Grace

I am writing this story on the day Beth delivered. I was unable to attend this momentous occasion, but I must say that my thoughts were with her most if not all of today.

Not often do I have time to reflect on a Surrogate Mom’s journey, but today as I sat in airports and airplanes making my way home, this is exactly what I was able to do. I titled this story “Grace” as it describes Beth perfectly to me. Some think of Grace in terms of beauty or poise. Although Beth does possess these things, this is not what I was referring to. I guess you can say it is a matter of style for her. She makes life easier for all of those around her. Beth’s concern was always for the Intended Parents. She wanted so much to give them the child they so desperately wanted. And she welcomed them to experience the pregnancy as much as possible.

Although there are no words that her Couple could ever say to express the gratitude they most certainly have in their hearts for everything Beth has done, I expect that the look on their faces when they saw their son for the first time will be the expression that Beth carries with her forever. For all Surrogate Mom’s, it is at that moment that their own desires, the very reason that they called me, are fulfilled.

Congratulations Beth and thank you for handling every step so gracefully!! August 16, 2007 marks the day that Paul Vincent was born weighing 7lb 9oz changing the lives of his parents and of Beth’s forever.

Brat!!

In Layla’s co-worker’s own words:

Little Carolina was born on July 16, 2007 at 12:41pm. She weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 19 inches long. Mommy & Daddy are home in San Diego with their new bundle of joy doing just dandy. Layla is feeling pretty good too. Layla has broken her two previous records and has cut childbirth to an hour. BRAT!

Finally!!

After years of dreaming about him, Hugo’s parents were blessed with his arrival on July 5, 2007. Sherry truly made their dreams come true when she delivered their son who weighed 7lb 15oz.

Family Extension

Randi was proud to help build this beautiful family on June 28, 2007 when she delivered Elizabeth and Jacob weighing 6lb 12oz and 5lb 9oz, respectively.

Endurance Training

Michelle could probably be certified as a mental endurance trainer. She decided to be a Surrogate Mom long before this dream was finally fulfilled. Even through the rough patches and when months turned into a year of trying, she stayed true to her desire. She kept reminding me of how strongly she felt her purpose in this was. I couldn’t believe she was so determined.
One of the best parts was when she was telling her surrogacy experience and birth story to all the gals in Group; she said it was everything she dreamed it would be. It is such a blessing when everyone’s dreams come true. May 25, 2007 Michelle brought Diego into this world so two people could know their dream of parenthood. He arrived weighing 8lb 13oz.

Angels

After what seemed like a life long struggle to have a baby and then add to their family, Ciena’s parents knew Dana was their Angel. This was confirmed on May 19, 2007 when Shane was born weighing 7lb 12oz making this family complete.

On Their Own Schedule

Lizzeth carried these twin girls with such ease, it hardly seemed real. But reality arrived on May 9, 2007 when Sandra & Irene were born weighing 5lb 3oz and 5lb 8oz, respectively.

Proud Big Sister

Vanesa’s last tour of duty ended on April 10, 2007 when she delivered Marta’s baby brothers on April 10, 2007. Alvaro weighed in at 5lb 5oz and his little brother Alejandro weighed 5lb 4oz. This family is complete all thanks to Vanesa!!

All Surrogates Go To Heaven

Leticia’s day started off as normal as every other day. She helped her sons get ready for school and also to pack some extra things for their stay at their aunt’s house as she would be away at the hospital for a few days. Her boys were familiar with the routine as their incredible mom helped make the dreams of two other Couples come true in the past few years.

I picked her up at her home and we made small talk all the way to the hospital. We took what seemed like a million pictures with Leticia and her Couple, Leticia and me, anyone passing by….well you get the idea. The excitement for what was to come started to get the best of us. We could hardly stand the anticipation!

When a woman has a C-Section, it is normal that the anesthesiologist meet the patient and discuss the procedure. Normal was definitely the theme of that morning. I’m not sure exactly when it changed, but I do remember clearly that it had a lot to do with our anesthesiologist. She was becoming quite affected by the affection Leticia’s Couple would show her through the window in the OR and by everyone’s reaction when Hugo was born. She had tears in her eyes.

I know firsthand how beautiful this process is and I am moved beyond words when each baby is born to his or her parents. But I have to admit I was surprised by this doctor’s emotional response. She didn’t know any of these people. How could she be so affected? I was somewhat perplexed. As I wandered back and forth between Leticia’s bedside and Hugo’s bedside, she told me that I was the luckiest person on earth to witness such genuine compassion on a regular basis. I immediately agreed with her, of course!

I found this special doctor at Leticia’s bedside before she was going on to her next case. She told Leticia that Heaven has a special place for the kindest and most generous of people and she certainly was going to this special place. She said nothing else, just patted her hand and looked at her for a moment before she left. What was that look? It was the same look that a Mom has when she beams with pride over her children’s accomplishment but it also had a hint of gratitude. She was thanking her for being such a truly good person. How great is that?

Hugo and his family agree that Leticia is truly a gift to all of us. March 16, 2007 is the date Leticia’s third and final surrogacy ended. But the gifts she gave this family and the two Couples before them, will never end. Thank you, Leticia, for sharing your heart and your life with us at Building Families for many beautiful and wonderful years.

She Weighed What?

Rebecca doubly surprised everyone, especially Megan, when her arrival was almost a week late on March 9, 2007 and she tipped the scales by weighing 8lb!