Jackie first came into the program in 1999 with the high hopes of helping a couple achieve their dream of parenthood. Success would not come for this unfortunate Couple and after a year of attempts, it was clear that this would not happen. Jackie’s commitment and dedication throughout that year was incredible so it did not surprise me when she decided to continue her dream of becoming a Surrogate Mother. I will share with you some of her words about her journey.

Let the Journey Begin……I received the call from Carol, saying that she found the perfect Couple for me. I was very excited and could not wait to get their profile. When I received their picture, I instantly thought what great parents they would be. I was so excited to contact them via e-mail, and I was overjoyed when I received their first letter. They seemed to be as happy as I. When they arrived from Spain, I was very nervous. I didn’t know what I was going to say to them or how I was going to react to them being here in person. It was clearly evident that after the first five minutes at my house, they were comfortable enough to kick off their shoes and curl up on the couch. Ruth and Angel touched a place in my heart that I thought would take months to reach. And, they were so wonderful with my children, Taylor and Tyler, I knew that they would be wonderful parents. After that first night, they were no longer thought of as “My Couple”, they were referred to as part of our family.

The Phone Call…… Ring… Ring…. As I heard the phone ring, my heart skipped a little beat. At first I thought it was the pregnancy test results, but then I looked at the clock and realized it was too early. As I picked up the phone and said hello, there was a brief moment of silence. Then I heard Carol and she was crying. I braced myself. I knew the news could not have been good. I started to reassure her that I was going to be fine and I was all right. Then she says, “It’s not that, you’re pregnant!” Instantly, I thought I had not heard her correctly. I said, “You’re lying. You’re lying.” After reassuring me that the test was positive, I had to sit down and breathe. I always thought I would scream and jump when I got the positive results, but all I could think of was how happy Ruth and Angel would be. I started to cry tears of happiness. I never thought I would hear those words. It has been a long journey for me, but I have finally arrived. Now, if I could just remember how to breathe Lamaze style.

Jackie, her family and her Couple all participated in a television program for Spain that documented their story. It beautifully described the surrogacy process and the relationship that develops between each family. Baby Angel was nearly 10 days late in making his arrival, so he almost missed his opportunity for his first television debut. But Baby Angel had a special date in mind for his birth….Father’s Day!! So on June 17, 2001 Jackie’s dream as well as her Couple’s dreams came true when Baby Angel was born weighing 8lb 9oz.

Grandpa’s Smile

Michelle’s pregnancy history always had a rough beginning with morning sickness and always ended with a long labor and delivery. But she absolutely wanted to help a couple achieve their dream of parenthood. To her surprise, she had no morning sickness and on June 3, 2001 she delivered Baby Grant, who weighed in at 8lb 4oz, in only a couple of hours! She exclaimed, “It is, literally, much easier to have a baby for someone else!”

There were many touching moments throughout Michelle’s surrogacy experience, but when I saw the picture of Grandpa seeing his grandson for the first time it took my breath away. The feelings this man had in his heart for this child were visible to all. How lucky Grant and his big brother, Gavin, are to have such a loving Grandpa!

Early Arrival

Tara’s surrogacy journey began in 1999. Quinton was due in late October, but he knew he wouldn’t get any Halloween candy unless he stayed in Tara’s tummy so he decided to wait. But finally, Tara issued him an eviction notice and he was born on November 4, 1999 weighing 8lb 1oz. Their surrogacy experience was so beautiful and many were fortunate to read about it in the February 2000 issue of O.C. Family Magazine where their pictures graced the cover and inside their story was told.

Then, only 9 months later, Quin’s parents decided they would like to have a brother or sister for him. Tara and her family were only too happy to help them in this special way again. Mom, Dad & Quin came out for the medical process, but Dad couldn’t stay the whole time. When it came time for Tara’s embryo transfer, Quin’s Mom assumed my role. She took Tara to the clinic, took pictures and got Tara all tucked in at the hotel afterwards. What was I doing?? Having the time of my life! Quin needed a sitter and I was thrilled to be able to spend a couple of days with him. I can’t say it was the easiest time, but it was one of the happiest times in my life. My husband and my children enjoyed him very much too. Things were going so smoothly that I decided to invite some surrogate moms and their kids to join Quin and I at the Wild Animal Park. It obviously has been a while since my children were young like Quin, because I forgot a very important rule. You cannot confine a 9 month old! We got on the tram, which is an hour long, and after 5 minutes he was done with it. I tried to give him some crackers and even though the signs clearly stated not to feed the animals, well, let’s just say Quin was in charge and he decided the animals would be fed crackers, fruit and everything else in our goodie bag that day. I was sure we would be removed from the park as I lost count of how many rules we broke. But, somehow, we managed not to. I must say that I have a renewed respect for mothers of young children.

Anyway, back to Tara’s story. This second surrogacy experience was just as beautiful as the first. Mom, Dad and Quin were able to visit a few times before the anticipated birth date. As Tara had a history of delivering a little late, I decided to go to Texas to visit my parents on March 20, 2001, almost 3 weeks before Tara was due. As I arrived to the airport in El Paso, my pager went off. I was sure it was my husband checking to see if I had arrived safely. But to my surprise, it was Tara! She was in the hospital and the delivery was about to happen! It wasn’t possible for any of us, including Mom, Dad & Quin, to make it in time for the birth. So, they did the next best thing. Jay kept them on the phone so they could hear everything in the delivery including their son’s first cry. When I spoke to Mom on the phone that night while she was in Chicago waiting for a morning flight, she was sad to have missed the birth, but was completely at peace. She said, “Tara has taken care of him for the last 9 months and I haven’t needed to worry for a moment. And I know she will take care of him a little longer until I can get there. He was always in the best hands and he still is.” So the next morning, Tara introduced Taran Jeffrey to his Mommy, Daddy and big brother. This little cutie weighed in at 5lb 14oz.

This special group of people has done a great deal to share their story with the domestic and international media. They are a beautiful example of what surrogacy is truly about and I am so proud and feel so blessed to have shared in these incredible experiences with them. Last May, Tara and Jay were kind enough to welcome into their home a film crew from Spain documenting a Surrogacy Story in our program. Then these past few months they interviewed with Chicago Magazine and you can read all about their incredible journeys in the October 2001 issue.

World’s Longest Pregnancy

Chandra’s pregnancy wasn’t really that long, but it sure seemed that way. Unfortunately, from nearly the beginning, this pregnancy was complicated. The chances of miscarriage were so great and until we got closer to the delivery date, the final outcome was uncertain. Every appointment we were more hopeful that everything would be fine. I remember attending an ultrasound appointment with Chandra and when I saw the baby on the screen and how perfect she was, I just started to cry. I leaped out of my chair and ran over to get a closer look at the screen. As tears streamed down my face, I turned to Chandra and said, “This is what it is all about. Because of all of your efforts, this perfect little baby is looking back at us and is growing bigger and healthier everyday. If a moment comes when you’re feeling discouraged, just remember this image.” As we were hugging and crying, the ultrasound technician asked if I was the baby’s mother. I explained our situation and told him that I was the Mom by Proxy, because I knew if the Mom was able to have been there she would have reacted the same way.

As the delivery date approached, Mom decided to come out earlier than planned as she had a feeling that she should. Her instincts were good, as her baby was born on the day she arrived. But, her flight was due to arrive the evening of March 9 and Charlotte was born that morning weighing 8lb 7oz. So, I, the Mom by Proxy, was there and took care of Charlotte until her Mommy walked through the door and immediately and happily assumed her role. The grandparents were due to arrive later that night and since Charlotte had already made her entrance, the new Mom could not go to pick them up at the airport. Tracy generously offered to go and bring them to the hospital. Not knowing what they looked like, she made a sign and stood at the gate showing it to everyone who came off the airplane. No one responded to the sign. She saw a Couple who she was sure had to be them and kept running to get in front of them and showing them the sign without saying a word. They continuously walked by without acknowledging Tracy. Finally, when they reached the Baggage Claim, Tracy feeling desperate at this point decided to approach this likely Couple. And, of course, it was they and they were so impressed on how Tracy was able to find them that they suggested she become a detective……..McHugh, P.I. Hmmmm

United Nations

Amy’s Couple spoke German, French and English and their daughter often spoke French (I think!). When we would spend the day together, it was always quite humorous because the confusion was massive. But the emotion felt between them was clearly beautiful.

After traveling to California a couple of weeks before their son was due to be born, the Mom & Dad thought they would have time to recover from their long trip and then take their daughter to Disneyland. Well, their son would not be left behind so he arrived just a few days after his parents did! On January 21, 2001, Alix Caylus was born weighing 7lb 3oz.

Who is this?

When I met Samantha’s Couple, I knew who their Surrogate Mom would be. The similarity in these two women’s personality was uncanny. And the husbands had an instant connection too! Chris took them out to dinner for their initial meeting and after several hours she excused herself to go home. This group was having so much fun, she was sure it was not going to end soon. And it didn’t! The fun continued for many, many more months to come. I didn’t realize until later, that another similarity these two girls had was their voice! I always got it wrong. “Sam?” “No, it’s Pam” and vice versa. So, I would always have to ask, “Who is this?” And then wonder for a moment if they were pulling my leg!

The good times continued and before we knew it December was upon us. As we neared the due date, December 18, the Couple and their families became so eager for the baby’s arrival. Pam’s sister & mother decided to come out and wait for the delivery as it would be at any moment…..right? Well, no. As that date passed and Christmas was approaching quickly, the extended family had to travel home and await the news of the birth by telephone. We were sure we would be in the hospital on Christmas, but that day passed too. We all finally gave up on trying to figure out when the delivery would occur and resigned ourselves to being induced later that week. We spoke on Christmas Day and Samantha said she was disappointed as she wanted to call everyone in the wee hours of the morning and exclaim that labor had begun. Well, on December 26 in the wee hours of the morning, I got a call from Samantha and she said, “Guess what??” I couldn’t believe it! She sounded so excited on the phone, but she didn’t sound like she was having much labor pain so I thought I had plenty of time to get to the hospital in San Diego. I took a shower, did my hair (I knew there would be a camera!) and as I was driving down to San Diego I get a call from Samantha’s husband, Tristan, asking where I was because Samantha was trying desperately not to deliver without me. Again I was shocked, not only did her labor begin on it’s own, but it progressed quicker than any other labor she had had before! Needless to say, I raced to the hospital, parked in the emergency room physician’s parking area and ran upstairs. With only a few minutes to spare, I made it in time to capture the intense emotion of the delivery experience on film. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about that day or look at the pictures.

So, finally on December 26, Chase Maxwell, was born weighing exactly 9lbs!

Prayers Answered

When I met Tawnya’s Couple, I was amazed at their determination to become a family. Their story was not dissimilar to others who had come into the program, except that they had been on their journey for 18 years by the time they reached me. They couldn’t stop. Their dreams of having a family wouldn’t let them.

Tawnya was a perfect match for them. She wouldn’t even consider the possibility of the embryo transfer not working. Her determination to help them achieve parenthood did not waver. So, on December 1, 2000, Justin’s parents were rewarded for their endurance. Tawnya delivered a healthy baby boy and he weighed a whopping 8lb 9oz.

Smooth Sailing

Ericka’s surrogacy experience began like a boat rushing down a waterfall then settling into calm waters. She came into the program, met her couple and was pregnant within a month. Amazing!

With a foreign couple and a language barrier, you would think that a relationship was impossible. But Ericka and her husband, Keith, and their son, made it look so easy. The extra efforts that were made to share the pregnancy with the Couple meant so much to them. They were happy when they finally arrived to California, so they could see Ericka everyday. They especially enjoyed the day that Ericka took them to the Babies R Us Store. They spent 4 hours in the store walking through every single aisle. I was surprised that all of that walking didn’t induce labor!

An unexpected turn of events, literally, made it necessary for Ericka to have a C-Section. The baby was breech and all of the doctor’s efforts couldn’t turn her around. But they were all together shortly after delivery in Ericka’s room. The moment they walked in with their baby, the room suddenly became brighter. These new parents were just glowing. No words were spoken for a while, only tears of happiness were shared by all. Then I began translating the words that were so important for each of them to say to one another. It was such a beautiful moment.

The little person that bonded these people forever was born on August 29, 2000, weighing 7lb 9oz. Her parents named her Irene. Congratulations.

Twins??

Tracy’s second surrogacy experience took on a new twist. Both she and the Intended Mom (“D”) received embryos and both became pregnant! So, Tracy would deliver the baby girl they always dreamed of and “D” would deliver the son they always hoped to have. Twins?? Well, sort of! Some would ask why did this Couple seek out surrogacy when they could have a baby. Well, this attempt came after many, many years of infertility. They had given up hope and went to see Dr. Garzo because of his extensive experience with IVF Surrogacy. He tried to convince them to give him an opportunity to help them before trying surrogacy, but so many years had passed without success, they just couldn’t agree. So a compromise was made.

Tracy and “D” had a wonderful time sharing their experiences and attending each other’s appointments. Tracy’s support throughout “D”s pregnancy was astounding. The underlying concern felt by all was the idea of them delivering at the same time and not being able to support each other through labor and delivery. But as fate would have it, “D” delivered a month early on June 23, 2000, exactly 3 weeks before Tracy did. Spencer weighed in at a very healthy 6lb 3oz. Of course, the thought of the baby weighing over 6 pounds at a month early, brought some concern (fear, really) as we wondered how big the baby girl Tracy was carrying would be. But it was a girl, aren’t they usually more petite?? Well, on July 14, 2000, 3 weeks after Spencer made his arrival, his baby sister arrived weighing exactly 3 pounds more! Emily weighed a whopping 9lb 3oz!!

Fortunately “D” had recovered from her C-Section and was able to attend Tracy’s delivery along with Emily’s Daddy and her big (older) brother, Spencer. Tracy had some extra support in the delivery as her daughter, Kaitlin, was in attendance. It was amazing how attentive she was to her Mom throughout her labor and delivery. For a moment I thought she was going to assist Dr. Blake in the delivery! When it was all over, I asked this 6-year-old what she thought of the birth experience. She announced without hesitation, “It’s fine, but I’m not having a baby until I’m 94 years old!” Hey, Dr. Garzo, this would be a pregnancy for the medical journals!

Congratulations to everyone and extra kudos to Tracy for making this experience doubly wonderful for her Couple.