Big Sister

*Mary wanted a baby sister and hoped with all of her might that it would happen. Her prayers were answered when Rosie delivered baby *Isabella on March 25, 2009. Isabel weighed a perfect 6lb 13oz.

Hopes and Dreams

Jesikuh heard her Couple say on several occasions that they hoped to have twins. They already had one daughter, Carolina, who was just a dream baby. She was so easy to manage the thought of two seemed more than manageable. Of course, I counseled everyone that we can’t be sure what will happen. But just as they dreamed, Jesikuh delivered two gorgeous babies. On February 23, 2009 Roman and Viviana completed this beautiful family.

Weekends In Riverside

I lost count how many visits *Jessica & *Josephine’s parents made to the USA to visit them and their Surrogate Mother, Kelley, throughout the pregnancy. Eventually, Breann and I joked with them that their travel agent must wonder what is so great in Riverside that they spend so many weekends there. Their little secret became well known on January 16, 2009 when *Jessica and *Josephine were born! I think that Riverside will always hold a special place in these new parent’s hearts.

On the Menu

The invitation list was long and the menu was incredible. *Lilly & *Andrew, with the help of their parent’s of course, had us all over for a feast to celebrate their arrival. And to honor their wonderful Surrogate Mom, Joleen and her husband David. They started the New Year with us as they were born on January 1, 2009. Alberto weighed 5lb 14oz and Lola was a petite 5lb 2oz.

Shannon’s Mission

I can typically tell in the first few minutes after meeting the new surrogate mom who her couple will be, even before reading through their profile completely. But in Shannon’s case, I knew after only speaking to her on the phone! She can definitely be described as someone whose heart is worn on her sleeve. Her true desire to help a Couple in this extraordinary way was evident. But then I read her profile and she wrote that she was not interested in working with an international IP. But the perfect match was an international IP. I wasn’t sure if she would consider it. So, I called her and only asked that she trust me enough to read a profile. The next morning, the first message I heard was from Shannon, barely able to speak as she couldn’t stop crying. It was clear that she agreed with me that this Couple would be her mission. I called her and we cried together (Shannon does that to you!) and then we all started an incredible journey together.

As can happen in the process, it was not an easy road. It was a year before we actually received a positive result. Each delay or negative result, Shannon handled with grace. She and Dennis gave her Couple unwavering support. Their bond grew stronger over the many months and they clearly had formed a real friendship. They shared celebrations for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and by the second year they were doing it all again. I imagine they will continue to have contact on all of these special days for many, many years to come. I love and respect all of my surrogate mothers, but when I personally manage a case and literally go through all the emotion, up and down, with them, a special bond occurs between me and them too.

When we finally confirmed Shannon was pregnant, I vividly remember having mixed feelings. I was thrilled beyond words that this Couple was finally going to have the family that they dreamed of, but this also meant that our journey would have an end date. Thankfully, the pregnancy was “easy” or at least Shannon made carrying twins look easy. She glided through the next 7 1/2 months, almost to 38 weeks, which is incredible for twins. For all her efforts and Dennis’ incredible support throughout the process, they deserved life-long recognition, so their Couple gave the children their names. On December 14, 2008, Inez Shannon and Angel Dennis were born weighing 6lb 6oz and 7lb 2oz, respectively.