Let The Fun Begin!

Today is the first day of injections! I never thought I would ever have the guts to give myself a shot in the gut. So glad I can now check off, "Give myself an injection" off my bucket list. It was really high up there too! (NOT) I was very fortunate to have a friend to help me through it the first time. I got a call from the nurse to explain the how to's but I'm a visual / hands on learner. I was pretty nervous but my friend took charge and said this is what you do and I did it! Very grateful to her for holding my hand through it.

I got all my meds in the mail two days ago. Just in time too because I'm ever so patient and kept calling on Thursday to confirm the order. They had to overnight it because there is no Saturday delivery and I started on Sunday, today. What an overwhelming sight when I opened the box. I have everything needed to get me through to the transfer date. Meds include: Lupron (injectable), Doxycycline (antibiotic for me), Florajen (probiotic for me), Baby Aspirin, Cipro (antibiotic for hubby to make sure he doesn't pass anything to me if he gets sick), Estradiol Valerate (injectable), and Progesterone (injectable). To top it all off there are enough syringes for all meds to get me through to the transfer. I think the sight of the syringes is really what made me apprehensive. But I did it and that's all that matters! I'm ready for this!

And so begins the countdown to transfer...25 days left. It is incredible how much science goes into the creation of a life. It's mind blowing! I'm interested to see if I'm still this positive in a few weeks when the side effects start up. Fingers crossed they will be mild to none. And now that I've mastered the Lupron shot (after one shot I'm now a master?) I will have to conquer the next two. The needles are HUGE for those two! EEeeek! The hubby gets to administer those inter muscularly though. Yes, he is having a great sense of humor about this! Quite thrilled that he gets to stick me in my tuchus.

So now I am on the Lupron shot and the Pill until August 1st when it's just the Lupron shot. Blood test August 6th and then on the 9th I start all meds listed above except Progesterone and then another blood test August 14. Then I start Progesterone on August 17th. Phew, good thing I have a calendar that tells me what to take on each day! Otherwise I would be a little lost. Grateful to the team at ZFC. They are wonderful and so patient with the questions I have. I'll keep you posted on any side effects. Have a great week!

It's Official!

Well I finally got  the confirmation! I'm officially a surrogate.  The contract is signed and we are waiting for meds to ship.  What a crazy year plus it's been. Weight loss, background checks, medical screening, anticipation of meeting intended parents, and so much more. It's all so surreal! I'm still as excited about the process as the day this was set in motion.  My husband by my side the whole way.  I'm so lucky to have someone who supports my dreams and help make them a reality.  I know there will be sacrifices along the way but to be able to help make another family's dream a reality is so much more rewarding.  I hope that as this process unfolds and the community becomes more aware that they are supportive too.  (We live in a small town) I'm just not sure what the rumor mill will produce.  I'm sure some of it may be comical at least.  I know that surrogacy is not something everyone approves of which is ok,  but I hope the comments are respectful.  I know that my strength to go through this is only by the grace of God and not my own.   I feel like I've been given a great opportunity to bless a family.  While I may never understand the struggles of infertility I hope that others become aware and through this become more supportive of those wanting children of their own and avenue they pursue to achieve a family.  I'm exited for what the future holds. It's all in God's hand now... and the fertility doctor's!  :) Please ask questions but please be respectful. And sorry,  I will not be answering questions about the intended parents. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this my egg?
No.  I'm just the gestational carrier (GC).  Another term is surrogate carrier (SC). Or as I prefer...extreem babysitter of sorts. 

Will I have a hard time giving the baby up?
No not really.  I will be curious to see the little person I've carried all those months but it's not my child so I think it will be easy.

Will I have to give up anything? Well yes but that's pretty normal for a pregnancy.  Healthy is my goal and I feel like I've been in training for a while now with weight loss.  I have been soda free for two plus years but I might miss the occasional cup of designer coffee.  :)

Is my family supportive?
The immediate family is supportive. This helps a lot. I'm grateful to them for understanding.  Not many of the extended family is aware yet.