9 week uktrasound

Well, technically at 8 weeks 6 days I had another ultrasound to check on the progression of the baby.
The trip went very well- I managed not to crash the car and made it home safely.
I went solo on this trip which I was not really looking forward to because of all the driving, but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated.

I first met the guys at their house and I just have to say- could I be more spoiled?? I think not!
Tons of gifts for me and my boys!
They are so stinkin cute and I couldn't be matched with better people.
We drove to the appointment together and eagerly got right down to it.
Baby is measuring right on track and we got to hear the heartbeat this time!
Best. Sound. Ever.
It has arm and leg buds and was wiggling all around- movin' and groovin'
After the appointment we went and had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory (my first time)
It was so good! Then we moseyed around a kick ass mall and did a little shopping. I love every minute I get to spend with them- I usually spend 95% of my time cracking up laughing at or with at least one of them.
Then the time came for me to wander back home. Had to be back for my ever-so-loved shots.
While I was there I also had labs drawn for hormone checks.

That's where more good news comes in
- I am now released from the care of the IVF doctor and no longer have to do the delestrogen shot every 3 days!!
I have a repeat progesterone level check in about a week and a half- and will still be monitored by the California RE until I'm off all meds- but there is a light at the end of the tunnel :)
I have faith that my levels will be good and ill get to be done with all shots and suppositories on the 21st, but prayers are always appreciated.

As far as an OB goes, I have a meet and greet this Thursday (valentines day) to see how we will mesh.
I have a very strong opinion on the way I would like my labor and birth to go.
It's my number one priority to make sure the baby as well as myself are not just put through the system.
I work in it and see all too often the amount of unnecessary csections, inductions, and augmentations that occur.
I will be having a doula for this birth which I find 100% necessary in order for me to have an unmedicated birth.
Therefore- my OB better be badass and like-minded or else I'll have to find someone else.
I'm sure she'll be great and ill have good news to report ;)
If things with Dr.Owen go as hoped, I will be scheduling a prenatal check-up as well as NT scan for the week or 2 to follow.
That means...... I get to see the daddies again!!
And~ we get to see baby again!!

So so fun!

On the home front, my family is finally getting over all this sicky junk going around. Maveric completely understands what mommy is doing, and frequently asks how A&S's baby in mommy's belly is doing. He always asks what it's name is lol. He doesn't quite understand why it doesn't have a name yet- or why we don't know if its a boy or girl, but he understands that we are not keeping it. I think he's pretty excited about not keeping it as he has a hard enough time with Finley stealing his toys lol.

I know there are a few people out there that just don't get it and/or don't think it's right that I'm doing this for a same sex couple to which I could say a whole lot. And I have, in a nice memo, privately, saved on my phone. I contemplated writing a blog about it but ultimately decided against it. It's not worth it. I dont have to convince anyone of anything. I vent to myself and let out my frustrations via journaling, and for now that was enough. I've learned that not everyone can or will understand and do NOT practice what they preach.
Jesus showed unconditional love. Period.
It just sucks that some people can be so blind. Anywho- I don't want to get started- so I better end this now.
I pray for a healthy strong baby to which 2 wonderful dads deserve.

Thank you Jesus for blessing me and giving me peace in my heart and soul.
As always, looking forward to the future, completely assured and confident in God's plan.
Here's a pic of sweet baby at 9 weeks :) and a belly pic of 7 1/2 weeks

7 week ultrasound

Friday was the big day! Husband and I drove down to where the daddies live for our first ultrasound.
It sure was eventful
Not even a quarter of the way into our trip, and the snow starts. Of course it would.
I crashed our car :(
Bad.
Well, I wasn't going very fast, and no other car was involved- that's a bonus.
Long story short, we now have a rental car and the bonus I'm getting from work is now going for our deductible :(
Sounds about right.
We are fine and baby mocha is fine


That's right!
1 little monkey is jumping on the bed.

Although our appointment was pushed back, we were still able to be seen that day.

So I dropped my draws and had another meeting with Wandy.
One cute little heartbeat and all the fixings.
I was unexpectedly sadder than I anticipated.
I cried a little. Then cried a lot.
Thankfully everyone was able to cheer me up- for the most part.
I know there's nothing more I could have done but there were 2...... And now there's 1 :(
I feel like I let everyone down.
The competitive side in me really was hoping for two; it worked for previous surrogates, so why not me? Why couldn't I get to give them 2 babies ? I tested positive SO early!
Plus I remember when I had my first son, my husband and I fought over him all the time about who got to change him and feed him and snuggle. Neither of us wanted to share.
Considering the long road the guys have been down, I thought it would be pretty neat if they could kind of both have a baby to themselves.
Thought squashed.
I'm better today after a good nights sleep- but it's still sad.
No more dwelling on it though because I need to concentrate on the strong and healthy one that's brewing.
Nothing but positive from here on out.
It's always a fantastic time hanging out with the dads. We went to their beautiful house and I got to see the baby's room :) so cute!
We watched an episode of The New Normal and laughed at all the inappropriate- ness.
Then went to dinner and whole foods for more pregnancy tea!
Excluding the car accident, it was an awesome day. I got homemade-from-scratch chocolate chip cookies. Mhmmm. Be jealous because I'm not even exaggerating ..... Best cookies I've EVER had. Fo real!
Next ultrasound appointment is February 8th!
God knows my heart and knows what I'm hoping to get out of this experience. I trust that He is in control of every aspect of this journey. Reality is, with a twin pregnancy comes greater risk. God truly only gives us what we can handle and it's not up to anyone else to question.
Myself included.
God wants me to carry one sweet baby for these rockin dads- so that's what I'm going to do!

So far my symptoms are very manageable. I've been sick for what seems like a week but its not pregnancy related. I do have morning sickness most evenings but I'm learning how to avoid it. It's no where near as bad as it was with my boys so I am praising God for that!
The shots on the other hand, well, there's no sugar coating that. They stink! It's all in love for this sweet bean and I know it will be over soon. I just find it funny that at one point I was excited for shots. What was I thinking :/

I've started looking into a birth doula and possibly a birth photographer.

Call me crazy but I'm also planning on going med free this birth. I know I can do it as long as I have experienced help guiding me through.

So so so looking forward to feb 8th when I get to see the guys again and see how much the baby has grown. I love seeing them when they look like gummy bears :)

Beta #2

I was hoping for a much bigger number, but the beta for today was 3643.
I'm starting to think there's just one mocha bean in there, but twinsies are not ruled out.
Ultrasound is set up for January 25th!
So exciting! The dads-to-be will be accompanying me ;)
Looking forward to hearing that sweet heartbeat(s)
Not much else going on around here, some sleepiness, few cravings randomly, and massive pregnancy brain :D
Good signs
I'm going to keep trucking away at the pregnancy smoothies and organic tea. My special indulgences :)
Ill update as soon as possible once we have the ultrasound!
Thanks for all your prayers- I certainly rely on them for myself

Beta

Yikes!
I'm so sorry I waited this long to update!
Honestly, I didn't think anyone outside of Facebook actually read my blog. Glad to know I was wrong

So I went in on the 7th for beta




And




After not wanting to wait the whole day....



I looked up my own results in the computer at work


I know that I technically probably shouldn't have done that, but, I have 0 patience. And also technically, it's not violating HIPAA.
Well.....
Beta was






410!!!!
Woohoo!
I immediately started poas the morning we left LA. The morning after we got home, which was 4dp5dt, and December 31st, I swear I saw a second line. It was literally so faint I could have been imagining it.
Tested on a digital at noon=negative
Tested on another First response at 6pm and got a very very there positive!!!!
Just for funsies I tested on a digital again around 11:30 and got a beautiful "pregnant"!!!!
Talk about in shock!
I couldn't believe it! First of all it was evening urine. Secondly it was a digital!!
I started crying and shaking and wanted to shout it from the rooftops but instead I sent some friends a pic
I also sent a pic to the daddies at around 10 minutes till midnight and said happy new year;)
I seriously wanted to do something so cute and fun as a way to break them the news but once I saw that pregnant sign I couldn't hold it in another minute!

Based off of the sensitivity of the test, we did our own math to try and guess the beta. We were pretty on target
So for now, the next beta is on the 14th!
Monday!!
And as long as everything is doubling correctly, an ultrasound will be scheduled for the 25th. I will be 6 weeks6 days at that point so we should definitely see a heartbeat........ Or two ;)

It took a couple days to sink in that I'm actually pregnant and I've had so much relief knowing it worked the first time.

I've been eating super healthy and enjoying the time I have not barfing for fear it will soon be here.
Only a few pregnancy symptoms so far- ahhh this is so amazing

I feel so honored to be able to help
I have never felt closer to God

Pray for great beta numbers!!!
I promise ill update Monday once I get (look up) the results ;)

Transfer

My apologies for taking this long to update, but as you can imagine it's been a busy holiday.
We were expecting a huge snow storm to kick in the exact time I needed to leave for the airport..... figures.
My rock star sister got us there safe and sound and I couldn't believe our flight was still on time!

Our luck started in true Detroit fashion as I go to pay for my checked bag at which point the sassy airport lady actually said
"ma'am your bag is free cause I ain't got time for that."
We knew from that moment on it was going to be a fantastic trip!
I was also nervous about flying with my meds and needles in my carry-on, but it was no big deal at all. They never even questioned me.
So then we were off to LA!

5 hour flight, but we made it work. One of my best friends went with me and so we did nothing but laugh the entire time!
And since I'm so good at figuring out this time change thing..... NOT
I quickly realize that I'm going to have to give myself my shot en route.
Let me just say, to give yourself a shot in the hip on an airplane bathroom is no small thing. BUT I DID IT!!
We make it there safely and upon landing I get a text from the guys that they were stuck in New Jersey because of the snow and wouldn't be flying in until the next day at noon.
This was going to be a huge problem!
The transfer was scheduled for 11:30!

Now I'm freaking out and sad and upset. These are their babies, they HAVE to be there!!

My husband and friend both quickly remind me that the transfer is not the most important part..... but rather 9 months from now.
That helped a lot, but I was still so sad.
So the following day, which was the 27th, we get ready and head to the clinic to check in at 11. I do the blood work and sign in with the ladies.
As I'm sitting there all nervous praying the Valium kicks in, I get a text from the guys that they've landed!!! I turn to tell my friend and the nurse calls my name to come back!!

I told her the situation that the guys had just landed and she said it was no big deal and that we can wait for them!
Thank You JESUS!!

So we were told to come back at 1:30 instead.
WHEW
That gave us plenty of time to go for a beautiful walk in LA. It was picture perfect! We found a whole foods (fresh market around here except on steroids) and got some freshly made fire roasted pizza as well as a whole pineapple and avocados.
Pineapple core for a sticky uterus, and avocado for healthy fats which benefit cellular structure. 
The guys had time to get their bags and a car and meet us at the clinic just in time!

I drop my drawz and everyone comes in. 
My friend, the dads, a nurse, the embryologist, and the Doc.
We were able to see a pic of the 2 embryos (one from each guy) and the expert explained their condition was perfect. They looked pre-freeze quality!
It was so awesome to get to see that pic of them. I said Hi and told them to make themselves at home.
Doc did his thing and within a couple of minutes it was over.

The wonderful ladies from Modern Family Surrogacy were there to greet all of us and it was so sweet to finally meet them!

I rested for about a half hour and then was told to be on bed rest for 24 hours.

That night we watched 'What to expect when you're expecting' with one of the dads and had a blast!

I lounged around the next morning and took my time getting ready.

My friend was driving around 3 hours to meet me and the dads!!!

Here is where I'm going to tear up.
This girl is amazing. Kentra you are an amazing support system for me and I cannot possibly thank you enough. It's crazy how 2 people can become so close and had never met.
I  have already gained so much from this journey and thank God everyday for the people He has brought into my life.

We all headed down to the Santa Monica Pier and played in the ocean (despite its freezing-ness)
Side note: Kentra I'm totally stealing some of those pics!
Then we all went to Third Street Promenade ?
Basically there are tons of stores and street entertainment mixed in with lots of...... characters. lol
I had so much fun just walking and talking. It was great not having any set plans.

Dinner time came around and Kentra and her family started back for home. SAD!!

The 4 of us then went to dinner at an awesome Italian restaurant and I gobbled up my food.
It was so weird not having little mouths to feed and being able to enjoy a meal out.

We were all tired so off to bed it was. The next morning we slept in (which was amazing) and 3 of us went to breakfast. Also amazing!
Maybe its the babies, but the food was tasting so great!

Next up, shopping!
I got to spend the entire day with 3 awesome people!
We did nothing but laugh the entire time.
We saw the Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory which was a bucket list thing for me for sure!
I'm so thankful that the guys toured us around.
It was sincerely a picture perfect trip and I am nothing but smiles!

P.s. Pink Berry is amazing!

I'm sure I am forgetting tons of things, but I have to cut this short, the ball is about to drop!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I have a funny feeling 2013 is going to be phenomenal.
Thank You to everyone who helped take care of my boys while I was gone- I missed them dearly.

Beta is January 7th! But hopefully I'll be able to post a pic of a positive pregnancy test soon.

As always, PRAY!!!!
God alone is the giver of life and I know with my whole heart this is what He has lead me to do.
I.AM.SO.BLESSED!

Great news!!

I went on the 20th for labs and ultrasound and I was so nervous!
There was the question in my head of whether or not I ovulated, and I was also hoping for a good number on the uterine lining.
The tech was wonderful and I was in and out.
I knew that a lining 8 or above was good, but what most doctors like to see is between 10-12.
Well...... Mine was over 17!!
Que the freak out
I have heard of some cycles being cancelled because of linings too thick and so began my dreaded wait to hear from the RE in LA.
In the meantime I chatted with some surro friends who also had bigger linings and although they reassured me, I still stalked my email.
All of a sudden I get a text from S that the doctor called him and said we're moving forward with the transfer!!!!!
I must not have ovulated and all is well.
Thank God!!!
The guys were so sweet the whole time!
It was also their anniversary so I'm so glad it was good news!
And of course my rockstar Hubbs knows just how to keep me smiling and my spirits up.
It's such a blessing having a marriage where we can pray together and go through this journey together. He has been great at giving me my shots---- and that's a good thing because we're getting ready to kick it into overdrive. Ill post a pic of my med schedule.
It's pretty rough but definitely worth it to grow a baby :D
LEAVING FOR LA ON 12/26!!!
Holy crap I need to pack :)
Merry Christmas! Ill be coming back knocked up!!!!
Ps I still need ideas for telling the daddies the good news of a positive pregnancy test and beta!!?!?
Don't be shy!

Ultrasound

Tomorrow I have an ultrasound and labs to check hormone levels and the lining of my uterus.
I have only an educated guess on where the lining should be thickness wise- so I hope everything is how the doc wants it.

What I am slightly concerned about is whether or not I've ovulated. Theoretically, the delestrogen stopped me from doing so, but there is a rare chance I could've ovulated through. Which would be bad. We would have to cancel this cycle, wait for a P, and start over. Really bad!
The reason I have these concerns is because right around the time I normally ovulate, I started to feel pressure in my ovaries. It wasn't the typical ovulation cramps, just more of a pressure- but it was definitely there.
I informed the nurse and the doctor said he will check it all out in tomorrows results.
From the women I've spoken to that have gone through IVF, the pressure is normal.
Whew
But I still have that concern in the back of my head.
I know that worrying wont change a single thing, and it will only make me feel worse.
So I am trying my hardest to keep reminding myself that God's timing is always perfect and He is in control.
I guess if there has to be a hiccup or two, ill gladly take this over lots of other worse things.
Hopefully tomorrow I can go to bed relieved.
We're so close and I just don't want to mess anything up.
Fingers crossed for our departure in 1 week!!