Thursday, August 20, 2009

Good News!!

Well today we got good news. The psychiatrist doesn't think Mike and I are crazy and I am not diabetic!!

WOO - HOO

Now Mike and I have to mail in the contract and we will set up a meeting with the intended parents. I can't wait to meet them - nervous, but excited!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The first of many. . .

Well, I am begining an serious adventure and I thought I might want to write (type) a few things down so I don't forget this experience.

I have signed on to become a gestational surrogate. This is something taht I have been thinking about for a long time now. Not too seriously in the beggining, but more seriously each time. I remember the first few times I brought it up to Mike he was a bit weary. His exact words were "No way!" I didn't know much about it and didn't push the issue further, at that time. But the next time I told him about it with a few more details he was a bit more interested and finally he realized that I was probably going to do it weather he was fully on board or not. Luckily, he came around all on his own ;)

So, I found an agency online, ARR, Alternative Reproductive Resources based out of Chicago. I filled out the questionnaire, and started to retrieve all of the necessary documents for the process. Previous medical history, insurance info, marriage license, etc. After all of the necessary info was turned in I went to the doctor for a PAP. Turns out my new doctor Dr. pat Mehring used to work in an infertility clinic. It was very nice to speak to her about the upcoming procedures I will need and just get someone else's insight on the whole topic. Along with the routine PAP I needed to be tested for diabetes, so I went back the next day for a blood draw. I am currently awaiting the results of the PAP/diabetes test.

This past Friday, Mike and I went to Chicago to meet Mary Ellen, the representative from ARR. She was as sweet as pie, or should I say SUPER WONDERFUL! She had all the answers --literally not a page went unturned. She was very knowledgeable and it was very comforting to Mike and I to know that we ill be well taken care of throughout this. She expects me to be pregnant by Nov/Dec. EXCITING!!!! After meeting with her we headed even further downtown into Chicago to meet Dr. Nuessenbaum (sp?) the psychiatrist to make sure that Mike and I's relationship was stable enough for surrogacy. Hopefully we passed ;) Then I had to take an hour and a half long personality test to make sure I was stable enough for surrogacy. Everything went great--it wasn't as weird as I thought it would be talking to a psychiatrist. Although a bit intimidating to think that he is analyzing everything you say/do.

Over all both meeting went great--just waiting to here back from those test results as well.


**I am not sure who will read this blog--but I also hope to be somewhat of an "advocate" to surrogacy. I think that it is an absolute amazing thing to do for someone and I don't think that there are enough people out there that are willing to do it. So far through out this process I have come across two people that have thought about it and for some reason or another has not gone through with it. So, if there is any way that my story could benefit someone else I would be delighted. So if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Take care!
~Amanda Hautanen