at the ER now I have to go see the new doctor a little sooner so I can get me some to last me till my appointment next month.

Adventures

So yesterday I ate breakfast then started vomiting and could not keep anything down, not even water. So this afternoon I decided I better go to the ER because I knew I was dehydrated! So they did all the tests and sent me for an ultrasound. Well at the ultrasound the sonographer asked what I was being seen for and I told her I can't stop throwing up. She said well I don't know why you are getting an ultrasound it won't make you feel better. Well when back in my room I told the nurse she wasn't very friendly and she asked what I meant so I told her. Apparently my nurse was very unhappy that I had been treated that way so she notified her boss and they come in to talk to me. I think I inadvertently got that lady in trouble but they said she didn't need to take it out on you. Anyways they diagnosed me with a UTI, Hyperemesis Graviarum (extreme pregnancy sickness), and a Subchorionic Bleed. Subchorionic bleed is a small clot located in the placenta and can cause miscarriage but likely will dissolve itself. The nurse at the clinic said this could have been the reasoning for my earlier spotting. I am on pelvic rest and need to follow up for it and I already have another ultrasound for next Tuesday. After getting sent home with antinausea medication and an anitbiotic I am feeling much better.

Nausea

I really dislike nausea! The stomach bug has made its way around my house and I am not sure if it has magnified my nausea or caused it! I don't like feeling like I may puke at anytime but there is nothing I can do about it. I have tried many different things (suggested by my Facebook friends) some have worked but not for long. This is a horrible feeling! On a good note I go back for another ultrasound in a little over a week then the fertility doctor will release me to see a OB/GYN so maybe I can get something to get rid of the nausea. I truly believe that twins magnifies your symptoms because everything is far worse than I have ever experienced. I am exhausted all of the time. I sleep from 10-12 hours a night and still need a nap the next day. Hopefully this only lasts through the first trimester because that means 5 1/2 more weeks of this then it is over. I will never regret doing this but the first part sucks badly. After I make it through this it will get better and in the end it is all worth it!

Ultrasound

I went to get my ultrasound this morning and at first I was really confused. She did an abdominal ultrasound which made no sense due to the fact that I am sure and 6 weeks you can't see much on that type. After that was done she said that part is over go empty your bladder and take your bottoms off we are doing the internal one next. So we did that and I layed there patiently while she did the ultrasound with my nerves running wild. She talked to me about the process and my boys and just general things. I wasn't sure what was going on on the screen since I couldn't see it. At the end of all the the tech said I am not supposed to do this but you have been so patient and quietly waited and I also know you are nervous. She turned the screen toward me and showed me there are two babies in there! They are both measuring what they should be and the heart beat is 127 for both. I am so excited and still nervous but most of all I am so happy for the parents they really deserve this!

Progress

I am taking this all day by day and so far it seems to be going well. I have not had any bleeding other than the spotting last week. No cramping either. What I am experiencing right now is nausea so that is probably a good sign. I will go next week to have the ultrasound done to visualize the pregnancy sac and be able to tell if there is one or two in there. I actually feel pregnant, I know I am only 5 weeks and 4 days, but I do remember what it was like being pregnant before. I am dreading the hard stuff like morning (or all day for me) sickness. But there is also a lot of things I like about being pregnant that I am looking forward to. I am very excited right now but I am still nervous. I know there are no guarantees in this but I just have to think that if it is meant to be it will be. Everyone that is in this is doing everything that can be done to make this work and there really is nothing more to be done so we just have to wait and hope for the best. My intended parents are great and full of support and encouragement I really couldn't ask for a better situation.

Scary

So I learned that my number more than tripled on Monday to 1777! It was exciting to hear that but yesterday morning I started spotting to lightly bleeding. I freaked out because that is how it all started the other two times. I couldn't help but think here we go again. There was never more than a small amount but it all started with spotting all the other times. It then stopped late in the afternoon but I was worried it would start back up. Well I got through all of today with no bleeding whatsoever. The clinic increased my progesterone injections to twice a day. The nurse also told me that sometimes bleeding occurs for no reason but especially with twins! It is possible there are twins in there but she basically said that it is very much possible. I will go to get an ultrasound to visualize the pregnancy sac the first week of February. Then I will be sure I have not lost it and to see if it is a singleton or twins.

I hate weather!

I went on Monday to get another blood test where they want my numbers to double. Well the person who takes care of all of that was out of the office Monday so she didn't get the results so I emailed her today to see what they were well guess what due to the snow storm they were getting they closed the office for the day. So I have to wait until tomorrow for the results, though I have faith it will be going well I just like the confirmation. I guess we will see in the morning!

Pregnant!

I just got the results from the first blood pregnancy test and it was 547 which is higher than I have ever gotten. This means I am not out of the woods yet it can still fail to progress but it is hopeful. I was told with my first time that the number needed to be over 100 and that time mine was I think 174. Then three days later it was up over 700 and this time the first test is almost as much as the second one was last time. I am so excited to get these results not just for me but for the parents also. They have tried so hard to get to this point and I just feel privileged to be able to be a part of their journey. I really think I just might be able to do it this time! I wasn't sure I would ever be able to do it now I am hopeful. On a side not I have never made it this far without spotting (which progressed to bleeding) so I am even more excited.

It has been one week since the transfer. Not sure I feel any different but how many people feel pregnant at 4 weeks? I had a blood test last Friday to check my hormone levels and all seems to be well so I go this Friday to have a blood pregnancy test if that is confirmed then I have to go back on Monday for another one. I emailed the nurse at the clinic and she asked if I had taken a home pregnancy test. I told her no because before I was told not to in my previous transfers since they can give false hope, the other two times I had several positive hpt with each one. So I took one of the digital ones and it said I am indeed pregnant! It gives me some hope to see that but I still have the fear that maybe the same thing that happened the last two times will happen again. I know I am doing everything that I can and the clinic did everything they could so now we just have to wait and hope it is enough. I went back and looked and on day 8 is when I started spotting last time, but I think it was day 10 the first time. The next few days I will be on pins and needles hoping it doesn't happen again. If this does not work I might seriously doubt whether or not I was meant to do this because there is nothing that can be done differently, we have already done it all. I am keeping very positive and saying that there is no possible reason why this did not work.

Statistics

Looked at the statistics prior to today for the likely hood of IVF taking. Today I found a site that I could compare success rates of the two clinics I have been to and it was very interesting. Of course the results are a little different due to the fresh vs frozen. At the first clinic their rate with thawed embryos is 6/18 and 7/17 with fresh. The clinic I am going through right now is 0/1 thawed transfer and 14/18 fresh embryos. The latter obviously didn't favor thawed transfers in the year of 2011 but the fresh stats are excellent. The first one has just under 50% so maybe there is a reason that it didn't work last time maybe the Dr I am with now is on to something with his intense regimen. I know that the stats can change year to year but I have to believe that this time will be a success for us and I think this doctor is the one to do it for us!

Transfer!

I went to DC for the last step in the fertility process and the transfer went great unfortunately that was the only thing that went great. Firstly we went to check in to the hotel and the girl told me that they needed a credit card for incidentals.I asked her why they needed that because there was a card on file to pay for everything (the agency takes care of the booking and paying). She agreed they do but they needed mine just in case. I asked if they were putting a hold on my card she said yes they were. When I asked her how much of a hold she said $50. So I said whatever just do it we wanted to get to our room. Well on their website they advertised a 24 convenience store type thing with sandwiches, snacks and refreshments. So on our way we decided not to stop anywhere and just get something there. That was a mistake they had five or so salads with no dressing, some chips, some cheese-its, and a few candy bars. There were no prices on anything and the girl at the counter was too busy mooning over some boys eating pizza in the lobby to help us out so we decided to go back to our room and order our own pizza. So the next day I had my husband check my bank account since I gave them my debit card and he told me the hotel had a pending charge of $297. That was not what was agreed upon so I was upset and contacted the surrogacy agency, she was appalled and assured me she would take care of it. After debating with the hotel they told her it was all taken care of. Well when I checked out the next morning I asked the front desk if the hold was taken off my card and it was all taken care of he said yes there was nothing charged to my card. I kept checking the bank account and it was still on there so I had my husband call them. The policy is once someone puts a pending charge it takes time for the funds to be released unless the hotel faxed them a release form I would not be able to access that money till Friday. They faxed the form and hopefully tomorrow it will all be fixed but it has been the biggest hassle ever. There is my rant and my advice is never stay at a Sheraton Hotel. I so hope that the transfer takes because after everything I had to go through to make this happen there better be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Travel Woes

So the Ohio weather is really crazy! We were supposed to fly out 6:20 tomorrow morning but there is supposed to be really frigid temperatures. When I asked the clinic if we have a back up for this if my flight gets cancelled or delayed and I was told we would freeze the embryos and restart my medication cycle. Well the parents believe it is very important to use fresh embryos so if at all possible they wanted me to fly out today. We went back and forth all weekend and they are adamant that this is what they want so I have spent the morning texting, calling, and emailing everyone involved to get all of this changed today! Talk about stressful! I thrive on this type of thing. I think I have it all ready to go on my end we are just working on the flight. Also my rental car is cheaper per day with the change than it was before so that is a plus. I know it will all work out and we will do the transfer tomorrow so wish me luck!

Side note

I have to do IM progesterone injections for this time and I have lots of experience doing them so I felt competent showing my husband how to do them. I instructed him how to do them correctly but it still made me nervous that he did it for the first time and I couldn't see what he was doing so I wasn't sure he was doing it correctly. He did it great and without pain so he did better than some of the students at school professionally trained. I am proud of him!

Weather

Everything went well at the clinic today so the transfer is set for Tuesday! I am so excited but now with Ohio weather I have frustrations. I am worried that the snow and freezing temps may impede my flight. I hope that it all goes well because if not they freeze the embryos and we start my cycle over and postpone it all. It is only a small chance that this will happen but being the planner I am I have to look at all of the possibilities and make a plan. If we can get out that day I was told we can rearrange my appointment so that gives me some hope. I normally don't mind the finicky weather but I just want to do this and get it done we have been waiting long enough for this I don't want to have to postpone it!

Just a thought

I have been told what an amazing thing I am doing with all of this, I guess you would say I am being modest but I don't exactly see it the same way. I know it is a wonderful gift to give someone but for me I am just doing what feels natural. I am not doing it for the praise I am doing it because I can! I am not saying it is right for everyone and all who can should just that it seemed like it was something I should do for someone else but also for me. I am also getting a lot out of this experience, and I am not talking about the money. I am getting a relationship with good people that we will have a bond that you can't have with anyone else. Also I am getting the self confidence that I am a good person and can be selfless (sometimes! LOL). There is so much more I could go on all day. So in short I don't see surrogates as hero's as much as someone who sees this as a way of making a difference for someone else.