Saturday, December 29, 2012

With bad, there is always good...

Ever feel defeated, let down, disappointed?

Last night I felt that.

I got a call from my caseworker and I was told that the IP's don't want to wait for me to lose the weight, the last 15lbs {I have lost 15lbs so far and have done that in a month}. They want to move things along since they are an older couple and want to get things moving. They have been looking for a long time and really would love a family. I wish them nothing but the best in their journey. They loved our family and we loved theirs and I hold no judgement towards them at all. I just feel disappointed in myself. I know that I am doing the best I can, I just wish I could have done more.

So for now, I am just going to work on my weight loss and hopefully be matched soon! My Caseworker said that my profile is excellent and I should have no problems matching quickly. This has been a whirlwind so far and I have only been with my agency for three months. My agency is amazing and I am so elated that I am working with them.

My new goal is to be at that goal weight by the middle to end of february. I am starting a new weight loss/clean eating program and am excited about the results.

Good luck to everyone that is on their journey <3

{updates wont stop ;) }

Friday, November 30, 2012

Good News/Bad News....

Well, yesterday was a very, very long day.. Flying to LA and back was tiring enough.

The plane ride there was very uneventful. A quick one hour flight. When I got to LA I was driven to CFP for my Medical Evaluation. When I got there, I had to fill out paperwork and then get my blood drawn and give a urine sample. One of the girls from my agency met me there and stayed with me for the whole appt. We then went in and talked to the dr and went over all of the medical questions..

When we got into the exam room, I had to have a pap and then she did the Sono/Ultrasound. The whole procedure was pretty fast but I did cramp up during and a little after. My Uterus looks great and my ovaries look good too! After all of that, I get dressed and go do my height and weight... This is where it gets a little depressing.

I need to lose some poundage..

29 pounds to be at the max BMI for this IVF clinic..

So where do we go from here?! I was told that things will be on hold until I get the weight off. The Owner of my Agency will talk to the IP's and see if they want to wait for me to lose the weight or move on. I am praying that they wait. The transfer will possibly be in February  so I have about 1 1/2 months to lose the weight and be ready for meds. I am confident that I can lose this weight. I am just hoping that my IP's see that I am working on my weight and want to work with them. I will know their decision next week. {praying for good news}

So after that, we went to lunch and I soon found out that my Psych was cancelled and put on hold too. So I got dropped of at the airport 3 1/2 hours before my flight and just prayed that time would pass by quickly so that I could be home with my family. I'm not gonna lie, there were quite a few tears shed last night. I waited until I got home to break down. I just felt so defeated and mad at myself.

So starting today, I have better meal plans and exercise routines ready. I am going to prove to myself and everyone else that I can do this! I had no idea that I had gained that much in such a short time. Time to rev up my metabolism, lose the weight and try to grow a few inches too!


Love & Prayers...
Breanna

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Medical and Psych Evals!!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow!!!

It felt like this day would never come! So, I am flying to L.A. tomorrow to do my Medical Evaluation and possibly my Psych Eval. {trying to get everything into one trip} I am so anxious and excited for everything to move along!!!

I just want to say that my Caseworker is absolutely Amazing and I am so glad she is here with me every step of the way! She just gave birth and is still answering all of my emails/texts and calls! I am also thankful for my husband and my dad! My dad is going to watch all three kids for us while I am gone and D works. I am so lucky to have such supportive people in my life!

So here is what I should be doing tomorrow:

My Medical Evaluation will include: 

Medical History
Pregnancy History
Blood work
Sonohysterogram - Ultrasound of the uterus.
Explain all of the meds and process
Give me a lab slip for D to do his blood work..


Psych Evaluation will include:

MMPI-2 (or PAI) Test - roughly 340 T/F questions. None of them are right or wrong because it is a personality test.
Talk about why I chose Surrogacy.
Misc Questions.
3-4 hours for everything.



After all of this is done, we will move onto the Contracts in early December!


Love & Prayers,

Breanna


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Conference Call!

So first off, we had our Conference Call yesterday and it went great! The IP's and I got a lot of questions answered and we are really excited about this journey!

Since the couple would like their privacy, I will refer to them as either IM, IF & IP  and will not be posting any photos of them <3 I can't express how excited and anxious for my IP's! We can't wait to meet them in person! They seem so caring and loving!

During the call, we discussed what they expected out of me and what they would like me to do during the pregnancy. These are just things they would Like me to take into Consideration:

No Alcohol & Coffee - Easy Peasy!
Add Seafood to my Diet - Again, I love love love seafood! {As long as Dr. Approves}
Read More during my downtime - They would like me to be calm and happy for the baby. Not a problem! I love to read!
Their voices on a disc for the baby - They are going to record their voices and I will play it against my tummy every night for the baby <3
Stay away from anything Toxic/Dangerous - Not good for the baby. Obvi!
Try not to come in contact with animals - They would like it if I didn't come in contact with animals, mainly Cats. {Dogs are okay as long as I wash my hands}
Stay away from Cold Creams - They would like it if I steered clear of Cold Milk/Ice Creams. It can cause the baby to have Colic/Tummy Issues.
No Nail Polish/Minimal Makeup/No Hair Dye - No problem! I hardly ever paint my nails & wear makeup once or twice a week.. {Its okay if I wear Organic Nail Polish and my Caseworker said that its okay to wear makeup.}

So all of these are completely doable!

I have been reading on Chinese Traditions/Superstitions for Pregnancy and want to avoid as much as I can for them. I really love learning about them and their country!

I will be flying out to la at the end of this month for my Psych Eval. They are planning on flying out during Chinese New Year for the IVF. Which means I could be pregnant as early as February!!!



Monday, November 12, 2012

The Chosen Ones!!

What a whirlwind day we had yesterday!

I got an email from the Founder/Director of my Agency yesterday saying that she was in town and wanted me to join her and a few other Surro's that are in the area for lunch! Of course I said yes! It was really nice to meet other Surro's that are in different stages of their journey's! I had learned so much and cant wait for these next few months to pass!

Also in the email, There is an International Couple that wants to work with us! They liked our profile and feel that we are a great match! I was completely shocked!! I couldn't believe that this was all happening so fast! We weren't supposed to get their profile until this morning, but my amazing caseworker sent it last night along with some beautiful pictures!!

After D and I looked at the pictures and their profile, we knew in our hearts that we wanted to work with them no questions asked! My heart felt a sense of calmness and love. They seem like an amazing couple and I can't wait to help them with their dream of having a baby/babies!

Today we have a Conference Call with them, along with caseworkers and others, I think a total of 6 people on one phone call :) 

If everything goes correctly, I will be flying to southern california at the end of the month for my Psych Eval and other testing! 

Loves & Prayers!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Approved!!

I got a pretty fantastic email yesterday from my agency!

The IVF Dr Pre-Approved my medical records and me! So now we just wait for someone to choose our profile :)

There is a couple in our area but their IVF Dr only works with women with a bmi of 30 or below. Mine is at a 32 and the IVF Dr that Pre-Approved me, works with women up to a 35 bmi :) I am working on my weight and have been going to the gym, eating healthy and I started going to bikram yoga {hot yoga} :)

Praying we get a phone call soon!!!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Just a Quickie...

My Medical Records were finally faxed over to the Agency and then faxed over to the IVF Dr.. So now we are just waiting on an approval to move forward :) My profile is being shown to PIP's and I can't wait until the day we get that phone call!!

It seems like it is all moving so fast, but then again, it seems like its taking forever. I am so anxious to start this new journey!

:)


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Updates...

Well for starters, 

I mailed off all of the paperwork!! I got an email yesterday from the agency saying they got it! Now we are just waiting on my medical records. Those should be faxed over either today or tomorrow! Once they receive my records, they will look over everything and if they don't see anything alarming, they will start showing our profile to IP's!!

I asked them how long it usually takes for everything to start rolling and she said that the process usually takes a few months all the way from now through the embryo transfer. That includes the match process, conference call, meeting IP's, medical screening, contract signing, IVF cycle and transfer... Their match process has been really quick recently, so that's a plus!!

So, Hopefully within the next few months, I will have a lot of that crossed off!! 

Sorry the update is so small.. Have a great rest of your week!!


xoxo
Breanna

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

How the process will go...

A lot of friends have been asking how the process works. So, I thought I would give a break down of how everything goes!

Apply - Apply to different agencies because you never know how you are going to feel about the people there and you will have a better chance at getting accepted. I absolutely love my agency! They are so kind and very professional. They called me about 4 hours after I had finished my application. 


What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to become pregnant for the purpose of giving birth to a child for others (intended parents) to raise.  This special woman is called the surrogate. XXXXXXXX Surrogacy conducts gestational surrogacies, whereby embryos produced by the intended parents, with eggs from the intended mother or with the assistance of an egg donor, are implanted in the surrogate.  The embryo is produced by a process called in vitro fertilization (IVF).  This process ensures the baby has no genetic relationship to the surrogate. 


Qualifications of a Surrogate
XXXXXXXX Surrogacy conducts an intensive and thorough screening process before a woman is permitted to join our surrogacy program.  To qualify as a surrogate candidate, you must:

  • Be 22-40 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be a non-smoker in excellent health
  • Be within a healthy height and weight ratio
  • Have a healthy reproductive history, having given birth to at least one child that you are raising
  • Have had all births occurring at 36 weeks gestation or later (unless a multiple pregnancy) without complications
  • Not be receiving state or federal financial aid
  • Be willing to undergo subcutaneous and intramuscular injections

We are looking for women who truly want to help others fulfill their wish of becoming parents.  Therefore, surrogate hopefuls are required to attend multiple staff interviews, receive psychological clearance, provide all official medical records from previous pregnancies along with a current pap smear, and submit to a full background investigation, including a search of both federal and state criminal records. It is our role at XXXXXXXX Surrogacy to screen potential candidates to ensure that you begin your journey with an intended parent or couple with ease and certainty knowing that you are a highly qualified and motivated surrogate ready to share in the commitment and joy in giving birth to their baby.


The Matching Process
The compatibility of our surrogates and intended parents is an important part of ***’s program.  Our objective is to match surrogates and intended parents in an effort to create a comfortable environment for both parties and to foster an atmosphere of unity and teamwork.  It is of the utmost importance to us to identify your beliefs and desires and create a situation that would be ideal for you during your surrogacy. Once we have an intended parent or couple that we believe is an ideal match, we will review their profile information with you in depth. If you are interested in pursuing the relationship further, we will ask that you and the couple communicate several times prior to meeting in-person. This in-person meeting will include your spouse or partner, the intended parent or couple and the director of XXXXXXX Surrogacy. If all parties agree to work together, the process continues and psychological and medical evaluations are scheduled.


Psychological Evaluation and SupportOnce you have been matched with intended parents, you and your husband/partner will meet with one of our licensed mental health professionals for a comprehensive interview. You will also undergo psychological testing as advised by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.  You will see our counselor for monthly support group meetings throughout your pregnancy, as well as receive phone and email support as needed continuing until 2 months post partum. You will have unlimited access to our on-line support group of surrogate mothers from the time you join our program.  All fees associated with the psychological screening and support are paid by the intended parents.


Medical EvaluationYour medical records will be reviewed by an IVF physician. Once your records are reviewed and approved, you will meet with the IVF physician of the intended parents for a consultation and medical evaluation. You will undergo infectious disease screening, in addition to an ultrasound and vaginal cultures. Your spouse/partner MUST be screened for infectious diseases as well. All expenses related to the medical evaluation are paid for by the intended parents. A representative from XXXXXXXX Surrogacy will attend your medical screening appointments with you.

There are potential risks with all aspects of surrogacy; the medical process and procedures, infertility medications and, ultimately, pregnancy. We encourage all surrogate candidates to discuss these risks with their physician prior to enrolling in any surrogate program. 


The Legal ProcessYou will have access to attorneys specializing in reproductive and surrogacy law. You may select one of these attorneys to review your legal contract. The contract is drafted by the intended parent’s attorney. Your attorney will advise you on any items that may need clarification or revisions and will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the content of the contract. Once all parties have signed the contract, you are clear to start medications for the embryo transfer cycle as determined by the IVF physician. All fees associated with the legal process are paid by the intended parents.


The Embryo Transfer CycleOnce you have completed all aspects of the screening phase, the embryo transfer cycle will begin. You will be required to undergo multiple blood tests, injections (both subcutaneous and intramuscular), and vaginal ultrasounds throughout the embryo transfer cycle as well as the first 8-12 weeks of pregnancy. Some of the medications you may be prescribed are; Birth Control Pills, Lupron, Estradiol/Delestrogen, and Progesterone. These medications will be reviewed with you in detail during your initial interview with XXXXXXXX Surrogacy as well as during the medical evaluation with the IVF physician.

You will be required to rest in bed for 2-3 days immediately following the embryo transfer. Surrogates in our program stay in a hotel for the rest period to ensure you are removed from your daily responsibilities. All medical expenses, and any travel or hotel related expenses, are paid by the intended parents.

For information on the IVF embryo transfer process, follow this link to the Pacific Fertility Center website:
http://www.infertilitydoctor.com/ivf/ivf_trans.htm

For information on ultrasound guided embryo transfer, follow this link to the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine website: http://www.socalfertility.com/ultrasound-embryo-transfer.html


PregnancyOnce you are pregnant you will continue to see the IVF physician until being released to your obstetrician, generally around 10 weeks of pregnancy. You will be able to see your own OB, provided that he/she accepts your health insurance.

Your case manager at *** will attend appointments with you when your intended parents are unable to do so. We will also be with you for any important milestones in the pregnancy, as well as any time you request our presence. Our role is to act as a liaison between you and the couple you are working with, allowing you to focus on your health and well being and that of the baby’s. We will do all that we can to remove any aspect from your relationship that may be sensitive or difficult to discuss. Our commitment to you is to have this experience be one that is completely fulfilling, leaving you with an experience of having contributed to the world in a unique and precious way.


{Copied from my agency's Website}

So there you have it!! I am so excited about this Journey!!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

A little bit about us!

Well, as most of you know, my name is Breanna! 
Here are some tidbits about US!


Breanna
Wife & Mama to 3!
- I have been a stay at home mom for 5 years
- My husband and I have been married for 5 years {May 2012}
- I am a Reality TV Junkie! Big Brother, MTV Challenges, etc!
- I am not allowed in Target without supervision {my husband}
- I love anything Crafty! 
- Love spending time with my kids 
- I am a lover of Wine....
- Margarita Nights with my gal pals
- The only time I really watch football, is if I am in a Fantasy League or my Titans are playing.
- I make too many lists
- I have only been to Disneyland once.. 
- I sell Scentsy!

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Dave
My loving husband of 5 years.
- Works in the Automotive Industry
- Lover of Sports! 
- Hardcore Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox and SF Giants Fan! 
- He has played Soccer for 20+ years and is pretty good Goalie! 
- Loves to take the kids to the park
- Monty Python and the holy grail, Princess Bride & Ghost Busters are a few of his favorite movies.
- The kids always want him to make cupcakes with them.. 
- He was adopted and he would like to try and contact his birth parents in the near future.

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DJ
My Spunky Five Year Old Kindergartner!
- Obsessed with Bowser and Super Mario Bros.
- Loves to watch Football with Daddy on Sunday mornings.
- Wants to be a Police Officer when he grows up!
- Is so very smart! 
- Loves to sing his Kindy songs all the time...
- Very Loving and has such a tender heart!
- Fights with his siblings, but will protect them from everyone else.
- Loves his cars and trucks!

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Reagan
My fun loving Princess!
- Loves everything Princess!
- Has a slight obsession with Doc McStuffins and wants to be her for halloween!
- Has a very tender heart &hearts;
- Loves to play dress up!
- Is definitely a daddy's girl!
- Loves to have tea parties with her Auntie B :)
- Wants to be a Doctor when she grows up!
- Loves Preschool!!

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Allen
My little Cuddle Bug!
- Loves to do everything big bro and big sis are doing!
- Loves to hang out with papa and play with the doggies
- Can talk your ear off and always wants you to "mere" {here, come here}
- Has to do everything himself. 
- Carries Ollie around everywhere. He loves that elephant!
- Loves going to the park with daddy!
- Has the curliest hair out of all three kids!


So this is my Tidbit Post about my family!!



You can read more about my family on my Family Blog!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Why?!

I have been getting a lot of

Why are you doing this?
Why now?
Do you think you will be attached to the baby?
How do you think your kids will feel?
How does your husband feel about this?
Are you doing this because your husband is fixed and you can't have kids of your own?

etc...

I have always wanted to do surrogacy. I have watched friends and family members struggle with infertility and my heart ached for them. From an early age, I knew that I wanted a big family. At family events, you could find me with the babies/younger kids 99% of the time.

I am one of the few who love being pregnant. Love every little aspect of it.

I think being a Surrogate to a family is one of the most amazing selfless gift ever. Some people look down on it, {2 people in my family are not sure about me doing this} but put yourself in that couples shoes, would your answers be different?

I am very grateful that my husband is behind me 100% and that makes me feel amazing.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Our Journey Begins...

Well, I have started the process to be a Gestational Carrier {GC} / Surrogate!!! Dave and I have really talked about it for a year and we feel now is the best time to start this amazing journey! My family are supporting me 100% and that is such a great feeling. I truly love my family!

Yesterday I started researching agencies and put in a few applications. A few hours later, I got a phone call! I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I swear my heart was beating so fast! I called the agency back and I was asked a ton of questions.. I mean a ton! Then we talked about how the process will go and what is expected out of me. I should be receiving my packet of paperwork early next week. I know that this can be a very long process or a quick process. I am praying everything goes well and we get the ball rolling sooner than later!

I am beyond excited about this journey. I feel in my heart, this is the path god has chosen for me. I am ready to give a family the most precious gift ever and fill their arms with love... 

I will definitely be keeping updates about this!

You can also check out my family blog Here. I will have updates there too!