Surro Files - Looking Back and Looking Forward...

On October 23rd, 2012, I received an e-mail from a friend that I hadn't heard from in awhile.  Belle let me know that she was on her 5th round of IVF and looking into surrogacy as an option to start a family with her husband.  She had great faith that this road would lead them to the child that they so much desired and I just knew that she was right.

On December 25th, 2012, I decided that I wanted to be that surrogate.  Now to convince my husband that this was the right path for us.

On January 26th, 2013, it was decided.  I applied to Circle Surrogacy, and ...

On March 1st, 2013, I was officially matched with Belle and Adam, and our journey had begun.

Our first cycle was cancelled in June.

On August 6th, 2013, We had our first transfer, but it was not successful.

Our third cycle was cancelled in September.

On October 25th, 2013, We had our second transfer, and ...

Fingers Crossed!!!  Babies Are In!!!

On October 29th, 2013, We got our first positive pregnancy test!!!!

Which led to our first positive blood test on November 5th, 2013.

On November 19th, 2013, We found out at our first ultrasound that one baby had hung on and was going strong!

On January 9th, 2014, Belle and I found out Baby P was going to be a girl!  Shhhh!!!  No telling.

Shhhhh!!!!  It's A Girl and She Needs Her Beauty Sleep

Which was later confirmed again at our Gender Ultrasound on January 30th, 2014, and the Anatomy Scan on February 20th, 2014. 

On May 1st, 2014, I threw Belle a baby shower and then we headed off to Disneyland.

Mickey/Minnie Baby Shower & A Trip To Disneyland

On June 25th, 2014, Belle got here to start the wait for Baby P; On July 2nd, 2014, Adam got here to start the wait...

And On July 8th, 2014, Baby P was born!!!!!!

Baby P Is Here!!!!  She shot right into this world.
July 8th, 2014 @ 8:15pm
9lbs 13.6oz    /    21 in

Now here we are on July 15th, 2014, and Belle, Adam, & Baby P are heading home.  I can't believe how fast this past year and a half has went by.  It seems like only yesterday that I was filling out paperwork and meeting up with Belle and Adam for the first time in person talking about their baby to be.  Now their family of two has become a family of three and they've added tons of lifetime friends along the way.  I know we will always consider them an extension of our family that we will never forget and I know they think of us the same.  They've forever changed our lives for the better and I can never thank them enough for that.  I know I've said it several times, but I'll say it again... Thanks so much Belle and Adam for trusting me with the life of your child as she grew and developed into the beautiful little girl that she is today in your arms.  It truly was an honor and I can never thank you enough for that.

And then there were three...

And so now it starts.  First baths, first smiles, her first laugh.  Then she'll be sitting up, crawling, walking, and her first birthday!  Wow!  So many things to look forward to, and I'm so excited that it's all starting for you.  It may have taken awhile to get there, but I know that will only make these moments all the more special and you will cherish each and every one.  I wish I lived closer so I could see your beautiful family grow and grow, but I know you'll send pictures and I can't wait to see you next winter when you visit!!!  Lots of love headed your way and wishing you all the best.  It may be the end of our journey, but it's only the beginning for you three.  Congrats, Congrats, Congrats!!!!  ~ Chana Putnam (the tummy mummy)

Don't forget to check out my "Surrogacy" tab at the top of this page to catch up on any posts you might have missed

*Some of the names in this post have been changed and faces blocked out to protect the identities of those involved in this journey*