9 Weeks

We have officially entered week 9. In my opinion things are going great. I feel good just really, really tired. I have pretty much given up on shopping, picking up the house. Everything just stays in disarray. I'm not used to being so disorganized but I'm just too tired to even care :) I'm grateful for our house keeper...thanks Annette!! (And my IM) I know things are growing in there, any extended standing leaves me with painful cramping and stretching feeling. The doctor said it's from my ligaments stretching for my super fast growing uterus. I don't feel like I look pregnant yet. Although, according to what I've read and seen, by 24 weeks my uterus will be the size it would be with a full term singleton. So, I'm sure I will start growing very quickly very soon...that's only 15 weeks away.

I got some really fantastic news today. We've been struggling to quickly find a nanny/cook for the house, there just doesn't seem to be a demand for experienced people in my area. Nothing seemed to work out or feel right. My mom and I previously talked about her coming to stay with us to be our nanny....who wouldn't want their mom in this sort of situation?? Nothing is better than that! Due to their travel situation, there wouldn't have been able to come up until the middle of February but we need the help now. She called today and said, "I'm coming, I'll find a way and will be there next week!" I was thrilled and felt so relieved at the same time. The search was over, I'd have my mom and help...the best of both worlds. I'm so lucky to have my wonderful parents, supportive husband and incredible IP's! Life is good...

Going into this new year, I am certain this is what was meant for us. This will be a challenging journey for me, my family and friends but I know it will bring us all closer and we will have 4 wonderful babies in the end.
We have decided to hold off on anymore unnecessary ultrasounds until the normal 12 week ultrasound quad testing. I will be released to my OB starting at 11 weeks and we'll be off from there.

The nutritional requirements are hard. The ideal calorie intake is around 4500 calories and 225 grams of protein each day. We have converted to shopping all organic at Trader Joes and cooking everything from scratch. My goal is to pack on some weight between now and 20 weeks...around 40-50 pounds. That equals to be about 3-5 pounds per week! Sometimes it feels like an uphill battle, every time I get on the scale, I weigh less instead of more...I've lost nearly 5 pounds so far. My appetite has been less and I normally have to force myself to eat so I know it will get better once I start feeling better. Just hope that's soon! I've read a number of other blogs by quad moms who had the same struggle and overcame in the end. I just takes so much to help these babies get big and strong.

My very thoughtful IF sent me a package from Amazon that I received in the mail yesterday. He told me that when he found out about the quads, he had been listening to an audio book on CD in his car while on his way to work. He said it matched perfectly with the miracle that was happening to us all and the bond it created. So, he purchased the same CD and had it beautifully gift wrapped and mailed to me. It made me so happy to be so thought of and cared for. I am looking forward to listening to the CD's while on bed rest. (the book is called "The Secret")

Thank you to all my supporters around me including my wonderful coworkers. Thank you for the prayers, encouragement to eat and emotional strength. I couldn't do this with out all of you!

Happy New Year...it's going to monumental!!!

8 weeks

We had a second ultrasound on Monday and the quads looked great, all growing well, next appointment in 2 weeks. I'm feeling good, no morning sickness just a little more tired than normal. I'm hoping to stay off bed rest until at least after 20 weeks but we'll see how things go. My IP's just hired a house cleaner who starts next week that will come twice a week to help out around the house. I'm currently looking for a nanny type person to hire to see my children off to school each morning and cook the necessary health food I will need throughout the day while on bed rest. I'm looking forward to getting acquainted with that person to ease any worries of how my family is cared for. My kids seem to be understanding well and always excited to help mommy.
I reflect back on this process each day and although many have different viewpoints, I wouldn't change a thing. These babies are meant to be here, I was meant to do this job and I will be successful! I'm grateful for my IP's and look forward to life long relationship with them. I won't be satisfied until all four of these wonderful little ones are safely in their parents arms.

The Ultrasound

My surrogate journey started in my head before any of my own children were even born. From the first time I heard of the idea, I knew it was something I wanted to do for someone.
With the support of my husband and as soon as we were done having our own 3 children, I began the process. I was quickly matched with a wonderful couple from another Country. They had 1 young daughter already and the mom was praying for a large family. In November 2009 I gave birth to their son. They decided to try for one more and asked if I'd help. I agreed and off we went.
On 11/17/10 the doctor transferred embryos into my body. I spent the next 2 weeks having blood test and just waiting. They confirmed I was indeed pregnant through a blood test and I anxiously waited for our ultrasound on 12/14/10 to find out how many were growing. I new there was more than one but that's all I knew.

My husband was thrilled to attend the first ultrasound with me, he proudly stood by my side holding and rubbing my hands. The technician quickly turned the monitor away from me so I could not see what she was looking at. She then looked at me seriously and said, "I need you wait a minute then I'll show you the monitor." I knew right then something was coming. I watched my husband's face as he stared at what she was seeing. I could see her mouth moving as if she was counting or seriously thinking, she turned and said cheerfully, "Are you ready?" "Ready for what?" I said. "To know how many there are!" She said. Oh my gosh, really? When you have to prepare me for what you're about to say, it can't be good. I would never say what she said next was bad, just shocking....4! She yelled it out with excitement. I started shaking and couldn't hold back the tears. It was so unexpected and unknown and new and wow...what are we going to do? Luckily, my wonderful husband Gus was right there, he kept saying we'll be ok, this was meant to be.
Later in the day I got to tell the parents over the phone. I made sure they were sitting down and spilled the news. She was shocked as well and almost speechless, I'd say. She was happy, of course. She got right to the thinking part and ok, we can do this. She called me a clever girl but seemed slightly disappointed that the doctor misled them a bit.
Since, she calls each day and asks how I'm feeling. We are both online constantly researching nutrition and what to expect for the next few months. We both know that bed rest is in the near future and I'm going to need help at home with the kids and the household chores. She is always there to support me, every step of the way.
Wow, what a journey we have ahead of us.
These little babies were meant to be on this earth and with my help, they shall!!!