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!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What a Differance a Year Makes!
This week we had an appointment with our OB. Baby girl was so squirmy so it took the doctor a while to find the heart beat. I just love the sound of the steady rhythm of a growing baby's heart. Our surrogate is starting to feel better, not quite as nauseous. She is such a trooper!
Next week marks the 1 year mark of loosing our baby and nearly my life. It is so weird to think that it has really been 1 year. At this last Doctor's visit, my OB, who as become a close confidant said that it takes most people 4 years to get to where we are now. I think this a testament to my amazing support system, my faith and our surrogate. There are still moments when I feel emotional, sad and confused about the ordeal went through last year. Just thinking about it, takes me right back to the recovery room and ICU. After 1 full year though, I feel strong, empowered and hopeful. Time really does heal all wounds.
I know that I have expressed my thanks and gratitude over the last year but I am taking the opportunity to do it one more time. Life is so precious and it is important to give thanks for those that impact our journey. Here are just a few of the amazing people who have helped me get to where I am today:
-Our surrogate, you have given me the greatest gift I could have ever asked for. Your sacrifice and dedication are remarkable. I am still in awe that you are doing this for our family. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
-My husband, you are my true life partner. There are times that I wonder how we got through the last year. Our bond and devotion is unique and I cherish it every day. You are an amazing father, husband and man. I know the last year was equally as rough for you. I know that there will be bright days in our future.
-My parents, you were such steady and reliable support to our family. I can't imagine what you went through last year, as I know the extreme love I feel for my own children. You are our rocks and I love you both so much.
-Dr. E, you are an amazing physician. I credit so much of my outlook and healing to you. Your skill, bedside manner and friendship is something I cherish. I am so glad you have been there every step of the way with us.
-My siblings, you stepped up in so many ways while I was recovering. Taking care of my children without any hesitation showed me that I can always count on you in good times and bad.
-Andrea, you are truly the kind of friend that comes along once in a lifetime. Your kindness, understanding and love is amazing. From organizing meal drop offs to making yourself available for my phone calls, you are the best!
-Yalith and Alanna, your help last year was incredible. You treated my children so wonderfully. We could not have managed without your help!
-Jamie and Jan, two long time friends of my mom, your heartfelt letters were so moving. I have them saved in a special place and read them whenever I need comfort. Thank you!
-Chanda, It took a year but you got me to feel like myself again. You are an amazing trainer and friend and I am grateful that you are in my life. I credit so much of my physical and emotional healing to you.
-Jennifer H., through my whole ordeal, I found a a life long friend in you. Your respect and genuine concern will never be forgotten.
-Alisa, the ultimate matchmaker! Thank you for bringing our surrogate and myself together!
-Laurie, Thank you for being my mentor, guide and friend. Without your continuing guidance I wouldn't be where I am now.
-Lorie, Thank you for the kindness you showed my mom and Todd while I was at the hospital. You were the first one there with food and waters.
-Annie, the fact that you were going through your own ordeal and you still dropped off bags and bags of groceries is truly remarkable. You are a strong and amazing woman.
-Caryl, Thank you for your effots in trying to find me a surrogate. Your willingness to give so much of yourself is incredible.
For all of my other friends and family, I eternally grateful to you. I would not be expecting my baby girl in December if it wasn't for your support.
There are many other people that dropped off meals and sent cards. Thank you for your help and I can't wait for you to meet our new addition!
Next week marks the 1 year mark of loosing our baby and nearly my life. It is so weird to think that it has really been 1 year. At this last Doctor's visit, my OB, who as become a close confidant said that it takes most people 4 years to get to where we are now. I think this a testament to my amazing support system, my faith and our surrogate. There are still moments when I feel emotional, sad and confused about the ordeal went through last year. Just thinking about it, takes me right back to the recovery room and ICU. After 1 full year though, I feel strong, empowered and hopeful. Time really does heal all wounds.
I know that I have expressed my thanks and gratitude over the last year but I am taking the opportunity to do it one more time. Life is so precious and it is important to give thanks for those that impact our journey. Here are just a few of the amazing people who have helped me get to where I am today:
-Our surrogate, you have given me the greatest gift I could have ever asked for. Your sacrifice and dedication are remarkable. I am still in awe that you are doing this for our family. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
-My husband, you are my true life partner. There are times that I wonder how we got through the last year. Our bond and devotion is unique and I cherish it every day. You are an amazing father, husband and man. I know the last year was equally as rough for you. I know that there will be bright days in our future.
-My parents, you were such steady and reliable support to our family. I can't imagine what you went through last year, as I know the extreme love I feel for my own children. You are our rocks and I love you both so much.
-Dr. E, you are an amazing physician. I credit so much of my outlook and healing to you. Your skill, bedside manner and friendship is something I cherish. I am so glad you have been there every step of the way with us.
-My siblings, you stepped up in so many ways while I was recovering. Taking care of my children without any hesitation showed me that I can always count on you in good times and bad.
-Andrea, you are truly the kind of friend that comes along once in a lifetime. Your kindness, understanding and love is amazing. From organizing meal drop offs to making yourself available for my phone calls, you are the best!
-Yalith and Alanna, your help last year was incredible. You treated my children so wonderfully. We could not have managed without your help!
-Jamie and Jan, two long time friends of my mom, your heartfelt letters were so moving. I have them saved in a special place and read them whenever I need comfort. Thank you!
-Chanda, It took a year but you got me to feel like myself again. You are an amazing trainer and friend and I am grateful that you are in my life. I credit so much of my physical and emotional healing to you.
-Jennifer H., through my whole ordeal, I found a a life long friend in you. Your respect and genuine concern will never be forgotten.
-Alisa, the ultimate matchmaker! Thank you for bringing our surrogate and myself together!
-Laurie, Thank you for being my mentor, guide and friend. Without your continuing guidance I wouldn't be where I am now.
-Lorie, Thank you for the kindness you showed my mom and Todd while I was at the hospital. You were the first one there with food and waters.
-Annie, the fact that you were going through your own ordeal and you still dropped off bags and bags of groceries is truly remarkable. You are a strong and amazing woman.
-Caryl, Thank you for your effots in trying to find me a surrogate. Your willingness to give so much of yourself is incredible.
For all of my other friends and family, I eternally grateful to you. I would not be expecting my baby girl in December if it wasn't for your support.
There are many other people that dropped off meals and sent cards. Thank you for your help and I can't wait for you to meet our new addition!
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Lot of Pink in The Future
We are having a GIRL! Yesterday we went to Peekabo Ultrasound, where you can see the sex of the baby at 14 weeks. We had a quite a party in the room as the technician declared that the baby is a girl. My husband, my mom, my sister, my brother, my two sons and our surrogate's two children were all in attendance for this magical day.
I felt such a sense of joy that we could all share in this experience together. Our surrogate's daughter kept saying,"oh isn't the baby cute!" She is such a precious little girl, so enthusiastic about life. The images were projected onto a big screen so we could see the active baby girl moving around. She even gave us a little wave. The technician even commented on how active she was.
One other fun tidbit was that the technician could tell that our little girl is going to have chubby cheeks by the way they are developing. I just love chubby babes.
Every day that goes by, my excitement increases. I can just envision holding our new little baby and smelling the delicious new baby smell. Yesterday was a truly wonderful day for our family!
I felt such a sense of joy that we could all share in this experience together. Our surrogate's daughter kept saying,"oh isn't the baby cute!" She is such a precious little girl, so enthusiastic about life. The images were projected onto a big screen so we could see the active baby girl moving around. She even gave us a little wave. The technician even commented on how active she was.
One other fun tidbit was that the technician could tell that our little girl is going to have chubby cheeks by the way they are developing. I just love chubby babes.
Every day that goes by, my excitement increases. I can just envision holding our new little baby and smelling the delicious new baby smell. Yesterday was a truly wonderful day for our family!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
13 Weeks! Let's Celebrate with a Little Smores.
Today marks the end of the first trimester! It is truly inspiring to see how far we have come in such a short amount of time.
The end of our first trimester also lined up to our family's first camping trip. Along with a few other families, my parents, my sister, my Aunt, our nanny and her husband we set off for a State Beach site, just 20 minutes North.
The preparation was overwhelming at times. Growing up, all of our family vacations were camping. I really don't know how my parents did it with four children. They are amazing! There were definite times that I questioned, "Is all of this prep worth it?" It would have been much easier to pull up to a resort or hotel. All my doubts went away the minute we unloaded and got settled. In no time at all, my boys were covered in dirt. There is something so precious about seeing a 3 year old play in the dirt with his friends. I know that my sons will be bonded with these friends that they have camped with for years to come.
It was so relaxing to sit around the campfire with family and friends, drinking wine and telling stories. It makes me realize how I rely on the tv or computer way too much. The quality time of just talking is priceless. My theory on family trips is that you have to have a balance. Sure, I love staying at resorts and can spa with the best of them but it is also nice to camp. Kids need nature and it adds so much to their development. It is okay for my kids to get dirty and not have toys every second. That being said, I just booked a Hawaii trip for the fall:)
We also celebrated my twin's 3rd Birthday while we were camping. We had an impromptu pinata, that my sister brought. Next year I will probably do a party for them but it was so nice just to have an intimate setting and not have to worry about a big production. I still have to pinch myself that they are 3 years old. It seems like just yesterday, I was juggling feedings, diaper changes and baths. They have grown into active, lovable, good human beings. I love them with all of my heart. I know that they will embrace Eliassen #5 with open arms.
The end of our first trimester also lined up to our family's first camping trip. Along with a few other families, my parents, my sister, my Aunt, our nanny and her husband we set off for a State Beach site, just 20 minutes North.
The preparation was overwhelming at times. Growing up, all of our family vacations were camping. I really don't know how my parents did it with four children. They are amazing! There were definite times that I questioned, "Is all of this prep worth it?" It would have been much easier to pull up to a resort or hotel. All my doubts went away the minute we unloaded and got settled. In no time at all, my boys were covered in dirt. There is something so precious about seeing a 3 year old play in the dirt with his friends. I know that my sons will be bonded with these friends that they have camped with for years to come.
It was so relaxing to sit around the campfire with family and friends, drinking wine and telling stories. It makes me realize how I rely on the tv or computer way too much. The quality time of just talking is priceless. My theory on family trips is that you have to have a balance. Sure, I love staying at resorts and can spa with the best of them but it is also nice to camp. Kids need nature and it adds so much to their development. It is okay for my kids to get dirty and not have toys every second. That being said, I just booked a Hawaii trip for the fall:)
We also celebrated my twin's 3rd Birthday while we were camping. We had an impromptu pinata, that my sister brought. Next year I will probably do a party for them but it was so nice just to have an intimate setting and not have to worry about a big production. I still have to pinch myself that they are 3 years old. It seems like just yesterday, I was juggling feedings, diaper changes and baths. They have grown into active, lovable, good human beings. I love them with all of my heart. I know that they will embrace Eliassen #5 with open arms.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tiny Dancer
Yesterday marked our 11/12 week visit with our in town OB. Hubby and I accompanied our surrogate to the office visit. While viewing the ultra sound, we were able to see our little peanut moving around like crazy. You could actually see the tiny arms swaying. Maybe we have a dancer on our hands.
I felt such a sense of relief getting to this point. As we enter into the second trimester I am even more excited that we will have a new baby by Christmas. I can't wait to hang 3 stockings next year! I really haven't been that nervous through the pregnancy but it still is a relief to hit the 12 week mark. Once you have been through a miscarriage or lose a child, there will always be a small sense of anxiety in the early stages.
Our choice of OB was also reaffirmed during this visit. Her equal attention to our surrogate, myself and my husband was wonderful. We have shared quite a journey with this OB and I am so thankful she will be there for this miraculous one. I am continually in awe with the pairing of our surrogate and us. I know that someday her children will so proud of the gift she is giving us.
I felt such a sense of relief getting to this point. As we enter into the second trimester I am even more excited that we will have a new baby by Christmas. I can't wait to hang 3 stockings next year! I really haven't been that nervous through the pregnancy but it still is a relief to hit the 12 week mark. Once you have been through a miscarriage or lose a child, there will always be a small sense of anxiety in the early stages.
Our choice of OB was also reaffirmed during this visit. Her equal attention to our surrogate, myself and my husband was wonderful. We have shared quite a journey with this OB and I am so thankful she will be there for this miraculous one. I am continually in awe with the pairing of our surrogate and us. I know that someday her children will so proud of the gift she is giving us.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bye Bye Needles!
Our surrogate just got confirmation that she is officially done with all of her injectable drugs. It has been a consistent several months that she has had to take daily injections. She is such a trooper and gave herself the shots. I can't wait to dispose of our huge collection of needles at the next Doctor's appointment.
On another note, life with my two boys is so content. Yesterday was the first day they decided not to nap. We opted to go bowling which was quite the experience. My parents have taken them several times but I have never taken them by myself. They have this great device for kids that enables them to bowl by pushing a ball down a small ramp. They actually bowled one entire game and were very pleased with themselves for knocking down all of the pins. The bowling alley is quite the place to people watch mid day during the week.
On another note, life with my two boys is so content. Yesterday was the first day they decided not to nap. We opted to go bowling which was quite the experience. My parents have taken them several times but I have never taken them by myself. They have this great device for kids that enables them to bowl by pushing a ball down a small ramp. They actually bowled one entire game and were very pleased with themselves for knocking down all of the pins. The bowling alley is quite the place to people watch mid day during the week.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Graduation Day
This is my first attempt at creating a blog. Our gestational surrogate started one at the beginning of our journey. I hope you enjoy reading about this incredible experience!
Last week marked the 10 week ultra-sound of our baby. Our surrogate and I made the last and final trek to Thousand Oaks. It is hard to believe that Todd and I have been making the drive for almost 4 years now. We have gone through almost every procedure and process with them. They are expert hand holders, guidance counselors and true professionals. I am so lucky that I entrusted them with my most precious cargo.
Our little peanut measured at almost 11 weeks. The heart beat was a steady and strong 168 bpm. The baby was moving it’s arms and legs and it truly warmed my heart. Although I have seen hundreds of ultra sounds at this point, the joy of life never gets old.
Our surrogate still has 1-2 weeks of injections and we start to see our OB in just a few weeks too. Life is good!
Last week marked the 10 week ultra-sound of our baby. Our surrogate and I made the last and final trek to Thousand Oaks. It is hard to believe that Todd and I have been making the drive for almost 4 years now. We have gone through almost every procedure and process with them. They are expert hand holders, guidance counselors and true professionals. I am so lucky that I entrusted them with my most precious cargo.
Our little peanut measured at almost 11 weeks. The heart beat was a steady and strong 168 bpm. The baby was moving it’s arms and legs and it truly warmed my heart. Although I have seen hundreds of ultra sounds at this point, the joy of life never gets old.
Our surrogate still has 1-2 weeks of injections and we start to see our OB in just a few weeks too. Life is good!
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