These past two weeks, our daughter was celebrated with two glorious baby showers. At first, I was hesitant to have showers due to the immeasurable generosity that friends and family have already shown us. I decided that that I wanted this child to be celebrated to the fullest extent. Our journey has been a miracle and it feels right to share in our happiness and blessings with those closest to us.
Our first shower was hosted by my closest girlfriends in town. These ladies are truly amazing, kind, loving and fun people. Sharing in the experience of motherhood with this particular group has added so much joy and laughter to my life. Every detail of the baby shower was perfect, from the yummy food and wine, gorgeous decorations and mellow vibe, it was lovely. I am so honored that our surrogate came to the shower. Every time I see her, I feel such a sense of respect, loyalty and gratitude. Many of my friends and family got to meet her for the first time. She is truly amazing!
My second shower was a co-ed party hosted by my mom, mother-in-law and sister. My children came to this one as well as my nephews and niece. My Aunt, sister and brother-in-law and husband's family came from LA and that made the occasion all the more special. It was great to share in the experience with my husband and children.
My mother-in-law had a Vietnemese caterer which was superb. I think Vietnemese food is becoming my new favorite obsession! My husband opened all of the gifts, which was a nice role reversal:)
The generosity shown by all of the people in our lives is incredible. I have to pinch myself that I am surrounded by such love.
As the weeks get closer and I see our surrogate's growing belly, my baby girl is so REAL! In quiet moments, I can just envision her delicate face and picture holding her in my arms. In such a short time, I will be a mommy again, all I have ever wanted.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Room is Officially PINK!
As much as I have resisted all things "pink", the baby's room is now pink. I am not opposed to pink but I have always gravitated to blues, yellows, greens and even lavender. Well, my girly side has come out and I am relishing in tutus, flowers, hearts and yes, PINK!
I still can't believe in less than 10 weeks we will have another member in our family. The excitement is contagious and I am thrilled to be able to be a parent to both boys and now a girl. I can't wait to see the differences in behaviour and the kind of relationship I will have with them as the three grow and mature.
The first year of the boy's life was a whirlwind. I hope that the slower pace of one baby allows me to stop and enjoy the small moments a bit more. My boys have such an incredible bond from sharing a womb and all of life's experiences. I hope that they protect, love and embrace her into their special world.
I have been so fortunate to enjoy a few recent outings with our surrogate and her children. They are so easy to be around and I treasure the time we can spend with them. We all headed to the beach when we had the nice weather a few weeks ago. It was so fun to see our boys building sandcastles together. These moments reemphasise our decision to use a local surrogate. She has embraced me, my husband and children. We have truly felt part of the pregnancy and all the details involved. I have no doubt that when our daughter arrives, our surrogate and her children will continue to be involved in our lives. This treasured friendship will endure.
At the beach, we got an up close look at our surrogate's belly. She is measuring perfectly for 30 weeks. There is no doubt she looks pregnant and is one of the lucky few who carries the pregnancy all in her belly.
I feel so incredibly blessed right now in all areas of life!
I still can't believe in less than 10 weeks we will have another member in our family. The excitement is contagious and I am thrilled to be able to be a parent to both boys and now a girl. I can't wait to see the differences in behaviour and the kind of relationship I will have with them as the three grow and mature.
The first year of the boy's life was a whirlwind. I hope that the slower pace of one baby allows me to stop and enjoy the small moments a bit more. My boys have such an incredible bond from sharing a womb and all of life's experiences. I hope that they protect, love and embrace her into their special world.
I have been so fortunate to enjoy a few recent outings with our surrogate and her children. They are so easy to be around and I treasure the time we can spend with them. We all headed to the beach when we had the nice weather a few weeks ago. It was so fun to see our boys building sandcastles together. These moments reemphasise our decision to use a local surrogate. She has embraced me, my husband and children. We have truly felt part of the pregnancy and all the details involved. I have no doubt that when our daughter arrives, our surrogate and her children will continue to be involved in our lives. This treasured friendship will endure.
At the beach, we got an up close look at our surrogate's belly. She is measuring perfectly for 30 weeks. There is no doubt she looks pregnant and is one of the lucky few who carries the pregnancy all in her belly.
I feel so incredibly blessed right now in all areas of life!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
3rd Trimester, Here We Come!
This Saturday marked week #27 and the beginning of the 3rd trimester. As the weeks fly by I am more and more excited. I have to admit it has been a little more fun buying girlie baby clothes than stuff for the boys. There seems to be a bigger selection in all of the stores and I just love the dresses and skirts galore. My boys are into wearing sweats (which I can't stand) or anything with an elastic waist. I have to bribe them to wear polos, my personal favorite.
My husband and I are still debating between two names and it will probably be a birth time decision. I know that we will do some kind of family name for her middle name. We have our last monthly visit this Tuesday with our OB and then it becomes every 2 weeks. I am literally tickled pink!
My husband and I are still debating between two names and it will probably be a birth time decision. I know that we will do some kind of family name for her middle name. We have our last monthly visit this Tuesday with our OB and then it becomes every 2 weeks. I am literally tickled pink!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
My Silent Companion
When I first met my husband, he had an adorable 3 year old black lab named Cole. While I fell in love with my husband, I also fell in love with his dog. Before the days of kids, I would take him on runs throughout the Upper East or the Foothills of Santa Barbara. We has and is an extremely content dog. He often reminds me of the character Ferdinand from the children's book. A few years after we met, we introduced a Shepard Mix to our family named Sam. For every ounce of mellowness that Cole radiated, Sam matched him with rambunctiousness. They became fast friends, Sam being the dominating pup and Cole the elder wise man. These two dogs magically transitioned with us into life with kids. Their runs became more infrequent. They relished in having two toddlers crawl over them and give them hugs. They had a smorgasbord of table scraps from our two boys. Instead of the dogs being our sole "babies" they learned to share the spotlight with the boys.
There are times that my husband and I are at our wits end with cleaning dog hair up off the couch, feeding them, walking them, picking up dog poop etc. At times, we selfishly have complained how much easier it would be without our two 80lb dogs. All of those negative feelings are diminished when faced with the prospect of losing Cole. We found out this week that his whole body is filled with cancer. Initially we thought he would be around for a few more years upon diagnosis. All of a sudden, he can barely walk, eat or go to the bathroom. My heart breaks for him, our other dog, my kids, my husband and myself. As we celebrate Cole's life and his role in our family, I am reminded that he was my silent companion during the most difficult parts of my life. During my 6 weeks of bed rest during my twin's pregnancy, Cole and Sam never left my side. They both laid on the foot of the bed while I watched hours of Lifetime tv and scrapbooked. During my physical and mental recovery from the loss of our baby daughter, these two dogs were again my silent partners. In a time of extreme loss and sadness, there simple presence brought me comfort. While I am still optimistic that Cole will meet our baby daughter I know that she will know his legacy and the wonderful place he has in all of our hearts.
There are times that my husband and I are at our wits end with cleaning dog hair up off the couch, feeding them, walking them, picking up dog poop etc. At times, we selfishly have complained how much easier it would be without our two 80lb dogs. All of those negative feelings are diminished when faced with the prospect of losing Cole. We found out this week that his whole body is filled with cancer. Initially we thought he would be around for a few more years upon diagnosis. All of a sudden, he can barely walk, eat or go to the bathroom. My heart breaks for him, our other dog, my kids, my husband and myself. As we celebrate Cole's life and his role in our family, I am reminded that he was my silent companion during the most difficult parts of my life. During my 6 weeks of bed rest during my twin's pregnancy, Cole and Sam never left my side. They both laid on the foot of the bed while I watched hours of Lifetime tv and scrapbooked. During my physical and mental recovery from the loss of our baby daughter, these two dogs were again my silent partners. In a time of extreme loss and sadness, there simple presence brought me comfort. While I am still optimistic that Cole will meet our baby daughter I know that she will know his legacy and the wonderful place he has in all of our hearts.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Here Comes The Sun!
The last few days, Santa Barbara has been blessed with sunshine. My boys have turned into little fish and we have spent the last 48 hours in and out of the pool. I was a swimmer all of my life and I feel the greatest joy being in the water with them, diving, splashing and jumping. It is amazing how the sunshine can make you feel more joyous and content!
As we head into fall and our pregnancy progresses, my excitement is starting to build. On Saturday morning we actually went to the paint store and got a few paint samples for baby sister's room. While the boys picked reds and blues, I think we are going to go with my choices, maybe a light lavender or sage color. The boys know they are going to have a sister. I have told them they have to help dad put together the crib and help me paint her room. They act very excited but the concept is still difficult to grasp. I think most 3 year olds can't comprehend a new baby entering their lives until they enter the door.
We have another doctor's appointment tomorrow. I am so excited to see our surrogate and to hear our baby's heartbeat. I can't say it enough but this whole process has been so profound and such a positive experience. The bond I feel with our surrogate is so incredible and I can never thank her enough for adding baby # 3 to our lives.
As we head into fall and our pregnancy progresses, my excitement is starting to build. On Saturday morning we actually went to the paint store and got a few paint samples for baby sister's room. While the boys picked reds and blues, I think we are going to go with my choices, maybe a light lavender or sage color. The boys know they are going to have a sister. I have told them they have to help dad put together the crib and help me paint her room. They act very excited but the concept is still difficult to grasp. I think most 3 year olds can't comprehend a new baby entering their lives until they enter the door.
We have another doctor's appointment tomorrow. I am so excited to see our surrogate and to hear our baby's heartbeat. I can't say it enough but this whole process has been so profound and such a positive experience. The bond I feel with our surrogate is so incredible and I can never thank her enough for adding baby # 3 to our lives.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
We are almost 22 weeks! Our surrogate is starting to show more which means our little girl is growing and moving right along. Our surrogate has been out of town for the last few weeks.I can't wait to catch up on our daughter's movement and how our surrogate is feeling.
One interesting thing that I have taken note of is the funny things people say when they don't know what to say. None of it offends me anymore as I have heard some real doosies over the last year. I was recently at a bridal shower and someone I was talking to found out I was using a surrogate. They then asked me if I carried my boys. My reply was, "yes but we are using a surrogate because I had complications." She then asked me specifically, in front of others what my complications were. Not really the best subject matter for a shower. When others find out we are using a surrogate, they immediately ask, "well are your boys yours?" Well of course and so is this baby. Others ask what our surrogate looks like and if the baby will look like her. I then explain that the baby is biologically 100% ours. Even if she wasn't genetically related, she would still be 100% ours. My husband told me has been asked by guys (of course by guys) if using a surrogate means he slept with someone else...that one comes close to taking the cake. Most of the questions and comments are simply out of naivety. I have to admit, I really didn't know a lot about the process when we began. Hopefully our experience is broadening the horizons of many inquisitive minds.
Today was a rather sad day in our household. We found out that our beloved pet lab has cancer. My husband has had Cole since he was a puppy. He is ten years old and you couldn't ask for a better dog. He takes such joy in lounging on the couch eating the boy's scraps and playing in the ocean. We find out more tomorrow so please keep our Colely in your prayers.
On a different note, we have been enjoying summer to the fullest extent. I spent last summer in bed and this summer we can be found at the pool, beach, playground or any other place you would encounter a 3 year old. My boys are almost swimming on their own. They just have to master the breathing. I am hoping swim lessons twice a week will help. I hope to end the summer by taking our dogs one more walks and beach outings. I want to give them more time and energy.
One interesting thing that I have taken note of is the funny things people say when they don't know what to say. None of it offends me anymore as I have heard some real doosies over the last year. I was recently at a bridal shower and someone I was talking to found out I was using a surrogate. They then asked me if I carried my boys. My reply was, "yes but we are using a surrogate because I had complications." She then asked me specifically, in front of others what my complications were. Not really the best subject matter for a shower. When others find out we are using a surrogate, they immediately ask, "well are your boys yours?" Well of course and so is this baby. Others ask what our surrogate looks like and if the baby will look like her. I then explain that the baby is biologically 100% ours. Even if she wasn't genetically related, she would still be 100% ours. My husband told me has been asked by guys (of course by guys) if using a surrogate means he slept with someone else...that one comes close to taking the cake. Most of the questions and comments are simply out of naivety. I have to admit, I really didn't know a lot about the process when we began. Hopefully our experience is broadening the horizons of many inquisitive minds.
Today was a rather sad day in our household. We found out that our beloved pet lab has cancer. My husband has had Cole since he was a puppy. He is ten years old and you couldn't ask for a better dog. He takes such joy in lounging on the couch eating the boy's scraps and playing in the ocean. We find out more tomorrow so please keep our Colely in your prayers.
On a different note, we have been enjoying summer to the fullest extent. I spent last summer in bed and this summer we can be found at the pool, beach, playground or any other place you would encounter a 3 year old. My boys are almost swimming on their own. They just have to master the breathing. I am hoping swim lessons twice a week will help. I hope to end the summer by taking our dogs one more walks and beach outings. I want to give them more time and energy.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Growing Baby Girl
This week we saw the Perinatal specialist to mark our 18th week. I was lucky enough to have my mom, husband sister and Aunt there to see our little lady. At 18 weeks she is around the 80th percentile, which means a healthy baby according to the doc. the 3-D ultra sound was amazing! He was able to capture her with her legs crossed and pictures of her tiny hands covering her face. One picture that really took my breath away was of her long legs. It reminded me so much of one of my sons and they looked like they could of been his legs.
The pregnancy is progressing wonderfully and I can't believe we are at the half way point. I am so curious to see when our daughter will be born. I have a feeling it will be the first week of December. My c-section was somewhat planned so I am really excited for the surprise of when this baby will enter our lives. My twins were 5 weeks early and 5 lbs 10 oz and 6 lbs 13 oz. My husband was 10 lbs 2 weeks early. Big babies run in the family but hopefully our little girl will be on the petite side for our surrogate's sake. I am guessing around 8lbs for Baby girl Eliassen:)
I am relived to see that our Surrogate is feeling better. She says that she has her appetite and is craving spicy food. She truly handles pregnancy beautifully, never complains and always has a smile on her face. She is an amazing mother to her two children and such a generous friend to me!
The pregnancy is progressing wonderfully and I can't believe we are at the half way point. I am so curious to see when our daughter will be born. I have a feeling it will be the first week of December. My c-section was somewhat planned so I am really excited for the surprise of when this baby will enter our lives. My twins were 5 weeks early and 5 lbs 10 oz and 6 lbs 13 oz. My husband was 10 lbs 2 weeks early. Big babies run in the family but hopefully our little girl will be on the petite side for our surrogate's sake. I am guessing around 8lbs for Baby girl Eliassen:)
I am relived to see that our Surrogate is feeling better. She says that she has her appetite and is craving spicy food. She truly handles pregnancy beautifully, never complains and always has a smile on her face. She is an amazing mother to her two children and such a generous friend to me!
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