Finally, they are here!

Well it was a Wednesday morning and Amanda and I were texting madly to each other. It was the day she was going in to have the dreaded c-section. The baby girl refused to cooperate and there was no other option. After quite a few hours of anxious waiting, I finally got a text from Amanda - the babies were here. She was texting back and forth to me and I said to another friend "there is no way she is going to remember all of this", and sure enough she hadn't. We had a good few laughs over the next few weeks in remembering the texts.

I went in that night to visit her. I couldn't believe she wanted me to come in - I didn't want to see anyone after my c-sections. She waited until we were alone in the room and she said "people asked me if I would find it hard to give up the babies, and I haven't felt it hard at all - is that normal". I knew she was still rather drugged out from all of medicines she was given, and reminded her that from day one she had made it clear in her mind that they were not her babies and biologically they were not hers. She seemed somewhat at ease, but that was the first time I had seen any concern from her regarding that.

I got to see the babies briefly as I was walking into Amanda's room. There was a busy procession of people heading into a room nearby. I recognised Rose and Tim from a photo Amanda had shown me. I had never met them as they lived in another state where surrogacy is not recognised.

As I sat and chatted to Amanda, it just seemed so bizarre that here she was recovering from a major operation and pretty much right next door was a brand new family relishing their new gifts of life that she had carried. It was a nice interruption when Rose popped in to check on her. The friendship and love that had blossomed between them was so evident in those few minutes I had to hold back the tears.

Come on babies...come out!

By now I was anxious for these babies to make an appearance in the world. As I mentioned earlier it felt like one of the longest pregnancies ever! As time was drawing nearer Amanda began to get anxious about the babies positioning. The girl baby did not want to flip over and if that was the case she would have to have a c-section. This was actually starting to freak Amanda out. I tried to calm her as I had endured two myself, but she was hoping like crazy that she didn't have to go down that path. In my own selfish way I was hoping she wouldn't have to go down that path either as we had joined the same gym and I really wanted her to come with me and a c-section would mean a minimum of extra 6 weeks she wouldn't be able to and she hadn't been for quite some time due to her getting sick again.

Amanda tried as best she could to keep her fears from Tim and Rose, as she wrote this email:

"I have been getting sick again and will get an antibiotic so I am stronger for next week. Either I will be induced Tues nite if she is head down again or c-section Wed if she is breech. She did supposedly move between tues and wed's appt but I almost think the dr may have errored in reading the machine tues - it is not a top notch machine in that office, as compared to today's place and machine. I am beginning to have to accept the c-section I think but still praying and trying natural remedies to help her turn.

Health of everyone is most important - both physical and emotional that is.

Can't wait to see and hug you again - and to watch all of your faces in seeing these cuties for the first time! Baby boy is 5.14 and baby girl is 6.3. They said boy can actually be bigger tho cuz it was hard to get head measurements since he is so far down. Big, eh??? And all healthy so that is what is most important here."

Slow down Amanda!!

Amandas belly was growing, and she was still sick but it never slowed her down. She has boundless amounts of energy that tires me just watching her at times. I was convinced she would be put on bed rest or she would go early, but the twins and the doctor had other ideas:

In Amandas words to Rose and Tim:

"They are still a boy and girl! Both are feet down - breech. They still have a ton of time to turn around tho so let's hope they do!!! They are facing each other - giving hugs and kisses I am sure!!!

The dr said was I going to go to 38 weeks and I said 40! Then he said you probably don't want to go that long but I told him we were staying positive and going as far as we could.

God put so many paths together to make this happen for you"

6 months passed....well finally!

Well 6 months crept up on Amanda. I will say though that it felt like the LONGEST pregnancy ever. Probably because I had known everything that was going on before she even met Rose and Tim.

Amanda was in communication with Tim and Roses’ family as well. It was wonderful to hear the way Amanda talked about this new family she was becoming a part of. Her regular emails to Roses’ mum and photos updates were appreciated greatly as the soon to be grandma felt part of the journey.

Here is an excerpt from an email written by Amanda to Roses’ mum:

"They will be the best parents ever simply because their hearts are so strong to be parents and because they have waited a life time together. And Rose has mentioned many a time that she so wants you both to be able to be grandparents to her kids. So all of your dreams are coming true and I am privileged and honored to carry the kiddos so that that can happen for you all".

An insight into such sincerity was something I truly treasured.

So Amanda is pregnant.....

Well it began...the dreaded morning sickness. I felt like I was reliving my morning sickness all over again as I watched Amanda trudge through her day. Amanda found out she was carrying twins and there was a boy and girl.

There was also a mixture of joy at the babies and an extreme sadness as Amanda’s mum passed away very suddenly. It was an awful time and I worried for Amanda as well as the babies. It was such a stressful time for Amanda and her family - I am amazed she had the strength to get out of bed each morning.

But she did!!

It Worked!!!

Well after the waiting period, Amanda took a pregnancy test, and yes she was pregnant. It was so surreal at the time. Here is an excerpt from an email by the excited mum to be regarding the good news:

Amanda!
It's official- I can't believe it- I am so overwhelmed- I can finally let myself dream the dreams I waited my whole life to have.
Tim and I are so blessed to have found you- we are all climbing this mountain together and it feels amazing!

The waiting game...

Well the transfer took place and Amanda popped over to my house briefly that afternoon. I took one look at her and said "oh my goodness, you could be pregnant"! I then followed with "Oh I bet you are and any money you are having a boy and a girl"!!

After the transfer it was a mixture of nerves and excitement as Amanda and Rose emailed each other:

Think positive - we are PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!! (Amanda)

AHHHHHH---I am getting so excited and nervous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Rose)

One of my favourite comments made by Rose was "do you think it's too soon for you to be feeling pregnant??" (7 days post transfer statement from Rose)