You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have....the last month of surrogacy

A couple of weeks ago, I was honored to be a guest at the baby shower for Kate and Eliza, organized by Marc's family and friends. It was a very special day. I got to see old friends I haven't seen in quite a while, got to meet new friends, and spent time with people who I feel are like an addition to my family now.

I wasn't surprised to hear thank yous from Marc, Michael, and their family and friends at the shower, because I hear those from them all the time. They send me messages, say wonderful things when they see me, and do kind things for me. I've had desserts delivered to me at school, home cooked meals brought to my house, and at times when I was feeling really frustrated (like the needle crazy days), I would come home to messages in my email or on facebook from someone letting me know they were thinking of me, or wanted to thank me for what I was doing, or even sometimes from someone I didn't know who heard about the surrogacy and wanted to let me know they were inspired by what I was doing. So, I expected that I would feel welcome and have a great time with them at the shower, but not only did I have a great time, I felt so honored and special. I can't even explain how amazing I felt being surrounded by such wonderful people with such genuine love and happiness for Marc and Michael, these beautiful girls who are about to join our lives, and for me. It's such a great feeling to experience that kind of love.

I expected to see beautiful dresses, cute little outfits, lots and lots of pink, soft fuzzy blankets, cute cuddly stuffed animals, and more. I didn't expect to get gifts myself. I didn't expect to be showered with gift cards, handmade treasures, lotions and bubble baths for relaxing, and more. The gifts came from everyone - even people I hadn't met until that day! I hope that they felt my genuine appreciation at the shower for all of the wonderful gifts they gave me- the biggest of all being their kindness. I'm so excited to use the gift cards for massage, mani/pedi, books, restaurants, and visa cards for whatever treat I'd like- plus the bath and body products to relax with, the beautiful homemade items like the gorgeous blanket Marc's aunt Cheryl made me, the adorable peace sign decoration my friend Nikki made, and the wonderful pictures that Marc's cousin Malarie took of us all together. But, most of all, what I will cherish and remember the most are the cards with words that I could hardly read through my tears because they touched my heart so much, and the beautiful things people said to me as they came up and hugged me that day. I will never forget the way they made me feel. It's hard to even put into words how much it meant to me.

It warms my heart to see so much support for these men who are about to become Daddy and Papa here in a few short weeks. To see the excitement people have for them is just incredible. It's a testament to the reason why I felt compelled to go on this journey with them. These people know exactly what I know. They know that these men will be wonderful parents, that they deserve to be blessed with children, and that these children deserve to be blessed with them.

Alright, I know that was all mushy mush, but that was the good part of this journey. So now you get to hear the dirt on the "bad" that has hit during this last month of the pregnancy. I can sum it up pretty simply. Swollen feet, hemroids, varicose veins, hospital visits twice a week hooked up to monitors, doctor visits weekly always with cervical checks (men, I know you aren't aware, but this isn't a pleasant experience), Two 5 pound babies wiggling-jiggling-kicking-pushing at all hours, exhaustion, walking at the pace that my daughter describes as "a snail on slow juice", sore and leaky boobs, hearing my child's disappointed voice when it's nice out and Mommy just doesn't have the energy to go out and play right now, and the choice every morning between 3 outifts that actually still fit. So, that's the complaint section. I kept it to one small paragraph anyway. :)

I'll wrap up the post with good news! The babies are both head down, and we are hoping they stay that way so that no C-section is needed! They are both healthy, growing exactly as they should, passing all of their tests with flying colors, and ready to wrap their Daddy and Papa around their little fingers. They will be making their appearance in approximately 3 weeks!!! I'll try to do a post each Thursday from here on out after my doctor visit to keep everyone informed of what's going on, and how close we are to what everyone really wants to see - Pictures of adorable little girls! :)

The longest month

I'll be entering the 31st week of pregnancy this week. Visiting the doctor in a couple of days. The girls should be a little over 3 pounds each now, and growing at a rapid pace. They are VERY active! My belly is actually sore, and feels like it's bruised from all of the activity. I can't believe they are still supposed to double in size from where they are now before we get to delivery! This body is used to one little bundle of joy at a time. Well...there is over 6 pounds of baby going on right now in here, so the body is thinking - somebody sound the timer, done! But, we have 6 weeks left. I'm very excited that it's getting closer, but as much as 6 weeks sounds like a short amount of time to most people, it sounds like a long, long, long month coming up for me!

I'm thankful that I haven't had to go on bedrest, that I've been healthy and progressing well, that the girls are growing right on track, and are healthy. It's definitely a miracle that this old body is holding up so well! I just turned 42 last week, and it dawned on me that day, as I had my hair colored to cover the gray, Oh my goodness! I'm carrying twins at 42?? I'm out of my mind crazy. But, I'm glad to be on this crazy journey, as much as you might hear me complain over the next 6 weeks, getting through the longest month ever. At least you don't have to live with me! My. Poor. Family. They have been very patient with my level of exhaustion, emotional mood swings, and just generally dealing with the issues that come about during pregnancy. Poor Lily asked me today, "When will you stop being lazy?" It's been warm out for a couple of days, and she's ready for me to swing with her, jump on the trampoline, and go places like the Zoo. Instead, right now she has to put up with me pulling out a chair and sitting by the swingset to watch her play. Craig and the kids have made sacrifices through this process and I'm very thankful to them for doing their best to be supportive and helpful. Love them more than anything!

Marc and Michael were kind enough to get me a pregnancy massage for my birthday. I need to call and schedule a time to get it done, but I can't wait!!! I'm really looking forward to it! Also looking forward to an upcoming baby shower. Can't wait to see all of the cute outfits, blankets, toys, etc. that the girls will get. They are surrounded by so many loving family members and friends. They really are entering this world as 2 very lucky little princesses. The love that awaits them is phenomenal.

Please send positive energy and prayers our way that the next 6 weeks goes well, and that delivery goes as planned, with no problems. We are in the home stretch now! Yay!

Slow moving vehicle

I have officially hit the wall! I need a slow moving sign glued to my butt! :)  We are entering the third trimester, and boy, do I feel like it! I dropped my grocery list in the store last night and just stood there looking at it trying to figure out if it was really that important to have or if I could just wing it and leave it lay there, getting up from the couch has become a rolling sort of maneuver, and forget about wearing shoes that require tieing!

I started wearing a maternity belt to work to see if it would help with back and ligament pain from being on my feet during the day. The directions stated to 1. Put on the belt. - OK  2. Lay on my back. - done.  3. Bring your knees to your chest and pull the straps on each side of the belt to tighten it. - Ummmmm Hahahahaha! Say what? Bring my knees past the 2 bowling balls in my stomach to meet the 2 watermelons laying on my chest? Well, sure! I got it tightened, even though the knees did not reach their destination. It helped with back and belly pain, so I give it a thumbs up! It needs adjustment when going from standing to sitting, but I'm sure that will come easier as I get used to it. Now, if I could just go braless without ridicule, I'd be much more comfy at work. :)

It has been nice to have so many snow days to keep my feet up and relax, but I think (at least I hope, for summer's sake) that our snow days have come to an end. It's going to get harder to get everyday things accomplished, so I designed a new chore chart at home where the kids will have more responsibilities, since I just don't have the energy or mobility to do as much as I normally would. So, let's just say that the kids used to like Marc and Michael, but I think they may have changed their minds recently. :) I'm sure they will step up and be great at helping out! I'm going to say that with a lot of positive thinking behind it!

I have had some contractions on and off over the past weekend, but nothing painful or consistent. I'm hoping this isn't a sign of bedrest to come. I'd like to work right up until delivery. I'll be going to the doctor again this Friday, and hopefully won't show any signs of pre-term labor at the exam. Although the minute the girls are ready to be born healthy and happy, I'm ready to help them make their appearance!

2 Princesses - Coming Soon!

So, there are 2 little girls getting ready to make their appearance in late April, and there are 2 guys doing a whole lot of sweating worrying about how they are going to handle that. :)
I'm very excited to see them melt when they first meet these little princesses. Might as well put a category in the budget titled "Anything the girls want" and put the amount as unlimited. I also wish I could install cameras in every room of the Standifer-Hammer residence to see the chaos of the first few months. It is sure to be entertaining!
Things are going well. The girls look great on ultrasound. They are both about 1 pound 2 ounces and they like to move! My stomach is constantly bouncing around. I'm feeling good. I have to remember to try not to be on my feet too much each day or I have a rough evening, but when I reduce my activity like I should, things go very well. It's hard to tone it down as a mother of 5 and a 2nd grade teacher. Being on my feet is pretty much how I live.
In case you didn't know - Marc, Michael, Craig, and I are all famous now, after appearing in Hollywood superstar writer, Brad Hammer's article in the Huffington Post. It got a lot of attention online, and hopefully will inspire others who have dealt with infertility or who have felt like family isn't an option for them as a same-sex couple. Thank you Brad for your hard work and your spotlight on the story!
I think this past couple of months have been the best out of the whole surrogacy experience. No shots, only a blood draw or 2, and not much sickness at all. Of course, second trimester is always the best. First trimester is the sick and tired phase, and third trimester brings the big as a house and done with this nonsense stage, so I'm enjoying the middle of the road phase where everything is pretty calm and quiet.
I have a doctor's appointment later this week, so will update more after that. Until then, all you Pinterest followers need to start pinning some great sites to share with the boys on doing girl's hair, dealing with divas, and how to properly raise princesses. ;)

A girl and a mystery

So, most of you following the blog also get news from Facebook, so I'm sure many of you already know the gender news, but if you don't - we have one girl on the way and one uncooperative child. Imagine that....an uncooperative child coming from the loins of Marc or Michael. How can it be??? Since this child decided to be a pain in the ass during the entire hour long ultrasound and not reveal it's gender, I'm going to guess it's a boy, just because that's how men are. We will find out mid-January at the next ultrasound, if the little darling decides to reveal its goods on that date.

The important thing is - they are both healthy, and everything looks great! We were at OSU for this visit to have a more detailed look at the babies than is normally done at the regular OB office. The ultrasound process itself was lengthy. We were there for a little over 2 hours. They checked both the babies and my cervix (to make sure there were no signs or signals that would suggest a danger of preterm labor). The woman performing the ultrasound was nice, seemed quite knowledgeable, and wasVERY thorough. She measured and took pictures of every bone and organ (except the gender oriented organ of one, of course) for each baby! I actually had bruises at the bottom of my stomach for a few days after the process. She also took great pleasure in using very complicated medical terms to describe what she was looking at, to which all of us would say, "And that means......", and she would proceed to say, "Oh, that means things are good - exactly what you want to see."

I had a visit with my regular baby doc on Monday and everything was fine. Heartbeats are good, everything measures well, and just when I thought I would make it out the door free and clear - you know exactly what that son of a bitch said...."I need you to go to the lab and get some bloodwork." Ugh.

The babies move around a lot now. The wonderful varicose veins have started to show up in one leg, my boobs are the size of watermelons, and I'm going through the usual winter stuff like congestion, runny nose, and all that junk, but in general I feel good, and have good energy. I haven't gained any weight yet, but the belly has definitely rounded out quite a bit! I had a lot to lose before the pregnancy, so I'm guessing the healthier eating and October's "no food staying in this stomach" motto have both helped to take away a little weight in other areas and redistribute.

Marc and Michael have shared the names they have picked out - The lovely little lady will be named Katherine Leona. If she has a sister, she will be Elizabeth Jane, and if a brother, Grant Leonard. Lily thinks that the baby is being named after her since Katherine is also her middle name, so she's very honored. :) She's ready to babysit, as is Mady. Mady's requirements are a plane ticket and pizza and she said she'll be there anytime she's needed.

I know I haven't been blogging much, but will try to step it up now that we are over the hump and nearing the third trimester. Peace and Love to you all in 2014!

Fluttering into the Second Trimester

No meds November has been great so far! It's wonderful not having to get poked every morning and feeling pretty good most of the time. I'm still taking Zofran, and it's working well. I just have to make sure I keep something in my stomach at all times or I get a little queasy. Speaking of keeping food in my stomach, I've had the strangest cravings of all of my pregnancies! I'm craving fruit, broccoli and cauliflower, ice tea with very little sugar, and I'm drinking a lot of water. I rarely drink diet coke anymore. If I do, it's one every day or two. Now, for those of you who know me well - you know of my diet coke addiction, so you know how strange this is! I would easily drink 6 cans a day - or the equivalent in fountain, bottle, or whatever form it came in. It's pretty much all I drank all day long. And I normally HATE water! I only used to be able to drink it during and after a good workout. I'm glad that healthy cravings have come my way, and actually hope that they stick, even after I deliver! I plan on getting serious about getting in good shape next summer, so that would be a great start!

I haven't gained any weight yet. I actually lost some - thanks to Oh-so-icky October. But the belly has popped, and the maternity clothes have had to make their debut. I got some shopping money from the guys and got some new cute outfits, which I'm sure most of the people who have to see me on a daily basis are thankful for! I know they were getting really tired of seeing me in the same 2 pair of pants and 3 shirts that were the only items I had in my closet that would fit me for a few weeks! Will she wear the gray pants with the black shirt? Or the black pants with the gray shirt? Oh, we can't wait to see!!! LOL

I felt the first flutter of movement today! So the babies are ready to make their presence known! I think they are getting excited to show everyone whether they are boys or girls. :) I'm predicting one of each. I am usually right about things, so let's just expect that. ;) We will find out in December.

Next appointment is November 20th, so more info and pictures to come then!

Med Free November!

I know it's been a while since my last blogpost. I suck at blogging. I'm aware. ;) I started to write a couple of posts over the last couple weeks and everything I would type was just depressing, so I would delete it. It was a dark October for the most part as far as the pregnancy goes. I was sick to the point of laying in a dark room and emptying the contents of my stomach about every half hour. It was not pretty. After I could deal with it no longer, I called the doc and was prescribed Zofran, which has helped tremendously with the nausea. Of course then I started having terrible heartburn so I started taking Zantac, which then caused awful constipation, so I started taking fiber pills. I tell ya, I feel like my mother with the small pharmaceutical counter she has going on at her house with all of her ailments and the prescriptions that help her with the side effects of every other prescription she takes. LOL But, I'm happy to report that things are improving!

Last Thursday was my last day for shots! Did you hear me yell Hooray?!?! Cause I yelled it pretty damn loud! It was a glorius day. Then yesterday was my last day for progesterone suppositories. I know what you're thinking - those sound like so much fun! - well, I'm happy to say Adios to those lovely things as well! I felt better today than I have felt in a long time. I have been on hormone overload for the last few months, literally! I'm starting to get my energy back a little too. Not so much feeling like a koala anymore. :) 

The babies have made an appearance, and the baby bump is visible. I'm entering week 12 of the pregnancy now, so the first trimester is ending. This is a picture from the October 23rd doctor visit. The top pic is Baby A and the bottom pic is Baby B. 

They are growing well and measuring right on track for where they are supposed to be. Although the due date is May 16th, Dr. Lepi will schedule the babies for delivery at 36 or 37 weeks, which will be sometime mid-April. 

So, we are off to the second trimester! Marc and Michael are anxiously awaiting the December ultrasound, when they will be able to find out the sex of the babies. :)