Happy New Year!

11 years ago tonight I was in labor with my first child, it was one of the most amazing days of my life.  On 12/31/99 I became a Mom and we welcomed our first child into the world.  That moment was life changing in so many ways and one of the biggest factors in why I chose to pursue surrogacy.  If anyone asks my husband what he enjoys most about the surrogacy experience, he will quickly answer the delivery.  To this day, 5 labor and deliveries later....he says it the the best part.  He loves sharing the experience with our IPs almost as much as he enjoyed it for himself.  Nothing motivates me more in that moment then the anticipation for his joy, it charges the room and all who are in it.  During our last delivery of Surrobaby #2 in May, he was affectionately named my "Dude-la".

My deepest congrats to all those who have achieved their dreams of parenthood in 2010, and for those who hope to in 2011!

Location, Location, Location!

One of the most frequent question I get from IPs is about location?  I have come to realize that the perfect match is usually a long distance one.  Thankfully modern technology makes communicating regularly a breeze.  The most important factor when it comes to location is where is the baby going to be born.   Obviously we work with surrogates that live in "surro-friendly" states.  It is sad that not all the states allow surrogacy.  My answer to the location question is choose a carrier that is a good match to you and the trip with be worth it!

Happy Holidays

It makes me so happy to think of all the IPs celebrating their first holiday season with their new baby or babies this year, and even more excited of all of those who will be in 2011.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful women who are willing to be surrogates and give the greatest gift of all...a child.

Too many choices!

I am thrilled with a recent comment from one of our IPs.  "You have given us an impossible choice, they are all perfect for us and it is too hard to pick"  I loved it and my response was simple, "there is no way you could choose wrong"  and I believe that.  I strive to provide IPs with the most important thing...a choice.  I know who I think is the best choice, but it is not for me to choose.  My goal is to provide IPs with a great selection of matches and let them pick who is the right match for them.  It is usually some silly, insignificant detail, that I might have never known, that is the deciding factor.  A great match is the key to any successful surrogacy and I consider myself a locksmith, LOL!

I don't like bullies!

As someone who strives to bring people together in the surrogacy process, it is so hard for me to deal with people who are the opposite.  I have a potential GC who is amazing in every way and would make an ideal carrier.  Her administrator has now taken on the job of making her life miserable.  For some unknown reason she has a problem with surrogacy and is inventing ways to threaten and bully this GC to prevent her from doing this.  It is one thing to choose that surrogacy is not the right path for you, but to be forced to the decision is an injustice!  Nobody should be backed into a corner by their employer, especially when it involves their personal life and a personal choice.  I am offering my support and resources, but it just doesn't fee like enough :-(

What an amazing weekend!

I spent an amazing weekend with surrobaby #2 and her parents and it reminded me again of how awesome surrogacy is.  I have these wonderful people in my life all because of surrogacy.  Seeing her grow and be so happy and healthy is a great feeling and really puts life and family into perspective.  So many people take family, and the ability to have one at will, for granted.  This cavalier attitude about fertility is a little shocking to me.  Being part of something so miraculous is worth all the potential bumps in the road.  I am proud of what I have done as a Mom and surrogate and motivated by all that I can do to help many other families grow.