3 months post partum

3 months have passed and some days being pregnant and having a baby for another family all feels like it was just a dream. It is a weird feeling. After months of injections, doctors appointments, communicating with my agency, getting to know the parents, sleepless nights, being just in general uncomfortable, giving birth, taking a day to recover before life came back full force ... it all went so fast.
Baby S is adorable as ever and doing amazing. I love getting updates and pictures of her. My kiddos love seeing pictures of her as well and often talk about going to see her - as if it were just down the road ;)
I just mailed the last of the milk I was able to pump to them officially closing that chapter of our journey. 390 ounces total .. it isn't a record breaker but for me was huge. I never pumped more than 100 ounces probably total, for my own 3 combined. My first would randomly take a bottle, but the other two absolutely refused so I never bothered with pumping.
It has been a crazy ride after giving birth. From a minor nose surgery for my middle to stop/reduce her nose bleeds, to blood work for everyone in the family, to an endoscopy to confirm my youngest child's Celiac diagnosis, and a brief stint in the hospital for myself over the holidays and my birthday ... all mixed in with life in general!
When blood work was taken to rule out/check for things in all of us, it came back that I also have Von Willebrand. I always said I was a "one and done" as far as being a surrogate went .. though after giving birth it was not completely out of the picture ... until now. Even though I have had 4 perfect pregnancies and deliveries, a bleeding disorder is an exclusionary disorder/disease/condition that would not allow me to carry again. And knowing what I do about it, I would not choose to risk anything now. I had to take some time to let it sink in - making the choice to not carry again is different from being told you can not carry again. I do not dwell on it though - I am extremely grateful for my own 3 beautiful kids and the beautiful child I was able to carry for someone else ... there are people who wish for nothing more than to carry just once.

In just about a week (January 26th) will be the 1 year since we transferred baby S to me and crossed our fingers that everything would work out ... and oh how it did. That was this couple's last embryo and chance for a genetically related baby. I took a pregnancy test just 4 short days after the transfer and saw that pink line appear - that was a tough secret to keep, but the parents did not want to know anything until the beta results came back 2 weeks later. My heart knew that something amazing had happened. And now, there is a family in another state loving on her so much every single second of every single day right now ... and all of that was just a hope, a dream - a year ago this time.


This is probably the last of the updates ... maybe I have said that once before? I can not recall :) I am not sure what else there might be to share. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a surrogate, please feel free to message me!

With Love.

The Birth of Baby S :: It's a Girl!

Baby S was born and given back to her parents on October 15 at 3:43 pm. Love filled every inch of her delivery room. 

On Sunday evening (her due date) shortly after getting into bed, I started noticing contractions. They were nothing big - perfectly manageable with just laying and breathing. They were coming around every 5-7 minutes. This continued the entire night which left me sleeping less than 20 minutes at any given time.
6am came around and I was just not feeling the greatest. I will spare some details there. I put a call into my amazing Doula and then the hospital to see what they wanted me to do. We decided to continue timing contractions (which still were lasting about 1 minute and coming every 4-5). I told my husband there was going to be a birthday and he should start calling into work for a sub and the kids schools. My husband started prepping everyone to leave for my parents - where the kids would be staying while we were at the hospital. We decided around 9:45am to start our drive south. My grandma was going to watch the kids at my parents for us until my mom got home from work early afternoon so we picked her up, and brought everyone to my parents. Contractions were lasting 1 minute and coming about every 3-4 at this point.
We arrived and met the parents and my doula at 11:15am in the lobby of the hospital. My husband and the dad sat and talked while the mom, my doula and I walked around in the hospital for almost an hour before checking in.
Last week when at my OB appointment I was dilated 3 so when we checked in to be monitored for the 20 minutes, I was hoping to see a bit of progression. I was about a 4. Not bad, but honestly not as much as I had been hoping for. The second the 20 minutes were up, I was up and getting in the large tub to labor for awhile. Contractions were still lasting 1 minute and coming about every 2.
I need to pause here and say - I could not have had more amazing people at my side during this time. My doula, who had been with me for 2 prior births of my own kids, my husband who recalled everything that was helpful in the past and the parents who were ready and willing to step in and help in every way possible. From counter pressure during contractions, to back rubs and jokes - so many jokes - I could not have been more grateful for each and every one of them during all of this. I felt nothing but love as they were preparing their own hearts for the arrival of their sweet baby. Our nurse as well was a true gem. She checked in, kept things light, was not pushy about checks or IVs or anything of the sort (just that they needed to happen at some point). 
I want to say I was in the tub about an hour, maybe hour and a half before deciding to get out for another check. Our nurse checked ... and I was only at 5cm. I will be honest here, it was a blow. I was hoping to be closer to 10 at this point. My water at this point was still in tact as well. She mentioned it was pretty thick but was sitting "right there" and was seemingly acting as a sling, in a sense, for baby which was causing her to not descend further. She gave us her expert opinion, and said if we broke waters - she thought labor would speed up quite a bit faster (Minor backstory - our third baby was born in his amniotic sac before it broke because it was so thick!). After a very quick consult with my doula, we decided to go for it and have them break the waters.
The OB who was originally going to deliver/be with us was in another delivery, so we got to meet the on call Midwife. She as well was amazing. She walked us through everything that was going on  ... and broke the amniotic sac.

Things start to get a little intense at this point. There was meconium present in the fluids which meant the NICU team would be called in and ready if there was a need when baby was born. I became worried for baby's safety, and also for myself not knowing if this meant an automatic c-section (it did not). No questions asked though, I would have done anything for baby to come into this world in the safest way possible.
The minute she broke waters, I went from 5cm dilated to 10cm and pushing in 2 contractions flat. It was the most intense, and in a way scary few minutes because of how fast everything was moving. I will admit I was not ready for that or expecting it. The midwife never moved from where she was because of how fast things went. I had to remain on my back and in the bed just because of how fast everything was moving - not my ideal vision but it was what worked. A few times my doula had to put me back in check - I did say once I could "not do this" - but she reminded me I was/am strong and yes I could. I knew I could and would do it. I recall my husband looking at the parents while I was pushing/in between pushes as we got very close that that they really needed to watch their baby coming out - because they would only have this one chance and it would not happen again. My husband thinks birth is a pretty cool thing so I am happy he was there to help them know where to look. Earlier in the day he mentioned jokingly to not worry about where they were looking because soon all modesty would be out the window!
I was not closely watching the clock, but I believe within 10 minutes baby came out and was placed on my chest. It was the plan that I would hand her to mom - which still somehow happened with help. I was given the honor of sharing to the parents that they had a sweet baby girl (a secret I have been holding since the 20 week anatomy scan!) - and let me tell you that was such a gift to tell and watch their faces! SUCH a gift. I believe I said something to mom along the lines of "here is your baby girl". You guys - my heart exploded with happiness in that moment. Dad came back a minute later asking if it was a boy or girl because I think he was just too excited to really take in what just happened!!
Baby girl was taken quickly from mom to be checked out and very shortly after being placed in the warmer gave that beautiful baby cry. She was 8lbs 15oz and 22 inches! Not the biggest in pounds baby I have delivered, but for sure the longest!! And she was (and is) beautiful.
Mom started skin to skin once baby was cleared (no need for NICU time thankfully!) right next to my bed. It was again a gift to see their first moments bonding and taking each other in while work on me was finished up by the midwife.
(Maybe too much information for some ... but I somehow escaped this without any tearing. I believe the midwife was a huge factor in how she handled baby/me during the delivery). We spent about an hour or 2 in the delivery room as a group and then everyone was moved into our own rooms, next to each other, for recovery and bonding.

Reflecting a bit. I have always felt lucky to be in a position to even be a surrogate. People would say how amazing it was I was doing this, the gift it was, ect. I will say while I knew how big it was - I never realized the full enormity of it until the moment baby girl was placed back in her parents arms. In that moment a family came together and dreams were made. It is still hard to describe the feeling of it - but it is something I will never forget and something I feel so lucky to have to hold onto. I am so, so excited for this family and feel nothing but incredible love for them. 

I gave space to the family the rest of the evening and nurses during checks let me know they were all smiles and cuddling with their sweet little one. That was all I needed to hear. You don't get much sleep in a hospital so I wont say that necessarily happened for me- but I did watch some garbage tv and no one asked me for a cup of water or chocolate milk. So there was that. And there was ice - hospitals have the best ice. I admit though I did miss my own little humans and husband during the night. My husband stayed for a bit and then left to go back to my parents to take care of the kids there for the night. He brought them up around noon on Tuesday to meet the baby and prepare for my discharge from the hospital. My kids - especially my older two - were instantly in love with her. They were so excited holding her and just taking her in as the little person she was - not just the baby in my tummy they had come to love. They sang, read books to her and just hung out. My oldest did cry when it was time to say goodbye - she has such a sensitive heart and I was curious how that goodbye would go. I reminded her that she would always be able to send pictures, letters - see pictures and keep in contact with the parents and baby. I also reminded her how important her (and her siblings) roles were through all of this. They were a huge part in helping bring this family back together - from sacrificing things they wanted to do because I simply couldn't, to supporting me in their own ways and just loving this baby as she grew with us until this moment ... I hope one day she can fully understand how big this was for her as well. And who knows - hopefully there will be a day we can visit and see them in person again - I know our family would love to at some point.

There are people I need to thank in my own life that helped me make this all work. Because it was never just me.
My husband. From the from mention of "I want to be a surrogate" he kept an open mind. We talked, researched, discussed ... and he supported me every step of the way. Always made sure I knew he was there and trusted me. From travel and transfer, nausea and cravings ... to the aches and pains and being completely in the moment where I delivered another couple's child. I could not have gone through this without him. Babe - I love you so much and I am so lucky to have such a strong partner in life and role model for our kids.
Our kids. We talked about everything with them and took in their feelings. And they opened their hearts to the idea of me doing this for another family. To loving on a baby for months and months ... to having to say goodbye (for now) to a baby they came to love and want to help take care of in my belly. They always knew this baby would be born and live with its mommy and daddy ... but as much as you can never prepare your own heart for things - I knew we could never fully prepare theirs. They have taken on a love for another family that I never fully realized was possible at such a young age. Their excitement for them, talking to baby about her parents while she was in my belly ... everything. I always have been, but will say it again - I am such a proud mom to my own children through everything they have allowed me to do for someone else.
To my parents - for trusting me that I knew what I was doing - that we knew what was right even when it may have seemed crazy. For taking on our kids multiple times and sometimes last minute. We knew we would need help to do this - and you were there. And my grandma for her last minute willingness to take on 3 kids while I was laboring. Knowing they were safe and taken care of allowed me to do what needed to be done in the final hours.
To my father in law for support and a late night here and there when we called. Knowing the kids were safe, taken care of and loved - while we made sure we got done what was needed means the world. I know it wasn't always easy to understand but it meant a lot to have still had your support for our kids.
To my amazing, amazing Doula. Once again you were a support from the first moment I mentioned this journey to the birth and even right now in this moment. You have this amazing way of knowing what is needed in any given moment that is magical - both in the labor and delivery room and beyond. Thank you for reminding me I am strong and making me realize it when I was wavering. To have been able to have you guide us through 3 births now is a gift. I could not have imagined any of this without you and I am so happy to know you as both my doula and friend.
To our family and friends and coworkers - for your love and support from the first time we mentioned what we were doing, to the birth of this sweet baby girl. And not only for us, but for this family you have never met and know nothing about - beyond that we were connected to them.

I am still processing so many feelings/emotions. None of them sad about baby/parents going home - just to be clear. I am so, SO excited to hear of the joy this baby brings to her parents. I wish everyone could know this incredible family - however you will just have to trust me. I walked out of the hospital with a huge smile feeling so calm about everything that had happened over the past few days - and months - and year.

Thank you for taking the time to read, the time to leave comments for me - I truly have read every single one and they mean so much. I consider myself an open book if anyone has any questions - please feel free to ask.

Much love,
Kristen

38 going into 39 weeks

It is hard to believe we are at a point where the baby could safely come at any time. Hard to believe that just in January, this baby was a tiny embryo that was living in a dish until transferred to me to care for.

I have not been too talkative ... I tend to close up a bit the closer to due dates I get. The OB can tell me only so much about how things are going, but in the end the baby ultimately decides when things will really start moving along. Typically I do not share too much either about what the OB says, just because it really does not matter - obviously I let the IPs know because they have a lot at stake and travel plans to consider and think about. Things are progressing, baby is head down and doing great. Those are important facts :)

I keep picturing the birth and being able to in a perfect situation, hand baby to mom and dad ... I can't imagine the feelings in that moment but I am so excited for them. Even more so, I can not imagine their feelings and emotions right now and every day leading up to that moment. This has been a pretty incredible journey and one that I still feel so lucky to have been a part of.

I get questions if I will do this again. The simple answer is no. There was nothing that went wrong, nothing I would change - but being pregnant takes a lot physically, emotionally and in terms of time. I knew going into this journey that it would be my only one as well. I wanted to help a family grow and some time this month, that will have happened. And our kids are getting older and just need more of us. From sports/activities, to some medical stuff we are getting under control for one and just watching them grow - I feel like the time is to focus 100% back on their needs even though I feel like, we have done a pretty good job of that these past 1.5 years with everything pregnancy related going on. I hope to bounce back quick to get right back into the chaos of our life!

If you ask my middle what she is most excited for - first she wants to know if baby is a girl or boy (she is hoping a girl, for the record) and then she wants to go ride rides at the big indoor place with me. Sweet girl missed her summer of rides at the amusement park so now she is eyeing the indoor one. I will need to find a way to grab some ride wristbands and make that happen as soon as I can for the kiddos. All of my kids talk to baby -  it is pretty sweet. The youngest says "hi baby" quite a bit and hugs my belly. The middle tells baby to come on out that it's parents are waiting and loves it so much. The oldest doesn't necessarily talk to the baby as much - but tells me she is excited for its parents and can't wait to meet this little human.

I could not have gotten through any of this without my husband. From the initial morning sickness when he picked up the slack, to being just tired and he not saying a word when dishes would build up or laundry might be sitting a while ... and now when I am just a bit slower to do stuff. He has never complained. I can't imagine a better person to have at my side for this.
And the kids. Who never complain, who ask the most random of questions at Dr appts perhaps a bit too loud at times while in bathrooms or the office ... and who care for this baby but know that it will soon go live with its mommy and daddy - I look at them every single day and remember why I am doing this. I can not imagine my life without my kids - even on the worst days ever - and I can not imagine the feeling of struggling to have children. To anyone reading who has traveled that dark road, or who is - my heart is with you. I have no clue of what you go through - but my heart is with you and I wish you everything and more.
And my momma. From taking care of the kids while we had appointments and the transfer out of state, to being on call right now for the birth and just overall supporting this even when I think she was a bit nervous for me before it all began ... we never could have made this go as smooth without her support.
And to everyone reading - I truly take every comment and hold it close. I have kept the journey pretty much to the group or my specific IG page not to overwhelm my personal page. So sometimes it feels pretty closed off from everyone since most of you know on my personal page I share our life story through photos and stories ... but knowing I have people supporting me/us and wishing this family the best as we go means a lot.

Now that I have been all sappy and crap. This will probably be the last post before I give birth. Crazy to consider but so exciting. My little one wants more puffs at 8:45am (don't judge, they are organic or something like that) and chocolate (almond) milk and I should get laundry actually started (it is sitting in the wash, just not on quite yet!).

With love and gratitude,
Kristen

This is 34 weeks

I can not believe we are this far. Time is flying and looking a head at September and my family calendar, October will be here before we know it!
Last week and this week I have worked concessions at a pro football game and a concert - both 9+ hours on my feet with no real break. It actually was not too bad - just really sore feet the night of and day after! It was fun though and we made some pretty decent money toward our daughters dance tuition. I would love to possibly squeeze one more event in somewhere before baby arrives, but I might need to have my mom go in my place and I stay with our kiddos!

Heartburn and acid reflux. Insomnia. Getting up every 20 minutes to use the bathroom until I actually fall asleep .. only then it is every 2 hours. Inability to take deep breaths. Daily headaches (it has been a 3 week trend now to wake up with them; blood pressure and everything else that might point to something larger going on has been normal for the record. We are making sure of that!). Chiro appointments 2x a week (such a help). Grunting when I roll over. The inability to sit for long periods of time. Constantly being tired .... This is 34 weeks. And it too shall pass.

I would be lying if I said this was a breeze. Medically, it is. And I am so thankful for that. There are some days I struggle emotionally just because I am so tired and am in almost constant pain and there seems to be no relief (but again, it will pass and I know that). I feel like I cheat my own kids of small things from time to time - like sitting on their floor at night for longer than 5 minutes because I just can not stand the pain or discomfort. It will all pass and be back to normal before too long.

I have had more people recently ask if it will be hard to give up the baby - more so than any other point. And as always my answer "I am not giving anything/anyone up - I am giving this child back". And as we approach the due date, I find myself more and more excited to hand this baby to mom and dad where s/he belongs and has belonged all along.

My middle just came over to request "mama cuddles" - and that is something I just can not pass up. More to come another time :)

xoxo.

29 weeks

It is getting hard to breathe.
Baby is currently breech and his/her head is sitting up in my lungs it feels like. I am finally giving in and making a chiropractic appointment to see if we cant make some room for baby to flip around soon. Just a hard pill to swallow - with everything going on with our middle kiddo, medical bills are up over $700 so far ... and we still have a few things to do before those will taper off., I have been saving every penny I come by. I would go to the end of the world for my own kids even if it means I sit uncomfortable for a while. Which I have been ... I just need some relief. So now that I have aired all that!
Baby moves around like crazy. All the time. Especially while I am trying to sleep. My belly button the other day was about 4" off center because of how baby was positioned. It was weird looking to be honest.
Everything is looking good at appointments. I go back in 1.5 weeks as we have started appointments every 2 weeks now. I had my TDAP booster at my 28 week ... I forgot how much they hurt! Though the pain was short lived thankfully (and let's be honest, at this point what is another injection ;)

I think that is about it ... there does not seem to be too much to update at the moment. Just counting down the days - time is passing  by very quick! I can not believe 30 weeks will hit on Sunday already.

People are very interested in surrogacy as they learn what I am doing (I have been getting a lot of questions after the kids will tell someone "we aren't keeping this one" since it seems everyone feels the need to ask my kids if they are having a brother or sister) - so it is pretty neat to share a little bit of it. I don't always based on time to be honest ... questions can get long and if we are in a hurry - I hate being rude. But most of the time we are able to spare a few to chat!

More to come as it happens I suppose!

heading into 28 weeks

Sunday will be 28 weeks and the THIRD TRIMESTER! Roughly 12 weeks to go ... seems like we just started most of this a few weeks ago. I honestly can not believe how fast this is going. Each week I get more and more excited for my IPs to meet their little one (though, I am trying not to wish the weeks away, I do love summer!).

If you see me here and there and it looks like I am wearing the same thing ... it's probably because I am wearing the same thing as the last time. So far I have been able to get away with 3 pair of shorts, 1 skirt, 2 casual dresses and 1 dress I made, plus a handful of tanks/t-shirts. I had to retire 2 of the t-shirts however, they are just not long enough anymore due to washing/drying and the belly (they were from my last keeper baby, so they have been through more than their share of wear!). I sewed up 2 tanks yesterday that will transition well for after baby for wearing with cardigans - so I am excited about those. I could sew a few more things but I have been only making stuff as needed - I don't go too many places where I need different outfits so I hate to make/buy clothing I might not be able to use after again. No complaints about it - I have been pretty proud of just going with the flow and making it work!

Baby is taking up quite a bit of real estate these days. Luckily mostly belly though it can be hard to breathe sitting for too long. I was struggling a little with the scale the other night - but remembered everything I have put myself through to get to this point and that feeling quickly - and I mean QUICKLY - vanished. Medications alone added 10lbs so taking that away I am right about where I was with my own kiddos. So again, not complaining because I said from the start I would do anything to make this successful - and we have!

Sitting on the floor with the kids is getting harder - mostly on my back. I tend to lay flat and put my feet up to help take the pressure off my back - which works well! I am still too stubborn to give in and pay for a massage. The husband tries to help but bless his heart - if he continues to do the dishes for me we can call it even ;) I might need to give in soon though - I hear the chiropractic office has a great massage therapist and their prices are no where near a salon/spa. Which, I do not need fancy - just effective!

My kids love feeling and SEEING baby move - which, baby is doing almost all of the time. I was able to point out the baby's butt poking up to my older two. They laughed and laughed and thought it was hilarious that we could feel that through my belly :) They all talk to baby constantly - mostly to say hi, goodnight and remind baby how much his/her parents love him/her.

Heartburn tends to show up whenever it feels like it. Sometimes it is intense, sometimes not as bad. Annoying, but nothing that can't be dealt with fairly easily.

We have toured the hospital, my doula and I have been in contact, and things are going along to plan. Very thankful for that. I will get an update to some vaccines at my next appointment and I believe at 32 weeks will have one last ultrasound to make sure everything looks good heading into the last few weeks.

I feel like that is about it for now ... happy everything is so "boring" and how it should be and hoping it continues that way!

xoxo

24 weeks and some truths

First, what a milestone. Everything with baby looks great. No gestational diabetes (thankyouverymuch).

Now. For the nitty gritty. 
Y'all.
I am full. At least I feel full. All. Of. The. Time.
I can only imagine it is something like sitting at a buffet eating constantly all day long. Except I eat once and feel that way the rest of the day. Baby just feels in such a different position right now than I remember. But who recalls the "bad" after it is all said and done ... I am guessing I do not!
I eat and I am so uncomfortable for the rest of the day. Sitting, standing, laying ...
Chocolate gives me heartburn/reflux too. Tums are my favorite bedtime snack. The berry blend has become a favorite. If I close my eyes I can trick myself into thinking it's a bowl of fresh fruit.
Just kidding. I can't do that. I am not a magician. I hope you did not believe me.
I also can not recall the last time I rolled over in bed without making some sort of grunting noise. Sorry husband.

(that's basically me rolling over)

I might break down soon for a massage or a few chiropractic appointments. That really helped with my own as far as being able to get a little more comfortable. Headaches come and go still - which is a bummer but something I am used to. Assuming an adjustment might help a bit with that. I am trying to save money for this upcoming year of dance/activities for the kids ... so it is hard for me to spend money on myself. Always looking out for the kiddos - though I would have it no other way.

Someone asked if I regret doing this with not feeling the best.
I can honestly say knowing what I do now, I would full force go for it again with zero hesitations (if we went back in time that is - this will be my only surrogacy journey).

I'll try to keep this to the extent of my complaints. I do hate complaining but I feel so fake if I say I am always feeling great. I am sure I went through this with my own and I came out on the other end just fine. I always do - I always come out better at the end. The difference is that this time two other people will come out for the better at the end of it as well. And that is the why, the reason, the purpose of this all. To help a family have what we have. A child they have yet to meet but have already gone to the end of the world and back to have.

So if you got through all that whining and complaining, thanks. It is nice to get it all out. If you see me out and about rolling around ... pretend it's normal. It will make me feel better, lol.

xoxo

23 weeks 3 days

It has been a long time since I have updated! It all feels so typical now that I feel like there is not too much to say.
The anatomy scan went really well. Baby is still a baby ... and growing perfectly. A busy little one too! Made me have to go back for another quick ultrasound about 2 weeks after just to have some more clear photos on file. IM was in town for the original anatomy scan which was really fun.
Both parents will be in town again Sunday to go to a baseball game with us and then we have my 24 week appointment Monday followed by a tour of the hospital. Glucose test time already - hoping that this pregnancy is no different than my own kiddos and we avoid gestational diabetes.

I am feeling great. Baby seems to be sitting high though - which is pretty uncomfortable. I always feel full and sitting for long periods of time can be rough. If I am being honest, sleep is the worst. I am up lately every hour and not really falling into a deep sleep. Getting comfortable is quite a challenge so I am feeling tired lately. It is all part of pregnancy though, so I am just trying to go with the flow! Baby is growing and looking great and that is the most important thing!

I think that about wraps it up really!
As always I am open to questions in the group!

with love
xoxo

Happy Mothers Day

Dear IM,

Happy Mother's Day to you.

This year looks a little different than next year will! Celebrate today knowing what the future holds and who you already have become. That person who I am guessing that in your heart, you have been for so long.
I carry the great honor of temporarily growing your little one. Today we are 18 weeks - almost halfway there! Time flies, as it always does and before you know it, you will be holding on to your sweet baby like you have been in your heart for so long. To say I am so incredibly excited for you - is a complete understatement!

I can't wait to see you in about 2 weeks!

With love,
K

17 weeks

Not too much to report!
The baby is doing very well. Heart rate was recorded at 155bpm last week with an ultrasound because the little ninja would not stop moving enough to properly document it on the doppler :) The ultrasound tech asked if I knew the sex (I don't, I promise yall!) and asked if I wanted to. Which while I personally enjoy knowing while pregnant - I do not see any reason that I know before the IPs know the sex of their own baby. To be honest, it is not bothering me as much as not knowing with my own did! Just knowing there is a healthy little baby growing and waiting for his/her mom and dad is enough for me!!
(baby is facing screen, it's arm cross the top area near the head)

I finally experienced the soul crushing realization that my favorite sandals (so, when I say favorite, I mean more like "I havent worn them in maybe 2-3 summers but they sounded really comfortable again and THIS was the summer I was going to wear the crap out of them". And by soul crushing - I was a bit bummed and got over it because you cant change it, lol) are now too small. I guess 4 pregnancies really does change the size of your feet! A bummer to ourgrow a pair of Birks - but I will need to watch for a deal somewhere/sometime and perhaps grab the Arizona style this time around! They last forever which is the nice part and were very comfortable.

Anyways - back to baby - because that is why we are here! Baby is starting to make him/herself known. Feeling more and more movement every single day. And every time I just wish IM could feel this instead of me. I am hoping when she is here next time baby will be strong enough to let her feel too! I remind myself what an incredible position I am in to be able to do this for someone else! The next appointment is the day after Memorial day. I am excited to see the IM again as she is flying in for it!

So far I have made 3 tops and 1 pair of shorts. I have 2 more pair of shorts planned along with a handful of other tops and tanks. Spring never came after winter decided to leave - but I am in no way complaining! I like warmer weather and not having to layer up for the cold!!!

More to come :)