Surrosaurus, My happenings as a surrogate mother

Happy 1st Birthday !!

2010-08-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st birthday to my second surro baby "Little Lone Ranger"!
I don't have any 1yr pics, but I hope to share a new one soon. Check back soon
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If you are wondering about my current pregnancy (all mine, lol) then you can check out my Family blog over HERE

I'm pregnant again...... this time its OURS!!!

2010-04-26T09:29:00.001-07:00

after having 2 babies for 2 other couples, I forgot what it was like to carry my own child.
This lil one is a surprise for us, and we are slowly becoming more and more excited for our family to grow by one more.
based on LMP my due date is December 7th 2010.
we don't know which way we are routing, team pink or team blue, I have no idea and no guesses!
This go around hoping will be very different from the 4 I had in the hospitals, I plan to have my whole pregnancy monitored by a local midwife, and ultimately deliver here at home! :)

"The Lone Ranger" 5 mo old today

2010-01-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

wow these 5 months have really flown. he is getting so big. he is such a super cutie! I am so thankful, happy and excited that his poppas keep me updated with pictures and such!

4 months old

2010-01-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post picture updates for my surro bub #2 "little lone ranger", what a cutie. he may have broken the girl "curse" lol

3 mo old

2010-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

"little lone ranger" at 3 mo

the big 2 months

2010-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

"little lone ranger" is 2 mo old here

sooo

2009-09-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

well my 2nd journey is over, and even though I am sooo happy, I am a little sad. It all flew by in a blink of an eye.
Right now I have no thoughts on doing a 3rd journey. I am not saying I will never do it again, even though it is a possibility that I may never do another surrogacy, but that I'm not counting it out forever as a possibility, IF I did another it would be in the far future..
Anyway, I still need to post some more pictures, and tell my "birth story", which is not that exciting, but I still want to share, check back for that.
My weight is going down, not as fast as last time, but steadily. I am kinda excited to start getting the real weight off here soon, I am still achy, and not going to start doing too much too soon, especially something that isnt reasonable and something I can't keep up with.
I have heard that my IF has left with "The Little Lone Ranger", and are heading to Chicago to spend a month with family there, then off to his home overseas. I hope to see them again someday. I am expecting to see pictures via the internet, and updates online as well. I will share them as I get them.
♥ Amanda

The BIG day!!

2009-08-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am in the hospital still as I am posting this, I just wanted to give a quick update here, since I can't log into any social networking site as they are blocked by the hospital internet. I am going to post my birth story later with more details, as this lap top isnt very comfortable to type on, esp in this bed.
"The Little Lone Ranger" was born near the very end of Aug 2009 @ 39weeks 10:25am weighing 8lbs 4oz and 19 1/2 inches long... after ONE push!! :) I am one proud surro momma

Time is ticking down to the induction.... 39wk belly pic

2009-08-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

I am 39 weeks and going in for my induction. Hope all goes well, and I hope to get out soooon, cause I already miss my girls and I havent even been away from them from an hour yet!!
took some pics earlier today. I never wear makeup so "enjoy" lol. from all angles cause we won't be seeing this again. at least for a looooong time it at all. Get ready to be born "Little Lone Ranger"!!

38 weeks 3 days

2009-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

nothing new. alot of frustration, not with the pregnancy, but with WHEN the delivery will take place.. Having babies for yourself is hard. Timing it and having babies for others is even harder!!
ok, I couldn't pick just one or 2 pics this time.. I picked 3. I love them so much!! from today 38wks 3 days.. haha and excuse the tripos on the camera, I didn't realize it would look so funny :P

False alarm - 38 weeks 1 day

2009-08-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 7 am, having contractions. I started to time them and of course they came 3-5 min apart for a full hour, which I timed via Contraction Master . I got my stuff together, dropped the girls off to head to the hospital to make sure. I get there, still having contractions, nothing too bad, the check me and I am 1-2 cm dilated. They hook me up to the monitors and I have to now sit for an hour. I watched TV tossed and turned in the uncomfortable bed, the hour went past pretty quick with the TV on, and the nurse came back and checked me, still the same 1-2 cm dilated, but contracting. She called OB and he said to send me home and only to come back if they got more intense. If it wouldn't have been a Saturday I bet money they would have kept me.
what is funny to me about this, I have had 3 births, 2 of which were natural started labors, and only 1 was an induction, and both of the natural labors, and my 4th delivery I get sent home with a false alarm!!

37 week apt

2009-08-17T13:19:00.001-07:00

I had my 37 week apt (I am 37 weeks 3 days today)
I had another ultrasound checking the baby's position, he is still head down. The Dr also checked my cervix for dilation, he said I was about a fingertip dilated, and had a soft cervix, so when labor starts (or the induction) the cervix is ready to go!

Baby "stuff"

2009-08-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have some of F & L's things for the baby, they left them here so they don't have to travel with them before the baby needs to use them. What do you think, CUTE huh, can't wait to see what the real baby looks like in it... am "I" thinking of having another of my own now, hmmm I dunno... Ok yes I have been thinking about this, BUT we have to have to wait until Paul and I are ready at the same time, and my body needs time to recoop, as I havent even delivered this one yet!! All this baby stuff is so exciting, and even more exciting when its your own. anyway on to F & L's baby things, lol. love the change of subject huh!?!?
They have the Graco Snug Ride infant car seat and carrier. Also the awesome Graco Quattro Tour stroller.
I asseblemed everything so they will be ready when they arrive in TX for baby. here is the Graco Sungride with one of the girls dolls in it.and the Graco Quattro stroller ( I suugested this as they will have a bit of traveling in airports to do) I love this stroller.put them together and this is what you get.. oh so comfy. I want to ride IN one too! close the shade for some shut eye!there is also a sippered peep hole if you don't want to open shade to sneak a peek, lol.

35 weeks - just a pic

2009-07-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

just a pic. I was on the run and snapped this as I was walking out the door.

3D 4D ultrasound & update 33wks 6 days

2009-07-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Still no baby name!!

My IPs are in town today and tomorrow. They went with me to an OB apt this morn and asked a few questions they had. We also got a date for tentative delivery AUG 26th!!
Everything looks great, weight gain is fine, blood pressure great, and baby is head down! The ultrasound tech said he probably weights around 5lbs 10oz, and looking at maybe weighing 7lbs 10oz when he is born.

next stop was to the 3D 4D ultrasound place. We had a 15 min video made, and got some ok face shots, way better than surro babe #1 !!! and theres no doubt he is a BOY!
I picked a few shots from the session, plus working on loading parts of the video to youtube. I first have to put shorter videos on my camera then load that way. check back for that though.
My IPs have also decided to bank the baby's cord blood and I have the collection kit when delivery time comes. What a neat idea!.......

can you see his face? the 2D version of the ultrasound is on the left. his lips are open a bit, and in front of his left eye is the placenta, hes snuggled into it a little.
These are his.... well you can see.. his "boy bits" lol!! when we saw this I started laughing, and they started to jiggle on the screen!!!! He was having such a good time sucking on his hand and wrist he didn't move his hands from in front of his mouth much. but we got a good pic of his lips here for a sec.
Another face shot, hand/ arm at his chin, placenta on right side of picture.And this is what youd see if you were looking down on him from the top of his head. His eyes are at the top of the pic, and this is a good shot of his hands and arms. His hand is in his mouth!

Under 50 days till due date!

2009-07-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

I just noticed today that we are under 50 days until my due date (33 weeks 1 day today)
I am thinking I may go in for an early induction, maybe around the end of August, sometime after the 25th. I will be 38 and 4days on Aug 25, and my OB will not induce anytime before that. My body also has to be showing signs it is ready for labor. I will also try other methods of natural induction, walking, stretching, sex etc.
this baby is moving so much, I feel as sometimes he is doing somersaults.
My IPs are coming into town for a quick visit 23rd and 24th, my next apt is Thursday 23rd at 10am, we will have an ultrasound to check baby's position. My IPs also scheduled a 3D 4D ultrasound for after the Dr visit, YAY, I am soo excited, and will share pics if they let me :)

32 weeks belly pics

2009-07-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

I was bored and wanted to take some updated pics. I feel like I am getting bigger by the day. 31 weeks 5 days, calling it 32 weeks :)

Video update - 31 weeks

2009-07-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

I added a new update video to my youtube account. basically me talking about the baby, and talking about the pregnancy, surrogacy, and blah blah blah lots of other stuff.

30 weeks!

2009-06-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

so I am feeling more and more twisting and turning from baby, and can usually distinguish the body parts that happen to be poking, pushing and kicking me, lol. I have been trying to get some of the movements I can see and feel from the outside captured on video, but he must be a little camera shy, or I'm just not quick enough! I did get a little something a day or so ago. See if you can tell what I am talking about, 3 different big movements. ( I say "whoa" after each time) :)

And a pic from early June 27 weeks... in a swimsuit... lol, I just look fat!! oh well, I had a blast.

29 week Belly PICs

2009-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

yes , I have brought all of my posts here :) yay
29weeks and 2 days- the girls said "what are you doin, mommy?" I told them taking belly pics, and they wanted in on the action

24 weeks Belly pics, new hair cut

2009-05-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

24wks 1 day - yes I got a new haircut, on May 5th I donated 12 + inches to Locks of Love!

22wks 4 days PLUS me at 8 weeks pregnant (for hair comparison)

so late. ultrasound pictures

2009-05-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

I also have a OB apt tomorrow. here are the pics from the ultrasound, sorry so long to post, been super busy!

Happy Earth day.. Had my "BIG" ultrasound 20 wks 5 days

2009-04-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

Had my big ultrasound today. it showed baby measurements are great, baby looks great, moving around alot. The ultrasound also show that for the first time I am carrying a BOY!! yeppers, there is a weenie betweenie those leggies!!
I have to post the 2 pics they gave me, they will come soon, been pretty busy around here. I did get a new belly pic last night almost 21 weeks!

Victoria update... SHES ONE!!!!!

2009-04-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

I hadn't had an update in awhile, then L contacted me via email with a new pic!!!
She is ONE ALREADY!! wow that was FAST.. Isnt she CUTE.. this is why I do what I do!

16 weeks 3 days - OB apt nucal results

2009-03-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

OB apt today, lost 2 lbs, that's ok since I HAVE been eating.
Baby's heart rate is around 150bpm. Results of nucal scan are normal woohoo.
I set up the apt for the BIG ultrasound, which is on April 22nd 10am!
ALSO, I took a gender test the other day, which is called Intelligender, which is a gender test that use FMU to see if you are having a boy or girl.. probably not accurate as some would like?? but still fun.
http://www.intelligender.com/
Just as I am thinking...

if this is true, this will be the first male child I have given birth to, so far it has been 3 girls (2 my own, 1 for R&L)
Also sharing a "belly pic" which I already have too much belly, lol.
16 weeks on Friday March 20th

Nucal scan today 12 week 5 days

2009-02-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

I had the nucal scan today. everything went great, we will have the results from the doctor within 2 weeks.
I brought my camera to video, but they wouldn't let me record anything. they did get pictures for me burned to a CD I guess I should be thankful for that?!
the US tech didnt even try to look in "that" region, like ~some~ do.. this early gender determination would be hard, but some have done it. oh well I guess we are waiting until 20 weeks to know whether to call it a him or a her... not just him/her, lol.
there was lots of bouncing around the tech had a hard time getting the right profile pic. it was kinda funny, baby would be sitting just right, then flip, then tech would move the US thingy, then baby would flip right back where he/she needed to be just a min before. playing tricks already, uh oh I hope you are ready F & L for what this little one has in store for you, lol!!
let me tell you how "smart" I am... I installed a new faucet in my girls bathroom.. by myself. yes, I am Mrs Fix It, even when I a pregnant, probably esp when pregnant. Well, the cabinet hole is tiny, like for anyone to fit in, esp with my chest lol.. I could hardly get in enough to see what I was doing. So I wake up with a huge pain in my neck shoulder area.. I couldn't think why. Well my friend N says, well you installed that faucet yesterday. how could I have forgotten that. DUH thats where my pain is from. Gosh I should have know better with my neck pain history. anyway..
the only crown to rum profile pic she added to the CD

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the best close up profile of face

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can you see the face.. I can

10 weeks 6 days.. i am calling this one 11 weeks, lol

2009-02-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

"Skipping ahead" again. not 11 weeks on the dot, but close enough.
the little one was bouncing around this ultrasound, looking oh so adorable.
doing GREAT. trying not to get too tired.
I also have used the doppler again. little one giving me a scare for a bit. I was looking in all the wrong places for his/her heartbeat!
I think the SCH is still there, but now very very tiny. I had minimal brown spotting which is from the SCH.
I am scheduled to have the 1st trimester screening (nucal scan for downs syndrome early diagnosis) done Feb 25th, memorial hermann sugar land
see cute cute video

9 weeks 6 days .. I'll call it 10 weeks OB apt w ultrasound

2009-02-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

I was scheduled to go into the RE tomorrow, but at the last min they told CT fertility that they don't do ultrasounds past 8 weeks. which is weird because they let me make the apt for the 10 week ultrasound at the 8 week apt.
I was scheduled to go into the OB anyway, so we did end up getting an ultrasound at 10 weeks like the RE in CT wanted.
baby looked great, he/she looked as if they were sleeping. not jumping around this ultrasound.
great fetal tones, and little arms and legs showing and everything.

I used the fetal doppler for the 1st time this pregnancy

2009-02-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

I got out the doppler I bought last year and plugged it in to charge. When it had charged enough I took it off to see if I could hear the baby's heartbeat. After laying for about 2 minutes I found it!!! how crazy.
I didnt get to try it last time until 10 weeks and some odd days. and today at 9 weeks 2 days I heard it.
it is very faint, even with the volume turned all the way up on the thing. I am going to try and record it later on video!!
just wanted to share the awesome news!
ok I look silly but here is the video.. finally

OB apt 9 weeks with Ultrasound...

2009-01-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

I had my 9 week check up at the OB today. Waited FOREVER in the waiting room to get called back to the ultrasound room.
I had my LAST trans vaginal ultrasound, thank goodness. Veronica went with me, and she was pretty well behaved, even being we were there it felt like forever.
The baby is looking great, measuring right on the mark. had a heartbeat of 158, which Dr said is great.
We talked about the delivering hospitals, and that the hospital I need to deliver at, per insurance, he does in deed deliver at. This is the newest hospital in the area, opened in 2006 I believe, and heard it is VERY nice. I hope to tour it soon.

8 weeks ultrasound at RE

2009-01-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

Ultrasound shower the SCH no longer has a "clotty" look to it. RE said it looked like it was resolving slowly. CT DR Doyle's nurse Sharron also said I can slowly resume normal activities yay!.
baby is even moving a little, heartbeat looks beautiful and growing wonderful!

OB apt 6 wks 7 days

2009-01-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

had OB apt today. SCH still there. no new bleeding or blood though. on bedrest still.
This is a new OB I picked because he delivers at the newer hospital, or so I thought. I discovered he had recently dropped his privledges at the hospital I wanted to deliver at.
good news is I found out that my "old" OB now delivers at the hospital I want! now going back to see him.

Ultrasound because of bleeding - 6wks 3days

2009-01-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

I was sent to an ultrasound today due to some bleeding I had yesterday. The ultrasound showed Lone Ranger to be fine, and even bigger just 3 days after the first ultrasound.
The ultrasound also revealed a subchorionic hemorrhage, where the bleeding had come from.
I am now on bedrest, and hoping the SCH will absorb and go away soon. The RE also said that it might bleed again, or that it might not. They can't tell you for sure , and I asked, and they said the cause of the SCHs are unknown, and usually the PG turns out well. but there is a *slight* increase risk of MC, which I am praying doesnt happen.
I have an OB apt Thurs at noon, then another RE apt next friday the 23rd at 8 weeks pregnant.

video

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and a pic

cramping and bleeding

2009-01-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

I started having some cramping and bright red bleeding today around 2:30pm. It was enough to soak a panty liner, and only lasted about 30 min, but this is still scary. called RE and nurse said the baby could be fine, and they have alot of girls who have bleeding and go on to deliver happy healthy babies..

First Ultrasound results ! **

2009-01-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

well I am late posting this (even though the date is saying the 9th) It is the 14th and I am posting like this to keep things in order..
anyway, if you hadnt seen already. I had my first ultrasound. I took video just like I did last journey.
there was one baby, and a small sac next to the one baby. The RE said it *could* have been a twin, but there was only one heartbeat that she saw at this time, one healthy baby. well call "The Lone Ranger/ette"
the video-

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and a picture

BETA numero 3 unofficial #4

2009-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

MY # 18dp3dt (21dpo) 2532

Beta Scores for Successful* Twin Pregnancies

Days Past Ovulation
21
Median HCG Level
2488
Lowest HCG Level Reported
120
Highest HCG Level Reported
14979
Number of women reporting a number for this day
745

Beta Scores for Successful* Single Pregnancies

Days Past Ovulation
21
Median HCG Level
1221
Lowest HCG Level Reported
41
Highest HCG Level Reported
16224
Number of women reporting a number for this day
1783

Beta #2 (unoffically #3) results in and GOOD

2008-12-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

Beta # - 351 Doubling time =1.41 days.
from master beta list (which is posted on SMO and is just a list of everyone's beta #s at certain #dp#dt, and how many they ended up carrying or shown up at the ultrasound) a list to help people even more obsess over their IVF surrogate pregnancies.. which I am so very guilty of, lol!
my beta number shows up in BOTH the singleton pregnancy and the twin pregnancy numbers.. ultrasound will be a surprise no matter what the outcome!
14dp3dt
Singleton: 110, 144, 161, 183, 189, 207, 219, 241, 258, 273, 278, 290, 300, 310, 311, 321, 351, 371, 388.5, 390, 394, 420, 447, 450, 531, 658, 687, 775, 788, 813, 1458, 1531

Twins: 238, 254, 304, 326, 351, 397, 562, 593, 623, 650, 735, 815, 826, 1007, 1120, 1433, 1469, 1952, 2175

Trips: 1197, 1250, 1400, 1448, 1642

another cool pregnancy ticker

2008-12-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

Get the Baby & Pregnancy Countdown Ticker widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox!

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here is the babystrology ticker.. not as detailed but still cool!

how pregnant am I ... GSx2 transfer #1

2008-12-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

all the test now say +, or PREGNANT

2008-12-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

I had my 1st and 2nd betas done. the first not being the "official" 1st, as it was done Dec 22 which was 7dp3dt (7days past 3 day transfer, also 10 days past Egg Retrieval) the Beta came back at a 9, which anything over 5 is positive for pregnancy. but being it was so early, the clinic wasn't counting that beta as official since the 1st one was originally gonna be the 26th, which now is beta # 2, and came back at 81, which is a good number, doubling time of 1.26 days and they want doubling between 48-72 hours (2-3 days)
3rd beta is on Monday and should have at LEAST doubled to indicate a viable pregnancy.
then another beta on Friday, if Monday's goes normal, and the the BIG ultrasound on the friday after that, January 9th 2009..
the digital.. which only would come out readable like this. hahaha

and then LINED tests! early ones

POAS (pee on a stick)

2008-12-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

the peeing has begun.. I held out till 3dp3dt (three days past three day transfer)
got neg tests pretty often.. I thought I saw something on this test 5dp3dt (yesterday) on the pm test.. see here??

and then I found an OSOM (a brand that has been known to show early positives) and took it this afternoon.. and seen this 2nd? line before 10 min mark (1st pic).. then REALLY see it past 10 min under 20 min mark (2nd pic)

ok thats it for now.. I am out of OSOMS.. I only found the one.. I hope this is it!
I am now begging for an early beta mon morn... wonder if that will happen PLEASE

hanging out in Connecticut

2008-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

having a good time, just finding things to occupy our time till the transfer monday.
Egg retrieval is this morning, it may be complete, not for sure though.
I had my first Progesterone injection last night and Paul did it for me. He did a great job!
It was the first time I didn't do my own shot. I didn't feel anything except the very first of the poke, then nothing.. but now it is sore, no bad, but oh my sore butt!!!

leaving SOON....

2008-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

so the weather in CT is going to be averaging around 30-40 degrees.. BRRR!!
we leave EARLY wed morn. plane set to leave 9:30, and we must leave early of course with the holiday travelers clogging up the airports.. we have a 2 hr layover in Chicago, then flying into the airport in CT, which is different because last time we flew into LaGuardia in NY.
I still hope to get out to NY, and make a lovely day out of it. shopping, touring, all that good stuff.. freezing. haha
we have our thermals ready to use, but I'm not sure how warm that will keep us.. not to keen on the freezing weather. Well have to eat lots of HOT meals!!
cant wait to share more pics, and good news!

Results from atp on 11/24

2008-11-26T17:54:00.000-08:00

had a lining check and hormone blood check on Tuesday, these are my results.
lining was 11.1mm (they like to see a number over 7)
estradiol is 1019 (they like to see a number over 250)
progesterone is 0.6 (they like to see a number <2). Everything looks good.

supression ultrasound

2008-11-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Had an appointment with the local RE. made sure my blood hormone levels were ok, and that the lupron had my ovaries suppressed..
everything went GREAT... still on track for Dec 11- 17 transfer.
on another note, we are to be in the NY area those dates, and the same month 2 other of my online friends are going to be there.. but all DIFFERENT weekends!! arg. too bad we couldn't meet up there.
~Amanda

Did I really start another IVF cycle - Lupron injectables

2008-11-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

well I gave myself the first of many injections on the road now to another IVF cycle. It felt just like another "thing" to do. Like "ok time to take my lupron now" lol. its part of me now haha.
The Progesterone is what I am not looking forward to. the shots don't really hurt (unless you hit a tender part of your bum) its the knots and bumps the meds leave behind. oh well, it ends up going away in the end so no biggie..
I am also still taking the BCP, and I have added in the prenatals. next I think is the estrogen.
oh yeah, don't forget to check out my savings blog.. lol
http://amandashopsandsaves.blogspot.com

making a prediction... yes this early

2008-10-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

ok I am going to do it. but it is only a guess.. if they transfer 2 embryos, we could end up with 2 babies, 1 baby, or none.. I am going to go ahead and guess 2. and I am going to guess girls. anything could happen between now and transfer time. shoot the transfer could be cancelled for all we know. pray it wont though. anyhoo, thats my entry for today..
Twin Girls

Looking at possible due dates

2008-10-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

If the egg retrieval is between December 8th and 12th, then that would give us a due date of August 31st at the earliest and September 4th at the latest. Those are just due dates though.
If it is twins then the delivery date would most likely be before those dates depending on my bady. anyhoo I just want to share that !! :)

I have my TIMELINE

2008-10-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

well I got the cycle timeline emailed to me today. it has a dec 8 - 12 egg retrieval from the donor, which means a possible transfer on Dec 11th at the earliest, and 17th at the latest (but thats estimating) so excited!!
yes I still have the northern cold in mind.. brrrr, lol!
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oh and I just had photo shoot with Tina Zak Photography ( http://www.tinazak.net/ ) for the girls.
this is my favorite image, and I plan to have this one blown up to a very large print, framed and hang on my living room wall!

Finished the screening process

2008-09-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

finally got the blood work and urine need for the screening. That was the last thing for the screening.
We also have had the contract signed as of last week, and I have been on BCP for 3 weeks now.
We are looking at a Dec transfer. looking like the week before Christmas. I am excited, yet not. It is going to be so cold there. I have a hard time with the cold!!
so things are looking up so far!!!
YAY
IPs are doing good. I want to have more contact with them, but I have not been able to due to being so busy at home, with the house and the kids, and the husband etc!
life goes on :)

the ball is rolling forward a bit

2008-08-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

I got news in an email from my IPs that they received they contract today. They will have to read over it, and see if anything needs to be changed and then have it sent over to me to review.
CFA has also sent an email today regarding ultrasound and blood work. They informed me that they now fly the surrogates out to CT for their screening instead of having it done locally. That stinks, but hey I gotta do what I gotta do. They did say they would ask Dr D if I for sure have to fly there, esp since I have worked with them before and had my screening done here. Hopefully I don't have to travel for the screening, that would stink, its a long flight, and from the airports, its a long drive to get to the clinic.
Well see what happens.

I am officially 25!!

2008-08-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

well the day is coming to an end, and I have to say it was a good one. My 25th birthday.
I got to sleep in this morning, thanks to my hubby Paul. He also got me 2 cards, one from the girls and one from him. They were both cute. He also got me another priceless gift, we are in the trial mode of it right now. Thank you hunny. We went to see "Hancock" at the Star Cinema Grill, and ate wings, while my SIL T watched the girls.
I was also very surprised when I received a flower delivery around 2:00. I was sure my mom sent flowers since she hadn't sent a card, or a gift, and she usually does that. No, they were not from her, they were from my new IPs F & L. They are so wonderful, and the arrangement is so beautiful. Thank you Thank you!!
see here

My dad sent me a b-day card, with a gift card to Lowes. I am wanting to get a new gas stove in the near future and the $ will go towards that.
MY MIL came over with cup cakes, a single tres leches for me, and a "money tree" with $20 in dollar bills strung on the leaves.
My SIL also came over and got me one of the wipe off boards, mon - fri, just like the one she has that I had been eying and wanting for awhile.
and thanks to all for your Texts, myspace comments, and messages!! I heart you all for thinking of me on my birthday!!
~Amanda

I forgot to show off our new kitten..

2008-08-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

We don't have a name for her yet (any suggestions?), and we arnt even 100% shes a girl either. But were are pretty sure..
We adopted this kitty August 4th. We got her from one of Paul's friends. The momma had had these kittens June 6th, and now the friend needed to have the kittens addopted out as they had too many cats already. These cats were not even officially hers, I guess you can consider them the neighborhood stray, that decided that they were going to live at B's house and so they did, and B and her family sorta adopted them by feeding them..
anyway she is really good with the girls, the girls are ok with her, they need to be alittle more gentile. and Merlin our boxer just wants to play with the kitten, haha.
here she is.. all gray..
with Valerie of course

I feel so good I feel so great, yeah!

2008-08-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ah, I sigh of relief now that I am back with my good ol agency Circle. They have matched me again with the most wonderful IPs F & L, who are in Switzerland! (7 hour time difference than here in TX)
We had or first phone call earlier this evening and talked for an hour the first go around, (we missed L on the first call) and then about 30-45 min on the second call. All went well, we clicked very quick, and we all are into our "match" and very ready and eager to move one step closer to making F & L parents! (as this will be their first child/children)
Circle has all of my medical records, and sent them on by Dr Doyle's office for reviewing, which has already been completed. I also have my MMPI psych screening completed as of my last journey so hopefully that will be one thing we can save time on and skip.
I am also VERY excited to be working with Dr Doyle and CFA again. woo hoo :)
~A
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I have also signed up for a new message board as of 2 months ago called hotcouponworld.com
I have been getting deals like crazy! things for free, nearly free, and things with overage!
I wish I would have checked into this sooner. I just think for the longest time I thought it was too good to be true.
there is a system and a rhyme and a reason to how its done, but the site helps out with all of that.
anyway, here is some of what I have been up to regarding the couponing I am speaking of!
do YOU know the real value of a coupon!?!?!
take a gander at some of my coupon related pics
MY organization
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020041.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020042.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020047.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020049.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020054.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020055.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8020056.jpg
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and my ever growing STASH
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060062.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060063.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060065.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060066.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060067.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060068.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060070.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060071.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/couponing/P8060072.jpg

Officially UNMATCHED !!!! .. back to square one

2008-07-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

ok, so I knew I should have just stayed with ONE agency. The agency I knew was a good and reputable one, and one where I knew the way things worked since I had successfully completed one journey with them.
All I have to say about R & M is WOW.. and not a good wow. I feel lied to and deceived. Not something myself or Paul could move past. If you know me well enough, or have seen it posted elsewhere, you will know the details on what excatly happen when Paul and I flew to PA July 23-24th for the medical screening and in person IP meet.. nothing on our end was the problem just to say that.
cheers.. heres to matching with a great couple working with Circle Surrogacy, and working with Dr Doyle at CFA again..

Matched AGAIN....

2008-06-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

yep you read correct. I have matched again.
The first journey went so fast, I am on to help another couple.
I officially matched Last Friday, July 20th, after Paul and I had a 1 hour conference call with the couple and the agency's IP coordinator.
This time they are from the states, Pennsylvania to be exact. R & M have no children and we have chosen each other to move forward in this whole journey/process called surrogacy.
We are still in the very early stages of this whole process, and are playing the waiting game, hopeful we can stay patient through the tick tock of the clock.
Paul and I will be flying to Pennsylvania for a marathon day of screening at R & M's clinic in Philadelphia (Penn Fertility) in the near future Once the clinic has okayed my medical records we will have that date set up.
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other things happening here in the house of Vs.. Veronica has been potty trained for a month now!!(accidents are minimal!!) .. :) FINALLY, at 3 1/2 years old.. ahh what a relief.
lots of Play-Doh and Coloring in coloring books..
here is a cute pic I took of the girls today!

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oh and hallelujah we got a new wireless router.. our Linksys was CRAP.. hopefully our new Netgear will be AWESOME.. so far it is!!! it even looks 100xs cooler than the linksys!

Whats going on now?

2008-06-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well I guess a lot is going on.
well except I don't have any baby Victoria update news as of yet. I just emailed my FIPs (former IPs) and asked for an update, and some pictures. I don't know how that will go over, I sent them an email May 8th, and didn't get a reply.
Little miss Victoria Turned 2 months old yesterday.
. Am I doing another surrogacy....?
well...
As soon as I had Victoria I knew I wanted to be a surrogate again for another family. I even knew during the whole pregnancy, and even before that I would probably want to carry for more than one set of IPs.
Now here I am looking at doing another journey. I posted an ad up on SMO for an independent search for IPs, and but also let my former agency Circle Surrogacy know that I would like to do another journey with them, and if I didn't find a match before the 3 months when agencies will start to match you after a delivery, then I would work with them again.
So far I have had no matches independently, but came close a couple of times, but no go on those. I did put an app with Melissa B. lawyer/agency and they thought they had a match, but I am not comfortable with selective reduction "just because”, so no match there. I don’t think I’ll be working with them, a little too business like, and I haven’t heard great things about them. My thinking is if you REALLY don't want twins or more, then don't put back more than 1 embryo at a time. If you are having to have a surrogate, and go through IVF then you should be happy with whatever you get. But hey I am not knocking anybody for thinking differently than that, because to each his own, and I stand by that. My opinions are only that.... my opinions.
So far I have my profile all set up, fees updated and me and Paul agree on all of that which is awesome, he is finally putting some thought into this along with me. I guess I am just waiting on the perfect couple to see my profile.
Oh and yes I am working with Circle Surrogacy again, I just had really good experience with them my first journey, and I would like another good experience with them.. Oh and if YOU decide to work with them, Tell them I sent you! :)
I know it isnt that far in-between pregnancies, but I really enjoy being pregnant esp helping others add to their own families when they can’t do it all themselves.
Hope to be adding more updates on that, soon!
oh and great news about Veronica my 3 1/2 yr old.. She is FINALLY potty training! woohoo!
I thought shed be in diapers forever, lol, not really, but I was getting so tired of no interest in the potty. I just said one day to her, "no more diapers", and really it has been great since. She has had a couple of accidents, and wears a pull up at bedtime and nap time. But for only been at this for about 2 weeks, it is going great.
:)
~Amanda V.
Here is our families most recent pic. I just got a new mini tripod and was testing it out!

My feet are back to normal...

2008-04-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

well, I thought I'd share what my feet normally look like, after seeing them being blown up and huge.. now they look so skinny after looking at them big for so long.

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and heres a pic of Victoria at 4 days w/ her eyes open. I just found it while loading the foot pics, lol.
she is 4 days old.

Visiting with my IPs now complete family

2008-04-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

So my IPs came over for a visit, and I FINALLY got to hold Victoria in my arms, instead of her in my ribs, lol.
They also came with their AuPair, and their 3 boys.
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just Victoria and I

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Veronica, me and the baby Victoria

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outside with Victoria

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left to right- IF, Ronan, IM Lorna, baby Victoria, Myself, and my DH Paul

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Myself and IM handing over Victoria

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Me and IM

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Moms with their children!

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and just a couple of Victoria... her legs are still a little froggy from being breech for so long!!

Happy BIRTHday Victoria

2008-04-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

6:30am Wed I woke up, feeling like it was "the day". I had been feeling that way since the night before. I took a walk around my neighborhood to maybe stimulate anything that would be happening that day. After walking 45min, I got home. I didn’t notice having contractions that were too hard.
7:30 I decided I wasn’t in real labor, or it was too early and went ahead and left for school. I was having more and more contractions the whole way there. They kept getting more and more painful. I was almost there when I had a really painful contraction and decided that was too painful and turned around. I called my Dr’s office on the way home, which they told me to time contractions and call back in 1 hour.
8:30 I went home and when I got inside my room to tell Paul I was in labor, I started to have a contraction and all of a sudden my water broke!! My underwear and pants were soaked, but of course I wasn't sure it was “my water”at the time and Paul kept telling me to "stop peeing on the floor!". I got dressed and put on a giant attends pad from my previous births, incase of leakage. We got the girls up and dressed and drove them to my mother-in-law’s house. Paul also made me sit on a towel, so as to protect our car from fluid.
9:30 We then headed to the hospital. Well we stopped off to get Paul some coffee, and I called my IPs to tell them I was going to the hossy and that I would let them know when and if it was time to come to the hospital.
10:30am .. We arrived at the hospital. Everyone there was wondering what was going on since I never had any “real” appointments, and the Dr just saw us when we arrived. They finally got the Dr, and we went in for him to check everything out down there. I was then told I was 3-4cm and the dr could feel the baby's bum with no bag of water, so my water DID break! I then sat up and looked down because more fluid had come out, and now it had brown/green all in it. It was baby poo, since breech-butt first babies have pressure down there and have Bms during labor and delivery. Dr made a prediction of the baby’s arrival time between 4:30-5pm.
11:00am I was admitted, and I had to have oxytocin because my contractions started to get weak. I dilated to 5cm at noon.
2:00 I was checked again, where I was told I was still only 5cm. What a let down. I think they turned up the oxytocin then , because that is when the real pain started.
3:45 I was 8cm, this time there was lots of baby poo coming out so we knew we were close. Paul was very grossed out by the poo, and said the Dr got it all over his arm. I decided not to look. At this time I asked for the epidural. The epidural they gave me was a joke. I could feel and move my legs fine. I started to get pain and pressure to push soon, and I was moaning in pain, and trying not to push. They then told me the epidural was not like the other that I have had, because she was a breech baby, I could not have much medication from the epi, since I was going to have to push her out being backwards which is harder etc.. so I was 9 1/2cm and then 10, pushing..
4:45 We had to leave the labor room, and go to the O.R. and deliver in there just incase I needed a c-sec. I had Lorna come in w// me since only 1 person could come. By then I was on the flat hard O.R table, my legs strapped into these 2 giant boot stirrup thingys They set everything up in the O.R. just incase, the arms on the operating table, sticker heart monitors for me, oxygen mask, OMG too much for me and too cold. The room was also filled with LOTS of people. Most just staring watching me, the “breech”, which my mom heard a couple of residents in the hallway refer to me as.
5:00pm I started to push, and it was so hard. I have never had to work and push that hard EVER. I was SO tired pushing, and I had to count to 10 pushes, in sets of 3. so breath, push 1-10, breath, push 1-10, breath, push 1-10... plus being on a flat surface, I had to reach and grab my legs, pull my self up like a sit up, hold my breath, tilt my head down and PUSH with all my might.. I really thought they were going to have to cut me open because I had no strength to push, and I felt like I was doing nothing! They had turned off the Oxytocin while on route to O.R. so I had no more help really, and the pain was great.. I prayed and I think that is what did it, I did not feel I did that on my own! Also in between contractions I would lay flat, and just close my eyes, at one point I pulled off my oxygen mask. And I was complaining of heartburn indigestion. Which some guy gave me something for that earlier which tasted like sour ass, and didn’t help anything just gave me a worse taste in my mouth along with the acid taste. I would also peek for a second at the numerous people just standing around just waiting for the next contraction.. Just nothing like any delivery I had ever had. Or could ever imagine happening.
5:15 She did finally come out and it felt like one long head, or delivering 3 heads all in a row. It was really painful and lengthy. In a head first delivery, the head would come out, then all easy from there, nope the most painful part came last part for me. Her butt, legs and arms were delivered, I felt each movement they made, and each limb they pulled out because it was very painful. After that, they grabbed some special forceps, and inserted them on each side of the baby's head, and tilted her whole body including her head, up and delivered her head that way, and OMG that was very painful there..
Victoria Eliza was born 5:15 pm 4-08-08, 7lbs 3.9 oz... ..my girls only weighed 6.3 and 6.6 !. They said her cord was long. and then my I.M. got up and went to see the baby. During that time my placenta would not deliver, and they had to go in, yes go in, and rip it out, that was another kind of pain as well .. and that was AFTER they had already stitched up my 2nd degree tear! I have never had any problems like that before. I had to be stitched up again, and this time I told her she had to get some numbing meds.. So after all that I was all cleaned, and moved onto another table. It was then I started to shake. I was jittery and so cold. And so freaking drained and tired!
5:50 We all got back to the labor room, Paul and my mom came in, and the baby was wheeled in and my IPs came in the room as well. I had covers pulled up to my chin and I was shaking still. Everyone was holding the baby and taking pictures, They asked if I wanted to hold the baby, I told everyone I wasnted to hold her later since I was so shaky and tired.
6:05pm My mom and Paul then left to get me some dinner and my IPs left to get dome dinner while to baby went to the nursery. I then fell asleep for 45 min, and woke up to hospital food, yum and yuck at the same time, I was so hungry anything would have tasted good, lol. But then my mom and Paul came to the rescue with baked potato with chopped beef on top! Yummy yum.
My I.M. ended up rooming in with me. We got special treatment and got a private room, which Is hard to come by in a county hospital. The room was very tiny and we could barely fit, and had to move my bed just to get L a fold out chair in the room for her to sleep on. Baby also slept in the room, and she slept part time in the bassinet, and then on my IM’s chest. I was still so tired so I didn’t get to hold the baby while in the hossy. I did get to hold her when their fam came over for a get together, with Victoria a couple days later.
Here are the pics I have.
the blurry pics were taken by DH. I left the camera setting on "close up" photography, and he doesnt know to check for things like that..
DH though this was funny..
the life of a contraction..
ouch..

ahhh

owww!

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this was taken immediatly after delivery when I got back from the OR.. I was SO freaking cold and tired.

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and a not so good pic of the IPs with the Victoria (notice IM in the gown and hat, she was with me in OR when I was delivering)

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and the room I shared with my IM and Victoria.. it was cramped for sure! but thank god we didnt get roomed with 4 others which almost happened.. I was thankful for this when I heard where we woulda gone.

and IM took this of me..

Dr visit today

2008-04-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

well I went to the new Dr again today. quick visit. he just checked my cervix for dilation and then we talked about delivery and induction.
he said I was about 2cm dilated, and cervix wasnt too effaced (shortened).
He said he really didn't want to induce since that would increase the likely hood of us needing a c-section, plus the only window next week would be Wednesday the 9th, he wants me to page him on that day and tell him how things are feeling to me. basically If I still haven't had the baby on my own by my due date of April 13th, then we will induce that next week, 14th -17th
if that happens it will be the longest pregnancy I've ever had.
I have this feeling though that I will be delivering on the 9th. I'll be praying for labor for sure.
~A

OMG are they going to explode?!?!

2008-04-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

38weeks 4 days.. The swelling is oh so bad! and oh so gross.. can't wait for this to be over, and I can have my scrawny little feet and ankles back!

38 weeks 4 days .. belly pic

2008-04-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

these are better to compare with the others since they were taken in better lighting.
Oh, and notice the new shower curtain in the background.. matches the theme now, how cute?!

belly @ 38 weeks on the DOT

2008-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

38 weeks

Another attemp at the 3D ultrasound place

2008-03-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well I went in for another peek at this little one, now at 37 weeks 3 days.
of course she is being miss prissy, and hiding herself again. We did not get any really good shots of her face, AGAIN. Hope this girls parents know what they are in for with this little one!
we did get some pics.. really good ones of her right foot, which she is hiding behind, lol.
to see ALL the pics.. click link to see the whole slideshow..
http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/flame_chick/?action=view&current=3dc4504d.pbw

foot

leg and hidden face

hidden side view

and ok pic of her face

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The swelling continues

2008-03-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here at 37 weeks.. The swelling continues.. and is starting to freak me out.

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Woah, check this out..

and one more for the road.. lol

Vaginal all they way.. .. yay - 36 wks 5days

2008-03-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well I went to see the new doctor at the new hospital today. His name is Dr. Yaomans.
After almost getting the run around at the hospital since he said I didn’t need an appt, I thought I saw him in the hall, and stopped him. It was him!! I had looked up his bio online and saw his picture. I was so surprised that he just happened to walk by, and I thought to say something. I have no idea how long I would have waited if I wouldn’t have seen him, and I let those ladies give me the runaround. We didn’t even know if he would be able to deliver me, or I’d be switching to him for sure yet.
He took us in his office, and we talked for a short bit. He explained his experience delivering breech vaginally. He also said that baby and I had to meet certain criteria to be a good candidate for vaginal breech and for him to deliver me. He also said that if we didn’t meet the requirements that he would suggest I go back to my other Dr and have a c-sec. I would feel a lot better if this man suggested I have a c-section, than my regular Dr just flat out saying to have one.
We had an ultrasound to check the babies weight, and position. To be eligible to vaginal delivery, she has to be between 6 - 8.5 lbs ( she measured 6lb 2oz by this U/S machine), not be looking up which they call “star gazing” ( she has her head looking down, chin tucked in). Also the best breech position for baby to be in is Frank Breech, which the legs are extended and the feet are in front of the face (which is what she is). The baby met all her requirements. Dr also had to do a pelvic exam on me to see how my bones “down there” are, and if there is adequate room for this delivery. I met my requirements as well (lots of room to move a big baby if needed, lol), and we are on the road to a vaginal delivery again! He also said my cervix is softening, and I am already dilated to 2cm.
He did bring up the External Version to turn the baby, but he said he wouldnt say try it, since it is painful and not 100% effective, only about 50% and thats only Drs. that are good at the procedure, he said about 20% effective for the others. He said he usually tries them for 5 min, with no type of anesthesia. He said baby is such a good canidate for delviery in her position, that well just skip it, and I agree.
I will not be having this baby before April 6th if she doesn’t come on her own. Dr Yaomans wants spontaneous labor, but he will consider induction after 39 weeks which is after the 6th.
This new hospital is LBJ Hospital about 45 min away from me, but totally worth the drive for this Dr. it is also not a private hospital, but a county learning hospital. both small sacrifices to try for our vaginal delivery!
-- oh I forgot to add that my feet are getting sooo swollen lately.. ugh they hurt and they look freaky! I pressed my finger into the side of my ankle and the indent lasted for several minutes.. time to put my feet up. LOL.. I need to share a pic.. keep an eye out for that :P

Another breechling baby update.... 36wks 3days

2008-03-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

I knew going into the apt today that she was still breech. I told the U/S Tech that I knew she was breech still, but if she didnt believe me she could look for herself, lol.
Well during the US I asked a couple of questions. I found out she is Frank Breech with her feet by her face, she is facing towards my back during the ultrasound.
When the Dr came in, He still suggested she could turn although he doubted she would on her own. He did say we should talk about the external version, and scheduled another apt for monday to maybe schedule one.
I pressed the issue of delivery breech vaginal. we talked back a forth. He said most Drs dont deliver vaginally and would be almost impossible to find a dr to deliver me. I kept pressing it, since this baby is frank, and I have 2 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries with little pushing. I looked up breech deliveries online and discovered I fit into the ideal vaginal delivery canidate.
He finally thought of a dr he could recomend me to. He became optimistic when he remembered the dr. He had actually trained my Dr and delivered some breech while he was learning.
He called that Dr to see if he still delivered breech, and he said he did. My dr said if there is a good canidate for breech vaginal, that I was it.
The "new" dr said he can see me friday between 8-12. He is sill going to talk version as well, and I know I could still end up with a c-sec, I just don't feel right rolling over and just having one just "because". (if I went into labor tonight I would have a c-sec though since I havent seen new dr)
MY IPs seem optimistic as well since finding out baby is frank breech.
this does mean I will me changing my delivery hospital, and I'll need to find out what to do with all our paperwork. Gotta do what we gotta do.
hope I didnt leave anything out..
oh wait.. I did have a Webster technique session at a chiropractor today. totally weird since I have never been to one. It was very nice to lye on my belly, the table had a fold down part where my belly could go, lol.
No movement from baby during or right after procedure, I think she was just tired and sleeping. She had been up and very active just before the O/B visit. The adjustment was nice though, and I may go back again.
..ok there I think thats the end from today.

Looking for ways to turn baby..

2008-03-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for ways to get this baby to turn and be the right way..
I have come across a few things that I could try.
1 being accupunture related, something called Moxibustion
2 trying a chiropractor, and getting one whos knows the webster technique
and a bunch of other things basically saying to elevate my bum, and put myself more or less, upside down so maybe baby will turn.
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I have a friend who went to American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), and graduated about a yr ago.
She moved to Dallas, but I asked her about getting a treatment somewhere here local in Houston.
She recomended going to the school's clinic.
I made an apt with one of the OB accu specialists. I didn't know for sure if she could help. I did some research online about Moxibustion, which is without the needles but with burning moxi near the accu point near the pinkie toe. sometimes used with needles I read. I had the apt today at 1:30.
the intern came in and asked a bunch of questions, she was very nice. She told me she was pregnant as well, 17weeks and just found out she was having her 2nd little boy. how neat. She went to get the Acupunture Dr to see what treatment would be best. As soon as she walked in the room, she said "wow you are due" and started to explain to me how the baby was too big, and how there wasnt much fluid for her to a turn with the treatment. She had me lay on the table anyway, and felt around on my belly. She could feel the baby's head, and she commented on how big she was since I was 36 weeks 2days already. she said if I came in sooner maybe around 32 weeks the treament would be more likely to work.
I would have come in sooner but the thing is I hadnt had an U/S since 20 wks (22-23weeks at the 3D ultrasound!!) I had no idea she was head up.
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I still have my ob apt tomorrow for my 1 wk checkup and another U/S.
After that apt with a local chiroprator to get the Webster technique done.
I found him and another lady through an online site with a list of registered chiropractors with the knowlegde to do the webster technique.

So the swelling has begun..

2008-03-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is the swelling that has started now at 36 weeks.
Notice the indents on my ankles from the socks!!
Never really had any swelling when pregnant with my own girls.

PIc 36 weeks! - (35wks 6 days)

2008-03-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ultrasound says shes BREECH!! wow

2008-03-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

well this is something I didnt even think about..
I went in for my appt, at 35wks 5days, and the ultrasound tech informs me baby is in the breech position.
I have another apt wed to check her position again.. maybe she will turn??? maybe not.. :(
Dr is giving 3 things that could happen.
1. hope she turns on her own.
2. c-section
3. try an external version ( where they manually try and turn the baby from the outside on my belly)
poo poo!! I do not want a c-section, for me or this baby
and I just got over worrying about my 3hr glucose! (which I passed flying colors thank god) Plus the Strep b test was negative, woo hoo.
now this.. I know everything will be fine. but I cant help but just be down about this finding.

Am I really 35 weeks...

2008-03-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Time is FLYING :)
some updates-
I have passed my 3 hour glucose test with flying colors, thank God!
weight gain is good, and blood pressure is fine.
Looking like an April 9th delivery. I have school I have to work around lol.
I will be 39 weeks 3 days on that day.
35 weeks pics-

soo long since an update- 32wks pics - 33wks update

2008-02-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

Well I am 33 weeks 3 days today.
Everything seems to be going just fine.
The long gap between updates is due to my lack of internet at my home. It has taken some getting used to, but I had needed a break for a long time. I was addicted.
I can log on sometimes at school, and at friends houses, so no huge deal.
The pregnancy is going, and I am growing! There is practically no room for anything else except baby in there. I wake up at least 2 times a night to pee, and sometimes wake up due to extreme heartburn. My sciatic nerve is pinched alot, and those trips to the potty from the bed can be painful. Eating is a feat as well. No room for food, and when I do eat I get full and overly full very quick which is painful.
This last pic is 32weeks 2days.

24 weeks 5 days.. 25weeks... almost

2007-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

well almost 25 weeks..
I took these pics tonight. notice the background. we are remodeling our shower and bathroom floor, in our Master Bath. Tomorrow we start the tile.

Christmas from the IPs

2007-12-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

So I got a package in yesterday from Dublin Ireland. It contained something for everyone. My IPs sent Paul a U2 CD the Joshua Tree, of course Irish band!
Veronica and Valerie each got a silver bangle (bracelet) with a cute charm. Val a butterfly, and Ronnie a ducky.
My IM picked out the most beautiful necklace for me. She sent it with a note saying -
"Amanda,
This is a very special design piece for a very special person! We wish you a happy Christmas, and a happy and successful 2008. Love, L and R.
the piece is called "Heart of Gold" how sweet!

3 videos from the 3D 4D 2D ultrasound - almost 23 weeks

2007-12-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

I uploaded 3 separate videos all from the same session/DVD .. I had to record them with my digital camera in segments.. the DVD is 53 min long.. so I uploaded about 4 min total of the 23 wk ultrasound video
they are the 3 newest ones added today.. dont confuse it with the older one taken at 10 weeks, lol..
oh and no sound
as you see her face is pressed right up against the placenta so the 3D 4D images arnt great.. shes too cozy
also in this first video you can see the tech giggleing my belly trying to get the baby to move so we can see her face better in 3D 4D.

more 3D 4D

and just some 2D

23 weeks belly update - pics

2007-12-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Well I guess I havent had an updated belly pic since 11/23 and that was at 19wks 5days.
I am 22 wks 6days, well a couple hours from being 23 weeks.. so lets just say 23 weeks pregnant. hmm about 5 1/2 mo pregnant.
Oh, and I painted the girls bathroom if you can tell in the background, it matches their "under the sea" theme in there now. their bathroom has the purple shower curtain (which I know doesnt match, but working on that, lol)over the shower/bath combo. (some of the other belly pics are in my bathroom, the one with the stand up shower with glass door etc)

Seeing Santa 2007

2007-12-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

They were all excited to see Santa. and I hadn't waited until Christmas eve to get them, so it was going good.. well we got up there and Veronica did not want to look at him or sit with him.. nothing new.. but Val saw her sister acting this way and decided she didn't want to sit with him either.. so they say on my lap, and I sat next to Santa... oh well..

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and for a refresher..here are the ones from previous years.
this one is the mall "official pic" Dec 06 (at least val would sit with santa last year, lol)- oh and it was taken Christmas eve 06.. ugh the line was killer

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and this one is from a small GTG at a daycare same Dec 06-

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and the worst.. Veronica's first Christmas 05 - taken on christmas eve mall almost closing.. the santa was scary, and at another mall from the one I normally go to now

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oh and I played with the picture editor with this one.. man his beard was soo yellow! I wished it was white like this, :P

22 weeks 3 days - had a 3D 4D ultrasound

2007-12-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

So I want to surprise my IPs with an actual video, pictures, and keepsakes from her ultrasounds. They can not come for any of the visits being as they are in Ireland busy with work and their full house and kids school etc. SO I figured I would make the trip to the elective ultrasound place where you can pay and theyll do a 2D 3D and 4D ultrasound, they have pictures they will print for you. They will also make you a DVD of the session which I think the IPs will LOVE! The session didnt go great, the little one was still laying transverse and in a weird position, she had most of her face covered by the placenta so the 3D pics had to be at sort of an angle, and it took awhile to get each shot. She also had her hands above her head and in some pics (the 2D) you can see her legs and feet were thrown up at her face! she is sure comfy because she has not move much from this position, even though I feel her move alot!
Anyway, here are some of the pics, maybe I can take a short video of the DVD I had made and post it. it is very long, so I'll have to do clips only.
hope you can make out what they are

20 weeks 1 day preggers - 20 wk ultrasound

2007-11-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Had my 20 wk ultrasound today. It was nice to see the little one again, since the last time was at about 10wks. Everything measured perfect. She was all snuggled into my stomach kinda right below my ribs, laying transverse. The tech was saying how shy she was, lol. She had to point the ultrasound sensor at a weird angle just to get a decent profile.

here are the pics I got.

19 wks 5 days - another pic

2007-11-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

Doesn't seem much bigger, but I do think I can say shes "moving on up" lol.
I am having my level 2, 20 weeks Ultrasound Nov 26. so excited.

18 weeks pregnant

2007-11-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

Not much belly growth since 14 weeks, but I am sure she is getting bigger, as I feel her kicks getting stronger!

14 weeks pregnant

2007-10-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

my belly is popping out. I have also felt her move for the first time!

its potty time

2007-10-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

well, I though maybe if we went out and made a big deal about getting and leting them pick out a potty it would help them get excited about using it.
we went to target, and they had a few potties, and I showed her a dora one, and she didnt like it, she kept telling me "put it back, put it back."
so I showed her the royal potty seat and it sung a short song, and she loved it. so we go that one.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Royal-Potty-Step-Stool/dp/B000JNN6Q8

well we get it home and we set it up and after dinner I asked her if she wanted to pee pee in the potty. so we took her diaper off and she sat there, and she wanted to use toilet paper like I did , so I gave her a piece, and she wiped her dry bum, I went down the hall to the laundry room where our other purchased items were, and then Val went into the bathroom and wanted to brush her teeth, and then Veronica started to get up and down off the potty, I was in the laundry room about 3 yrds away, they can see me, and me them. well I went back in to the bathroom and was opening my new swiffer vac and I heard the song play.. I thought NO WAY, did she really just potty.. and I asked her to show me, and she got up and we all cheered. it was so great. yay. I called Paul and told him and he was so excited too. hurray for potty!

12 week OB apointment

2007-10-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

I went in for my 12 week apt today.
I have lost 1lb, which isnt much, but I'm sure next visit I will gain a ton, lol.
My testing came back good. No ultrasound this appointment, only a heartbeat check via fetal doppler.
It took the nurse a little while to find the baby's heartbeat, but she was looking too high. She finally found it, but I almost got to have another ultrasound if she couldnt find it.
I am feeling fine, still very sleepy in the afternoons, and very rarely I have a short cry for no reason, other than a emotion show or commercial. then I just laugh about it :)
I guess I can start sharing the "belly pics" lol
I just got this dress a couple days ago clearance for $13 at Target, and I love it! its oh so comfy.. here I am 12 weeks 2 days pregnant

Ultrasound 10 weeks 3 days preggo

2007-09-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

I had my 10 week apt this morn. I am 10 wk 3 days today. I brought my 2 1/2 yr old with me, she didn't want mommy to leave the house without her! I did leave my 1 1/2 yr old at home with daddy though. DH was tired because he worked last night, so he chilled at home with Val.
you can see baby's heart beating away, and moving about. and Veronica saying baby baby in the background. I didn't even have to tell her. I guess she knew from the other ultrasound pictures I had shown her.
oh and I didn't post this sooner because I took a trip to the children's museum with my friend and the twins she babysits... the twins via surrogacy and how I found out about surrogacy. she didn't carry them, but I was introduced to surrogacy through them.

got my doppler in today

2007-09-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am 10 weeks 2 days today. I got the fetal heartbeat doppler in today.
I was so anxious to use it I tried it as soon as I opened it. of course with no battery charge I did not pick up anything. So I plugged it in and waited for the night time.
After it charged for awhile I decide to try it again.
I layed flat on the floor and used Astroglide instead of the gel they sent, and it worked better. I heard the heartbeat, and it was about 160 BPM (beats per minute) which is great.
got it on video too.

another Ultrasound today 8wks 3 days

2007-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well more great news. I am back from my 8 wk 3 day ultrasound. Got to see the little one’s heart beating away again, and she even moved for a second. Thats it for the RE (reproductive endocrinologist/ fertility specialist)appointments, and will now go to my regular OB/GYN for my next apt. which will be September 17th 9:30am. Here is a pic, and a video from the apt. The RE is so nice as to let me record it.
Don’t know if I’ll have anymore ultrasounds until the 20 week anatomy ultrasound.

first Ultrasound TODAY

2007-08-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Had my first pregnancy ultrasound as a surrogate after IVF. I am 6 weeks 1 day pregnant.
I was running behind for my apt again. traffic accident up the freeway. I was also so close to being out of gas, that made me even more behind. I was only 5 min late though. then I waited for 45min to be taken back, and then another 15 min waiting with no bottoms on for the ultrasound.. I though I was going to have an anxiety attack, I was just so nervous and excited.
finally the RE came in and we did the U/S. she let me video a little with my camera, but it is hard to see. the little girl is so tiny, and the heartbeat was so small I could hardly make it out.. thats right I said HEARTBEAT. sooo cute lil thing. I got some U/S pics, and my IM wanted me to text her so I did. didn't hear anything back yet. the ultrasound video is a little hard to see, I had to delete it and upload it again, there was a weird buzz sound and no sound of us talking. so . the RE has the arrow from the mouse over the baby during a little of it pointing out things. and then we see the heartbeat... AMAZING

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ok.. it was a half good day.. heres the bad half
I almost lost my job today . I have worked there for 5 years, and there is stupid things I am getting in trouble for. 1, I have an attitude problem. 2, I like to go home sick on Fridays, 3 Fridays within 6 mo is a pattern, and now I am on an "action plan" 1 more incident and I'm fired, also I have until Oct 6th to get my attitude in check and also #3, I dont count my register regulary. those are the major things, there is also other things they brought up. I don't even want to work anymore. but I am the one who carries the insurance, and I need it for the surrogacy, and my kids and family. its stupid retail used bookstore, but I have to keep my job. UGH I am gonna figure something where I can quit my job after this surrogacy.. I miss my girls and I dont wanna miss them growing up anymore.. well my job sent me home for the day, I was so upset...
but now I am with my girls

Ultrasound tomorrow

2007-08-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

10 more hours until my first Ultrasound tomorrow 8:30am.. I will be 6 weeks 1 day pregnant.
We should be able to see the heartbeat. I am so nervous. I wasnt even this nervous on transfer day.
Yeah, yay then I have to go into work. boooo.
I have been so tired lately. I never nap normally. But since being preggo, I have been sooo tired I have napped at least 30 min everyday, sometimes more.
And my bum hurts from the daily Progesterone intramuscular injections, ouch.

Its my birthday

2007-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

I turned 24 today. YAY. I got a 14.1 cf upright freezer from my daddy. Paul got me a very pretty jewelry box, I already filled it up, lol. He also got me a 6ft tall, touch to turn on lamp. I also got alot of very nice cards, some with money. Thanks family. I also had dinner at The Texas Roadhouse Grill. It is one of my favorite places since it has opened.

3rd Beta

2007-08-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Beta is 2061, very good #s , doubling time 37hours. Feeling very pregnant these past few days. I feel the fatigue kicking in. And Boobs are sore. This is gonna be a long 9 months. I am 5 weeks 1 day preggo today.
First Ultrasound is scheduled for Aug 20th, I should be 6 weeks 1 day pregnant.

Here is the progression of the pregnancy tests from Aug 5th to Aug 13th

Another beta blood draw

2007-08-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Made it to my apt on time, and got the blood draw, and the results came 3:45 after calling 2 times, I am so impatient, and anxious. These results are again positive, and the # is 214, doubling time of 36 hours, and they needed to be withing 48 hours. YAY everything so far is good. Another apt Aug 13th.

Beta HCG blood test TODAY

2007-08-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the first beta HCG pregnancy test day.
Can’t resist taking HPTs before I leave.
Very positive this morning

APT is at 8:30. Just my luck I hit BAD traffic, 18 wheeler accident on the overpass, and I was stuck for an hour. I have a good feeling about the resluts, I aldready feel emotionally preggo, lol, almost crying to a song playing on the radio. I made it around 9:30 and had my blood drawn around 9:45.
All day thats all I could think about is the results. I had to wait until Connecticut Fertility got the results, and then they had to call me.
I got the results around 3:15, and... I’m PREGNANT. The beta # is 54! Now I go back the 9th for another test to see if the #s are doubling like they are supposed to.
I called R & L about 3:30 (9:30 their time) and told them the wonderful news. They are so excited and L sounds as if she is going to cry, and I am feeling the same, almost crying. They are still cautious as anything could happen, and it is very early. Due date will be April 13th 2008.

Blood test tomorrow

2007-08-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Blood test is tomorrow, and yes I have to test more.
Morning test, generic online cheapie

and bottom test in this pic is from this morn too

bottom test here is from this evening.

Surprise

2007-08-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

Aug 4th - I skipped testing today.
recovering addict

still so excited - addicted to the tests

2007-08-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have to use more tests, I wait until the evening. And the 7.5dp5dt are the results from today. (Bottom one on this first pic) ( and the 7.5dp5dt means, I tested 7 ½ days past a 5 day old embryo transfer)

and all these are from this evening too

Back to work - and HPTs

2007-08-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Aug 2nd - Wake up, take some pee sticks 1st thing.. What I see are evaps. Some online frinds don’t think so and tell me they look pos. Thanks for the pos thinking!

Well all day, thinking about those evaps, got me wanting to know for sure, so I planned to hit up CVS for some different HPTs. I got a couple boxes of differnt tests and set my way home to take a few. I rip open the boxes, and pee in a cup to use for the tests. This are the results of the afternoons pee sticks. (Top one is supposed to make a +/- plus or neg sign for the results)

a blue dye test,( NOT a +/- test)

an Accuclear pink dye test

Well those look more like positives to me than the others.. But I still can’t believe it. More online gals tell me pos+ tests, and then tell me to try the digital HPT. Now that is the answer of all answers. Ok, I am going to prove these glas that they are evaps, and not positives. Grab one of my digital tests, rip it open and dip it in. I wait and wait and wait.... Nothin, no answer, blank screen. Dead batteries test. ARG, I only have 1 more left, but I am gonna show these gals. I grab my other one, rip it open dip it in and hope it works.. The hour glass pops up and starts to blink. Thank God it is working. I am so nervous and excited, I dunno what to think or do. I run and get my camera to take a pic when the answer pops up to post it onlie. Well after I got it and took a pic, I realized I can video it as it happens. Just my luck the batteries are too dead to take video. I ran as fast as my legs could go and get new batteries, and change them as fast as lightning.. I made it in time. Actually more than enough time because the video has like 20-30 seconds of waiting.
View the video I took.

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and just the results pic.
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Wow, I was wrong. All the tests I thought were just evaps were actually positive and I was SO happy! I am not to tell L or R until the blood test Monday August 6th. This is going to be hard.

More tests

2007-08-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

More negative tests. Trying to stay positive.