tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58542904229506277482024-03-07T23:30:41.874-08:00A Belly For Me, A Baby For YouA journey in surrogacy of a sister carrying twins for her brother and his wife. A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-58830637847028164552014-10-15T17:38:00.002-07:002014-10-15T18:16:47.823-07:00Surprise Surrogate Reveal!<span style="font-size: large;">One of the most amazing parts of writing this blog is the joy of hearing from all of our readers. We still get weekly and daily letters from people from all over who are struggling with infertility and other surrogates who are starting their journeys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I received a beautiful email from a mother and a video attached that made me cry all the tears. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Holly wrote in to tell us, sadly, last year, November 2013, she lost boy/girl twins at 21 weeks. My heart broke as read her email. I cannot even imagine. Then she went on to tell me something beautiful. A friend of theirs had offered to be their gestational carry, and be the surrogate for them. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"We kept our surrogacy a secret and surprised our family at 24 weeks, right after holding a memorial for my twins/spreading ashes. My family thought we were taking a family picture (taken by a "stanger") but it was really our surrogate's husband filming!!" </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif;">I love videos that surprise people with beautiful emotional things. I must say, I have never seen a video like this, and I don't know if it because surrogacy is so close to my heart, or because I know the loss this family went through, but I cried so hard I could not longer see the screen. Get tissues out, this is beautiful:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Amazing Video Here:</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We would love to hear from you, what did you think of the video? Post your comments below and let us know how it inspired you. </span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Giving of any kind...taking an action...begins the process of change, and moves us to remember that we are part of a much greater universe." MBALI CREAZZO</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With love,</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tiffany Burke</span></center>
A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-32966812018298356162013-07-22T12:01:00.001-07:002014-09-03T19:22:18.347-07:00Surrogacy Together<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last week I was asked to photograph an event in Seattle for a surrogacy campaign put on by Surrogacy Together. A dear FBF (Facebook Friend) of mine was touring around the world doing a photo campaign to bring more awareness to surrogacy. Anyone who had any connection to surrogacy, was invited to participate. People were invited to write on the white board, what surrogacy meant to them. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As a surrogate, I was thrilled to attend and of course, work the event as a photographer. Double bonus! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was able to meet my FBF, Jon, and his wife, Christy. I also met their daughter, Austin, who was born through gestational surrogacy. Meeting Austin was a first for me, as my nephews are the only two people I have ever met who were born through surrogacy. She stole my heart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jon and Christy's current campaign has been giving surrogacy a voice that it has not had before. Together, they are asking all those involved with surrogacy to speak up and tell their story. Jon writes a compelling blog <a href="http://surrogacytogether.com/on-surrogacy-fathers-and-fighting-for-your-children/" target="_blank">here</a> about why he fought to have his daughter and why he is fighting for her still, and why all of us, together, can make a difference. Truly this is a must read.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Being an advocate for surrogacy myself, I found it easy to connect to this campaign. At first, surrogacy for me, was about doing an act of love for my brother and sister in law. An opportunity to give, because I could. A chance to bring life into this world and love. As I became more involved with the surrogacy community, my ideas and knowledge of surrogacy evolved rapidly and still are to this day. Although I still believe it is an act of love, I believe what happens AFTER surrogacy is just as important as what happens before and during. Without these voices that came before us, none of us, involved with surrogacy, would be standing here today. Surrogacy is not 100% accepted in society, and in fact is still illegal in other countries and even some states here in the U.S. Without our voices to continue to stand up for surrogacy, other people won't have the same opportunities. Acceptance for surrogacy is key here, and the more voices, the merrier. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When it came my turn to write on the board, what surrogacy meant to me, I was stumped! I had so much to say (per usual). How do you put in a sentence or two what something so life changing means to you? I decided on two photos. One that showed how much I changed from it, and one that showed the unsung truth. I feel I get a lot of praise for what I did. Praise is lovely, but that is not why I did it and I am not the one who deserves it the most. So many of us came together to make this happen. On my end, it was my little pod that made it possible for me; my husband, and my two sons. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some of these photos may appear in the first Magazine dedicated to Surrogacy that is coming out on August 24th. I am being interviewed for the magazine, so keep your eyes peeled. I will let you know when it's published.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, I have only met one other surrogate in real life ( read the story <a href="http://www.abellyformeababyforyou.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-stop-and-read.html" target="_blank">here</a> ) and so meeting other surrogates was really special for me. I belong to an amazing group of surrogates online, we are surro sisters and they are like family to me. Meeting other surrogates last week was actually magical to me! It was like seeing a unicorn. I know that sounds silly, but I am just so overwhelmed by women who do surrogacy. Even though I went through it, I don't always feel like I was a surrogate. It went by so fast now that I look back. I am not sure if this even makes sense, but there is something so special about these women, that you just want to sit and soak up their energy. It was really nice being with them and I want to sit and gab with them forever! Which of course, is no surprise there. Here are a couple favorites from the day:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jon's campaign is still going. Follow updates on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Surrogacytogether" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>. Surrogacy Together is also hosting their Inaugural Salute to Surrogacy Celebration August 24th, 2013 in San Diego, California from 6-10pm. More details on the event page <a href="http://www.stayclassy.org/san-diego/events/salute-to-surrogacy-celebration/e25437" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, and here is what my oldest son wanted to say about surrogacy. Our littlest does not totally understand yet, but he is enthusiastic anyway!</span><br />
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com275tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-84904910782948863722013-06-24T01:37:00.000-07:002014-09-03T19:24:02.462-07:00A Stop And Read <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: large;">The pictures you will see on today's blog are some very moving photos. Feel free to skip the story and scroll straight to it, but I don't recommend it. :) It's such a beautiful story and really makes these photos even more inspiring. But I might be biased! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">few months back, I received an email from a mother, Jenn, who was expecting her own child via surrogacy. She needed a photographer to document some of the upcoming milestones, baby shower, maternity, birth, newborn. I remember turning to my husband with an excitement I had never felt before! As many wonderful emails and stories that have come my way over the last two years since starting this journey, I have never met, in person, another surrogate or intended parent. My heart was about to burst. One funny side note, Jenn contacted me because she loved my photos, she had no idea that I was also a surrogate. Before I could respond to her email, she had written again telling me she just realized I was a surrogate and that she was a follower of my story already! It was destiny! </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When I first met Jenn (IM/Intended Mother) and Lauren (surrogate), I was smitten. I did not want to leave either of their sides. I over stayed my welcome, I am sure, and just sat by them. As the birth drew closer, I began to get more and more excited. I love photographing births, but this one would be extra special. Jenn was going to help deliver her own son, as Lauren pushed him out. Teamwork from the beginning all the way until the birth. </span> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Lauren (Surrogate, pictured left) and Jenn, (IM, pictured right) the day I met them.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A little back story on how Jenn and Mark got to where they are today:</b> Jenn and Mark have two sons already. Collin who is 8 years old, and Jack who is 4. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When Jenn got pregnant with Collin it was a surprise. She and Mark were in the process of starting an adoption when she found out she was pregnant. They had chosen adoption because Jenn had had unstable type 1 diabetes for 22 years. During the pregnancy her kidneys started to fail and so Collin wasn't growing. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The doctors tried to get Jenn to terminate the pregnancy but Jenn knew Collin was a fighter and she continued on. He was born at 26 weeks weighing 1 pound 4 ounces. The doctors thought maybe Jenn's kidneys would come back after Collin was born but they didn't, so 5 weeks after Collin's first birthday she had a kidney and pancreas transplant. After the transplant Jenn went on the website </span></span><a href="http://surrogatemother.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">surrogatemother.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and this is where she met Lauren. Jenn and Mark knew they wanted more children but didn't want to go through another life and death situation for mother and baby.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lauren and Jenn talked off and on for a few months until Jenn's doctors told her it would be ok for her to get pregnant again since she now had new healthy organs. But in week 11 of the pregnancy Jenn's organs started to reject and again they were faced with a life and death for their baby. Again Jenn fought for her baby and won having Jack at 32 weeks. He was 4 pounds 6 ounces and she thought he was fat! As over the moon she was with her little family Jenn just knew it wasn't complete.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She continued to talk with Lauren and other surrogates on </span></span><a href="http://surrogatemother.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">surrogatemother.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and pray about this big decision and eventually discovered that not only did Lauren live in Washington state, but she literally lived right around the corner from Jenn! It was an answer to prayer! They arranged to meet and not only did Jenn's heart connect with Lauren's, the boys bonded to Lauren's two kids. For the next 3 years Jenn and Lauren continued to talk about surrogacy but weren't sure it was going to happen with everything else going on in their lives. Lauren had another child of her own and Mark and Jenn moved, but their friendship grew and their love for one another and their families grew. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finally last May, Mark and Jenn knew they were ready and Jenn took a pregnancy basket over to Lauren to tell her they were finally ready. Though the pregnancy wasn't always an easy one, as Lauren had to be on bed rest for a number of weeks in the beginning due to a bleed and she went all the way to exactly 40 weeks when they thought she'd deliver earlier, Jenn felt like they went through the pregnancy together. Lauren might have been doing this FOR Jenn and Mark, but it felt like she walked side by side with her through every step of the way. It was a beautiful emotional time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although Jenn and Mark had considered adoption in the beginning and were huge advocates for adoption as they have a cousin that is adopted, after having their own children and getting to see one another in those children's faces and actions and personalities it seemed like surrogacy was the best option for them and their family. Baby Will was due June 14th, 2013. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I got the call ON baby Will's due date and rushed down trying not to speed (I drove six miles per hour over the speed limit, shhhh). I arrived right as Lauren was getting her epidural in. She has given birth three times before and has never had one. Needless to say, she was enjoying the rest of the birth on a whole new level! The room was full of people, Jenn and her husband, Mark. Lauren (of course) and her husband Erik and their 8 year old daughter Jo Jo. Two nurses, myself and the spectacular earth angel midwife, Gretchen. To me, it did not feel crowded at all, it felt like family, every one of them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When it came time to push, Gretchen and Jenn assumed the position. Gretchen lovingly guided Lauren as she began to push baby Will down. Mark and I stayed hidden in the back corner, recording video and photographing and pretty sure holding our breath (at least I was!). I could tell the baby was almost out because Jenn's face morphed into this beautiful expression of love that I could never describe yet only able to recognize as love I have felt for my own children the first time I saw them. Her face genuinely describes that feeling. The photo of her helping deliver her son, gets me ever.single.time.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I still cannot believe I was able to witness such a beautiful miracle. To me, a truly once in a lifetime chance to see and photograph a birth like this. I am so in with love my job, and the people that have continued to bless it with their presence and the stories and memories they share with me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> carried Will for Jenn and her husband Mark.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The past two years have opened my heart to so many beautiful things in this world. Surrogacy has not just changed me because I was a surrogate, but because of the community it brought me into and the ways it has opened my eyes and my heart (remember, I used to be anti IVF and Surrogacy!). I invite everyone to look deeply into all the ways we build families these days and to rejoice in the love that is used to make these families. Because the rest doesn't matter. Just the love. Just the love. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> As always, I love reading your thoughts. What did you feel when you saw these photos? How has surrogacy changed and affected you? I would love to hear from you and thank you for stopping by. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With love,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: georgia, serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jenntly" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jenntly" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jenntly" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a></span></span></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-48031018866011174932013-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:002013-02-13T18:08:15.481-08:00Confessions of My Perfect Life<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wanted to do an adorable Valentine's Day post with these really cute photos of my boys, maybe some heart shaped balloons or some twinkle lights. Maybe they had adorable matching shirts that said "Chick Magnents" with little chickies on them? The Pinterest photo ideas were endless! Then I could blog about love, and say some really inspirational things about how love is so important on Valentine's Day and every day. And maybe even go off on a random tangent on how I have never liked Valentine's Day because you should not wait for a holiday to show someone you love them, but having kids made me love it again because all holidays are magical to them and bla bla bla and the post would be perfect and maybe even make someone tear up cause of the love talk ... and then... and then.... it just never happened. Homework happened, shopping for twin day at school happened, over splashing in the bathtub happened, syrup snuck into the bed and all over the pillows, sheets, comforter, toddler hair and walls happened, bills happened, too much time spent on the phone fighting the automative service robot ladies happened. This week I missed my train, I burnt a new dinner idea (found on Pinterest, dang you you little rolled grilled cheese sandwiches you!), have not unpacked from my trip (hubby tripped over suitcase in middle of night when going to comfort little one who escaped from the bedroom running around the house crying), let my office explode with work and not tidy it up, and I didn't brush my teeth before bed last night GASP! The list does go on!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm an imperfect mom, imperfect daughter, imperfect wife, imperfect sister, imperfect friend, imperfect business owner, and even an imperfect blogger! But I am leading a perfect life. Sometimes a feel a lot of pressure to appear perfect looking. I feel my house always has to be in order, my looks, my kids, my life. I feel with social media the way it is, we all have to be on display a certain way. I feel like I want to impress total strangers so they think I am a good mom, a clean, organized put together person. But why? Why do some of us feel that way? Where did that feeling come from? Why do we need to impress so much. So today, I let go of that pressure like a fart in the wind and celebrate and confess who I am really am. I encourage you to do the same. Here are some confessions of my "perfect" life, don't be too jealous:</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My dishes are perfectly not cleaned today.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My laundry is perfectly not folded today (and slothily falling behind the washer and dryer and yes I made up that word).</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My hair is perfectly a hot mess today.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My boys are perfectly fighting and annoying each other today.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My bills are perfectly overwhelming today. </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My heat in the house is perfectly set to 50 degrees, my fingers are perfectly frozen as I type this.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My car is perfectly not working or starting and leaking and most likely an animal is living in the door.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My tummy perfectly jiggles when I brush my teeth.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My life is not perfect, it will never be Pinterest perfect (although you know I am going to keep trying for Pinterest cute!) and I would not change a thing. Okay, maybe get my hair done, and lose 20 lbs, no.. make that 40 lbs. And invent calorie free wine. Oh and toilets that magically clean themselves, that would be lovely. But other than THAT, I walk around with wings on my smiling heart, trying my very damn best not to take the really important and amazing things for granted. It has not been easy, some really hard times have gone before me and will come again. I must power through the best I can, and just keep swimming. Thank you for my perfectly imperfect life. To everyone who has contributed to it. To my husband, my two sons, all my parents, my siblings, my in laws, my niece and my nephews, all of my family, my friends, my readers. You have contributed to my awesome life. I promise every breath I take during it, will be filled thank you beats from my heart. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Speaking of hearts, here is a photo taken last night of my two hearts. It was not the planned photo I imagined, I didn't get the cute outfits, the cute backdrop, the heart balloons. But I ended up getting the heart from this photo, even better than what I originally wanted. I got my two boys, straight out of the bathtub in clean un matching jammies, being themselves and we didn't plan it. Imperfectly perfect. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are some confessions of your "perfect" life? Comment below or on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ABellyForMeABabyForYou" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, I would love to hear from you!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">P.S. I want to be perfect so bad, and to fight that urge, I am NOT sending this blog to my editor today for corrections before posting. She is reading this for the first time live, just like you guys and probably having a heart attack over all the mistakes!</span></div>
A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com246tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-14806586454906186192013-01-07T17:08:00.000-08:002013-01-07T17:46:06.884-08:00Gone, Babies, Gone....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This blog post written by Tiffany Burke, Surrogate Mother</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's a funny thing, the surrogacy. It seemed like it took so long but now that it is over, it went by in the blink of an eye. In fact, it was so fast and feels so long ago that it almost feels pretend. Did it really happen? Did I really carry twins for my brother? Did I really give birth to them? Sometimes it takes me a moment to remember it all happened, I think because I don't have two new little humans in my home to remind me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So let's get to it! A lot of you have sent in reader questions about how I am doing after the birth, and I have done my best to answer them here.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How are you doing emotionally now that the twins are gone? How are you doing after giving the babies up?</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the reasons I was inspired to blog and to film this whole journey was my curiosity about what happened to the surrogate after the birth. I was certain she said good bye to her surro baby/babies, went home, and lay in her bed and cried for 6 weeks while she healed and missed the babies. Really. I thought that. In fact, I was a little nervous it may happen to me! I know myself pretty well and I am confident in knowing how I will react in most situations. But I am human, and there is no guarantee to knowing how I’ll really feel until it actually happens to me. You can talk the talk, right? So, in a way, signing up for this was a bit of a gamble with my feelings. I was betting the lot that I would be just fine, but there was a possibility I would end up crying and brokenhearted. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The exact opposite happened. Honestly, I am doing amazing! Truly! I feel so good - the best I have felt in a long time. I could not wait to leave the hospital and be home with my boys, and to start experiencing life again without being so sick. I have never, ever, in my life, been that sick for that long. It gave me a new perspective.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I felt like as I left the hospital, they handed me a new body. It was a little beat up, and a little weak from the blood loss, but I will take it! I was no longer sick all day! I felt like I had a new take on life, a new chance at life with my children, and with my husband. I was also on cloud nine because I had just accomplished something I never thought I would - giving birth to two children, who were not mine, and giving them to their parents who had been waiting so patiently to be with them. We had done it - all of us, not just me. My "team" was my husband, my brother and Natalie, and all those supporting us along the way. It really DID take a village. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, I don't let my mind go to a sad place. Carrying babies and giving them away is not a sad thing. It could be if I made it that way, but for me, it is a beautiful thing and it makes me so happy to know they are in this world and being loved and snuggled by their mom and dad right now. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I think it certainly helps that my husband and I do not want any more newborn babies, and of course, that I knew the entire time that those babies were not mine. I always felt a different love for them, a different connection, than I did my own boys. At times I would feel guilty that I was not as connected to them, or feel like something was wrong with me for not feeling the same love I did during my own boys’ pregnancies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Still, right now, I feel torn. I am happy I don't love them as much and that I don't miss them, but part of me feels guilty, as though I SHOULD be missing them, aching for them etc. I assure myself this is healthy and good and I am happy I am not too emotional over this. I have not seen the babies since they were 11 days old. Each time I was going to visit or try to do their newborn photos, I would get sick and could not be around them. Then we went on our road trip vacation to be with family for the holidays. Hopefully we will get to see them soon, we are planning a dinner soon at James and Natalie's and my boys will get to meet their cousins for the first time! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> The last time I saw the twins in the NICU, can't wait to see them again!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Things that surprised me about after the surrogacy:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I saw a picture of someone (not Natalie) holding one of the twins and I was so jealous! That was a new feeling. Seeing Natalie and James with their babies makes me happy, but this new feeling was not cool. It lasted a full minute and I moved on, but I thought that was an interesting and unexpected feeling!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another surprising thing is that it feels very strange going in public now and being a "normal" person - meaning, not pregnant. When I was pregnant, everywhere I went it was obvious I was pregnant and people would talk about it and we would share stories and connect. Now, I am checking out at the grocery store and I have no babies, and I just want to blurt out "I'm fat ‘cause I just gave birth to twins..." Then I realize how awkward that would be for all involved! Going back to being a normal person without babies is good, but strange at times too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The last thing that surprised me is a sensitive subject for me which I don't speak about often. As some of you may have read, I unexpectedly lost my 20 year old brother in February (post here: <a href="http://www.abellyformeababyforyou.blogspot.com/2012/03/just-breathe.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.<wbr></wbr>abellyformeababyforyou.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/2012/03/just-<wbr></wbr>breathe.html</span></a> ). Then, about 6 weeks later, I was pregnant with the twins and I was sick very early on. I don't think I had a proper time to grieve and I am having a hard time with it now, much harder than I hoped or imagined possible. I am going to a support group and I may decide to open up more in another post. For now, though, this is all I can really share emotionally because...well... I don't really know what else to say except that it is very painful and I try to stay moving the best I can and be positive for my kids. I loved my brother so very much, he was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I just really hate that he is no longer on the earth with us and I am adjusting to that the best I can.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What are you doing with your breast milk? Did you encapsulate your placentas?</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had plans to donate my milk, since Natalie took medication to induce her breast milk and was able to nurse the twins. After the severe preeclampsia, I had to go on blood pressure medication. Although safe in breast feeding, the lactation consultant said milk banks would not take my milk, and I could pump and dump until going off the medication, then donate after that. The doctors did not know how long I would be on it; it could have been a few weeks, or a few months. 12 weeks of pumping and dumping sounded terrible to me! I was very unsure of what to do, so I went home and pumped and dumped for a few days and realized... it FELT horrible too. I was waking up in the night and doing all of this, only to dump it out? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ultimately I decided I had put my body through enough, I just wanted to go back to functioning as I normally would. I was fearful I would not lose my weight as fast or it would make me sad not to have the endorphins from pumping, or that I was not doing enough - what if there was a baby out there that needed my milk in 12 weeks? It took a few days to decrease and a few weeks to stop lactating all together. Hahaha, I'm publicly talking about lactating. Oh I am SO immature sometimes! In the end, I was very happy with my choice, I still wish I was donating for a baby, but I am happy to have my body back. Also, I did not encapsulate my placentas but sort of wish I had. It would have been fun to try!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How are your boys adjusting to having their mom "back"? And how are they coping with not having the "normal" end result of a pregnancy (a new sibling)?</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Do they understand the situation? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our boys are so excited to have their mom back. And I am so excited to be a mom again! I can clean and play and cook.... okay fine, I don't cook. But I am going to start! I did make a delicious vegan thanksgiving meal and that was the start of something great, so what if it was almost 2 months ago? :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Both boys have been great with understanding. Our oldest is 7 years old and he has been so compassionate about the whole process. Our youngest is 3 and he had babies in his tummy while I was pregnant, and when I came home he said, "Babies gone, gone babies. Where are babies?" I told him they were at the doctor (still in the NICU) and they were with their mom and dad. He still talks about his babies, and sometimes his babies are in his belly and sometimes they are at the doctor. Mostly the babies are in his belly when he does something naughty, like find the advent calendar and eat the entire thing before day 8. Then he blames the babies in his belly, "Babies eat chocolate mom. Babies sick now." Hahaha Overall, I know this experience took a toll on them, and I write more in depth about it in journals (Maybe I’ll publish a Kindle book?) but I know it was hard every time they wanted to play with me and I was too sick to do so. So this is an exciting turn of events, having my energy back and being able to be with them fully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Shortly after the birth, just happy to be home with my boys!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have you and your husband thought about adding another to your family? I know you have said this is your last pregnancy, but has the experience made you want another child? </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We always wanted to adopt through foster care after this and never had plans to be pregnant again. We use birth control and are very careful, and before this I always thought, it would not be so bad if I were to get pregnant by accident. Now, I would cry for a long, long time if I were to get pregnant by accident. I know that sounds terrible, but you know, I tell it like it is! It would, of course, be a blessing later but honestly, that pregnancy was so hard on me that I cannot imagine ever doing it again. So we have ZERO plans of getting pregnant ever again. In fact, we discussed having my tubes tied if I were to have a C-section, that's how much I don't want to be pregnant again :) As for adopting, we are postponing it for a while so we can really focus on our kids and marriage and go from there.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Would you do surrogacy again or would you carry for a stranger?</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a hard question because I was so very sick and it took me away from my family. I will say this, if I had not gotten sick, I would do it again and I would carry for a stranger in a heartbeat. There are so many deserving people out there, anxiously waiting to be parents. I loved carrying the babies, the birth, the end result. But clearly, this was the sickest I have ever been and I could not make that sacrifice again and put my body, my children, and my husband through it again. Although I do fantasize about doing it again for strangers and that I would not be sick. Fantasies can be good sometimes right? I also fantasize about winning the lotto. :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Being a surrogate was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. I am forever changed by it and I would love if I could do it for anyone else that needed me. It breaks my heart a little that I cannot, but I am happy I was able to experience it once and the world it brought me into.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>In closing:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When people ask, "How are you feeling after giving the babies up?" I say this: I am feeling amazing and I don't feel like I gave them up, I feel like I gave them back. They were never mine. For a short while I was blessed to give them a home and help nourish and love them until it was their time to be born. That was what I signed up for, what I wanted, and what I was happy with. At times, I miss feeling them do their dance in my womb, but I also miss my own boys doing that. Being pregnant is such a beautiful miracle. It is bitter sweet that it was my last time. I am sad that the journey for me is over, but excited because theirs is just beginning. I am just so joyful that there are two little humans in this world now, being loved and nurtured and growing so perfectly. I am so proud of them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Photo of James, Levi, Parker and Natalie taken by the amazing Jennifer Tai </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> http://www.facebook.com/photoartistry</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As always, thank you for reading. On the blog next time, I will be writing about things I wish I had known before signing up for surrogacy. This would not have changed my decision to do it, knowing what I know now, but would have prepared me more :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If there are any questions I have left out, please feel free to post in the comments and I will do my best to answer them! The twins are growing wonderful and James, Natalie and Hunter are so very happy. We are all very blessed. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;">“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”<br />― <span style="color: #666600;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7715.Robert_Frost" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Robert Frost</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Warmly,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Tiffany</span></span></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-4667679892867996122012-12-07T10:48:00.001-08:002012-12-10T09:52:12.985-08:00The Birth of the Surrogate Twins<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: large; line-height: 33px;">This Blog Post was written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Warning, readers beware:</b> I don't have a filter when it comes to birth stories (or much else for that matter). I love birth, I love hearing birth stories, and nothing about birth grosses me out - I think all of it, even pooping on the table, is a beautiful process. Yup. I have tried to class this up knowing it could get back to my grandma, but no one's perfect and some potty talk has slipped out in order to keep the story authentic. You have been warned. If that does not bother you, grab your tea, sit down, and have a nice read about how I welcomed my two nephews into this world.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">They say there are two sides to every story. Well, with over two people being present during the birth of the surrogate twins, I have a feeling there will be more than two sides to this story. In the meantime, this is my side.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Thursday November 8th 2012</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Time for my 34 week check up! Technically I was 33 weeks and 6 days, but it was time for a check up. I went in feeling fine, a few daily contractions (as it had been since about week 20) and the typical swelling that started very early in this pregnancy. My ankles looked like I had Shrek feet! My doctor had been keeping an eye on me for Preeclampsia, so I was not too concerned with my swelling, plus I have lovely blood pressure. The babies sounded great, everything seemed good except for... my blood pressure! This time, it was about 160/108. My doctor asked me what I was doing this weekend, I said "Working, photoshoots, I'm still working and will be... why... I'm working." I was set on working apparently. He said that I might need to go to labor and delivery for a work up since he was concerned with the blood pressure. Then he said if it dropped before the end of the appointment he would let me go to the lab for blood work and head home with the 24/hour urinalysis. Sounded fun! My blood pressure cooperated and the bottom number dropped to about 94 and he sent me to the lab. As I was leaving, I remember he said, "You just have to make it to tomorrow." That day would mark exactly 34 weeks, which meant I could deliver at our local hospital instead of being transferred or having the babies transferred since our hospital only goes to 34 weeks for the NICU.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Friday November 9th 2012</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I don't want to wake up. I am still so sick! So I try to wake up, I putter around the house, I check client emails, and then I go throw up and frown about it and go back to bed. Oh, and I started to collect my pee like a hoarder. I started at 9 am and sat on the toilet and collected in the "pee hat" and then poured it into the big jug. Falling back asleep after being sick is hard, because you feel so sick that you almost can't sleep, although it's your only real escape! I finally fall asleep and because I am pregnant with twins, I'm up 2 hours later having to pee again. And, back to sleep I go.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By 2pm, I was feeling like I should wake up and I feel like I have wasted yet another day, but I DID feel less nauseous around this time of day and I needed to go edit photos. I went to collect my pee in the hat again, and then stand up and dump it into the collection container and BAM, my water started breaking, all over the bathroom floor. Since my water broke with both my previous pregnancies, I knew exactly what it was. Panic set in for some reason and I just started yelling for my husband. He came running into the bathroom as fast as he could, he found me standing there, naked, with the pee jug in my hands and amniotic fluid dripping on the floor (and yes, he is still married to me). I told him my water broke and he says, "Oh shit!" then we both sort of stand there and don't know what to do. He went to get all the camera gear ready for filming, and I continued to leak water. Suddenly I had a thought. When my first son was born, my water broke at home and by the time I arrived to the hospital, they told me it was not amniotic fluid, but that I had just peed my pants. I said, "I pee my pants ALL the time, I know the difference!" I did not want this to happen again, so I decided to collect my amniotic fluid in the pee hat and then I stored it in a small Tupperware container (pictured below with my swollen face as well) and packed my pee jug and amniotic fluid for the ride. I called the doctor's office and they transferred me to the triage nurse and she said I needed to go straight to the hospital. I asked her if I could take a shower first (I would have liked to have semi pretty hair when I started birthing and maybe some freshly shaven legs). My request was denied. She reminded me I was 34 weeks with twins, and to head to the hospital! I knew she was right, so I put on some deodorant, sprayed some smelly stuff all over my body (Febreeze?) and called it good. Sorry in advance hospital staff.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I called Natalie, and my heart was racing! I told her my water broke and she replied, "You're joking!" I said no, and in fact, it was still happening! She seemed as frazzled as me, unsure what the next step was. Obviously we both had to get our butts in gear and husbands in tow! James and Natalie live two hours away from us and it was a Friday afternoon around 2 pm. We hung up and I went to pack my hospital bag. Yup, I had not packed it (even though I made Natalie pack hers weeks ago!). I threw random items in there (none of which were useful later on, wrinkle cream, a spork, undies that did not fit, yeah, I was a packing champ) and worked on getting a babysitter for our boys, then Sean and I were on our way.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We arrived at the hospital a little after 3 pm, and the hospital staff was ready for us! A quick history for those that don't know; my first son was born within 3 hours of arriving at the hospital and 20 minutes of pushing (just 4 hours after my water broke). My second son was born 6 hours after arriving at the hospital, and 45 minutes after my water fully broke, it took about 4 pushes. My births go fast and the staff did not want to take any chances. At this point, I was not having any big contractions, still just the every 20 minutes or so, nothing exciting. I began to feel very nervous. I had been so confident that I could have a vaginal delivery with the twins, epidural free, and as I walked through those hospital doors, I started to think I was a little crazy for signing up for all of this! I also began to feel a little sad that the journey was coming to an end. Even though I had been sick the entire pregnancy, and wanted my body back, I still enjoyed being pregnant with them and enjoyed being a surrogate. I was unsure how I would feel after all of it and that made me nervous and sad. I went inside to check in and I gave the nurse my amniotic fluid so they could test it (it was a first for them!) and that bought me an automatic trip to Labor and Delivery. Since I was exactly 34 weeks to the day, they would allow me to birth at my local hospital - no transfer necessary! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I had been seeing the same doctor for my whole pregnancy, and had been very spoiled. I hand picked him from tons of great recommendations for his expertise in twins and loved seeing him during the pregnancy, he is an incredible doctor. Well, guess who was in a class in Seattle that day? So, in walks a doctor I have never met before, she introduces herself as Dr. Russo and I am already very suspicious of her. I was afraid she wouldn't let me try an epidural free birth, I was afraid she would make me get on it right away, or decide that a C-section would be the way to go. Of course, I would have done any of those things if they were safest for the babies and myself, but I really just wanted to try at having another natural child birth and I really believed my body could do it. I have had some experiences in the past where a doctor's first instinct is to put you on the drugs and move things along, and not knowing this doctor, I feared the worst for some reason. Thankfully, I could not have been more wrong. She told me that she knew I wanted to try this without an epidural and that she fully supported it! We talked about my hope of trying, and how I also would let her guide me and tell me if I needed to stop being stubborn and start accepting the fact that it might not happen. I immediately loved her.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With twins, it is normal hospital procedure to give birth in the operating room, in case you do need an emergency C-section for some reason. For example; if you vaginally deliver Baby A (who typically is born first and named baby A because he/she implants closest to the cervix) and then Baby B is not head down, you might need an emergency C section. In the mean time, you labor in the labor and delivery room and then when it is time to give birth, off you go to the OR. When we arrived, the ultrasound showed both babies were head down, which was great news because it meant that meant I would get to try for the vaginal birth! At some point after checking in, it became apparent I had preeclampsia. I think they dipped a stick into my pee that I brought in and then checked for protein. I was VERY swollen and my blood pressure kept rising. I was put on magnesium and told it might be pretty miserable sickness wise. After being as sick as long as I was, I doubted this magnesium rumor would have any affect on me! In actuality, I could not tell if my nausea was from the morning sickness (can it have a new name please?!) or the magnesium, but it was not too bad and very manageable. The magnesium would prevent me from having seizures and other things I can't remember and am too lazy to Google. My contractions were starting to pick up slightly, becoming a little stronger and more consistent, but still nothing where I thought it was time, and I was only 3 cm dilated.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I remember asking several times where James and Natalie were, I was very afraid they were going to miss the birth. While we waited for them, I met the anesthesiologist. I have never met one before and I sassed him and let him know I wouldn't be needing his services. He was a good sport about my joking and he was very informative about the risks of my choice (if for some reason Baby A came out and Baby B got stuck, they would have to knock me out to perform an emergency C-section, or if the Dr. could retrieve the baby, she would do so by going up my vagina, up my cervix and into my womb without the epidural and I would wish I had one). I understood everything and he also told me that if I needed him, he would be by my side the entire time we are in the OR. As much as I sass about the drugs, this made me feel calm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">During all of this, my sweet husband was taking care of me, filming, staying in touch with people on the phone, and being amazing. I kept looking at him in wonder from time to time and was so astounded by how calm he was and how much he was juggling.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">James and Natalie arrived at 4:30 pm, I could not explain the relief I felt to see them and that they made it. Just typing this sentence and reliving the memory gets me almost teary eyed at the thought of them making it on time. My contractions were not too bad so we were able to enjoy a few moments together in the labor room. During all of this, the nurses were working hard to get the babies' heart rates on the fetal monitor. Baby B really was not cooperating. Both babies were moving too much and after several attempts by different nurses and too much time going by, Dr. Russo recommended we monitor the heart rates from inside. What?! That did not sound like a fun time to me. She explained the take a small catheter type thing and insert it up my lady parts and attach it to the babies' heads. It is a tiny clip on their heads, it does not hurt them or me, and we can safely get a reading. She suggested it so we can keep monitoring their heart rates to make sure the babies were not going into distress (internal fetal monitoring). This sounded like it was what was best for them, so I let James and Natalie decide what they wanted to do, since it's their babies and all! They decided yes and I feared the pain of something more going up there, however, it was not bad at all! I think it brought us all relief too, being able to genuinely monitor them after that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As my memory goes from here (correct me if I am wrong readers who were there, I know there are some of you!), my contractions started to pick up for the next 2 hours. From 4:30-6:30 I could tell they were getting stronger, harder and I felt as though I was getting close to delivering. I was checked around 6:30 pm and I was about 5 cm dilated. Wait... what? How could that be!? That did not seem like much at all and I really felt like I was getting close. So I spent some more time contracting and around 6:45 I wanted to go to the O.R. This was hard for me to ask for. I felt confident that the babies were coming soon, but only being 5cm dilated, there was a part of me that felt I could possibly be wrong and would waste everyone's time and hold up the O.R. if someone else needed it. I also was concerned my doctor would not believe me when I said I felt like I was getting close, and that I would deliver the babies in the wrong place. She came in after hearing my request of wanting to go and guess what? She believed me and was all on board for heading to the O.R! It felt incredible to be validated for my intuition and that she trusted me enough to move us.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">James, Natalie and Sean all got in their little blue suits and head pieces. They looked adorable. I was wheeled down the hall and at this point, time started to go by much faster as I was shaking during each contraction and they were no longer peaceful. Meaning: I was being loud during them! We arrived in the O.R. at 6:50 and I immediately felt out of place. I have never been in an O.R. and it was a little eerie to me. I remember getting on the new (tiny/made for Kate Moss) bed and looking up at the big lights and I began thinking of all the women who came in here to deliver their babies. I was not thinking of people in surgery, or anything like that. I thought of women who were scared to be cut open, who maybe planned a different birth. I thought of the women excited to come here and meet their babies, I just thought so much of all the women and babies who were here and then a contraction hit and I thought no more.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My contractions were getting closer and closer and a few were coming on top of each other. By 7:15 pm I insisted on being checked again. I knew I was close and this would help me through the rest of the pain knowing I was at an 8 or a 10. Nope. I was checked and I was maybe at a 6. WHAT!!!!! In the video, Dr. Russo checks me and tells me I am at a 6 and I say very calmly, "No... that's wrong." And very calmly back she says, "No... it's not. " I laughed at the video but at the time, I was devastated! I told her to go get Dr. Pitch and to give me the epidural. You know what's silly? At this point I was thinking to myself, "Great. I mouthed off for months about how I was going to give these babies a natural birth into the world with no epidural and of course I can't do it and I have to let down Natalie and James and THEN I have to face all my readers and tell them what a failure I am."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">First of all, I know I would never let down James and Natalie by asking for the epidural. Second of all, why would ANY of you think I was a failure for needing an epidural and why would it bother me if you did? I certainly don't think that about any of my friends who have had epidurals, so I have no idea why I thought this would be a thought directed towards me. Such a silly and fleeting thought because my next thought was this: "Oh my God. I am going to get the epidural and for the next 4 cm I am going to have a fun time! I won't be in this shaking pain, I will get to enjoy the birth and relax and pee into a catheter whenever I feel like it instead of all over the table. Score." Dr. Russo brought me back to reality by saying, "Now Tiffany, I just want to remind you that you told us if you call down for the medicine, it means the babies are coming and not to give it to you." I replied with, "Well, you're telling me I am only 6 cm so I am pretty sure I can't keep going, I want the meds." She was so supportive of whatever I wanted to do and she brought me Dr. Pitch.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now, here's where it gets exciting! Around 7:20, Dr. Pitch, the anesthesiologist, came in to go over all the protocol for the epidural. I really did not care. I just wanted the drugs and wanted them stat. I have never had one before and just assumed it would be heaven sent. James and Natalie had to leave the room for this, so they stepped out. I finally turned onto my side and curled up in a ball (how familiar does this sound to many of you?). He said he was first going to administer some Fentanyl into my I.V. to help take the edge off. Once that entered my system, I felt as though I had had two glasses of wine. It actually felt rather nice, rather fast! Literally within moments, I felt a little "fun" inside. Right away he went to work on getting my back cleaned as I felt two glasses deep on a nice Cabernet I could feel him cleaning it and then within about two minutes of receiving my "wine in a line" drug, and Dr. Pitch was preparing the Epi (pictured below), I began to feel the need to push. In fact, my body decided to push whether I wanted to or not!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At 7:27 pm I suddenly yell, "The babies are coming! UGHHHHHHHH I'M PUSHING!" and I start to grunt and want to be on my back right away. They helped me onto my back and Dr. Russo is at the receiving end of my claim that babies are on their way. Within about 30 seconds I hear her say very calmly but matter of factly, "Peds, someone call peds." I start to realize this is actually it. It's really happening! My body pushed and pushed for 26 seconds (I just watched it on the video and timed it, cause that's how I roll) and suddenly, there is a baby born! I remember the baby coming so fast and not being able to help but push, my body was working on it's own with this baby. I also remember feeling him being so very small as he came out (remember my last baby was 9 lbs 4 oz) and at first, I thought I delivered the placenta first (why I would think this, I don't know). Then you hear the most beautiful noise ever; a new born baby's cry. I realized then that I did give birth to a baby after all and the first sentence out of my mouth was "Where's Natalie?" I was so afraid they had missed the birth because they had to step out. I am not sure what happened, but I think a nurse went and grabbed them and they made it just in time to see their son, Parker, born. Looking back on the video, you see James and Natalie crying with joy and staring at this beautiful little human (picture below of their reactions... warning, get tissues). As Natalie sobs and looks to me saying, "He's so beautiful... he's so beautiful!" James is waving a little baby wave and saying, "Hi! ... Hi!" to his new son. He then cuts the cords and you can hear him cry with joy as they both stand together looking at their new baby. I am so happy to have this footage because the whole birth is a blur. Life is a blur, but birth really is and this was one of the most amazing moments of life ever, ever. Ever. In fact, I am crying as I write this part. Parker was born at 7:28 pm weighing 4 lbs and 13 oz.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As Parker headed over to be checked out by the pediatric doctor and nurses, I lay there calmly, realizing... I have to do this one more time. I had heard it could be minutes or hours until the second twin is born. Not to mention, we didn't even know if Baby B was still head down or if he had flipped. Dr. Russo called for the ultrasound machine and checked on little Baby B. Sure enough, he was still head down. Major score! I was still feeling a little happy on my wine in a line drug right then and had had about 2 or 3 contractions but nothing too big. Dr. Russo went in to break Baby B's water (remember, the twins each have their own sac and placenta and it was presumed that Baby A's water broke at home, which ended up being true). After she broke his water she told me the next time I had a contraction I should push. This was a very new feeling to me since my first son, my second son, and baby Parker all came on their own with my body deciding when to push. So I felt very proud that I was able to do as told. After 22 seconds of pushing (yes I went back and timed this one too), out came Levi! Born at 7:40 pm and weighing 4 lbs 3 oz. He was all wrapped up in the cord from head to toe! He cried a beautiful healthy cry as well and was whisked off to be checked out.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Both babies had no problems breathing and were very strong for how little and early they were. Parker looked just like James and Levi looked just like Natalie and they both looked just like Hunter. Genetics is such an amazing thing to me. It was such a high delivering them and I could not have been happier at how fast it all went! The babies were then taken to the nursery for their work-ups and vitals with James and Natalie in tow. Sean stayed with me as I still had to deliver the two placentas. Unfortunately, after 30 minutes, the placentas were on strike and decided they did not want to evacuate. Dr. Russo had to go up with her hands, into my uterus, and retrieve them and check for debris. It took four times. Ask me how happy that was? Overall, yes, it was not a day in Disneyland, but the Fentynal did help and I'm happy to know I will never have that done to me again. After that thrilling time with my new-found best friend and doctor, it came to be that I was bleeding a little more than I should have been. Dr. Russo suspected it was cervical and after further investigation, she was correct. My cervix had torn and I guess tears in the cervix are very sensitive and can cause some good blood loss, which is what was happening to me. I remember getting some numbing shots in my lady parts so she could stitch up my slight lady part tears as well as cervical tears and the next thing I knew, after about a minute or two, they were done and I was being wheeled into recovery. My husband told me later that that "minute or two" was actually 45 minutes. Dr. Pitch gave me a nice cocktail via my IV and I went nighty nights. Every now and then I would wake up and ask if my placentas were out and go back to sleep, I have no recollection of this. Sean said I asked about 4 different times! When I heard that, I assumed my husband had left for those 45 minutes to get footage of the babies (he had to turn the camera off at this time.). He told me that in fact he stayed, they brought him a chair and he held my hand and petted my hair while I was asleep and they stitched up my bleed. Yup, tearing up again as I write this.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was wheeled into recovery around 10 pm or so, I think. I wanted to see the twins so my nurse helped me to the bathroom and then said she could wheel me to the NICU. Well, I was a little too sick. I had lost 1,000 cc's of blood (typical vaginal delivery should lose around 300 c's of blood) and was very weak from that and the pre eclapmpsia/magnesium. I almost passed out and had to go back into bed and was there until the twins were 3 days old and I finally was able to see them. They were beautiful. I just wanted to see them breathing and moving and it was a miracle.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was released three days after the birth and with the blood loss it I was obviously a little weaker than normal, but I felt amazing given the physical circumstances. Also, I did have a severe case of preeclapmsia, my numbers were crazy high and my blood pressure was not interested in calming down so I was sent home with blood pressure meds to help out. The twins had to stay until they were 3 weeks old and were then released to go home from Bellingham to Tacoma with James and Natalie. They were lucky that they had no respiratory issues, and just had to work on feeding and getting strong. It was beautiful to watch James and Natalie jump right into the role of mom and dad of their sons without missing a beat. They have done a wonderful job of loving their sons, all three of them, and making this family whole.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The first the babies were home, I received this sweet message from Natalie: "My heart is beyond full right now!! I honestly have not been so happy in my whole life!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!"<b> This is why I became a surrogate. This makes it all worth it.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have so many feelings to share on all of this and will blog about my recovery and the big question I keep getting "How are you dealing with not having the babies and are there any attachment issues?" I will cover all of that honestly and openly in my next blog post in a few days. But I will say this, I could not be happier with what has taken place. All the ups and downs and the new found love for so many of life's precious gifts. Surrogacy was harder than I imagined, but it was also more beautiful than I ever imagined. We have learned so much, come so far and now we are celebrating the lives of two new people in this world where the possibilities of who they might become are endless. Anything really is possible and with the love of family, you can overcome so much, even if it isn't always peaches and cream the whole way. We are blessed and I feel I was given a bigger gift than anyone, an amazing outlook on life, and the joy of watching happiness that two people may never have had otherwise.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the meantime, James and Natalie will be taking a step back from blogging and sharing their story as they focus on their new family and life at home with three boys. They are excited for some privacy and I will still be blogging about surrogacy for the time being and some small updates of the twins. We are all so grateful for all the support, comments and prayers that have come our way during this crazy journey that took forever to start and is over in the blink of an eye. Without our readers and your supportive words and personal stories, this would have been a very lonely journey. We are stronger and wiser because of what you have taught us while we openly shared our story. We are forever grateful.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 33px;">Also, all the images above are screen shots from our documentary. They are taken from the raw footage my husband filmed during the labor. We still have a lot more to film on the movie, doctors, other surrogates and even someone who was a surrogate baby! Stay tuned for updates on the movie as we continue to film.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds."<br />- Edward Abbey</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Warmly,<br />Tiffany Burke, Surrogate Mother</span></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-42366624972832113632012-11-11T08:43:00.001-08:002012-11-11T09:25:58.000-08:00The Babies Are Here!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sadly, I don't have much energy to write a full blog post today, or even correct the typos, but will give some small updates until we can write out the big day of the birth. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Readers digest version, my water broke about 2:15pm on Friday, November 9th 2012 - the exact day the babies turned 34 weeks gestation. I was in the middle of doing a 24 hour urinalysis, collecting urine for 24 hours to test to see if I had pre eclampsia (high blood pressure and swelling led my doctor to think I may). We arrived at the hospital around 3:15 and James and Natalie made it around 4:30. The babies were born shortly after, via vaginal delivery, no epideral (although I did finally call for one and he was about to put it in when Baby A came out, more on that later). Parker was born at 7:30pm weighing 4lb 14 oz and 18 1/4 in and Levi was born at 7:42 weighing 4lbs 3.9 oz and 17 1/2 inch. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They have been in the NICU fighting strong to eat. Natalie has been pumping her breast milk and was even able to nurse Levi at one point. They both needs strong thoughts right now, or if it's prayers you do, you can do that too. They are sleeping lots but need to be holding down some food soon. Since they were only 34 weeks, they still a ways to go and are not out of the woods yet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I lost 1,000 cc's of blood during delivery and tore in some fun places (more on that later), and ended up having severe pre eclampsia. I do feel pretty sick and very weak, but I also feel on the mend. I am still in the hospital and waiting to see the doctor today if she will let me go home. I love being taken care of by this amazing staff but I also miss my boys so much and would love to go home soon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a result of being so sick, I have not see the babies yet! I was able to see Parker very briefly during delivery as James was holding him next to me when I delivered Levi, but if was so fast. I tried Friday and yesterday several times to go to the bathroom and then hope to go to the wheel chair to go see them but have been too sick. We are hoping today my body will let me and I can be wheeled into the nursery to see my nephews, the little men I grew for the past 8 months.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will write more of the full birth story later and updates on the twins when I am not so weak. Thank you everyone for all the comments, emails, messages, meal train, love, prayers, thoughts, We have been joyously overwhelmed by this community that has given us so much strength. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also thank you to my amazing husband who has been taking care of the kids alone for so many months, working, taking care of me, and then filmed the whole birth, sound, film etc, handled the updates and phone calls with friends and family AND still stood my side when I was sick and needing him during one of the craziest births ever. He needs a champagne bubble bath STAT.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the mean time, I am so happy for James and Natalie to have their two new sons in the world to love and raise. It's going to be an even more amazing journey than this one.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some photos taken by my amazing friend </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenmartinstudios" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jen Martin Studios</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> after the birth, more to come later.</span></div>
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James, Natalie, Sean, Hunter and Tiffany all together after the birth of the twins.</div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-48310145934775354842012-11-05T21:40:00.003-08:002012-11-06T07:43:08.527-08:008 months Pregnant Already!<h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This Blog Post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></b></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are in the home stretch! Although neither me or the babies have much room for stretching! We have made it to 33 weeks and are just thrilled. My biggest goal is to get to 34 weeks so the babies can be born here in town. Otherwise I will have to be transferred to Seattle or the babies will after they're born. I have been contracting (Braxton Hicks) inconsistantly for a few weeks with some increases these past few days. Nothing that feels like labor. A few of the contractions have kept me up at night, but then they drift away. I am still throwing up and still sick, but I get more breaks here and there where some days, although nauseous, I don't throw up at all! Lucky! Afternoons are typically easier on me. I am still working (photography) and I have had the most amazing clients willing to work around my morning sickness. We have found that if I sleep through the sickness in the morning, and work all afternoon and night, it is not that bad and for sure more bearable. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The babies are growing perfectly. At their 32 week check up, they were measuring about 4 lbs each and around the 50th percentile which is incredible news; not too big, not too small! Baby A (the first baby due to come out) is a little ahead of the curve though: his head is measuring 34 weeks. Ha ha! Great news is that both babies are head down and my doctor is going to allow me to try a vaginal birth. Fingers crossed for that when that time comes!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are two updated photos of these beautiful boys! Both babies received 3D ultrasound photos but only Baby B was willing to cooperate, Baby A kept hiding behind the cord or moving too much.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW1PQ-DHPEs13nTWWr4m5CmVd4XvUK0yZzSjvsFhTLJ0Ob6qSNmdHqSM_Y00muQ3t8Ijwgd7WBkt9BoZ5_VXOTTXKvDUQ7DhEbhyphenhyphenMOHFSMYZvkG-wk6YubJmYHnJwaaZEsQcQXT5cTSdf/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-05+at+9.18.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW1PQ-DHPEs13nTWWr4m5CmVd4XvUK0yZzSjvsFhTLJ0Ob6qSNmdHqSM_Y00muQ3t8Ijwgd7WBkt9BoZ5_VXOTTXKvDUQ7DhEbhyphenhyphenMOHFSMYZvkG-wk6YubJmYHnJwaaZEsQcQXT5cTSdf/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-05+at+9.18.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW1PQ-DHPEs13nTWWr4m5CmVd4XvUK0yZzSjvsFhTLJ0Ob6qSNmdHqSM_Y00muQ3t8Ijwgd7WBkt9BoZ5_VXOTTXKvDUQ7DhEbhyphenhyphenMOHFSMYZvkG-wk6YubJmYHnJwaaZEsQcQXT5cTSdf/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-05+at+9.18.16+PM.png" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today I went to see a photographer friend of mine, Brea Bursch who owns </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/cyephotography?fref=ts" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CYE Photography</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. She did an AMAZING photo shoot of my belly. At first I was unsure if I wanted to do "maternity" photos, since these are not my babies. I never did them with my first, and a friend of mine did some in-home ones of our second that we loved. The more I thought about it, the more I thought - why not? I would love to remember my body during this journey as I carried these two little miracles, and I was super excited at the idea of getting my make up done and doing my hair like a fairy queen. Here is the photo from today that I just cannot stop looking at! My friend Brea is so talented, feel free to pin this photo and check out the rest of her work on her page!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGCoQ3w6w5DOoU6-9hIPRxrHFNL0UsJzQ5-vv0QZdUokw_-blV-HqttQBp0Aqr1N7FQMb5ib3WTrQQeu4Y5i0IPZRwWW8hsaRhwCX18k8YHFEIePWYyrK7lb3hs01OtO70DFhV0CRiAo1/s1600/Surrogate+33+weeks+Maternity+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGCoQ3w6w5DOoU6-9hIPRxrHFNL0UsJzQ5-vv0QZdUokw_-blV-HqttQBp0Aqr1N7FQMb5ib3WTrQQeu4Y5i0IPZRwWW8hsaRhwCX18k8YHFEIePWYyrK7lb3hs01OtO70DFhV0CRiAo1/s1600/Surrogate+33+weeks+Maternity+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGCoQ3w6w5DOoU6-9hIPRxrHFNL0UsJzQ5-vv0QZdUokw_-blV-HqttQBp0Aqr1N7FQMb5ib3WTrQQeu4Y5i0IPZRwWW8hsaRhwCX18k8YHFEIePWYyrK7lb3hs01OtO70DFhV0CRiAo1/s1600/Surrogate+33+weeks+Maternity+Photo.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In other news, we have something wonderful to share. Natalie has been taking supplements to produce breast milk for the last few months and it worked! She has been pumping and storing and has 40 + frozen bags ready to go. This means she will get to nurse her babies when they get here. How special to be able to have that bond! I will still pump and donate either to Natalie (if they get low) or to a local family up here that needs the milk.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lastly, people are asking me a lot how I am feeling now that the end is near and if I am ready or sad. It is a little bittersweet for me, as this is my last pregnancy and I have enjoyed being a surrogate. Since I am still throwing up and still sick, I am getting ready and excited to have my body back. I am mostly just so excited to see James and Natalie's faces when they meet their two babies they have been longing for. I think it will be one of the most incredible moments to witness and I have been really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to healing at home, visiting with friends, re-kindling my love life with my husband and love bombing my two sons to infinity and beyond.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As always, thank you so much for following our story and for all your kind supportive words. We feel so blessed to have such an amazing community of people in our corner during this journey.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany Burke</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Surrogate Mother</span></div>
<br />A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-80468099315544845782012-10-15T22:28:00.002-07:002012-10-16T16:30:49.086-07:00Enjoying the Moment?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This Blog Post Written by Tiffany Burke, Surrogate Mother</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a little off topic from the surrogacy story, but I feel compelled to write about it. It starts out a little controversial but hopefully will end on a good note.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A photo was brought to my attention the other day that made me stop what I was doing and rethink a lot of things. The photo (pictured below) is of a newborn baby, just minutes old, snuggled up on mom's chest. Both mom and dad are on their phones... texting (or Facebooking... or... working?). Neither is looking at the other, or the baby. They are plugged in and updating people. I was initially really mad at the parents. How can they not be living in the moment? How can they just be on their phones so quickly? Could updating their friends and family really not wait a few moments? They are missing one of the best parts of life. Watching their child take its first breaths, counting fingers and toes, touching the skin that feels like air.... I didn't understand. What could be more important than being with their baby? After more thought, I started to feel like there is some sort of pressure and obsession in society today to over connect, to be too plugged in. To update everyone ASAFP (As Soon As F-ing Possible) when something exciting (or not exciting - pictures of our food) in our life happens. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I started to think about all the other places I have been lately where people are too plugged-in, mostly on their phones. We all know texting and driving is a big issue...I won't even get into that now. But I was at my son's swim lessons a few weeks ago and the majority of the parents were texting/FBing or whatever it is they do on their phones. I can't count the number of times my son looked up at me with a smile on his face to see if I was watching him with his new swim moves. The rest of the parents were just missing it. Missing their little lives, their little moments. At the park a few weeks ago, a dad was texting the entire time he was pushing his little girl on the swing. At one point, she flipped off the swing and got hurt. One of the biggest places I see over plugged-in people is at weddings. As a wedding photographer, I have pretty much seen it all. At a recent wedding, a lady was in the back of the church on her phone reading the news (photo below). In the middle of the vows. Okay, seriously?! She was missing it all. People are taking photos with their phones and posting and tagging so instantly, it's almost as if the wedding is streaming live online. It's one thing to be grabbing fun photos (I get it, I do it for a living and love having those moments as well) but it takes time to upload to your social media, tag, comment, like etc. and it is really pulling us away from the moments happening right in front of us. A wedding is one of the most beautiful moments you can witness, really getting to watch two people who love each other, as they become "one" and celebrate that love. It actually is a cool experience and many people are so busy taking photos or updating their status that they are missing the actual event and the actual moments. I would love to see people take the photo they want (or trust that the wedding photographer will get the photo) then put the phones and cameras away and live in the moment.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, before I sound like I am on a soap box here (possibly too late and I am sorry if it is too late), let me remind you how guilty I am as well for being too plugged-in. Although I do not own a smart phone (in fact, currently NO cell phone and loving it), I am really plugged in online. My job requires a lot of online attention and we do share our surrogacy story very openly online as it is happening, while filming and, at times, photographing it. I am guilty of saying to my kids, "One more minute..." while I finish emailing clients, or tagging them in their sneak peek. Just as I was writing this blog post, my seven year old came up and begged me to read him one chapter in </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Adventures According to Humphrey</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. How could I say no? Of course I stopped blogging and went to be with him. This is not always the case when it comes to my work and deadlines and sometimes, just plain old goofing off on Facebook and getting lost in the time-suck that it is. I am involved in WAY too many FB groups, all of which I keep telling myself serve a great purpose in my life (and they do ... but also, really? Do they?), but they suck time from me and I want to start breaking free more. Why do I have to be online so much?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the defense of those stuck online, on phones and plugged in too much, I think everyone needs time off from the real world. Time off from the responsibilities required of us and sometimes being plugged into our phones or ipads or computers provides us with that "zone out" time. We get to zone out but still feel connected, we can read a great story online, or feel not as alone by connecting with a blog. We can catch up on our friends lives through their updated photos and travels using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We can share recipes on Pinterest. Perhaps the dad at the park was a single dad, and played one on one all day with his little girl and now that she was finally sitting still, on the swing, he was able to have a moment during the day to text? I have no idea. I really don't want to judge myself and others too harshly, but I do want to bring to our attention that I feel too many of us are guilty of being too plugged-in and missing some really amazing moments in this fabulous life we have all been given.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So what is the answer? Quit the social media world </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cold turkey</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">? Stop texting as much? Stop updating? Have designated online time for yourself (not more than 30 min/day)? I don't have the answers, but I had an idea that may encourage everyone to find their OWN personal solution. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have asked my readers to send in real, raw, emotional moments caught on camera from their lives. I asked for photos taken by them or taken professionally. Now ironically, these moments were caught on camera or phone and then shared now online on a blog - PLUGGED-IN! I know, I know. But these images needed to be seen and shared. I think the images speak for themselves about all the amazing moments out there that we are missing by being too attached to our phones and social networking. Take the photo, capture the moment, post later. By all means, take the photo! Of course! Or y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ou can hire someone else to take those pictures for you (as many people did in the photos below and, no, this is not a shameless plug for hire\ing professional photographers). If you hire someone else, you can LIVE in your moment and have the photo for later, best of both worlds.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Or have no cameras at all and just live in the moment. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whatever you decide, maybe it's time to stop being so plugged in during the moment. Your Facebook status can wait, the moment cannot wait. You will NEVER get this moment back, ever. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Breathe it in, enjoy those tiny fingers and toes, take in an extra snuggle before work, listen to the silly story your child is telling you, listen to the rain. You don't know if this will be your last moment with the people you love, or if it will be your last moment period. Don't chance it anymore. Everything else can wait. The people on Facebook who read your status updates can wait another day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I received over 100 photos in the span of 24 hours, and it was really hard to narrow them all down. So many images touched my heart. With the help of my adoring husband, we narrowed down the top images we hope make an impact on you. I hope they inspire you to stop what you are doing online or on your phone and start living in the moment. These images captured below are big and small events in life that I wish we could all drink up. Make sure you read the captions for even more depth to each story. Also, thank you to everyone who sent in images, I was overwhelmed with joy and genuinely loved them all!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I would love for you to comment below if you feel we as a society are too plugged in and not enjoying the moments anymore. Are you personally too plugged in? Also feel free to comment below about what image touched you and why! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany Burke</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">30 weeks pregnant with surrogate twins.</span><br />
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“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” </h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">Tori, who has cerebral palsy, was enjoying the summer heat when an unexpected hose spray came from her step dad. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catch-the-Light-Photography/143777548980899?fref=ts" target="_blank">Catch the Light Photography.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">Mother, Jodi, holds her son, baby Kash, for the first time, 9 days after his birth. </span>After 6 years of infertility, their IVF cycle was successful. Their son Kash was born at 34 weeks with complications that put him in the BC Children's NICU for 3 months, including his first Christmas. This photo was taken after 2-3 surgeries he had already gone through. He was a fighter.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">A groom sees his bride for the very first time on their wedding day. His emotions are priceless. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/michellenewellphotography" target="_blank">Michelle Newell Photography.</a></span></div>
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Mother, Laura, holds her baby girl, Penelope, after having a home water birth. Her husband, Thoren kisses his wife while crying with joy.</div>
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Baby George squeals with joy as he goes down a slide. A simple pure moment of enjoying life.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Little Eilleillwy holds her newborn sister, Bloddueth, very protectively. Since the moment </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Bloddueth was born, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Eilleillwy was very protective over her and they had a very strong sisterly bond. Sadly, baby </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Bloddueth passed away 7 months later.</span></div>
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Siblings, (from left to right) Charlyse, Saraya, James, and Patrick, enjoy a summer afternoon playing cricket together. James is 8 years old and has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It's a genetic muscle-wasting disease that is both incurable and terminal. Most boys die in their teens. He is transitioning from standing to a wheelchair full-time, so playing games like this is becoming more difficult, and eventually he won't be able to do anything but watch as the disease ravages his body and finally his heart. But that won't stop his family from making sure he lives an amazing life and experiences as much as possible.</div>
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Mona stares adoringly at her dad, Henri, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly before this photo was taken. He really wanted to make pancakes but he was too tired to stand at the stove, so they brought a dining room chair in for him to sit on. You can see Mona's cheek is packed with pancakes. Sadly, Henri passed away 7 months later. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">Little Emma received her first hair cut ever. She wanted to surprise her brother and cousin and this is their reaction, their "first look" at her new cut. She cut off over 6 inches which is a big deal for that age! Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.amandakayphotography.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Kay Photography.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">Little Grant acts like a typical little boy in an airplane heaven, soaring through the airplanes, just being a little boy and enjoying the moment. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.evantidephotography.com/" target="_blank">Evantide Photography.</a></span></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-87267059662301354752012-09-24T00:06:00.000-07:002012-09-24T07:07:21.461-07:00Life is Happening<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hospital visit again, Broken Down Car on the freeway, Missing a wedding? Okay.. that's enough....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's start with the most important part, the babies. Baby A and Baby B have been very active and strong in utero. I have loved feeling them move and wake each other and "dance." They love music. At seven months pregnant (27 weeks), I can pin point their wakeful times of the day usually to the hour. Typically, Baby B is the wild child. He is the mover and shaker and loves to wake up Baby A. He is the one most people can feel (and see!) from the outside. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Friday night, I drove from Bellingham to a friend's house in Maple Valley (about two hours). The following day, I was scheduled to photograph my last wedding of the season in Olympia (another hour south of where I was staying). A good friend, and fellow photographer, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/toddatchison.photography" target="_blank">Todd Atchison </a>had agreed to be my second shooter for the wedding, so I stayed with him and his wife, Lindsay, (one of my best friends) on Friday night. I arrived around 9pm and stayed up chatting with Lindsay until about 1am. When I went to bed, I realized, I had not felt Baby B move all day, and not since Thursday evening. I became concerned and tried several positions for over an hour to get him to move. Around 2am I posted in my Surrogacy group for advice. Was I being too paranoid? Was this normal for twins? I stayed awake until 4am with no luck of getting him to move. I slept in and out, waking every 20 min or so trying to get him to move. By Saturday late morning, it was time to call the doctor. I felt silly, but all my surrogate sisters had said it was better safe than sorry and for the peace of mind I should probably get checked and many of them had been in my position before. The on call nurse insisted I head to the nearest hospital to Labor and Delivery so I could be checked out, as Baby B could be in distress. At that point, I was a little worried. It had been so long since I had felt him, and I was trying not to worry. I called my brother and let him know that everything was okay, but they just wanted to check. They said they would meet me at Tacoma General Hospital. I felt so and for them, I did not want to scare them, even though I myself was worried and I knew they would worry too. Natalie told me later she felt like throwing up. :(</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was now about 11am and I had to be at the wedding at 1:30pm to start photos. I have never missed a wedding and started to panic a little about this. My second shooter, Todd, owns his own photography company and he offered to start the photos until I was able to get there. He drove me to the hospital and took off for the wedding. I met James and Natalie (and Hunter too!) in the waiting room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was anxious to be checked and make sure everything was okay and get back to the wedding. Of course it takes FOREVER, but the staff was wonderful. We were able to hear the heart beats right away which was VERY reassuring. And of course, once hooked up to the heart beat monitor, Baby B started to wake up and be more active. Of course. I was so happy to feel his strong kicks but felt a little sheepish. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLz-DzTTFpTUaAEBF5_MItFJkhITnqnwiwwFzzS6yuiHowyhutvBWSec9GNU9KLIJfSzpc7LJKhi4hgj-t5YK2ozqRFH9vagz-COzfX7osXaTSDV6IR5PTG0KhHYYzBtSM2f7JEQGgYndT/s1600/Photo-0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLz-DzTTFpTUaAEBF5_MItFJkhITnqnwiwwFzzS6yuiHowyhutvBWSec9GNU9KLIJfSzpc7LJKhi4hgj-t5YK2ozqRFH9vagz-COzfX7osXaTSDV6IR5PTG0KhHYYzBtSM2f7JEQGgYndT/s1600/Photo-0132.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, lots of people have asked me "How can you tell who is who?" This is a great question that I did not know before carrying twins. Each baby implants to part of your uterine wall and stays there. Whichever one implants a little lower, is Baby A, as typically (in most cases) baby A is born first. They stay there during your pregnancy. Every now and then I cannot tell who is who if the kick/punch/kung fu twirl is in the middle. Other than that, it is very obvious who is moving and where they are. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While listening to the heart beats, I made plans of escaping. I wanted so desperately to be at the wedding now that I knew Baby B was alive and well and punching me. However, the doctors had other plans. They wanted to see his heart rate increase by 10 for 10 seconds. Twice. Baby A had already completed the task and we were just waiting for Baby B to jump on the band wagon. Their heart rates were both averaging around 143 beats per min (this is normal for their gestational age). They wanted to see Baby B's heart rate jump 10 beats, up to the 153 range and hold their for 10 seconds. This would indicate normal neurological activity. Now I am sure there is some medical professional out there shaking there head at my explanation, so I will have to double check that my "terminology" is right, but bear with me for now as the weekend has been crazy! Baby B had already done this once, so we were feeling pretty confident he would do it again. He was just taking his time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wARlEyIDeKgPmg2GldV3W_dSIx_RvbR1sUtDky5Z3IHl0wDoV17xok_MMZ06V-HP7ySVMwJahh8wdpR49cA7ocUdkFKB-9nTMjkj5t_mwxHC31tEqY5tPIzDVJ7cWqm5X4GsosOh0knh/s1600/Photo-0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wARlEyIDeKgPmg2GldV3W_dSIx_RvbR1sUtDky5Z3IHl0wDoV17xok_MMZ06V-HP7ySVMwJahh8wdpR49cA7ocUdkFKB-9nTMjkj5t_mwxHC31tEqY5tPIzDVJ7cWqm5X4GsosOh0knh/s1600/Photo-0133.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Baby B FINALLY cooperated and the doctor felt satisfied and I was discharged! He said it was great I came in, if Baby B had been in distress, they would have had to take action and it is better to check than to wait. Overall, I was happy too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was able to make it to the wedding, just over two hours late and busted it out the best I could! It was an adorable wedding. I cried at least three times, especially when the father of the bride gave his speech and started to cry. That gets me every time! The couple was so understanding about my absence and Todd did an amazing job while I was gone. I was very grateful for him. The bride and groom have been clients of mine for a while and it was such a pleasure and honor to be able to photograph their wedding. They are so very, truly in love. I loved watching them on their big night, the way they looked at each other, touched other, snuck in sweet kisses. Weddings always make me miss my husband. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDzRHE3GLCodfFsXwxXn7lnfod9Srd0Y9in6DLbeLgt9RstakoBnn9oR7mrAXjKp8TCBavJUZmBEpjFC0BSgNCeE6BGXwx2fLA0jsxCg-QG5Y0NKpC0Cg1N08H5OIBpkqYY-njJDqpBwM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-09-23+at+11.17.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDzRHE3GLCodfFsXwxXn7lnfod9Srd0Y9in6DLbeLgt9RstakoBnn9oR7mrAXjKp8TCBavJUZmBEpjFC0BSgNCeE6BGXwx2fLA0jsxCg-QG5Y0NKpC0Cg1N08H5OIBpkqYY-njJDqpBwM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-09-23+at+11.17.27+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After the wedding I was excited to drive home and see my family. However, my body had other plans. Todd drove us home and I threw up most of the way. Poor Todd! What day for him. I was so very sick, I spent the night at their house again. Since I had barely slept the night before, I was able to sleep fairly well after the long day I had.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I finally drove home this afternoon. I got in the car and was so excited to go home to be with my boys. I called one of my dearest friends, put the phone on speaker phone, stuck it in my shirt and drove home, catching up with her about life, struggles, love, loss and much more. I was so happy to be catching up with her, and not worrying about anything else. Then.... the car started to slow down... on the freeway... oh my gosh, what was happening? I pulled over and it died. It had had trouble starting this morning and yesterday, it's an old car, but usually never fails like this! Well, since I am an AWESOME mechanic, I was able to diagnose the problem almost instantly: it just needed a little more gas. Apparently cars these days are super sensitive, if you are way below the E, it will no longer run. Strange right? So after feeling like and idiot, and being 40 miles from home, two of my friends came to my rescue. One was on her way to a photo shoot and could not be late, so she dropped off a delicious organic brownie and some water while the other brought gas! I have great friends who put up with my shenanigans. Next time, I will look at the gas tank before heading on a two hour trip. Talk about feeling sheepish! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Overall, I am happy to be home! I was able to color and paint with my boys tonight. Tomorrow I will see the doctor for a check up since my blood pressure was a little high on Saturday (which it never is), I also had trace amounts of protein in my urine, some extra swelling and we can also check babies one more time. The babies have been moving and kicking like crazy again and are back to their regularly scheduled program. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to support our movie, we cannot finish filming without proper funding and it takes a lot to make a film! We have a lot of people to pay, which is great for jobs for local people and great for us because they will help us make a great film! Donate here, we are running out of time and every little bit helps, we are almost out of time: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/531690258/a-belly-for-me-a-baby-for-you?ref=home_location" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsxcnNCoUMM-XAYk8kYz-TbwUljF57djVkgayLKPTXH92w_8FjPGLHMj71fFZu3lCCm9zh2rbezFL_ZJpTTav5MTenJnn0zl7YoLcs6aH4AKC5p6dSNVxQsD5ssSxvtmNjxNvVOyCDP3S/s1600/kickstarter-logo-light.png" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany Burke</span></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-92097922937672075962012-09-18T17:43:00.003-07:002012-09-18T23:33:46.051-07:00Bigger and Better!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This Blogpost Written by Tiffany Burke, Surrogate Mother</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I am nearing my 27th week of pregnancy, I am getting bigger and better! I am only throwing up every few days! Although I am still nauseous each day, I do feel like a new person versus where I was at week 8 or week 14. I'll take it! I am almost back to my normal self where I truly enjoy my second trimester. Oh my gosh, am I still in my second trimester? Or am I in my third? Wow, I better go look that up! Time flies when you are pregnant with twins. Here is a little bump photo of those two precious boys.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I posted a picture on our Facebook page today that struck my heart really hard. One of the reasons I have been so publicly open about this blog, this movie, the fertility drugs, our failed first attempt and so on, is because so many women have had to suffer silently with their infertility issues. Over the last year and half, after starting the blog, I have learned these issues come from the mother's eggs, the mother's uterus, the mother's health condition, the father's sperm, money (not enough money to do IVF), age, and more. So many factors play a role in these women's lives when they are trying so desperately to conceive a child. It's never simple, it's never an easy fix, it's never just one thing. And it's a lot of heart ache. I have learned by listening to you. So many readers have sent in their stories, every day I read a new story that brings me to tears, pulls on my heart strings and opens my mind even more.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I have mentioned before, I was anti IVF. I never gave much thought to surrogacy or what it involved, but if I was anti IVF I must have been anti surrogacy. I thought if you could not have children naturally that you needed to adopt. Perhaps this came from being adopted myself, and my own yearning to adopt. I just assumed everyone else should be on the same page. After Natalie lost her uterus, and after listening to her thoughts, it was like a switch went off inside of me. I started to think about all my friends who had a hard time conceiving, and my family members. I started to think about how they must be feeling as I pranced around the world bragging about being fertile Mertile. Always thinking I was making fun of myself for being able to get pregnant the first time each time, when in reality, I was probably hurting those women around me. I was not ever thinking about their feelings, their miscarriages, their still borns, their hope to see a positive pregnancy test. This is hard for me to write. This is hard for me to admit how selfish I was in my own thoughts. Who would think that way? I am admitting it very publicly that I did. I am not proud, yet ashamed. How could I have not thought deeper about this issue? I had never walked that path or known that kind of pain, but where was my compassion? I never even asked. I was afraid. When my friends were trying and never getting pregnant, I was afraid to ask. I was afraid to ask how they were feeling after their miscarriage. I thought it was unspoken for a reason. I didn't want to pry or bring up more pain. I always thought if they wanted to talk about it, they could. Why didn't I make the compassionate move? I still don't know entirely, but I am changed forever now and hope that my friends and family who are struggling know they are NOT alone. I hope I have the strength to reach out to those who need it and I am so happy to have shaken my prior, judgmental self. I'm sure she existed for a reason, but she is not currently missed. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I saw this photo the other day and posted it to our Facebook today asking followers to tell us what they think and feel when they see this photo:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=521964744497042&set=a.352152318144953.100359.350972961596222&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_comment" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihK5emxZ0GNklPUj-DvnAqAqcTLrlonp5C3WML6U3H30I28Sg-6dKFSOj1y-alheCatSXYEnL5rPlYwi9JUgDzqKRR-fjd1AEZDF3yqswxi_RvB-eXozf_gNTahd11-PSvsamAGrbVjVgX/s1600/For+every+woman+unhappy+with+her+postpartum+marks,+is+another+who+wishes+she+had+them+.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The comments have been amazing. I love when people come forward and speak openly, and candidly, especially on a subject so many women feel they have to be quiet about. Here is what one reader wrote: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"</span><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[0].[0]"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This was one of the many things I would think of when we were originally told we'd never have our own children. sounds silly but it would really bother me when women wou</span></span></span><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]."><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]..[0]"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ld complain about little things like this, when i wish they would realize how lucky they are to be able to experience a pregnancy and having children. A</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fter going through infertility for 3 long years and then IVF to conceive our twins, I think I went through every emotion in the book."</span><br />
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<span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]."><span id=".reactRoot[208].[1][2][1]{comment521964744497042_1633195}..[1]..[1]..[0].[2]..[3]..[0]"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We started talking and I told her how I used to feel and she wrote back, "Y</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">eah I totally know what you mean! I am a twin myself, and growing up my sister & I always joked about how we were "natural twins" and ivf twins were "fake twins" lol ~ it's funny being on the other side of the table and having to do IVF and now im having those "fake twins" HAHA its crazy how infertility changes your entire perspective!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She's right. It is crazy how infertility changes your perspective. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How has infertility changed your perspective? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are so blessed that this pregnancy with the twins worked after the second try. I feel very blessed. I feel like our experience is just the tip of the iceberg of fertility pain. Your stories continue to change me, open my heart and mind and I hope my compassion is felt. Your stories have made me a more loving mom. I always considered myself someone who counted my blessings, but I for sure hug my babies more, kiss them more, tell them they are loved more. Which I already did so much before, I am sure they are getting smothered right now. I don't even care. I'm a smother mother right now and proud of it! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure entirely what else to say here. I just wanted to write out some of my thoughts about the pain others have been feeling and encourage us all to keep an open mind. We never know someone else's struggles, even if they tell us, it's not the same. I hope together we can all keep open minds and hearts and be a little bit more compassionate to others' feelings. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is something I wrote down at the beginning of this journey and try to read each day: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Everyone is having a different life experience than you. Because of that, what they can see and think can vary drastically from you. This is where an open mind and compassion can build a bridge to better understanding each other. Hopefully from that, we can learn from each other and possibly have more acceptance in all areas of this life.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Off to swim lessons with the little humans.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany Burke</span><br />
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-1664654746617592292012-09-11T08:48:00.000-07:002012-11-30T20:18:20.464-08:00The Movie<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post was written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before continuing to read, we would love for you to take a look at the trailer for the movie, A Belly For Me, A Baby For You:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Film?</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our goal is to help educate people on this world of surrogacy, infertility and to stop the silent suffering from all the women and men out there who have ached to be parents and hit constant emotional speedbumps along the way to their family planning. For every 100 mean comments on an article, we are receiving incredible emails from women who are feeling strength from our story, no longer feeling alone and feeling inspired. We don't want surrogacy to be considered bad or weird. Just like adoption should not be. People plan and make their families in all different ways now. When there are loving families and parents for children to grow up in, I just don't see what all the negative fuss is about. I hope our story continues to reach the people it needs to. Including the negative, judgmental ones. You never know who's mind you may open by speaking up about something so controversial. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a reminder - I used to think that if you can't have children naturally, you should adopt. I was adopted, two of my brothers were and I have always ached to adopt. My husband and I will be adopting through foster care after the surrogacy. But, I had never been on the other side, I had never heard the hearts of these mothers. I had never taken the time to understand or to even listen. I just thought "my way" of thinking was the righteous one. Walk a mile in someone's shoes, then make up your mind. I never thought I would believe in IVF or surrogacy, let alone be a surrogate! The world is a very interesting place when you choose to open your mind and see it from another person's perspective. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With all the mixed feedback coming in from the CNN article, it has motivated me even more to get this film made. We know we can make a beautiful film that shoes the ups and downs of surrogacy, infertility and the ins and outs in a medically accurate way. We still have lots left to film, lots more interviews and of course, the birth.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Keep scrolling down to see the latest Q & A's. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you to all of those with your words of encouragement during this time. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span></span>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-4091199889853396742012-09-08T12:59:00.001-07:002012-09-09T15:12:26.602-07:00You Asked, We Answered!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With all the recent traffic from CNN, we have been getting a lot of new questions coming in. Although we do have a question and answer page, we thought we would put an updated one right up front. Feel free to post more questions in the comment section and we will answer them, or email them our way if you prefer to stay confidential! </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, don't forget, we are filming a documentary on this process. We are showing the surrogate side and the intended parent side along with the medical side. We hope our story will help educate others on the world of surrogacy. We need funding to complete the movie, so please take a moment to donate. Any amount helps! </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/531690258/a-belly-for-me-a-baby-for-you" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz17LoM4ev-uDMeTnRhoUXeJhWIoQLJBwiYCaUjzE51QOgsf6BkeGJY1ImkQcHtqJyYYiwudiy4prvALw0FwG0y4f5BdbZsXNWUzKaNIu1vlu2t7cvl-n_4J_lhIuhpcmDBHeDe1tyl9rC/s640/kickstarter-logo-light.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b>click on the above icon to watch our trailer and donate</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Most Commonly Ask Questions:</b></span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How is everyone related? </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James and Natalie Lucich are husband and wife and have one child, Hunter, together. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sean and Tiffany Burke are husband and wife and have two children, Holland and Blake, together.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James and Tiffany are brother and sister.</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pictured from left to right: Sean Burke and his wife Tiffany Burke. Natalie Lucich and her husband James Lucich (Tiffany's brother).</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who's egg and sperm is involved here?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The embryos were made of Natalie's eggs and James' sperm. Natalie lost her uterus but has many viable eggs still left in her ovaries. The baby will be a full sibling to their first son, Hunter. They did an egg retrieval of Natalie to obtain the eggs necessary and James made his deposit, and the embryos were fertilized in the lab and then put in Tiffany.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">James and Natalie's embryos, 5 days old and ready for transfer into Tiffany.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They are brother and sister, this sounds like incest?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We are trying to understand why we get this question, because the above has always been explained. But this is in no way shape or form incest. Tiffany's eggs are dormant during inception, and not used in this process. The embryos are already embryos - the start of life - before even being put in Tiffany. They are 100% James and Natalie's. Tiffany is truly just the carrier, the oven if you will. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As an interesting side note, our situation is even more different since James and Tiffany were both adopted at birth, from different birth parents. They are not even blood related although it would not matter if they were. Tiffany would have done this for her biological brother as well. This is no different than a sister carrying for a sister. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Why choose surrogacy over adoption?</b></span></span><br />
This was a personal choice made by James and Natalie. Our family is very pro adoption since James, Tiffany and another one of their siblings, Jonathan, are all adopted. The process for adoption is similar to surrogacy, long and hard and expensive. Natalie and James wanted to try to have their own biological child (not knowing it would be twins) to complete their family. Some people desire this over adoption and that is okay. Adoption is not easy, it can take a long time, the child can have major issues from abuse while the mother was pregnant. Adoption is not for everyone and I commend James and Natalie for saying they were not ready to adopt at this point in their life. For knowing their boundaries. All the people that mention adoption over and over, I highly doubt any of them have gone through the process themselves. Family building is such a personal choice and everyone chooses differently. They had the opportunity with Natalie's eggs left and Tiffany willing to carry. We felt it all really lined up perfectly and are happy with this choice. Adoption may still be an option in the future for them.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why have more children when you already have one?</span></b><br />
This question boggles my mind (Tiffany). When my husband and I told everyone we wanted to have another baby, no one said "You already have a child, you should be grateful for that." We conceived naturally and no one batted an eye, our second son was welcome with open arms and no judgement. So why is this any different? Natalie and James had dreamed of having more children and creating a big family. Just because she lost her ability to carry children does not mean she should not be able to grow her family anymore than you or me. James and Natalie are so grateful and so in love with their son, Hunter. He is their world. I think in my heart, most of those comments come from people who don't have children, or never yearned for a child of their own. I think it is perfectly natural to want more children. I look at my two boys and feel complete and whole, getting to be their mother and watching them grow and learn each day has been the most beautiful, rewarding opportunity I have ever had. I can't imagine life without either one of them. Natalie and James have that same desire and who are any of us to judge that or say harsh comments towards such a natural feeling? I am so excited for Hunter to have siblings!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When was Inception?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The original date was January 2012. Our first transfer we transferred two embryos with the hopes one would take, we were so saddened when neither took. The next transfer was March 30th 2012, where we transferred two embryos again in hopes one would take. We are happy to be pregnant with twins right now!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No but we knew it was a possibility. The embryos at Seattle Reproductive Medicine are graded by quality being Good, Fair or Poor. And grade A, B or C. The embryos from both transfers were given the same grade, Fair quality with Grade B. The recommendation of the embryologist was to implant two and hope that one of them took. As said above, we implanted two on the first try and neither took. The second try we implanted two and both took (or one split, but we are thinking both took). It was a surprise blessing!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Didn't you know you would get morning sickness? Also, have you tried.... (insert remedy here)?</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We suspected I would get morning sickness since I did with my other two pregnancies. We had no idea it would be this severe. It was a good eye opener for me because I learned so many different ways different women are during their pregnancies. I learned some of my friends never had a day of morning sickness, while other were hospitalized for theirs and sent home with IV units hooked to them. I fell somewhere in the middle.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As to the remedies, I have tried it all. I hope I can remember everything but here it is: Seabands, crackers, protein, bean diet, beats, B6, B6 with Unsiom, taking prenatals at night, not taking prenatals, always keeping a full stomach, ginger tea, ginger-ale, stomach ease tea, ginger gum, regular gum, preggie pops, Zofran, Promethazine... the list goes on! I am sure I am forgetting something but I tried it ALL. I was so desperate to stop feeling sick all day. Ultimately the Promethazine worked the best which I started around week 14 I think. I still throw up on it and get nauseous but it is less than before.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why did you choose to film this and share your story?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was my idea (Tiffany) to share it because I knew nothing about surrogacy going into this. I thought it could be a great way to share an actual story, and get the medical side to it filmed accurately so we could educate anyone else wanting to dive into this world of surrogacy. I also found as we blogged, so many women came forward to share their stories of infertility issues and it felt good for all of us to no longer feel alone. It seems like with fertility issues, women have been suffering silently. My husband is in film and I asked him if he wanted to do this project, I am glad he accepted.</span><br />
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Sharing such a personal matter has not been easy. There are times we have thought it's not worth it. But we really want to help others no longer feel alone in their journey, and bring awareness to fertility issues. ALL issues. Including women who can't get pregnant, men who's sperm count is too low, gay couples and surrogacy, straight couples and surrogacy etc. So many ways to build families these days and this seemed like a good chance to get the word out of one of those ways. We hope for more understanding and tolerance on the subject.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0XOK_8PAkBN6toeh8TnKrUwwCs-d2XGhVjGzATDZ8DJq-WoowlZ_Qn8Bzoe_eCcMaC5Dc-FMC4_xLpUhqFOzR5ldRC1US1aO6YapN09ArTZqmV4LfORvAyTUfJls8gAAAuQccqdsymDY/s1600/_RMV9431-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0XOK_8PAkBN6toeh8TnKrUwwCs-d2XGhVjGzATDZ8DJq-WoowlZ_Qn8Bzoe_eCcMaC5Dc-FMC4_xLpUhqFOzR5ldRC1US1aO6YapN09ArTZqmV4LfORvAyTUfJls8gAAAuQccqdsymDY/s1600/_RMV9431-69.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sean hugging his wife Tiffany after a doctor's visit at Seattle Reproductive Medicine.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How you are handling criticism, including from trolls and those lacking an understanding of biology?</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's funny because we feel our story is about love, and family and an interesting medical story (surrogacy) which has nothing to do with incest. And we continue to get great positive feedback. However, when you are exposed, you put yourself out there and open to the comments of the public and that opens up complete strangers who don't know us and start commenting. The trolls don't bother me as much because some of them are funny. I do have a harder time with people commenting that don't understand the process and don't read the article and then say hateful things to us. However - this IS a different story, and people will have their opinions that differ from ours and that's okay. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We put ourselves out there in hopes our story will help others along the way. Our hope is those intentions stay true and that we reach the people who need to hear our story the most. When you put yourself out there, people will comment and say their opinions which they are entitled to have. It's good to know and self reflect if needed and then just keep swimming.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If everyone listened to naysayers - progress would be impossible.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Is Tiffany getting paid to be the surrogate? Does CNN pay for this story? Who pays medical bills? What about funding for movie?</span></b><br />
It is illegal in Washington State to pay your surrogate. That being said, none of us knew that it was. When we first started on this journey, James and Natalie offered to pay Tiffany some form of compensation for doing this and she declined. "I did not want this to be a monetary transaction or something where they ever owed me a thing for doing this. I just wanted it to be out of love, and then move along afterward. I don't expect my brother to do anything in return and I think that's how it should be when you do something for someone you love. You do it because you love them and you want to. I love my brother, my sister in law and my nephew. Giving this gift to them requires nothing from them in return." <br />
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CNN does not pay for stories. They want to share our story to help educate people on surrogacy and we are hoping for the same in return on surrogacy and infertility issues.<br />
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James and Natalie pay for all pregnancy related items including medical bills, childcare, maternity clothes, prenatal etc. <br />
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We do need funding for the movie. We did not realize how much until recently. We received bids from all over to come up with our budget. It is expensive for proper equipment (camera, sound recorder, mics, lights etc, batteries, back ups, etc), paying a crew, sound engineer, music rights, storing and backing up footage and more. So we went to Kickstarter where hundreds or creative projects go to get their funding. We hope we reach our goal so we can get equipment and continue filming (we have been running on borrowed and rented equipment and we are missing great shots because of not having it readily available).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>What will you tell the twins?</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">They will be told the truth! That their mom could not grow them so their aunt did. Families are made in so many ways now, everyone is so different and unique and there is no shame in how these babies were grown. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who will be in the delivery room? Will you let your brother watch you give birth?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Natalie, James, Sean, Tiffany the doctors and nurses, and our Birth Photographer. For the initial delivery, it will already be such a complex situation, we wanted to keep it simple, but will have grandparents waiting on the side lines to run in and meet their new grand-babies. However, I am REALLY a big pushover when it comes to grandmas, so if one of the grandma's wants to come in, I am pretty sure I will welcome them with open legs. I mean arms, depending on if the doctor says it's okay. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have no issues with my brother being there when his children are born. I think birth is such a natural amazing process. My brother and I are close, but not THAT close, so I imagine he will stay clear of any shots that he may not be able to erase from his mind! I honestly do not care though, I just hope he is there to his his babies the first time they cry or breathe :) </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Are you doing a planned C-section since it's twins?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No plans for a C-section at this point. I (Tiffany) really want to try to have the twins naturally. Both my boys were born without drugs and very quickly, so I am optimistic. Let's hope both babies are head down and ready to go! </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What will happen when the babies are born?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We thought it best for the babies to go straight to Natalie and James for instant bonding. We are hoping to have Natalie cut a cord because not very many moms get the opportunity to cut their own baby's cord! </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What happens after the release in the hospital?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We will go our separate ways. James and Natalie currently live in University Place, and Sean and Tiffany are 2 hours North in Bellingham. Sean will take Tiffany home to rest and heal and James and Natalie will take their newest additions home and be a family of five now! </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What will Tiffany do with her Breast Milk?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am hoping to pump and give to the babies. Freeze each week and send it down. I will not be nursing the babies. We are hoping Natalie will be able to :)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How will Natalie feed the babies?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Natalie will try a shot to induce breast milk, this would be so amazing so she can bond right away in the special way with her babies. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As you progress in your pregnancy is the thought of giving the boys up getting harder to bear, or are you not attached to them that way? How hard do you think is it gonna be to give birth and have them taken away a second later?</span></b><br />
I get this question a lot. Honestly, I don't feel as connected to these babies as I have to my own children. I don't know how I feel about that, part of me feels guilty like I might not be loving them enough - even though they are my nephews and I DO love them a lot! But the other part of me feels relieved, as though this is how I am supposed to feel.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After the birth, I have no idea what to expect or what to feel. I know they are not my babies, but my body might not understand and may yearn to be close to a baby after the 9 months spent together. This is just coming from someone who has already given birth twice. I have never given birth to someone else's child, so there is no way to predict how I might feel. I anticipate feeling some sense of saddness or loss, but over all I look forward to being able to go home and not wake up to a newborn, and heal, and know that my brother and his wife have their babies! I can't wait to re-focus on my own family and life. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you think it will be hard if you see the child being raised in away you don't aree with later in life?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I don't think it would be any different than seeing them raise my other nieces or nephews in a way I don't agree with. These boys are not my children in any way. I feel fully confident in James and Natalie's parenting abilities otherwise I would not have helped them bring more children into this world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your story has received so much positive feedback until the CNN front page broke, would you share your private story again knowing all the negative comments you would receive? </span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">I can't speak for Natalie (This is Tiffany) but I can 100% say yes. Our goal is to help educate people on this world of surrogacy, infertility and to stop the silent suffering from all the women and men out there who have ached to be parents and hit constant emotional speedbumps along the way to their family planning. For every 100 mean comments on an article, we are receiving incredible emails from women who are feeling strength from our story, no longer feeling alone and feeling inspired. We don't want surrogacy to be considered bad or weird. Just like adoption should not be. People plan and make their families in all different ways now. When there are loving families and parents for children to grow up in, I just don't see what all the negative fuss is about. I hope our story continues to reach the people it needs to. Including the negative, judgmental ones. You never know who's mind you may open by speaking up about something so controversial. As a reminder - I used to think that if you can't have children naturally, you should adopt. I had never been on the other side, I had never heard the hearts of these mothers. Walk a mile in someone's shoes, then make up your mind. I never thought I would believe in IVF or surrogacy let alone be a surrogate. The world is a very interesting place when you choose to open your mind and see it from another person's perspective. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you have more questions for us? Feel free to comment below and ask us, or message us privately. You can follow our story also on facebook:</b></span><br />
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-39813967039628501622012-09-04T18:18:00.000-07:002012-09-05T08:14:49.656-07:00Contraction Traction, What's Your Action?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This Blogpost was written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So excited to be blogging during my 24th week of pregnancy! It's amazing how much better you feel each week - safety wise- for the babies! At first you just want to make it to week 12. At week 12 your risk for miscarriage goes down drastically. And although anything can still happen, every week these babies are in here is a bonus! They are so strong. Unfortunately I am still throwing up but it is about every other day now. I have been working and resting lots. I have done about 31 photo shoots and 9 weddings during this pregnancy. My clients have all been a blessing. They have been very understanding of me being sick, and working as hard as I can. I have been truly blessed.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We went in on Wednesday for the 24 weeks ultrasound and the twins looked amazing! Both babies were growing at 24 weeks right on schedule. Their heart rates and weights were perfection, exactly where they should be. Something amazing happened while we were there, James and Natalie were able to feel their sons move for the first time ever! My husband was right there and video taped the moment. I for sure teared up. I have been feeling them very early for almost 12 weeks now and each day they get stronger and stronger and I have been hoping for a while that James and Natalie would get to feel them and it finally happened! My belly (uterus) is growing at a lovely 35 weeks! No wonder so many people come up to me in pubic and say "Wow, you are about to give birth ANY second!" </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">24 weeks with the twins. I am sucking in.... okay fine, not at all.....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Braxton Hicks started last week. Maybe one or two a day, nothing worth noting. I increased my fluid just as a precaution and my ultrasound from Wednesday showed a nice long cervix with no signs of labor. On Saturday, we drove from Bellingham to Seattle, I had a wedding the next day at the zoo. Well, the whole trip down my contractions started becoming 10 min apart until they were 3-5 minutes apart. They were VERY mild, but the fact they were so frequent made me call my doctor after about 3 hours of consistent contractions. They wanted me to go in to be checked, just in case. They said that it was much too early for the twins to be born, and although it does not sound intense right now, it could easily turn that way and it's much better to be seen so they can stop the labor if need be. We went to Swedish Hospital and checked into the OB triage unit where they were amazing! I told them how silly I felt since I KNEW my body was not in labor, but of course wanted to be safe. I was there for about four hours with the babies on the monitors. They were doing perfect. Although I was contracting the entire time I was there, I was not dilated and they felt pretty confident about releasing me after monitoring and checking. We left around 3am and the contractions continued until about 6am then finally slowed. I just feel them now a few times a day and feel so much better after going in! Still feel silly about going in, but overall very glad to have eased my mind and James and Natalie of course.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been getting a lot of questions lately about my connection to the twins and if I would ever do this again knowing now how hard it has been (since I have been so sick). I would love to address both of those now! :) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Honestly, I do not feel as connected to the twins as I have with my previous children. I don't know how I feel about that yet. Part of me feels very guilty, as though I don't love my nephews enough. Although I DO love them! So much! Another part of me feels satisfied, as though I should feel exactly how I do. I am unsure and a little fearful to admit these feelings. I am not sure what normal is here. I am not sure this is a "normal" situation. I hope in the end, I will have a different connection with them than I have my own children, and that I don't try to escape to Mexico with them. :) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Speaking of, let's peek in on how cute they are this week! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As far as would I do this again? I have given this a LOT of thought. No, I will not do surrogacy again, but that was never the plan to do this again. The plan was to do this just one time for my brother. But would I repeat this choice, knowing now what I know? Knowing how hard it has been on my family, knowing how much I have missed of my children, my own life, my marriage? It took me a long time to come to this conclusion and my answer is yes. Yes I would make the same choice. Because without that choice, these children, these little babies, would not exist in this world. I am sure there were many hard decisions that led up to our own existence in this world, and many hard times our own parents had to face in order to get us here. For those hard times, I am grateful. For THESE hard times, I am also grateful. Some challenges in life are just that, challenging and hard. I signed up for this and although I may not have known everything about it, I can only hope I am strong enough to get through this a better person than when I started. This process is changing me in so many ways. So many ways I am grateful for even though it has been hard. So yes, yes I would do it again in a heartbeat. Maybe with more ice-cream involved :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As always, thank you for following and sharing our story with others! We love getting all your emails and Facebook messages and hearing about your journeys as well. It really does keep us stronger. As you may know, we are filming a movie on the whole process. We have been on borrowed equipment and are needing to fund this movie now. It takes a LOT to make a movie. We need to pay for crew, equipment, sound, music, storing, backing up etc. We need your help! Anything you can give to fund our movie helps! Really, even $1. You know it all adds up. We have loved sharing our story and want to continue to tell this story about love and family, surrogacy and the medical side to IVF and the struggles we face to build our families and meet the children we have only dreamed about. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is the link to our campaign. Stop by, watch our video and be apart of our movie! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/531690258/a-belly-for-me-a-baby-for-you" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZKEvCJkXYlZrDpBEkl4OE_03ohx3oOZYekKnDNUzUrIUgRs-z-rksNuZrnA_ncdnmPf8fqgw7DvM30ADpYoYUR8KeVz6AzVm31fZzJuTQjDzN_wXODWdydJDWl7jH1MREovW0EJHCYLC/s1600/kickstarter-logo-light.png" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/531690258/a-belly-for-me-a-baby-for-you</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is my youngest showing me how proud he is of his OWN baby in his belly, warms my heart! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxBlWqs3uXdi5ou2s1JKQefbrT7m1L9hjgFjYeBUVcLLgDQJmaPJhQr0_m3iX9wXymswA4xnEuq1Kq85D-UphqfFlVtOphg60-ubDGGORBR-jMfB1DpXkj1fy4tJUlJjk7DJardYoKnaC/s1600/Photo+on+2012-09-04+at+17.33+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxBlWqs3uXdi5ou2s1JKQefbrT7m1L9hjgFjYeBUVcLLgDQJmaPJhQr0_m3iX9wXymswA4xnEuq1Kq85D-UphqfFlVtOphg60-ubDGGORBR-jMfB1DpXkj1fy4tJUlJjk7DJardYoKnaC/s1600/Photo+on+2012-09-04+at+17.33+%232.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="sqq" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“</span></u><a class="sqq" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotation/life-s_challenges_are_not_supposed_to_paralyze/199459.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.</span></span></a><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">”</span></u></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-46403281037328761952012-08-28T13:32:00.002-07:002012-08-28T13:41:37.177-07:00We Need Your Help!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As most of you may know, we have been filming our entire journey. My husband has a beautiful eye for film and has been working very hard at capturing what we can. Unfortunately we have been renting and borrowing equipment, and not having it ready at hand, we are missing great shots to be filming. We need equipment, we need to pay our crew, pay for sound, music fees, storage and back up etc. It costs a lot to make a film! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is where we need your support! By financially backing our film, you are helping this project to be made. You are making it possible for us to continue to tell our story! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have launched a campaign at KickStarter, which is an amazing platform for creative projects to go to and seek their funding. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please head over to our campaign, we have lots of awesome rewards if you back us, including the digital download of the movie and even some adorable baby onesies! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If we do not meet our goal by the end of the deadline, we get NONE of the pledged money. SO it is really important that you back any amount you can and share with your friends and family! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you for all of your support! Here is the link to our campaign:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/531690258/a-belly-for-me-a-baby-for-you" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.kickstarter.com/<wbr></wbr>projects/531690258/a-belly-<wbr></wbr>for-me-a-baby-for-you</a></span></span><br />
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<br />A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-57154008835249463802012-08-14T21:31:00.002-07:002012-08-14T21:59:18.302-07:00Because of You<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This blog post was written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blogging while being sick has been harder than I thought! So here comes a lovely update. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I want to take some time to talk about you, the reader. The people who have been constantly coming forward with their supportive words, prayers, thoughts and stories. Your stories have brought us all together. I feel as though we are all a part of an intricate web, sewn together delicately; intertwined by our life experiences. The positive words you say, give great strength in both Natalie and myself: neither side is easy. Carrying twins and being sick is no easy task. Being the mother and having to let your babies be carried by someone else, also, no easy task. We have signed up for something very challenging but have been overwhelmed by the response, by the love and support from family, friends and complete strangers.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So many of you have been down heartbreaking paths. You have had the courage to speak up to us, to reach out and share your stories. To break the silence that haunts those suffering from infertility and those that ache to grow their families but cannot. I know it has opened my eyes into this new world of fertility issues and the pain and challenges that come along with it. This journey has been so eye opening on many levels, but mostly the comradery between the women has been mind blowing. Often times, we hear how catty women are, how gossipy, drama filled etc. they can be. This has not been my experience with women. Many of you have sent supportive emails, letters, packages, even maternity clothes! One of my clients (someone I would love to call a friend after what she did) sent maternity clothes and a note that said, "It takes a village to raise a child, in this case, a metropolis!" Which I could not agree more. The support you have all shown is awe inspiring, brings tears to my eyes and renews so much faith. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This process is HARD. But it is also beautiful, and wonderful and I don't know how I could get through this without the support of my metropolis. I am inspired by all of you. I feel like the luckiest surrogate in the world to have such amazing, positive feedback coming in from all these women, mother's, daughters and yes, even the men! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because of you, I have the strength to keep sharing. Because of you I have the strength to stand tall and push through the hard times. Because of you, I don't feel as alone. Because of you, I truly do feel inspired. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you for your continued support in this very challenging time in our lives. I would love to share with you an email I received from my girlfriend's mom. She sent this to me when I was having a really hard time being so sick, missing my time with my children, my friends and family and feeling so alone. Of course, I cried like a baby as I read this: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>"Although it seems like it, you are never alone. You alone feel the nausea, the other discomforts, all the things you cannot do which you want to get done. I was only allowed to get up for trips to the bathroom, and a 5 minute shower once a day. I so wanted to go outside, but my outside was limited to the view out my bedroom window. When all of this is over, I bet you will have a new appreciation of the smallest little things, like a walk in the sunshine without feeling sick. Your act of sacrifice for these two little people will change your life forever. You are not alone, because every woman who has negotiated a difficult pregnancy is walking along with you spiritually, and we've got your back. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug and tell you there are better days ahead. You are creating miracles! Today is another victory in the making. You are not alone."</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This process has been hard, and I wish so much it was easier, but it is a sacrifice on many levels, and no matter how hard it is, I would never change it. I am so honored to be in this position. I am fearful that me speaking of my being sick and how hard this is will come across as complaining, when I simply just want to update people. We are very lucky with two healthy growing babies right now. I am counting all of our blessings. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you again for having the courage to speak up, for being the light in the dark times, for always reaching out. You have made a difference. The twins are growing amazing, I am entering my 21st week and they are moving like crazy! Baby B is almost always the first to wake, and he kicks so much until he wakes Baby A and they start their dance. It is truly a miracle. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some photos of the 20 week check up, they are growing a few days ahead of "Schedule." My belly is measuring at week 29... here we go! Also check out the video clip of the babies! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warmly,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiffany</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it." ~H.E. Luccock</b></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Video of the twins at 20 weeks:</span></b></div>
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A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-3480743063134396212012-08-13T20:05:00.002-07:002012-08-23T21:53:09.011-07:00Official Movie Trailer Teaser!Our official movie trailer teaser is up on Youtube! This will give you a sneak peek into what we have been up to. So proud of my amazing husband who has been taking care of me, our boys, working AND filming this documentary! <br />
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Thank you so much to the Head and the Heart for giving us rights to use their beautiful song in the second part of the trailer!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eSBp0wDXu9w" width="853"></iframe>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-9802298316937119452012-07-09T20:20:00.000-07:002012-07-09T20:20:18.999-07:00Gender Reveal!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today was an exciting day! We were able to get an ultra sound done in hopes to find out the genders of the twins! I am only 16 weeks pregnant so it is a little early, but the babies cooperated and we were able to see! Check out the photos, one balloon for each baby.....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you for following and sharing our story. As always, we love hearing your stories as well, so feel free to email us anytime.</span></div>
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When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.</h2>
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- <a href="http://www.boardofwisdom.com/default.asp?topic=1010&search=Alexander+Graham+Bell" style="color: black; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Alexander Graham Bell</a></div>
</div>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-1707519315552948962012-06-14T17:42:00.000-07:002012-06-14T17:42:18.038-07:00Lump Watch 2012<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First of all, I am so sorry for our absence lately. This pregnancy has really been giving us a run for our money with how sick I have been. Everyone has been so helpful with helping us with our kids so my hubby can work, we have the best friends and family! Natalie, James and Hunter have been able to come up and take care of us and of course my dear husband is so great at taking care of me (he is making me seconds on my dinner as we speak!). I have been doing "okay", although I am still throwing up each day. I am gaining weight, getting nice and plump, ready for winter in six months. Yessssss. I am hungry and nauseous all the time but this past week had some breaks! I joked today that I am writing two books about this pregnancy, The Hunger Pains and 50 Shades of Puke. I know. I'm ashamed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was for sure never this sick with my last two pregnancies. I keep hearing that the high levels in hormones from twins, plus all the surrogacy medication I was taking play a big role. I am almost to week 13 and finally finished with medications, maybe that is why I have had some breaks in feeling sick these past few days? Or maybe because I am in second trimester, or maybe I am used to it? hahaha no. Someone asked me since I have been so sick, if I regret doing this now. I don't regret this, but I guess a part of me was hoping the pregnancy fairy would ease up on me this time around! The good news is, or so "they" say, that the sicker you are, the healthier those babes are. So we welcome those old sayings in this house! Stay focused on the good to get through the current sickness. We are getting closer to the goal.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Onto more exciting things! How about a belly picture? Many of you have been asking and I wanted to do a nice high quality one but never felt well enough. Apple PhotoBooth it is! I really wanted to call today's post: Bump Watch 2012, but I've been honest so far, why stop now? I have a lump/bump for a belly right now. I'm so ashamed! From the weight gain while on the medication prior to the embryo transfer, a lot of the weight went to my belly. A lot. So now, I have a little baby bump underneath a nice layer of lump. The bump is pushing my lump/fat out, adding a good 3 inches making me look further along than I truly am! The top part is nice and hard and the bottom is still.... developing.... hahaha. At any rate, here is the growing lump/bump that is housing two little angels! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Photo Taken Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 9:15pm </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">12.5 weeks pregnant with the twins</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had an 8 week, 10 week and 11 week ultra sound, everything was beautiful! I will share photos and a video from our 11 week where the twins are just amazing. Truly amazing how much they have grown and look like little humans. Baby A is on the lower right if you are looking at me, and Baby B is on the upper left. I am thinking Baby B is a boy and Baby A is a girl. What do you think? Can you tell by the way a woman carries? Can you tell by the heart rates? Heart rates are below and we would love to hear your guesses on the genders!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First here is an AMAZING VIDEO of the twins:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now for some adorable photos!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just want to say again how grateful we are for all the emails, comments, and support that has been flooding in. We keep blogging and sharing because so many of you have come forward to share your stories of infertility, or stories of your loved ones. Your stories have broken and warmed our hearts. So many strong women out there who are struggling. We want you to know you are not alone, and we are so grateful to be connecting with all of you. Thank you for your support. The filming of the movie is coming along so nicely and we have a trailer coming up in a few days for you! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One last update, CNN will be airing our story and interview this weekend on Saturday 4:30pm EST (1:30pm PST) and Sunday 7:30am EST on the Dr. Gupta Show. We are excited! Hope you can tune in!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Surrogate Mother</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live."</span></span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Marcus Aurelius</span></span></span></div>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-46524102935693258412012-05-14T16:46:00.000-07:002012-05-14T17:00:50.750-07:00Some Exciting News!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First things first, let's get to our big announcement we have been waiting to share: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A CNN producer was so touched by our story that she spoke with CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta who wanted to learn more. Dr. Gupta and his team will be telling our story over the course of the next year on his show, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sanjay Gupta, MD </span></em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">which airs on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings. Since we have already been filming our documentary on this, we were more than happy to continue to share our story in hopes it reaches more women (and men!) affected by fertility issues and also, those curious about surrogacy. Really excited as my husband can share his footage from our movie with them. Filming for CNN should start in a few weeks, we will keep you posted for sure! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">An update on the twins! Today's 8 week ultra sound went amazing, both babies had grown and are exactly where they should be with really strong heart beats! It was such a relief to see them in there and growing so well, we got to see their little head, yolk sacs and even little arms forming. It was really so beautiful and comforting. Here are some lovely drawings, courtesy of Baby Center, of what is developing in the twins so far, an up close of a singleton and a drawing of twins both at 8 weeks. And yes, that is EXACTLY what my butt looks like right now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are James and Natalie's twins, ultrasound from this morning at 8 weeks:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been still so very sick. I have tried all the natural items I can think of, from preggie pops to ginger gum, ginger tea, seabands, morning sickness spray, the bean diet, and more. Unisom seems to help control the barfing, so I can keep food down and get nice and plump. But I have 24/7 nausea and in bed all day. I am ready to hit week 12 with fingers crossed the nausea train will leave this station stat! The good news is, each time I lose my lunch, or as my grandpa used to say, toss my cookies, I know those babies are growing nice and strong inside of me. I have just a few weeks left on my medications, Estrace, Estrogen Patches and Progestrone and then the pregnancy can sustain on it's own.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are "graduating" from Seattle Reproductive Medicine, today was our last appointment with them. Although that is great news because we are pregnant and healthy, we are sad to leave out team that we have been working with for over a year now. Dr. Paul Lin and Lindsay Wood have been the most amazing team working with us through the loss of the last embryos, to the joy of this pregnancy. They really felt like part of our family and we were sad to say good bye but so grateful for all they did for us! We loved ALL of our team at SRM and will miss doing this with him.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Once again, thank you for following, for all your letters and stories. Your stories and words of encouragement have been so amazing during this journey. We are happy to have you along with us! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We opened a twitter account today! How cute! Click to follow: </span><br />
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<br /></div>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-26886721172804686252012-04-30T19:19:00.000-07:002012-04-30T21:18:12.920-07:00Ultra Sound Results, Our Blog Needs A New Name!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So I guess we need to change our blog name to "A Belly For Me, BABIES For You." James and Natalie are having twins!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last night I did not sleep a wink. I kept thinking, there must be more than one baby in there, right? No, I just have really high HCG levels. It has to be one big healthy baby. Then of course I was up for over three hours on a fertility site reading other women's HCG levels and comparing them to mine. I was right in the norm of having twins or even triplets. There were a few that showed I could have been still having one baby. By the time I was so sleepy and could no longer count ovulation dates and beta numbers (I am going to do this now instead of counting sheep at night), I was able to drift off around 2.A.M.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This morning, we made it to Seattle Reproductive Medicine to see some of our favorites people from our team. When the nurse first started the scan, she knew right away there were two sacs. We were able to see the little heart beats of each one and we were all instantly crying. My favorite part was watching James and Natalie's faces as they got to see their babies' hearts beat for the first time ever. What a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. I am excited and nervous to carry twins. I really just cannot wait to feel the movement of a baby, now babies, inside my belly. What a beautiful joy I am a part of.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are some photos from the day. I have had pretty bad morning sickness since my last blog last week. I spent the car trip with a bag in my hand and my bean breakfast making an entrance into it. I did attempt to put makeup on, but had sweated and cried it off during my puking. So the washed out look is what's in this week, feel free to copy the look! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just want to say how amazing my husband is. I think often times he gets forgotten in our situation. He is seriously so wonderful. This past week I have been in bed or on the bathroom floor. He has been taking care of me, both our boys, the house, working and of course, filming the documentary for this movie. Someone buy this guy a bottle of wine, I really big bottle, in the shape of a winery. Thank you to my husband, you are a wonderful strong man and I appreciate all you do, I genuinely do. I could not do this without you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you everyone for reading and all your support. We appreciate you all. Thank you for reading and sharing our story.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">James and Natalie seeing a heart beat!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-4nJOEp4g__FP5GUs4oekVEXQ_bLyRrMMCcEsuct9dymhb1rZ5HQWaAWvvVW_b3oNE2hL7KXO5-oZiQ76kwmrV2PHlxRE6z9Jl2mhRH-2ThZAxv0yKhbG5xHZL9tfjLnGvw40bwjYHd3/s1600/_RMV9374-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-4nJOEp4g__FP5GUs4oekVEXQ_bLyRrMMCcEsuct9dymhb1rZ5HQWaAWvvVW_b3oNE2hL7KXO5-oZiQ76kwmrV2PHlxRE6z9Jl2mhRH-2ThZAxv0yKhbG5xHZL9tfjLnGvw40bwjYHd3/s640/_RMV9374-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">James and Natalie seeing TWO heartbeats!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP4j7s7vqUs4vY4lbCz0eobH4BTdREs3GVHTj-Usw4Rf7qQn3DyB7b0PmiS_ruut_RAZ85dsmdEKWUGu1A4hSKQxzLCCAAH8dLPTMwPLa6uoBuPiu9xvYujhqlGJtnHR5vVVxPWN24bDN/s1600/_RMV9388-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP4j7s7vqUs4vY4lbCz0eobH4BTdREs3GVHTj-Usw4Rf7qQn3DyB7b0PmiS_ruut_RAZ85dsmdEKWUGu1A4hSKQxzLCCAAH8dLPTMwPLa6uoBuPiu9xvYujhqlGJtnHR5vVVxPWN24bDN/s640/_RMV9388-26.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldUyPDmsdnkrFNH6qHHwhf7Y6h6FeoO7JkawRW21ADIBW4lfQDV3A6rcNjG7r_g9dPC3rr_vvA4MiQEfspi5ULGbzYyX-rqj1Knyc8LlNBGDvaS7B6cQYujNNfYQGG3T5cqnNoBu6zoHE/s1600/_RMV9385-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldUyPDmsdnkrFNH6qHHwhf7Y6h6FeoO7JkawRW21ADIBW4lfQDV3A6rcNjG7r_g9dPC3rr_vvA4MiQEfspi5ULGbzYyX-rqj1Knyc8LlNBGDvaS7B6cQYujNNfYQGG3T5cqnNoBu6zoHE/s640/_RMV9385-23.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post written by Natalie, Intended Mother</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where do I begin...WOW. So excited to see a healthy little heartbeat, but OVERWHELMED with joy to see TWO!! Two Healthy heartbeats, two healthy babies. Baby A with a heartbeat of 116 and Baby B with a heart beat of 119!! Both measuring perfectly at 6 weeks and 1 day. I cannot seem to fathom the fact that we are being so overly blessed right now. We are having TWO BABIES!!! A year ago if someone told me this what was in store for us, I would have never believed it. They always say God has a greater plan than you could ever imagine, well He has far surpassed that. James and I couldnt be happier....well maybe if you could fast forward the next 8 months :) We are so excited for Hunter to be a big brother, so excited to start planning the babies' rooms...wow we can officially say BABIES!!! yahoo!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking over and seeing the excitement on Tiffan'y face just confirmed how incredibly blessed and greatful we are. Knowing how how excited she is and how badly she wants to bring these babies to our family is such a blessing. Being greatful for her would be the largest understatement.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you for reading, please share our story with other women (and men too!).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Natalie, Intended Mother</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The one of the right looks empty from this photo but it's not!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Laughing so hard we were crying over something, can't remember, probably my hair. Hahahaha</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My husband has been AMAZING taking care of me! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to like our movie on Facebook and stay up with all our updates! <a href="http://www.Facebook.com/ABellyForMeABabyForYou" target="_blank">www.Facebook.com/ABellyForMeABabyForYou</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today's photos were taken by the amazing Rachel Vos Photography <a href="http://www.rachelvos.com/" target="_blank">www.rachelvos.com</a></span></div>
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<br />A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-64526067225395580212012-04-23T19:44:00.001-07:002012-04-23T20:00:05.491-07:00From Fit to Fat<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This Blog post was written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Currently 6 weeks pregnant</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is my fourth attempt in the last month to talk about my pre </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pregnancy weight gain. This is really hard for me to write. I have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">typed this out for several weeks and then stopped, erased, restarted. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Every sentance I type I think how much people will judge me, remark </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on what I have done wrong, or remark on my current looks. If you are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">reading this post, it means I got enough courage to not care what bad </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">things others say or think about me and to just post the truth. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">have been wanting to write about the reality of the situation, that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is a challenge I am currently facing and have been for a while.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have always been a slender person. Not necessarily "fit," as the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">word "fit" to me, would describe someone who could compete in a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">physical challenge in Survivor, winning individual immunity. Ya, that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">is not me. However, I still always felt fit. Being "overweight" has </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">never been a challenge with me. I have packed on a few lbs here and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there as I have gotten older and always been able to lose weight with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">simple diet and exercise fairly quickly. Standing at a lovely 5'9 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(okay fine, 5'8) I was a healthy 135 lbs when I met my husband in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2007. I had already had my first baby by then and bounced back </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">perfectly to pre-baby weight and body. Before we had our second baby i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">n 2009, I had gained a little "pre pregnancy weight" and pregnancy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">weight, therefore, had a little more to lose this second time around. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By the time our baby had turned two years old, last August, I was 150 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lbs and pleased as punch. Being 30 years old, two children and a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">size 8 seemed lovely and healthy to me. Of course I would have loved </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to shed a little more, maybe hit 140, but I was fine the way I was and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was all into myself "heeeeeeey!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then came the medication for the surrogacy. I am the type of person </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">who gains an instant 10 lbs from birth control (and an instant 30 lbs </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">from NO birth control hahahaha). So when my IUD came out, I gained 10 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lbs very quickly after going on the nuva ring in November. In </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December we started new medications and I have been on hormone </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">medicine ever since with the exception of having a natural cycle after </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the last embryos did not take. The Lupron, Estrace, Progesterone, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Vivelle patches all had a side effect of weight gain or bloating or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">water retention. I got up to 187lbs. I am a healthy eater, my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">husband is an organic, vegan, health conscious and he </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">does all the cooking in the house. I eat normal portions currently, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and even more currently I am not too hungry. However, my drive to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">work out completely vanished so I know that is a poor mix with the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">medication. Now that I am still currently on three of these </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">medications and of course, pregnant, I don't anticipate a huge drop in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">weight anytime soon. Although I finally got down to 179/180 lbs and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">stayed there, it just is not the same. I am stuck.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have suddenly become that person who does not want her photo taken, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">who positions herself slightly behind another person in pictures to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hide some of my body. Why? I wish so much it did not bother me that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have gained such a large amount so quickly. It affects me in every </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">area. I feel more tired and less motivated, I don't feel like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">attending large social events, I don't feel as in love with myself </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">when I look in the mirror. God forbid I see a picture of myself! I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">always think I look skinnier than I am until a photo pops up and holy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cow (no pun intended) my day is shot after that. I do not feel as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">confident, especially around my skinny friends. I feel whenever I see </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">someone that has not seen me in a while, I have to quickly justify why </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I look so different, as if to tell them I am aware, before they can </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">think it or go tell their friends how big I got. It really is like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">being in a new body. No clothes fit anymore, I have to fill the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bathtub with a little less water than before (don't laugh it's true! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay fine laugh, it's funny). Here is what my biggest problem is; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my biggest problem is that I <b>HAVE</b> a problem with it. I wish I could </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">just think I am fabulous while being chunky and rock the crap out of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it and know that in one year my body will be back. Funny thing is, I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">don't mind gaining weight while pregnant and getting bigger at all. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">always think I am "all belly" and look like Heidi Klum when she is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pregnant. When in reality, towards the end of my pregnancies, I am so </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pudgy from ankles to cheeks (face cheeks people. Okay, let's be honest, butt cheeks </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">too) it looks like a thousand bees stung me! Also, I have friends who </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">are my weight and I think they are just beautiful. which makes me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">realize how mad I am at myself for not loving myself the way I used </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to. I love my friends so much and it breaks my heart when they don't </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">love themselves the same. Now I am in their shoes, not loving myself </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">enough.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is my "fit to fat" photo. This photo on the left is my body before medications at 150 lbs, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and then second photo was taken the day of the second transfer, just a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">few weeks ago at around 180 lbs (give or take an embryo).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now I know some of you will look at this photo and not see the weight </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">gain, or say nice things to me still. Or say how silly this all</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sounds. Or try to convince me that I still look good. However, I am </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the one living with it and I think most of us can relate when we are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">not happy with our bodies and what kind of affect that has on us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With all of this being said, I want it to be known that I would do </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this again in a heart beat if the outcome meant a baby for my brother </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and his wife. In hindsight, does it really matter that I packed on a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">few pounds (especially during winter, most likely resulting in a nice </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">money saving tactic for our heating bill) in order to produce the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">greatest miracle out there? I don't think it matters, and I don't </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">think the world will judge me harshly that I look this way currently. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't think any of you will think of me as a lesser person because I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">gained this weight. Now if only I could convince myself, all would be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as it should. In all other areas of my life, I accept who I am. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">accept I talk too much, I laugh too loud, I crack inappropriate jokes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">too much, I pee my pants every few years, I think farts are funny, I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cry when no one is looking, I am disorganized, I am motivated, I am a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">great mother, I am an imperfect mother, I am a loving wife, I make </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">mistakes, I am imperfect and I love who I am because I am constantly </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">growing and trying to be better. I need to love what I am, all that I</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">am and that includes this body. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is not a solicitation for compliments. There <b>are</b> times I still </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">think I am fabulous, and I have the best friends and family and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">husband who feed me till I am full with compliments. This is simply a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">share, an honest share about the struggles I am facing and perhaps </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">other women, not just on fertility drugs, can relate to weight gain, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">body changes and adjustments. I hope maybe we can all ease up on each </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">other, but mostly on ourselves. Eat healthy, exercise, take care of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">our bodies and if we are slightly imperfect, find out how to be okay </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with that. To genuinely love our bodies, our shapes, our sizes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Overall I am doing well with the pregnancy so far. No morning </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sickness yet (knock on wood). I don't "feel" pregnant because the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hormones have made me feel pregnant for so long. I do feel REALLY </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tired in mid afternoon, I would love to take a lovely spring nap every </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">day if possible. I cannot wait for my belly to start growing and to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">feel some movement in there! The ultra sound is next week and I know </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am going to cry when I see that tiny flutter of life, that tiny </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">white spec, that little baby heart beating swiftly. And soon, this weight issue </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">will be a thing of the past. Soon as in... not really any time soon, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but know what I mean.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As always, thank you so much for reading and supporting our journey. We have some exciting news coming soon, so stay tuned. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to like our movie on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ABellyForMeABabyForYou">www.facebook.com/ABellyForMeABabyForYou</a> to stay up with all the news about the documentary.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Accept yourself as you are. Otherwise, you will never see </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">opportunity. You will not feel free to move toward it - you will feel </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you are not deserving." Maxwell Maltz</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-65083991930692484252012-04-16T19:12:00.008-07:002012-04-16T19:21:45.046-07:00More Results Have Come In<div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog post was written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today was the blood results of our second beta test. They are testing the HCG levels to make sure the pregnancy is growing at a healthy rate. By today, the numbers should have doubled. Our nurse called and said she would be happy with a number around 500 or 600 since our number on Friday was 234. When she told me what my level was, I actually was not registering it properly.... she said it was 1,618... what!? It was like she was speaking a foreign language to me. 1,618!? That seemed astronomical to me! Now I could sit here and google diagnose my levels until the cows come home, where one woman had triplets with that number and another had a level 8,000 and had just one baby, and wonder if it is twins but it is just too early to tell. Our ultrasound is May 1st and we will be able to see how many little baby heart beats are floating around in there. </span></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Natalie and James are of course thrilled! Multiples or not, this is a healthy (fast) growing number that they have been praying for and I am so excited for them and for all the positive news that just keeps coming in.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wanted my two little boys, Blake and Holland, to showcase the beta number today. After the first picture, Holland wanted to make his own - in his drawing he drew in what he calls "the baby embryos." </span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">FYI while you are reading this blog, I am going to go google diagnose my HCG levels until the cows come home :)</span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much for reading, don't forget to "like" us on Facebook </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/abellyformeababyforyou" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.facebook.com/abellyformeababyforyou</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and of course share our story and blog with those around you. We are still in awe of all the support and receiving over 15,000 blog hits since three days ago. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warmly,</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiffany</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is is to give your gift away." ~ David Viscott</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</b></span></span></div>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-24930339566174452032012-04-13T15:51:00.002-07:002012-04-13T20:21:49.855-07:00Officially Pregnant With My Brother's Baby<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>This blog post written by Tiffany, Surrogate Mother</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As you may have guess by the title of this post, I am in fact pregnant!!! Okay, crying a little as I write this... now crying a lot! Pull it together! Our nurse called us today with the great news from the blood test today! The reason we do a blood test is to see the HCG levels (the pregnancy hormone which stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is a naturally occurring hormone found in both men and women, but is produced in large amounts in pregnant females). Our nurse said that 50 is good, and over 100 is great. Our HCG level is 234! I seem to be ending everything in exclamations right now! Obviously I am very excited. Just hearing that those numbers were high and good was enough to make me cry right away on the phone.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXExdTM4U9PKm-hgvImdlf-raj5ZinhCK-xPRZHBXCVtxyhOCux5ez299X3Dr4UDu7HlfcshtnmPeIVEQX61qSP8YCe6F6NT7oWl_v1thvw5slE7-ax1XhKbURM3WlOKSFjqlhWQ3Ghfei/s1600/_RMV8814-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXExdTM4U9PKm-hgvImdlf-raj5ZinhCK-xPRZHBXCVtxyhOCux5ez299X3Dr4UDu7HlfcshtnmPeIVEQX61qSP8YCe6F6NT7oWl_v1thvw5slE7-ax1XhKbURM3WlOKSFjqlhWQ3Ghfei/s1600/_RMV8814-66.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am still in a daze that this worked, that after the last time, the last loss... this actually worked (so far). We are really doing this. There is a baby in my belly right now. Maybe more? Oh my gosh, there could be more. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am just so very happy right now for James and Natalie as they will get to start to plan for their new little one to arrive. The next blood draw in on Monday to make sure levels are rising, and we will update you more then. We had a film crew and on set photographers today with both of us. Natalie and James were in Tacoma when they received the news, and I was in Bellingham. Our crew filmed our genuine reactions for when the nurse called and we cannot wait to add it to our documentary. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thank you so much for your continued support with reading our blog. We would love if you would take a moment and share this link with a few people that might want to hear our story. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now, where can I can some pickles and ice-cream?</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Warmly,</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tiffany</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Surrogate (pregnant) Mother</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photos of Tiffany taken by Rachel Vos Photography</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">http://www.facebook.com/rachelvosphoto</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1199RIzE2xGSvgtyY-6xWiXc4Vai9zhDwk-nMKhTTElU-4zbHlW9RqbrooncjPNLLhp0o7oiDKkssT_39qo_XV2z8i2ZDmOD2FLBX5MAEeBx1dbJ-XjYSUt0l-iK6SmSMxVR_9_b_ssp/s1600/_RMV8845-97-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1199RIzE2xGSvgtyY-6xWiXc4Vai9zhDwk-nMKhTTElU-4zbHlW9RqbrooncjPNLLhp0o7oiDKkssT_39qo_XV2z8i2ZDmOD2FLBX5MAEeBx1dbJ-XjYSUt0l-iK6SmSMxVR_9_b_ssp/s1600/_RMV8845-97-Edit.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>This post written by Natalie, Intended Mother</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Praise the Lord our day has finally come!!!! Truth be told I am pretty speechless, all I can seem to do is scream, smile and jump up and down. Does this really ever sink in that someone else is carrying your baby?<br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I could not have asked for anything more and am so thankful for such amazing friends and family!! Now, prayers for a healthy baby!!<br />
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<b>YAY WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!</b></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Natalie</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photography of Natalie's reaction by Latasha Haynes Photography</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">www.facebook.com/photomelatasha</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.photomelatasha.com%2F&h=PAQFd8dOD">http://www.photomelatasha.com</a></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5z9pTH7m0M5XSCtl5as1GKVUczGd1S1Smo7PKQsDJ_AXqLfoluwDOZ0GJfHprsDm2CNCj9mshQl0PFQ1T3Lddft5rq077XKLZTc2IaO4lW_s9gLOsmR2ZcsJc_F1SXAGQH_E2lGlAgN7/s1600/Lucich+2012-LR-7143+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5z9pTH7m0M5XSCtl5as1GKVUczGd1S1Smo7PKQsDJ_AXqLfoluwDOZ0GJfHprsDm2CNCj9mshQl0PFQ1T3Lddft5rq077XKLZTc2IaO4lW_s9gLOsmR2ZcsJc_F1SXAGQH_E2lGlAgN7/s1600/Lucich+2012-LR-7143+copy.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are new here, we recommend you reading "How We Got Here" tab to find out what led up to this day. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also don't forget to like our movie on Facebook to stay updated with all the latest events: www.facebook.com/abellyformeababyforyou.blogspot.com </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px;"><span class="body" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px;"><span class="body" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span class="bodybold" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Buddha</span></span></span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854290422950627748.post-40463656202886368402012-04-09T12:43:00.002-07:002012-09-08T13:23:30.119-07:00Think Happy Thoughts!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This blog post written by Tiffany Burke, Surrogate Mother </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This blog post is from April, click the HOME button to be brought to our most recent updated blog.</b></span><br />
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Today is five days after the transfer and I have been really enjoying my down time at home. My husband and oldest son, Holland, flew to LA this weekend to The 3 Stooges movie premiere. Holland was laughing the entire time! I heard it is hilarious for kids, I will take him again this weekend. <br />
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In the meantime it has been little Blakey and myself at home. Playing cars, building legos, maybe drinking and eating snacks out of legos as well. Bubble baths, snuggle fests and when Blakey is asleep I have been wildly reading the Hunger Games books. I'm a quarter way through book three.<br />
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I have felt different this time around, last time I was cramping right away for three to four days, this time not as much. I have been eating my pineapple core each day, making my fruit/spinach smoothie and for good (sticky) measure, eating my organic peanut butter (straight out of the jar since no one's looking!). The blood draw will be on Friday the 13th. I feel like we may turn that into a very lucky day, I hope.<br />
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I feel positive and hopeful this will work, but still a little hesitant after last time of course. I really just cannot wait to be pregnant, and take care of a baby in my belly so that my brother and sister in law can have their baby for life. <br />
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Here are some fun photos that were left out of last weeks post.... first of all, James and Natalie's embryos! They are so beautiful and what a cool thing to see how life starts. These embryos are five days old in this photo. <br />
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Little Lucich Embryos!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1bTFfemyfx5YGtR1lYJlhueRkXBRCkv1HleIAc4oWjnUGALKjQ8938MnO6yEMMv8XluUGLQe7Ef90xnVKOOOsPywFj7uH_QkQ_7sBqoZad44VjeVrTnnYDqvGoxR8rDGhm160YL-Uymf/s1600/surrogacy+emrbyos+day+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1bTFfemyfx5YGtR1lYJlhueRkXBRCkv1HleIAc4oWjnUGALKjQ8938MnO6yEMMv8XluUGLQe7Ef90xnVKOOOsPywFj7uH_QkQ_7sBqoZad44VjeVrTnnYDqvGoxR8rDGhm160YL-Uymf/s1600/surrogacy+emrbyos+day+5.png" /></a></div>
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Yes, I wrote that on my thigh! A little humor for the doctor to see when we started the transfer. I feel a little humor goes a long way! He started laughing and said, "In all of my 16 years.... I have never...." <br />
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As always, please take a moment to share our story so other women can connect and not feel so alone. It also helps us. I know Natalie and I received several emails after last week's post, and comments, that brought us to full blown sobbing fests. We really appreciate all the readers and all the support.<br />
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Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook and keep up with all the latest news of the movie and the journey.<br />
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Sticky Thoughts!<br />
Warmly,<br />
Tiffany, Surrogate Mother<br />
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<br />A Belly For Me, A Baby For Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16290525697537817876noreply@blogger.com24