Pregnant Forever? December 16, 2011

If I weren’t already scheduled for an induction, I would swear that I would be pregnant forever LOL. These little boys are SO comfy! Today marks 38 weeks!!! I had my very last NST and the boys are still trucking right along with plenty of fluid, great movement and great heart rates. I had a few contractions but nothing major.

 

If I haven’t gone into labor on my own, we will head to the hospital at noon on Monday to serve these boys their official eviction notice and start packing their luggage for them. I promise to keep everyone updated as best as I can. We can’t wait to meet Esteban & Michele’s precious angels <3

 

Lopsided Baby Belly LOL

 

 

Until next time, Lots of love from Danielle and the Bambinos

 

Maybe Babies? December 13, 2011

Nope. No babies yet. They’re still baking away. Apparently my Bambino Hotel accommodations are beyond first class. These little angels aren’t showing ANY signs of packing up and vacating voluntarily. Looks like they plan to enjoy their Presidential Suite right up to the day that I officially pack their bags for them and close the doors. And you know what? That’s quite alright with me Happy, healthy and chubby lil Italian babies are well worth the wait!

 

I had a routine NST yesterday that turned into a little visit to Labor & Delivery. Both babies have an amazing level of fluid and plenty of movement (I am still amazed they have room to move as much as they do!) I had 5 contractions while I was being monitored and during those contractions, sweet Baby A (Gabriel) was having some heart rate decels (decelerations) that the OB on call wasn’t quite so happy with. She said it could be because he is very low in the uterus (literally I feel like he’s going to fall out and he routinely punches my lady bits with surprising aim accuracy) or it could be him moving onto his umbilical cord… Nothing to stress about right away but she wanted us to head to labor & delivery to have a bio-physical ultrasound done. The ultrasound would basically look at both babies for very specific movements and give us good insight as to their general well being inside their womb-for-rent. I was hooked back up to the monitors in triage and after only about 15 minutes (seriously, that’s record time!) the ultrasound tech came and “picked me up.” Esteban came to the u/s with me and got to see their little angels. They both scored 8 out of 8 on the test so we were told everything was A-OK and I could go home Told you the boys were mighty comfy. I have an appt with the perinatologist at the hospital where I will be delivering tomorrow morning so we’ll see if I’ve dilated any further.

 

Only 6 days until eviction day. While I hoped and prayed (and so did many others) that I would make it this far, I have to admit that in the back of my mind I always had small doubts. I am a very small person (5 feet) and to carry twins is something I never anticipated. I expected to be pulled out of work early, be put on partial or full bed rest, and be lucky if we made it past about 34 weeks. Instead I never had to worry about bed rest, my cervix stayed long and strong, I worked right up to 34 weeks, and here we are – Beyond full term at 37 weeks 4 days, only 6 days away from the very last day that I can possibly remain pregnant. The statistics and odds stacked against us were astronomical but we did it. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my amazing Hubby, Esteban & Michele, friends and family. As this journey comes to a new chapter, I look back and couldn’t possibly ask for anything to be different. I love my IFs, I love their little boys, I love my new extended Italian family and I can’t wait to turn the last page in this chapter and start the next one.

 

Until Next Time, Lots of love from Danielle and the (uber comfy) Bambinos <3

Like Winning the SuperBowl December 10, 2011

I feel like we’ve won the SuperBowl. The Daytona 500. The US Open. The Olympics. You get the picture, right?

All along my personal goal has been to bake these precious little boys until at least 37 weeks. So many people said I couldn’t do it. I’m only 5 feet tall and that’s a long time to carry not one, but two sweet babies. But I showed them. Here we are. 37 weeks and 1 day. I’m so proud of my body. *Celebration Dance*

37 weeks is an accomplishment for any pregnancy but with a singleton at this point most people are still expecting a few weeks left. I delivered my own children at 39 weeks & 40 weeks, 1 day. I went into labor several times before “the big day” but always wanted them to stay put just a little longer so I knew they would be big and strong. When you’re carrying around two babies who have a combined weight of approximately 13 pounds, 37 weeks takes on a whole new meaning.

 

It hasn’t been easy. I would NEVER pretend to know what it’s like if I hadn’t been here. I never knew how much of a toll two babies takes on your body until now. I’m very ready to be done and SO happy to know that the boys are considered “more than” full term for mono/di twins and will be healthy whenever they decide their birthday should be. Even with as much as my back hurts or as many times as I have to get up to go to the bathroom or as swollen as my feet are, I’m just relaxing and taking it easy – If the boys want to stay at the Bambino Hotel for the next 9 days until it closes, they are more than welcome to do so.

My IFs have been amazing – They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their sons. They check in on me constantly and keep telling me how wonderful I am. I really don’t think I’m all that special – I’m just doing everything I can to make sure their angels arrive into this world healthy and happy. Their nervous excitement is SO adorable. I remember being there and anticipating the birth of my first child. It’s a feeling unlike any other and indescribable with words. Each day that we get closer to “eviction day” makes me so excited to see them holding their children. I know it’s going to be the most amazing moment EVER. 9 days and counting.

 

Thank you so much to all of my friends, family and surrosisters for constantly checking up on me and making sure I’m okay. I’m hanging in there and can’t wait to post my birth story and pictures of my sweet surrobabes.

 

Until next time – Lots of love from Danielle & the (fully baked) Bambinos <3

Super Powers December 1, 2011

Holy Moly Guacamole, folks! It’s December 1st! Do you have any idea what that means? Well, do ya? If you’re going to say that it means you better get started on your Christmas shopping, you’re probably right – But not for purposes of this blog. Try again.

December 1st means…. That…. THESE PRECIOUS LITTLE BOYS WILL BE HERE THIS MONTH!!! Oh yeah, you read that right. In 18 days or less, Davide & Gabriel will make their grand entrance into this world at the most amazing time of year. What better time for two precious little miracles to be born than right before Christmas?! Craziness. This pregnancy has absolutely flown by sooo quickly. Theoretically I could go into labor any day, and since Esteban & Michele arrived to our house 2 days ago, that would be okay. According to a perinatologist at the hospital I will be delivering at, 60% of twins are born before 37 weeks. That’s super for 60% but I am DETERMINED to be part of the minority and keep these little boys baking until at least that point. Tomorrow marks 36 weeks which is a HUGE milestone for twins, especially mono/di identical twins. We’ve made it this far, no reason the boys can’t keep up their residency at the Bambino Hotel for another 10ish days. Say it with me, people. 37 weeks, here we come!

We’ve been thoroughly enjoying every single second with E & M. They are staying at our house right now and I wouldn’t want them to be anywhere else. That might not be the relationship that everyone has with their IPs, but it is what we want and what works for all of us. I love having them here to be able to feel anytime one of the boys moves and to just enjoy their company while we wait for the big day. Last night they even got to feel one of the boys having the hiccups! Super adorable We’ve been getting things ready for the boys arrival and taking advantage of my nesting phase and washing all their teeny, tiny adorable little clothes, shopping for more teeny, tiny adorable little clothes, getting the car seats set up, etc. I am so thankful that E & M are allowing us to be a part of them preparing for their angels. It means the world to me to help them pick out bottles, diapers, outfits, etc. They even involve our girls which just warms my heart. The more I see how they interact with my kids, and how much my girls love them, the more it just reaffirms what I already know – They are going to be the BEST Daddies and Davide & Gabriel are two super lucky little boys.

 

As we get closer and closer to delivery, I have a million emotions running through me at any given time. You think that you know how you’re going to feel when you start out your journey as a surrogate, but it’s never for sure… So for those of you starting your journey and wondering what it might be like, here’s how it is for me.

I’m nervous – I have to deliver not one, but two babies. This is obviously my first time doing so and that makes me slightly nervous. Not only that, but these aren’t my babies. I’m carrying and will be delivering E & Ms angels. Their babies and their FAMILY are in my hands (and those of the doctors.) I pray every single night that God allows us to have a completely “normal” delivery with no complications so that E & M can look back on the day their children were born and remember how amazing it was, just as I look back and remember how amazing the births of my children were.

 

I’m anxious – I just can’t wait to see the look on E & Ms faces the first time they hold their sons. I’ve been picturing it since we met in January and envisioning how it’s going to feel. I doubt that there are words to describe how it will feel and I just cannot wait!

 

I’m proud – As I help prepare for the twins to arrive, it hits me how different this delivery is going to be. Not in the physical sense but in the emotional sense. I’m not “just” delivering a baby. Not that delivering your own children isn’t amazing and a miracle – It of course is. It’s the whole reason I wanted to be a surrogate in the first place – To give someone the gift of parenthood. BUT this time I’m not just delivering a baby (or two.) I’m creating a family. I don’t even know how to describe how that feels. Thinking about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I know I already said it, but I’m just SO excited to see E & M holding their babies. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be a part of such a miraculous process. That’s my super power this year – Creating a family. I’m pretty darn lucky.

 

Until next time… Lots of love!

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Nope, it’s my Belly! November 27, 2011

Here are my weekly pictures of the ever growing Bambino Hotel

(Sorry I can’t get them to be more than one on each line.. I’m not tech savvy enough LOL)

Halloween Pumpkins for D&G

Home Stretch November 27, 2011

That’s right – We’re in the home stretch! In 22 days or less, E&Ms precious angels will be evicted from my Bambino Hotel. We’re 35 weeks & 2 days along.. We’ve hit so many milestones and passed so many goals. Each day that I can keep these precious boys baking for their Daddies is a miracle. I am still being seen by the perinatologist every 2 weeks and now have a Non-Stress Test (NST) 2x per week to check on the boys. The NSTs monitor the boys heartrates and movement along with my contractions for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to make sure that they are still tolerating their stay at the hotel well So far they have all been great. TONS of movement, beautiful heartrates and only a few contractions here and there.

My cervix is still “long and strong.” While your cervix shortening doesn’t always mean labor is imminent, it’s a great tool to keep track of progress and having a long measurement is always a good sign. I’m continually amazed at how good my body has been to me and these precious little boys. With a twin pregnancy, especially an identical mono/di one, there are so many risks and possibilities for things to go wrong. We spent the first few months worried about twin-to-twin transfusion. Once we were out of the woods for that, we had to worry about complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, shortening cervix, etc. And yet, God has looked out for the boys and I and we have avoided all of the possible complications. No bed rest, no preterm labor, no early contractions, no premature rupture of membranes (water breaking,) etc. All we need now is to “keep on trucking” along until at least 37 weeks. That is my personal goal and not too shabby of one with twins

The boys both weighed 4lbs, 14oz at my last appointment so their combined weight has officially surpassed my chubbiest child (8lbs, 4oz.) If you do the math there is 8lbs, 28oz (or 9lbs, 12oz) of baby in the Bambino Hotel! It’s amazing to me that they still have room to do flips. And yes, I have proof that they can still do flips LOL. For the last 3 appointments, the babies have both been head down and I was SO excited. Two head down babies means my chances for a vaginal delivery are huge. At my last NST though, one of the darling angels has decided to turn semi-sideways again. I knew something had happened because the night before, my stomach looked like rolling mountains LOL. I have asked him, politely I promise, to please get his head back down by his brothers where it belongs haha. If you don’t mind sending them your head down vibes, I would greatly appreciate it!

As for me? I’m hanging in there. I am FINALLY on maternity leave. I wanted to “stick it out” as long as possible but working 40 hours a week plus being a full time Mommy and baby baker was getting exhausting. No point in pushing it, it’s not like I get an award for each week that I work LOL. I finished my last day of work until after the birth of these precious babies at 34 weeks along. Personally, I’m proud of myself. I have gained about 30 pounds and am still feeling good for the most part. I won’t lie and say that I’m not tired – I am. But, every day is well worth it to me. Each day that I stay pregnant is one day closer to creating a family for two people that are so amazing. Esteban & Michele fly in from Italy on TUESDAY and we CANNOT wait to see them. I’m so excited for them to watch their boys in action inside my belly LOL.

I’m going to dedicate another post to belly pics since I haven’t posted on since 28 weeks. Enjoy

 

Until next time – Lots of love from Danielle & the Bambinos

 

Thankful November 27, 2011

My poor, neglected blog is in desperate need of an update – Ask and you shall receive I’m going to dedicate this post to the spirit of Thanksgiving first though. Yes, I realize I’m late.. Better late than never, right?

This year I have so many things to be thankful for. I’m truly blessed and couldn’t ask for more. Here goes…

I am thankful for:

• My Life. Yes, I know that’s pretty broad, but it’s true.

• My husband. He is the most supportive man and I am so lucky. He’s helped me through so many events this year.. Starting this surrogacy journey and everything involved, surviving the loss of my Papa, raising our kids and so much more. He’s been the shoulder I could cry on, the strong body I could lean against when I couldn’t stand on my own, the ears to listen to my endless rambling and the love of my life.

• Our beautiful daughters. God has truly blessed me with the most amazing children. They are the light of our lives and have this uncanny ability to brighten days, hug away fears, kiss away sorrow and make it all okay. They are growing up so fast and never cease to amaze me with everything they are. I’m so honored to be their Mommy.

• My family. This year wasn’t easy for us but we banded together and are making it through, one day at a time.

• My friends. They might as well be family – I couldn’t ask for more. You know who you are. You’ve let me vent endless times, shared the ups and downs of life, supported me unconditionally through this amazing journey and never asked for anything in return.

• My surrosisters. I’ve “met” so many amazing women who I can ask a million questions and always get an answer. You’ve supported me, allowed me to support you, and formed a bond unlike any other. I am so thankful for my Sassy Sisters and the girls over at AAS.

• My IFs. Esteban & Michele, you’re amazing. I hope you know how blessed and honored I feel to be the one you are allowing to take care of your precious angels until they are ready to go home. You could have picked just about anyone – Any girl would be SO lucky to have you as IFs – But, you picked me. You’ve allowed me to become part of your family and embraced my family as your own. You might be in a different country but you haven’t let that stop you from being involved in your sons lives on a daily basis. You are always concerned not just for their health, but for mine as well. And you don’t have to be – But you are. You are going to be the most amazing Daddies. Davide & Gabriel are so lucky. I can’t wait for the moment when you get to meet them for the first time. Thank you for letting me play a small part in that

• My surrogate agency, Fertility Miracles. The ladies there are amazing. I’ve heard horror stories about agencies that are either completely for the IPs and are terrible to their surrogates, or the other way around. Not this one. They genuinely care about IPs and surrogates. My coordinator Elena has been there every step of the way. She came to the embryo transfer with me, came to a baby shower for Esteban & Michele, checks in on me several times a week, helps E&M prepare for the arrival of their sons and is just an amazing person. I can’t imagine not having the support system that I do.

• My blog readers. Yep, you. I don’t know who all of you are (feel free to comment and say hello!) but thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read about this amazing journey. Thank you for sharing in our excitement.

I hope that everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving however you spent it. <3

Evictions & BumpFairy Goodness November 1, 2011

Happy November 1st everyone!!! I cannot believe how quickly this year (and this surrogacy journey/pregnancy) is flying by! It seems like only yesterday we were meeting E & M for the first time and here we are, just over 6 weeks away from them meeting their precious angels!!

Let’s start with the bambino updates because we know that’s why we’re all here LOL. We are officially 31 weeks, 4 days along. At my last appt at 30 weeks, 6 days both Gabriel & Davide were measuring perfect with how far along we are. Gabriel weighed 3lbs, 10oz and Davide was right behind him at 3lbs, 7oz. That’s right folks, I’m carrying around the equivalent of a FULL TERM SINGLETON. I have a total of 7lbs, 1oz of baby in my Bambino Hotel! There are babies born full term that weigh less than that! Not my babies of course (They were 7lbs, 10oz & 8lbs, 4oz LOL) but some people’s babies! Craziness! That definitely explains why I feel like I’m full term pregnant. It’s been hard to swallow that even though I have just over 6 weeks left, I really have to slow down otherwise I pay for it. My back hurts, my feet swell, getting comfortable at night has become impossible, I have to get up an average of 5 times in an 8 hour period to go potty LOL – Bottom line though? This is all so incredibly worth it and I wouldn’t change a moment. I know that at the end of all the back aches and bathroom trips are two beautiful little boys and an even more beautiful family. Seeing E & M hold their babies is going to be the best moment – I can’t even describe how excited I am for them. <3

I will continue seeing the perinatologist every 2 weeks for the month of November and then depending on how things are going, she will most likely move to weekly appointments. With an identical mono/di twin pregnancy, the doctors prefer that you not be pregnant too far past 38 weeks. We have set an eviction date for D&G! Yep, they’re being KICKED OUT of this womb on Monday DECEMBER 19th (38 weeks, 3 days) if they haven’t made their appearance already!! That’s only 48 days from now! Holy Moly! I have had a long talk with them and we all agree that they are not coming until at least December 9th. On that day, I will be 37 weeks along which is considered full term for twins. Any day December 9th and on they are more than welcome to show their adorable little faces. Their Daddies will be flying in to CA on November 29th so that we can spend some time together before delivery and so they can get all set up to welcome their boys into the world. I’m SO excited to see them but have NO desire for them to have to come earlier *Ahem Davide & Gabriel, I hope you’re listening! Don’t even try to come into this world before December 9th! We have a deal! LOL* I also found out that if both little darlings cooperate and turn head down, we can attempt a vaginal delivery!! Gabriel has always been head down (thank you, Gabriel!) but Davide is a “mover & shaker” and he flips around A LOT. So, everyone send him head down vibes if you don’t mind. Birthing two 6ish pound babies would be a piece of cake since my little chunkers weighed much more than that haha.

For Halloween, I decided to take full advantage of being a hugely pregnant, proud surrogate so I borrowed the amazing Sabrina’s  name (bumpfairy.wordpress.com) and dressed up like a BumpFairy. My costume was a hit with pretty much everyone and I’m pretty sure it was the world’s most comfy Halloween costume EVER. Here’s a pic (I apologize for the quality, it’s a cell phone pic LOL.)

BumpFairy – Like the tooth fairy, only fatter

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! We’re definitely looking forward to Thanksgiving and what the next month has in store for our family.

 

Until next time, Lots of love from Danielle & the Bambinos <3

Hidden Strength October 12, 2011

First things first – WE ARE IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER, FOLKS!!!! HOME STRETCH!!!

The past month has been one of the most challenging of my life. I am still dealing with losing one of the most important people in my life, and some other events have taken place that have really tried both mine and my IFs strength. I won’t go into details right now, but just wanted everyone to know that we’re all hanging in there and moving right along. “Faith is not without worry or care, but faith is fear that has said a prayer.”

At almost 29 weeks along, the boys both weigh close to 2 1/2 pounds and are growing big and strong for their Daddies. My goal is still to stay pregnant as long as possible and things seem to be in our favor for making that goal a reality. These little boys are staying put until December! They are starting to really interact inside my Bambino Hotel and there is nothing more amazing than feeling two little miracles moving around inside of you <3

I am still seeing the perinatologist every 2 weeks and I never tire of having an ultrasound to take a peek at E & Ms angels at every visit. Our perinatologist is amazing and I’m so glad that she is so focused on making sure these babies and I stay healthy.

Here are my two latest belly pics from 27 & 28 weeks. The boys growing is DEFINITELY evident by my ever-growing waistline! LOL.

27 Weeks

 

28 Weeks

 

Until next time, TONS of love from Danielle & the Bambinos <3

Italian Eggplants.. September 27, 2011

Is there such a thing? There definitely is when you look inside my growing baby apartment multi-story apartment complex!! LOL. Time is flying and I have absolutely no idea where it is going or how to get it to slow down! D&G are growing beautifully and at almost 27 weeks along, they each weigh close to 2lbs and are the size of eggplants according to my handy dandy weekly updates.

Here are my two latest belly pics from 25 & 26 weeks:

25 Weeks

 

26 Weeks

As you can see, the boys are growing very nicely! I have still been feeling pretty good for the most part. I did start having some Braxton Hicks (practice/fake) contractions and the perinatologist said that they are completely normal given how far along I am and the fact that I am carrying twins. They are few and far between and with my cervix being “made to carry twins” (her words, not mine) she isn’t at all concerned. The twins and I are in this for long haul, folks! 37 weeks, here we come!

 

Aside from the pregnancy, life in general has been pretty difficult in the past week and a half. My Papa passed away on Wednesday September 14th. To some people, losing a grandparent would be difficult but to me it is devastating. My Mom was only 16 when she got pregnant with me and I know nothing about my sperm donor. Since my Mom was so young, I have always been my Papa’s little girl and he has always been more like a Dad than a grandfather. I’m taking things about 5 minutes at a time and eventually I know that life will settle into some sort of new “normal” it’s just going to take time. I’m very lucky to have my Hubby, our girls, and family and friends to help keep me going. I love you Papa.

 

I see the perinatologist again on Tuesday 10/4. I can’t believe it’s already almost October and we’re already almost in the 3rd trimester of this pregnancy. I’ll update then with how things are going.

 

Until next time… Lots of love from Danielle & the Bambinos