Heidi and Aaron's Roller Coaster Ride: Surrogacy

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Surrogacy

Well, our change of heart was definite! I was very saddened as I was reading others' blogs about infertility and adoption. It just doesn't make sense for us to adopt, take the chance for another family away, when we have 4 frozen embryos being stored right now. We had intended to donate them to other couples, but it seems like the stars are not aligned for our adoption journey after all... So, we are planning a surrogacy journey. Not sure when, how, etc., but we'll get there.

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Our Timeline

5-21-2005: The stars allign, and I meet my soul mate, best friend, and goofball of my dreams: Aaron:)

7-4-2006: We are engaged!

7-7-2007: Aaron and I get married!

8-1-2007: We are thrilled to find out we are 2 weeks pregnant, but devastated to discover that it's an ectopic pregnancy, and will not be viable

7-7-2009: We have a positive pregnancy test, and are thrilled, but later that day discover something is wrong. This was either an ectopic pregnancy that flushed itself out, or a miscarriage (most likely ectopic)

8-15-2009: We are pregnant! We later determined it was in fact ectopic.

3-9-2010: We are pregnant, we found out it's ectopic, and has ruptured my right fallopian tube. It's not salvagable, have a surgery to remove the tube and pregnancy.

4-1-2010: Concerned, we have every test imaginable run, and have perfect results on both of our fertility results. Doctors urge us to continue trying, "one of these times it'll reach your uterus."

9-15-2010: Pregnant! We enjoy a few weeks of pregnancy before learning, another ectopic.

10-15-2010: We have had enough. Moving on to next journey. Based on our good test results, we decide to attempt in vitro fertilization, and make an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist

12-9-2010: Recieved our IVF plan, are so excited to start on 1-1-2011.

1-21-2011: We learn that our first cycle will be cancelled. One mutant follicle took over one ovary. We must buy more meds, and try again after another cycle

3-8-2011: After another cycle, we have much better results. They retrieve many eggs from both ovaries, and fertilize all of them.

3-10-2011: They put 2 of the embryos into my uterus, and we freeze the other 4 high quality embryos.

3-18-2011: Positive pregnancy test

3-29-2011: Ultrasound reveals two embryos have attached, and both are in my uterus!

7-1-2011: We have our anatomy ultrasound, which reveals both babies are looking perfectly healthy. One girl, and one boy. We then learn that my cervix has opened. We have a cerclage placed, and begin couch-rest.

7-23-2011: Back in the hospital for the duration, as Baby A's membranes are squeezing through my cervix.

7-28-2011: Our hearts break as we meet our sweet, beautiful, and precious children: Savannah and Charlie. They each lived for an hour, but will be in our hearts forever.

10-5-2011: After several medical complications after the delivery of our twins, and looking at all of the possible options, we apply to Catholic Charities to begin the adoption process.

11-9-2011: Feeling unsure about attempting to adopt, we announce on facebook that we are looking for a gestational carrier.

11-9-2011: Several amazing, beautiful, generous women offer to become a surrogate for us. Lady L is the first one to respond, and we begin "the process"- whatever that means.

1-4-2012: Lady L, her wonderful husband, Aaron, and I attend our "gestational carrier consult" at Mayo Clinic's Reproductive Endocrinology Department. We all pass psych evaluations.

1-6-2012: Lady L and her husband have passed all of their blood work and communicable disease tests:)

1-26-2012: Lady L passes her mock transfer and uterus ultrasound.

2-3-2012: Aaron and I have passed our tests, and we mail off the retainer agreement and fee to our attorney:) Moving right along!

3-22-2012: At 8:22am, our medical team transfers two embryos to Lady L's uterus.

3-29-2012: I received a text from Lady L with a picture of a positive pregnancy test!

4-3-2012: Official HCG beta= 263 "good, strong number."

4-5-2012: Second beta (should be at least 526, double of previous beta)=833! Beta more than tripled!

4-27-2012: First ultrasound, we see our perfect, beautiful little soul and hear the heartbeat.

7-20-2012: 20 week ultrasound, everything is going well with Lady L, and bebe is looking great. We find out it's a girl!

12-18-2012: Lady L gives birth to our beautiful miracle baby. Maizy Sue is the greatest joy in our lives.