The Beginning...

Wow! Where to begin?!
If you haven't been informed, now is my chance! Surprise! I am becoming a surrogate!

A surrogate you ask? What? How? Why? I know you and tons of others have a ton of questions.

Let me start at the beginning.

It is actually hard to explain. Years ago, before I was married or even had kids of my own, I heard about someone being a surrogate. I thought, "Hmm... that's different!" I looked up a few things (there wasn't much out there then) and moved on from it.
Over the past few years, I have been surrounded by loved ones who have struggled with infertility. They have all combat it one way or another and through listening to them, I began to research. I wanted to know more about the infertility world so that I could engage in conversations with them about their struggles. I wanted to be there for them, even if I didn't fully understand the feelings and struggles they were going through.
Through all my research, I came upon surrogacy. I felt an instant draw to it. To learn more, to understand more, to comprehend what these couples go through.
And then I felt it. The calling. I have never experienced anything like it before. The only way to describe it, is to say that it was a completely overwhelming feeling of "this... this is your purpose."
So here is me. Putting it out there. Doing what God has called me to do.

Now that you know why, I assume you have some questions.

What is surrogacy?
I will be a gestational surrogate. This means that the baby will not be genetically related to me or Dan at all. Think of it as "an incubator" type of thing! :)
I will be matched with a family and their embryo will be implanted into my uterus. I do not yet know the family I will carry for. I am currently in the process of being matched through an organization.

How does Dan feel?
Let me tell you, we have talked A LOT about this. My husband is amazing and supports me 110%. He knows that this is a passion of mine and supports me all the way! He knows there will be morning sickness, exhaustion, and the entire delivery process. He is going to have to "hold down the fort" and he is more than capable of not only supporting me, but supporting our kids along the way too.

Speaking of the kids, will they understand?
To a certain extent, no. The kids are young and will not fully understand this process. However, Tucker is starting to understand the concept of giving to others. That is what we are doing. We are giving our time to others to help them complete their family. I will be having a baby, but that baby will be going to another family because that is what they have been praying for.

Is this safe?
Absolutely! I have been cleared by my OBGYN and deemed "an excellent candidate." I want to do this while I am "young" and in shape. I have had two smooth pregnancies and deliveries and am praying for one more. This pregnancy will be no more risky than any other pregnancy.

Speaking of pregnancies... Yes, our family is complete. We love our two children and know that our family is done. Let's help start or complete someone else's!

How can you give up a baby?
Well, I'm not "giving up" a baby. This baby is not mine. I am an incubator if you will. This baby is so loved by his/her mom and dad and I cannot wait to see the look on their eyes when they hold him/her for the first time.
In a sense, I do this everyday. As a child care provider, I hold other people's babies, I kiss their boo boo's, I make sure they are fed properly, and I protect them while their mom and dad's are not there. At the end of the day, I hand the child back. The child is not mine. If I never felt sadness when the families moved or the child went to kindergarten, then there would be something seriously wrong with me. It's the same thing. I with love this baby, feed this baby, protect this baby, and then send him/her home.
My hope, is that this family and I create a special bond. That we will become friends and that we will stay in touch. I would love to see this child grow and thrive surrounded by the love of HIS/HER PARENTS!

You run a day care? How are you going to be stable?
I have an awesome assistant. She is so reliable and loves the kids as much as I do. In addition, I have an awesome substitute. She is always willing to help. They both go the extra mile to make sure everything is running smoothly at home. Before I even applied to be a surrogate, I talked with both of them about the extra commitment it might be for them. They are so supportive for this process!

I'm sure there are questions I have missed. Feel free to ask them! I am here doing the Lord's work and part of his work is educating others!

I welcome any and all prayers throughout this process! It has been extremely exciting so far!

Here is where I am in the process.

I have been through the application and interview process.
My OBGYN has signed off on having no concerns over me being a surrogate.
All paperwork is turned in to the company.
Dan and I have been background checked and cleared by the company.

Next up:
Dan and I will meet with a psychologist. He/She will make sure we are on the same page with the surrogacy process and I will complete a psychological test to make sure I am stable enough for this process.
Then, we will be matched with intending parents. From there, we will get to meet them via skype and really make sure we are a good match.
Stay tuned for more updates! :)