My Surrogate Life: my perception of a miracle part 12

So, as the days went on I continued with the shot and meds and early morning blood work and daily phone calls with Mis.....and I began gaining weight!!! Everything was going exactly according to the plan!!

There was only one slight hitch in my giddy up. One of my other BFF's was getting married in July and I was in her wedding. When I decided to do this back in December, I told Stayce what I was going to do and told her that she didn't have to have me in the wedding since I might be preggers. She insisted I remain a part of it, so when I went to order my dress, I informed them of my plans. I tried to warn them that when I get pregnant (even with one) I packed on the LB's! In fact, I had packed on quite a bit already from the ENORMOUS appetite (and giving in to said appetite) from the meds and hormones since March. Now with the news that I was carrying twins, I was really worried that I wouldn't fit in the dress at all!!!  It was still a month away and there was no telling how much I would expand by then!!! That was nothing to do but wait and see if there was going to be enough fabric to cover me!!

About a week and a half later Payne (6) and I were in a store. He saw a very pregnant woman walk by and he casually asked me, "Do you think those are her babies she is pregnant with or her best friend's?".....I thought.....man, I have completely screwed up my kids! This was the 1st time he ever acknowledged what was going on.....it just wasn't any interest to him .....or so I thought. I explained that the women was probably pregnant with her own baby and it probably was also not twins.....I went into how this was not a common thing I was doing and having twins was also not the norm. He just looked at me with the you "lost me at hello" look and ran off to a whatever caught his eye! Good Talk!!!!

The next doctors appointment was schedule for July 2nd so we decided to make a mini vacay out of it! The plan was that Jill, our other BFF (who I have mentioned before had also been a vital part of this process......we were all 3 together when I 1st offered, she was on the phone with us every step of the way and required multiple daily calls when we were in Colorado both times. Even when here name is not specifically mention just know that she is 100% involved in  every part) was going to fly in from Chicago and we would all go to the doctor and then head down to Destin Florida ( which is only about 3 and 1/2 hours from Auburn) to celebrate the 4th of July.

Missy, Jill and Dave all flew in. We loaded up 2 vehicles and decided to head to the beach as soon as we finished at the doctors. Since this was a family process we decided that everyone should be involved in that ultrasound. So me, Chris, Mis, Dave, Jill, Payne(6) and Peyton(4) loaded up in the room. I was about 9 weeks at that point (because you have to factor in that the embryos were 5 days already when the transfer took place).

Let me interject at this point that discussions had already taken place as to whether or not to find out the genders. Me and Jill were VERY much on the yes side, while Mis and Dave were firmly on the no side (Chris was good either way). Their rationale was that they knew everything down to the second they were created in the Petrie dish, and felt they needed a surprise. Although, Jill and I understood that, we still REALLY, REALLY wanted to know. I tried to persuade them that it would be ok if I knew and I wouldn't tell...after all, since it was 2 I always referred to them as "the babies" and not he or she. They were afraid I would slip at some point and ruin the surprise. Now let me just say that if I told them I wanted too know, they would have said yes.....but from the very get go I knew that this was not about me in any way. Missy and Dave were the parents (genetically and in EVERY other way) and I wanted them to make all the decision..... and I wanted to respect their wishes (even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted.....I know, yet again, so out of character for me :) )

So, Sheila began the ultrasound and all 7 of us were completely enthralled (even my kids who didn't really seem to care before that point). It was again, one of those life changing moments that bonded the 7 of us (really 9 of us including the twins) into a the most unique family  that nothing on this earth could ever break apart!!!

We could clearly see both babies and hear their tiny little heart beats and those little peanuts were one of the most beautiful sights that we had ever seen. We did notice that although both babies were the same size, one of them had a little smaller "bubble" around it. The bubble was the amniotic sac and Sheila was a little concerned . As we looked, Missy began to tear up because she was afraid that it was going to be a problem.  There is something called Vanishing Twin Syndrome which is actually pretty common. Most people aren't even aware that it happened to them because they never knew they were carrying twins in the 1st place. With the onset of IVF and the frequent monitoring in the early stages, this syndrome was document on a regular basis.

Missy tried not let it upset her but with all that she had been through before it was impossible. We finished up the ultrasound and me, Mis and Dave met with Dr. Harris. Jill and Chris took the kids outside. They were obviously to the fact that Mis was upset...they just thought it was so cool that they got to see the babies in my tummy move around! They were also excited about going to the beach and that Missy , Dave and Jill were there!!! They were the center of attention and were loving every second of it.

Dr. Harris told us everything looked great and that the babies were the exact same size...it was only the sac that was a little smaller. This made Mis feel a little better but she was still worried. He said that there wasn't anything we could do but wait and in 2 more weeks at my next doctors appointment we would do the next ultrasound and see then.......it as in God's hands......as usual!!

We were now ready to head to the beach. We decided me, Missy and Jill would be in my car and Chris and Dave could take the boys in their truck. We set out and Missy was able to cry and talk about her fears. We discussed all outcomes and came to a consensus....it was going to be ok.... even if only one made it....Mis was still going to be a mom!!! So, in true Missy form, she focused on the positive and and the fun began. We cranked up the radio to 80's music and sang loudly and badly in that mini van.....we STILL had it!!!! Mini van or not, we were still totally cool!!

By the time we made it to the beach I was exhausted ( which didn't take much) and sick (which was a constant) at that point. We all got in the elevator and Peyton (4) was just so HAPPY to be there. He said , " I have never, EVER, been here before!!!!" and this is a phrase that the 7 of us still us all the time to this day. When I think back to that, I think that was the truest statement on SO many levels.....that was an experience that was so VERY different...none of us had ever been through  something like that and it was completely shaping our 7 lives without us even realizing it!

The trip was great even though I was sick and tired the whole time. I spent most of the trip in the dark hotel room with the curtains drawn and the air on 50... It was cave like and awesome! The others were on the beach or in the pool and playing games. While I was sleeping one afternoon there was a frantic knock on the door...Missy came running is and said, "OK...DON'T PANIC...JUST REMEMBER IT'S NOT AS BAD AS IT LOOKS"..... Then I hear a child screaming bloody murder and crying hysterically....... in runs Payne holding his head with Jill quickly in tow. Apparently, Jill and Payne were playing croquet and another kid accidentally whacked Payne in the head with a mallet. He had a HUGE goose egg on his fore head that was already turning black and blue.... who knew croquet was such a violent contact sport....but with Jill in the mix it really wasn't surprising !!!  It all turned out ok, but Payne refuses to have anything to do with croquet to this day (and he is almost 16).

We all made it home safe and sound! Next on my agenda was Stacye's wedding. I had a bridesmaids luncheon and a rehearsal dinner that I had to find clothes for, and I'm not sure I mentioned this yet, but I was expanding quickly!!!! I just looked fat and had no clothes that fit!!!  I was sure that my bridesmaid dress was never going to work!!! Then I had to stop and think.....REALLY?!?!?.....after all we had been through I was going to worry about that????  SO,  I drove my car straight into the closest restaurant and grabbed some food to go...life was good..... and me and the babies needed some nourishment!!!