How CUUUUTE is he?? Seriously!

OK so it's been awhile since I posted here. Moose is now 9 months old. I had the absolute pleasure of spending the weekend with the family a couple of weeks ago. He's such a happy boy! A real joy to be around, as are mom and dad. They are amazing people. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to get to know them.

Summer has been moving along pretty quickly. A few camping trips. Hoping for a couple more before the kids go back to school. Alexa is enrolled in a new school that offers french immersion. She's very excited to try it out. Ethan is still up in the air about a school change so he's still at the same school. I wonder if he'll miss his big sister and decide to change once school starts??

I'll try to come back more often. I promise.

2 and a half months.

Christmas was crazy. So much going on. Lots of visiting with family. We had a Walker family Christmas dinner on the 23rd. Grandpa and Nana Walker cooked a fantastic turkey dinner.

On Christmas Eve we were off to Grandma Gowan's house. The Craig's came by for dinner (Chinese food) the kids were beyond excited! Got to bed late and up early.

Christmas day started at 6am. Alexa and Ethan blew threw all their gifts. Lots of toys and clothes. We had dinner at my brother and sister in laws house. Great company, great food.

Boxing day was also a full day. A little shopping and lots of visiting. The kids got to play with their cousins and stay up late again.

December 27th Mom and I left bright and early to go visit Mom, Dad and little Moose. I was so excited! I haven't seen them since Moose was born.

We spent two nights with them. He so sweet, and happy. He LOVES bath time. The photos of his cheeks really don't tell the whole story. Dad says he wont have to worry about bumping his nose because he has airbags on both sides. I was sad to leave. Hopefully they'll be able to come visit in the spring. We're hoping to coax them here with the promise of a lamb dinner...And maybe some crock pot chocolate cake.

The Power of "He'ssocute" Don't Try To Fight It.

Does is get any cuter then this?

Tomorrow Moose will be 8 weeks. He's growing so fast. Sometimes it feels like years ago and then other times it seems like only yesterday that he was born.

My mom and I are planning on going to visit Mom, Dad and Moose after Christmas. I can't wait to see them again. Pray for good weather so we can make the trip!

Things have been busy here. Alexa and Ethan have both been sick and then Ethan had his tonsils out on Dec 3rd. He's still home recovering, making it a little difficult to get my Christmas shopping done and wrapped. Maybe next week.

Halloween Pumpkin Moose!

I got the greatest surprise from my fantastic IP's last night. Halloween photos!!!

How stinking cute is he!!!

He's grown so much. Moose will be 3 weeks old tomorrow. Time has passed so fast.

Moose seems to be giving Dad a hard time. Not sleeping through the day while Mom is at work. However once he's in Mom's arms he's off to dream land.

I love the little updates I get. Keep em coming Mom and Dad!

A Poem I wanted to add.

This was sent to me by a great friend of mine.
***************************************************
The time has come you see,
You have spent nine months with me.
We had a rough beginning, A little touch and go.
But you would make it fine, once you started to grow.
So many people love you so very much...I couldn't wait for the moment, you felt mommy's touch.
No, My little darling that is not me. I carried you for another and some day you will see.
I look into your sweet and oh so beautiful face, and everything freezes, this time and place.
As I slowly hand you over to your loving mom and dad, my heart is filled with happiness, but my eyes are kind of sad, for nine long months I've had you near my heart, it makes me sort of sad that we finally have to part.
But the sparkle that I see in your parents eyes and they joy I hear in their happy cries, makes this ever so easy and so right.
I have a feeling angles will be sleeping with you tonight.

The Heart Of It All

When I first started this whole journey I really had no idea what to expect. I knew the basics. I was going to be matched with a couple who really wanted a baby but for what ever reason hasn't been able to. I knew there would be hormones that I would have to take and the transfer, and the blood tests... that I understood.
One year and two weeks ago I was matched with my IP's.
They sent me a few photos and we emailed back and forth getting to know each other before we got going with the whole process. I had no idea at that time how this wonderful couple would impact my...our lives.
I feel that each step of the process has brought us closer then expected.
I feel so fortunate to have been chosen by my IP's. Honored to be trusted with their heart for 9 months.
There is just no way to put in to words all the emotion involved. With every ultrasound, pregnancy milestone, Dr appointment update and even the regular everyday conversation.
I still remember how cold mom's hands were when we went in for the transfer. I remember the look on both their faces when they first saw their baby on the ultrasound monitor at 20 weeks, and when they asked if that sound was his heart beating.
I can still hear the concern in their voices when they asked how I was doing. If I was in any discomfort and why I wasn't complaining. Why I wasn't sick in the first trimester, or How I was able to sleep in the last trimester. They even asked the OB if I really was OK. I assured them ...or tried to, that their little Moose was perfectly fine and moving about. Growing well, he just wasn't big enough to make me uncomfortable.

Mom and Dad came to our Dr's appointment on Tuesday October 12th. They came back the next day for our Non Stress Test, we made plans for them to be back for the next Non Stress Test on Saturday the 16th...until I woke up Thursday morning.

I called Mom and Dad at 7:30 am and told them that my water had broken. I've never gone in to labour on my own. Both my labours were induced. I had no idea how long it would take to go from water breaking to birth without the help of pitocin.
We had a lot of time to kill. I walked...I walked a lot. At one point the contractions were 2 minutes apart. Not the least bit painful though. We made rubber glove turkeys, my mom showed us some line dancing moves. We had Tim's for lunch, lots of talking, laughing, hanging out.
And Mom's hands were cold. I remembered her cold hands again from transfer day.
With my contractions not doing anything and being almost 12 hours from my water breaking we decided to go ahead with pitocin. We were assured that it would only take a "whiff" to get things going.
We all watched the monitors. Siobhan explained to Mom and Dad that for the contractions to be good enough they had to be mountains not little hills. However the bigger the mountain the more upset Mom seemed to get and couldn't watch anymore. At this point they were getting painful but I knew it was only the beginning.
Then they asked me to roll on my side. I remember from labouring with Ethan that this was not going to go well. Fortunately I was only there for a couple of contractions and Dr Viljoen was there, checked me and told me to start pushing.
I had Mom and Dad and my Mom on one side, and Doula and Friend Siobhan on the other. I could hear every emotion Mom was feeling and I felt them along with her, for her. Their long awaited son was on his way, this was when I get to give their heart back. This was why I decided to do what I did. "Mom open your eyes! Your son is coming!" I was SO excited for Mom and Dad. One more push and he was here. "Dad cut the cord" I know Dad was anxious about this but he did it. Moose was here. They took him over to do all the weighing, measuring, diapering and swaddling. Mom got ready to hold her son for the first time.
I got to watch as this beautiful family finally came together for the first time. I was the one chosen to make this happen for them. Such an amazing moment!

I think one of the best things we did during this pregnancy was to have Mom and Dad make audio files so that I could put them on my iPod for the baby to get to know Mom and Dads voices.
I was so happy that our hospital encourages skin to skin for warming baby, then using the warming lights. The most amazing photo I have is Mom sitting in the chair with her baby, She talking to him and he's staring in to her eyes. It's beautiful! Because of those audio files Moose knows his Mom and Dad's voices and he's easily comforted by them.

Isn't he beautiful!
He's a perfect combination of Mom and Dad.

Thursday October 14th 2010

The happy new Family!
It's amazing what people do to pass the time while waiting for someone to go in to active labour.

I woke up at 6:30 and was pretty sure my water had broken. Called my Doula and amazing friend Siobhan to let her know. Called my most wonderful mom and Fabulous IP's let them know. Then I called my most supportive husband to come back home to help get the kids off to school and me to the hospital.
The Nurse checked to make sure my water did in fact break and my dilation (4cm) then hooked me up to the monitors for a bit before going to my room. Then I walked, and walked, and walked. Dr came in around noon and checked me again. Still 4cm. Told me my options but no need to make any decisions to augment with pitocin yet. More walking. Contractions were very tolerable. Dr came back around 5pm checked me again, maaayybee 5cm. Because it had been almost 12 hours since my water broke he wanted to start iv antibiotics. I decided since I was going to be in bed anyway, I might as well start pitocin. dr didn't think it would take much. Contractions got stronger but still manageable...until about 5min to 8. Baby's heart rate started to dip with contractions, They asked me to roll on to my side, Contractions changed immediately! Dr checked me again and I was complete. I can start pushing.
Sweet little Moose was born at 8:07pm Weighing 6lb 8oz and was 20" long.

OK OK OK an up date for you all

Dad told me yesterday that I need to update. I think he has his people checking up on me. Milli (who started the blog) also told me I had to update.
Here I am. Updating.
We are in the home stretch. 39 weeks tomorrow!!!! I can't believe it! one week left...well maybe two but we're hoping for one.
anyway
Mom and Dad are close by now. They're all ready for their little boy bundle. Baby room is set up and all the important stuff is bought.
They came to my OB appointment today and met the Dr. asked some questions. Heard his little heart beating. All is going well. If I make it to 41 weeks then they'll set an induction date but until then, there is nothing left to do but wait.

I'm so excited for mom and dad. In such a short amount of time they will finally have their long awaited family. I can not wait to see the three of them together. Just thinking of it makes my heart smile. I love watching them shop for baby stuff and looking through it all in the car after.
Deciding which bottles are best for baby, what type of crib, stroller, car seat. I'm so happy that they have allowed me to be a part of all this.
Being a surrogate mom has been such an amazing experience!
I really wish there were better words to express it. I honestly could not have asked for better Intended parents.

Good Morning Mom and Dad!!

The last two visits we've had, Little Moose hasn't been very co-operative with showing off.
This morning while playing on facebook, he started moving and kicking so I thought I would try to get him on video.

I hope it shows up alright.

35 weeks and moving fast

I've said right from the start that I'm a terrible blogger.
As of Wednesday Sept 15 we will be 35 weeks. Just 5 weeks to our due date. Baby is growing great! I'm sure he's going to be a gymnast, he tumbles and rolls all around. Mom bought me a necklace that I wear everyday and she got herself the same one to wear after their baby is born. It's a black ball, with a white flower on and and a quiet little chime in it. I also have some audio files on my iPod of mom and dad talking and reading stories so I can play them for the baby and he can get to know their voices. I don't think my iPod has ever been used so much.

We had a busy summer. Hooked up the trailer and drove to St Andrews New Brunswick. Met up with my mom (who was also there visiting) for a week of camping and sight seeing. Spent some time with family I haven't seen...It's been far too long. It was great to see them again.
Alexa and Ethan had such a great time playing in the ocean and looking for various odd sea shells and riding their bikes all around the camp ground with different friends they met during their stay. On our drive home we were able to stop and have brunch with Fabulous IP's. It was great to see them again. We've been able to visit quite a bit during this journey and we're looking forward to more.
All of us are looking forward to going back. Hopefully make it a longer stay.

We bought seasons passes to Marine land this year too. Only made it there three times but we had a great time. Alexa and Ethan got to pet the Beluga whales. We rode the Sky Wheel, visited Brick City, Zooz and a couple of camping trips to Jelly Stone.

Summer is over the kids are back to school and our days have slowed down. We're starting to make plans for when the baby comes. I need to pre register at the hospital and make sure mom and dad will be close by for the delivery.
It really amazes me how fast the time has gone.

It's been awhile

I can't remember if I posted about Alexa's bet with IF. Alexa thougth for sure that the baby was a girl. IF was just as sure that the baby would be a boy, So they made a bet. If the baby is a boy Alexa has to make a chocolate cake from scratch. If the baby is a girl then IF has to make Alexa one. Alexa lost! Here's the cake she made.

My fabulous IP's came for dinner on Saturday and Alexa made desert. It turned out great! Especially for her first scratch cake.

While finishing up dinner the baby started kicking. He had been quiet all afternoon and I was starting to get worried that mom and dad wouldn't get to feel him moving. I put mom's hand on my tummy. Nothing at first but then he got going. He had a few good ones in there too. Dad didn't get a chance to feel him though.
Last night I think he was dancing in there. Lots of rolling, moving and wiggling.

As for us, we've been keeping buys. had another camping trip, My mom and niece Emily came for a week and we did some day trips to Niagara Falls Sky wheel. We had some other friends join us at Marineland and we went to Zooz.
Then Alexa and Ethan got sick. That slowed us down for awhile. They're on the mend now though. Fevers are coming down and they're starting to eat again. Sadly we had to pass on a cottage trip. Hopefully we'll be back in action for the weekend.

AAahhhh Finally! Summer is here!

Tomorrow is end of year field trips for both kids. They're pretty excited. Ethan isn't sure what his is all about but I'm sure they'll have fun. Alexa's is at Medieval times. She's been looking forward to it all year (standard 4th grade trip to wrap up their Medieval studies)
Thursday I have a breastfeeding class for my Doula training and my mom is coming to help get ready for our BBQ on Saturday. Lots of people coming. Lots of shopping and cleaning to do. I really hope it's going to be a nice day.

Did I mention I broke my van?? It was really dumb...OK I was really dumb. Backing up in to a spot and didn't look where the front of my van was and crunched in the drivers side corner on a pole. A yellow pole. Good thing is two days later it had popped out all on it's own and Jamie was able to buff off the yellow paint. Phew!

IT'S A BOOYYYYYYYY!!!

My fabulous IP's are thrilled!!!
u.s results are back. All parts are accounted for and growing well.
Lots of movement on the u.s. screen.
Baby's movements are getting much stronger. Alexa was even able to see a couple of kicks the other day. I'm sure when mom and dad come back they'll be able to see and feel some movement.

We're 22 weeks now. Only 18 to go. I think I'm much smaller this time then with my two. Pretty understandable really. Mom is tiny. Curious to see how big I'll get.

We've talked a little about delivery day. I have a birth plan template that we should go over together. Most of the questions are about labour which I can answer but there are some that deal with after the baby is born. Maybe we'll do that on their next visit.

In the mean time, I need a hobby. Dad says I can make money on eBay drawing stick people. I'm not so sure but it's worth a shot. It could be the only way of funding a pool.

20 Weeks!!!

Wow, wow, wow!!! What a great day!!
My fabulous IP's got here yesterday after a looong drive. It was so great to see them again.
My mom came to watch Alexa and Ethan while Me, Jamie and my FIP's went out for dinner to The Wildfire.
The men had beef. Jamie's prime rib was huge. He weighed his left overs this morning and it was 18oz. I think they gave him what was left because it was getting late. The women had pasta. It was yummy!!
Mom and Dad came back this morning to pick me up for the big ultra sound (Just a small complaint about their instruction. A bladder can hold 15 to 20oz. My instructions said to drink 40oz and be done 1hour before my appointment. Why doesn't someone tell these people that this makes no sense! I had about 20oz and finished about 30 min before the appointment. No bladder issues.)
The appointment went great! the tech got all the measurements she needed then went to get mom and dad. What an amazing moment, seeing them see their baby for the first time. It was quite emotional. Baby did lots of moving around for mom and dad. Gave a couple of waves. We saw his/her hands, feet, spine, little beating heart (151) arms, legs. The tech was great, she took lots of pictures took her time showing mom and dad. No idea how long we were in there it felt like a long time. I was really happy she took the time for them.
I really think it's all very real for them now. We'll be seeing them again mid July. I'll be 6.5m then. They should be able to see lots of movement then.
I forgot to ask them for a picture so I could scan it. I'll have to email them and ask them if they can bring a couple back when they come so I can scan it and post it here.
No word on gender yet. Hoping to find out on Monday or Tuesday when I call the Dr's office.

19w 3 days

The big ultra sound is only 5 days away.
I can not wait!! I'm so excited!!!
Mom and Dad are coming on Wednesday, We're going out for dinner and the ultra sound is Thursday morning.
I can't wait for them to see their baby for the first time.

Alexa and Ethan are excited to be able to feel the baby kicking. I don't think it will be long now.
I'm starting to feel kicks and not just ripply movements.

Lots going on this week. Soccer for Alexa, Tae Kwon Do for Alexa and Ethan, Mom's night out, School fun fair, Dinner with my Awesome IP's. Ultra sound and packing for our trip to Darien Lake.
Makes me tired just looking at it. Good thing I've got nap time scheduled too.

aaaahhhh. It's nice and quiet tonight. Kids are both exhausted after a fun weekend playing and swimming in London, Ontario. Didn't have to ask them twice to go to bed.

Crazy busy week this week but it's going to end off great!
Monday...could be my only quiet day... Alexa has a soccer game.
Tuesday, Dr appt, final two pieces of trim are finally being installed, kids to Taekwondo, then off to Newmarket.
Wednesday, Alexa to Sick Kids for a check up on her feet, home, Alexa soccer practice, Parent council meeting
Thursday, shopping, kids to Taekwondo, finish packing for camping
Friday, Finally the long weekend and our first camping trip with the trailer. Praying for sun!

My Doctor appointment on Tuesday is just a regular check up. Weight check (blah) listen to the heart beat... I think he'll measure for fundal height (to see how high my uterus is) oh and pee in a cup. Seriously those things were invented by men. If a woman had invented them they would have handles.

what a crazy weekend!

My Fabulous IP's told me to write about other stuff going on in life. Not just baby stuff.
So a little about this past weekend.
It was Alexa's opening day tournament Saturday. The weather was horrible!!! we had everything but snow. Game one was called off because the rain and wind was so bad. We even had a bit of hail. We had enough time to go home throw all our clothes and coats in the dryer, get dressed and over to the school where the club had pizza for all the girls. Game two to follow. The rain stopped in time to play that game but it was freezing cold! our team won 3-1. they played great!
Sunday was Ethan's Firs Communion. He looked so handsome in his dress pants, tie and white shirt. The class did an awesome job. They all listened so well during mass. I even saw Ethan singing along. We had family over after for lunch and gifts. He was so tired by the end of the day. A little boy can only behave for so long.
Sunday was also mine and Jamie's 12 year anniversary. WOW 12 years! it's crazy how fast time goes sometimes.

Feeling more movements the last couple of days too. No kicking yet but lots of flutters. I wish there was a way to show mom and dad what it's like. I love the kicking and the hic ups. I even love the big rolls they do some times, But how do you explain it to someone???
I can't wait to see mom and dad again. 20 week ultrasound is in just over three weeks. I really hope they make it for that.

14 Weeks...and 1 day

I had my first O.B appt. today. It was pretty quick. You never know with O.B's if they're going to be on time or not.
Dr Shetti was my O.B when I had Ethan...almost 8 years ago.
He's a great Dr. I was happy that i was able to get to see him again.
The appt. went well. He checked my blood pressure and heart rate, lungs and then he listened for the baby's heart beat. He found it with out any problems at all. It was right there! good and strong.
My next appt is in 4 weeks and my 20 week u.s is booked for June 3rd!

12 WEEKS!

Finally! we're 12 weeks along. It's actually gone faster then I thought it would. I guess all the appointments helped with that.

It seems I forgot to tell my IP's that I had an appointment this week. Oops. As it turned out, it was kind of a good thing as they didn't have a chance to worry about it.
The ultra sound went well. Baby is growing great ( heart rate 154) and the nt scan came back normal. Woohoo!
I was told I don't have to take the estrace or progesterone (pio) any more and that as long as my first appointment with my O.B was in two weeks I wouldn't have to go back to the clinic. So good appointment all around.

Before my ultra sound started I asked if I could get a little video with my camera once she was done all her measurements. I really wanted to send it to my IP's. I really think that seeing that little flutter of the baby's heart really makes it all more real.
I was so excited to get home and send it to them.
They LOVED it! "Dad" told me that "Mom" watched it over and over and over again. I think he was watching it with her though.

A little about my AWESOME IP's!

OK so after my last ultra sound I emailed my FABULOUS IP's the link to the blog.
They loved it...at least I hope they loved it...They told me they loved it...
BUT I had to agree to say all kinds of wonderful things about them on here, so hear it goes.

It's not really hard they are FABULOUS IP'S!
I've read around. I've heard the stories. Some IP's are OUT there. After yet another bizarre story, I emailed my IP's to thank them for not being so "out there" and allowing me my space and trusting that I will do what is best for their baby (which is officially a Fetus now)
There response "Andrea we're going to install cameras in your house so we can keep an eye on you 24/7. It will have audio too so we can make sure to comment when we see you doing something you shouldn't. Too much caffeine Andrea, You're not really going to eat those french fries are you?, Andrea off the couch and get your butt moving. You must exercise"
THANK FULLY they were kidding. (really they only mentioned the caffeine but I am who I am and I must embellish) oh FYI baby loves chocolate.

They make the greatest couple! You can see the love in "dad's" eyes when he looks as "mom" I could see the concern he has for her when we went for the transfer. They tease each other and put each other at ease. I really have enjoyed every minute we've spent together.

They're going to make fantastic parents!