Michelle’s Surrogacy Story

Family Ties

From the moment I met Michelle’s Couple, they often spoke about their family and especially their nieces and nephews. They were a very proud Aunt & Uncle. Then when they met Michelle and her family, they instantly became a part of each others family and were named Honorary Aunt & Uncle to her kids too! Although they were very happy loving all of these children, they were ready to become parents of their own little bundle of joy. Michelle made their dreams come true on February 17, 2004 when their gorgeous baby girl named Lorca was born and she weighed 7lb 13oz.

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Miriam’s Surrogacy Story

In Sync

It is so strange how children can be in sync with their parents even when they are thousand of miles apart….and not even born yet! Although Gustavo & Guillerme’s parents thought they were arriving to California with plenty of time to get settled, relax with Miriam & her family and even visit Disneyland, this was not their children’s plans. They must have heard Miriam say that their parents were arriving on January 13, 2004 so they decided they wanted to arrive then too….and they did! So after a relatively easy twin pregnancy (At least Miriam made it seem that way!) Gustavo weighed in at 5lb 12oz and his brother, Guillerme, arrived shortly after weighing 6lb 3oz.

2003 Carol’s Corner

When is the next newsletter?? I hear that quite often. Although I do not write this newsletter often, you can always stay up to date by checking out our website. With the reminders I receive from our webmaster on a regular basis, the website remains a great source for current events in the world of Building Families. Thank you Keith!

As many of you already know, I spent 5 weeks in Spain this past July. It was the best trip ever for myself and my family! Although the sites were incredible, the most memorable moments for us revolved around the time we spent with the families we helped to build. I say we in a very broad sense. We, as in Building Families which includes the professionals and most importantly the Surrogate Mothers. But also “we” as in my husband, John and our kids, Jenny & Johnny. Their support has allowed me to be personally involved in every case that enters our program and together we establish beautiful relationships with many of the new parents of our program.

Our trip began in Madrid where we were so well taken care of by the family of Jaime, Alvaro & Ignacio. They hosted a reunion for the families who lived relatively close to Madrid which was absolutely wonderful. It was amazing to see these kids ranging from 1 to 4 years old and their very, very proud parents. Then Arnau’s parents gave us a car and a map and sent us on our way to visit the rest of Spain. Oh, and a cell phone! Which came in handy when we were lost in the middle of the night. Since Arnau was still getting up at night we didn’t feel too badly calling at 1:00am asking for directions! Haha!
Eventually we made our way to Barcelona where we had another reunion hosted by Arnau’s parents. There were many kids there too ranging from 6 months to almost 6 years old! I thought I was dreaming! Every moment was so wonderful. I want to thank all of the families we visited for hosting myself and my family during our whirlwind visits to your cities. And more than that, I thank you for continuing to share your precious lives with me. Also, the pictures and notes you send throughout the year bring so much joy! Thank you, thank you!

You will see some pictures throughout the newsletter, but to see the many pictures I take, log on to our website at www.buildingfamiliesinc.com

Last but certainly not least. I would like to take a moment to recognize a few persons and say a few words. I have already mentioned my incredible family and how much I appreciate them. I want to also recognize Chris Dacquisto and her exceptional husband, John and their beautiful girls Nicole & Brooke. I know I don’t say how much I appreciate all of you near enough. Although Samantha Wood’s time in our program was brief, in that short time her contributions were significant. Our lives and hearts were touched forever by Samantha, Tristan and their boys Aidan & Kail. Good luck in Virginia! Melissa Lund has been instrumental in the creation of our new Egg Donor Program and maintaining its integrity. Truly this program would not be what it is today without you Melissa! Thank you! Dr. Radojevic, you have my endless gratitude for your constant dedication to not only our Programs but to the support you give to every individual you encounter. I wish to welcome Tami Reyes & Ericka Menor to the Building Families team. Your efforts are so appreciated by every one of us!

This past year has also brought some difficult times to those near and dear to us. We offer our condolences to all those in our program who have suffered a loss this past year and to everyone who has ever lost a loved one. Dr. Dru Carlson was an amazing woman and doctor. She has touched many lives in our program and will never be forgotten. I won’t name any others to preserve their families? privacy, but you know you have the thoughts and prayers of all of us. However, I will name my husband, John and his sister, Marion, as they and their families all suffered a great loss this year. Their dear Mother, Hilda Weathers, passed on to life eternal in February 2003. I pray that they and everyone who has suffered such a great loss find comfort in their faith now and always.

I wish you all a Joyous and Beautiful Holiday Season. God Bless,

Carol

Holly’s Surrogacy Story

Power of Prayer

After Holly and her doctors tried everything to stop their arrival, Jackson, Ivy and Anna Belle decided to bless us with their presence on November 17, 2003. This experience gave us all a lesson on how powerful prayers, love and determination can be. Their continued progress is a true testament to that!

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Vanesa’s Surrogacy Story

Red Cross

During the Couple’s visit to California, the Intended Mom had a medical complication and without immediate medical assistance she could have become gravely ill. Even before I considered that Vanesa might be their surrogate mom because she had just cleared into the program just days before, I enlisted Vanesa to help me with their medical situation. I needed someone in San Diego who spoke Spanish to help them through the hospital process and Vanesa immediately came to my mind. She dropped everything and took them to UCSD Medical Center where she demanded immediate attention for this woman she didn’t even know. She took such great care of this Couple and after considering their experience thus far, it was so obvious that they would be a perfect match. A bond was formed between them that day as Vanesa gave of herself to help this Intended Mom and it grew even stronger through to the day that Vanesa gave this Couple another wonderful gift, Delia, who was born on November 16, 2003 weighing 6lb 7oz. And their bond is still going strong!

Melissa’s Surrogacy Story

Marta’s Vacation

I wonder if Marta initially understood why she traveled from Spain to California. Although everyone kept speaking about the baby that was coming, she was busy having such a good time visiting the many places that Southern California offers. All she seemed to know is this was the best vacation she had ever had. Then suddenly on August 28, 2003 things changed in a big way.

At first she was only slightly interested in her new baby sister, but as the days passed she became very possessive of little Ester who weighed in at 5lb 8oz. I’m sure the day will come when she will realize how important this trip was to her and her family. It brought her a sister to share her life with and another daughter for her parents to treasure forever.

Rosanna’s Surrogacy Story

Mission Accomplished

This year brought many challenges to several Surrogate Moms and Rosanna was no exception. She too was put through many trials before she could finally achieve a pregnancy for a special Couple. Then during her twin pregnancy, her husband “S” was sent to Iraq to assist our country in its mission there. I was amazed at how well Rosanna handled every situation that was handed to her. Even with the complications that a twin pregnancy brings, she managed beautifully.

Rosanna brought endless joy to her Couple’s hearts and lives on August 3, 2003 when “H” & “C” were born.

Lisa’s Surrogacy Story

Small Circles

When I matched these two together, I didn’t realize how much they would have in common. They shared some friends and co-workers too. It was a pleasant surprise to us all!

The involvement of the extended families made this journey a truly enjoyable one. So it was no surprise that the grandma-to-be attended the birth of her grandchildren along with the proud parents. On June 2, 2003 the hopes and dreams of Lisa’s Couple were fulfilled when she delivered Nicholas Dean weighing 6lb 1oz and his bigger sister, Natalie Rose who weighed in at 7lb 2oz.

Connie’s Surrogacy Story

A Champion

Connie had so many hurdles to overcome once she decided to be a surrogate mom, I was sure she would quit. I would not have blamed her if she did. But she refused to let anything stop her. She was determined to help a Couple achieve what she and Vince knew was the greatest thing on earth…parenthood!

Her last embryo transfer was given the same odds as the previous…..Little hope. But Connie followed the instructions regardless of the odds and was as surprised as the rest of us when I screamed, ?You?re pregnant!? Then we called the parents to let them know. At this point with each prior attempt, they were disappointed but handled the news well. This time when we called with the positive result, the Mom started crying so hard and hysterically that the Dad thought it was negative again and that she had snapped! As he was embracing her telling her how sorry he was, she between sobs was able to mutter, ?No, no…that’s not it. She’s pregnant, she’s pregnant!?

Although Reagan came a little earlier than we had planned, she arrived as healthy as can be on April 28, 2003 weighing in at a petite 4lb 2oz.

Piya’s Surrogacy Story

No Language Barrier

Piya was so happy to learn that the Mom of the babies would be staying in California for the duration of the pregnancy so they could share in the pregnancy together. “Mom” was from a foreign country, living in Los Angeles and traveling to San Diego for doctor’s appointments and other visits. It was quite overwhelming at first for her. But soon she adapted to our culture and language. In a short time, where there was once a language barrier was forever broken. Piya was so supportive and helpful to this “Mom” throughout that year. Then on March 17, 2003 she gave her and her husband the best gift in the world when she delivered Ji & Seung. Congratulations for making such a difference Piya!