All Good Things Come To An End...

So, this is it-our surrogacy journey has come to an end. As promised, I will still go back and tell you all the birth story and other things that I missed in all the chaos but thought that today deserves a blog. Thom and I are on our way to Cape Cod to move Laura and the kids out so they can start their trip back home. The feeling is so bittersweet-I'm thrilled to have Grace here and healthy but sad to say goodbye to Laura, the family, and our whole story. It seems like its been such a short time since we met (considering all that we've been through) but I also feel like Laura and all have already become such a huge part of our family. We've certainly had our ups as downs but the journey has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. I don't want to get sappy but want to write just a few words from my heart. Laura, you've taught me so much in such a short time. Together, we've learned patience, compassion, compromise, and have developed a stronger faith than we had before. Though this experience took a lot of trust on both sides, I know God put you in my life and have seen with my own eyes that true selflessness does exist. I think I speak on behalf myself, Thom, Brynlee, and the rest of our family and friends when I say thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for the gift of Grace that you have given us. God reached down to us through you to let us know that He can perform miracles when they seem somewhat impossible. Thank you. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts and I can promise you that Grace will one day know about the true meaning of her middle name and the wonderful woman that brought her into this world. In your own words, this is not "goodbye" but "see you later". Until next time, we'll miss you!!

We're FINALLY home!! :)

Well, Grace pulled through like a champ and we are finally home as one big, happy family! Brynlee was so excited to meet Grace and is already anxious to help out. When Grace started crying, Bryn said "don't worry, Baby Grace...there's nothing to be afraid of". I think she's going to make a great big sister! We're still not completely out if the woods-Grace still needs to pick up her eating and gain some weight but the doctors, as well as Thom and I, were confident that she'd do a better job outside if all the distractions of the NICU. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers-were a VERY happy family tonight! Pics to come when I find a minute to download them!

One Week Today!

Hey all! Just thought I'd let you know that Grace has made a complete turnaround since my last blog! She was extubated on Saturday and is breathing well on her own. Yesterday, she began bottle feeds and has tolerated them well which means no more tube feeds (NG tube came out today)! The only thing left that keeps her from looking like a perfectly healthy little baby is the IV which will come out tomorrow when her 7-day course of antibiotics is finished. Thom and I have both been able to hold her and Laura finally got to see her on Saturday for the first time since birth. This was SUCH a special moment! I don't want to get too excited yet but the nurse did have us bring in her car seat today (for the car seat test) which is a good sign that they're getting ready to send her home! Please pray that she continues to improve-Brynlee is dying to meet her little sister and Mama and Daddy just can't wait to have her home for good! More updates soon. :)

Laura and Grace meet-FINALLY!

Very Happy Parents!

Wide Awake (and no more tubes!!)

4 days old-Latest Update

Ok so I know that I owe you all an exciting "delivery story" blog, but I'm going to put that on hold to update everyone who has been asking about Grace's progress. So here is the latest! Grace is still on the vent with not much change (good or bad) in respiratory status. She has started tube feeds and was more alert today which was wonderful to see. The doctors are really unsure of what is the cause of her respiratory distress/lack of improvement and are running tests to rule out infection or cardiac causes. We havent heard on final results yet but the nurse hinted that these things look fine so far. Though not much has clinically changed, Grace really just LOOKED better and stronger to me today-I was even able to hold her for a little while! My mama's intuition tells me that tomorrow we'll see her turn a corner. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and prayer! Here are some pics of our cutie pie.

5 minutes old-Bright eyed and bushy tailed!

Finally got to hold her again!

We're having a New Years baby!

Baby is coming! Laura has started magnesium (for the preeclampsia) and soon to start Pitocin to induce labor. She's starting to feel a little yucky cuz of the mag so please keep her (and all of us) in your prayers! We may have first baby of 2013!

We're Admitted!

Hey all!! Well, we came to the hospital for a scheduled non-stress test today and finally got the results of the 24 hour urine from FIVE days ago. The midwife said Laura's protein/creatinine were very high, which indicates severe preeclampsia. So...we're being admitted. We're not quite clear whether the admission is for hospital bed rest/monitoring or for delivery. Just waiting for the OB. Will keep everyone posted!! Happy New Year!

The Bun Will Stay in the Oven!

Okay so, once again, Baby Mac has decided to create some drama and then casually hang in for a little while longer. I'm thinking girl?? The labs done at the hospital all came back normal and Laura's BP came down as she was laying down for awhile. This is good news but she's still REALLY swollen and has been officially been put on bed rest until delivery. Laura will be doing a 24hr urine test today/tonight which will be tested tomorrow, along with some other labs and probably another BP check. So, I guess only God knows what tomorrow will bring but every day brings us closer to 37wks, which is when we're technically considered safe at "full term". Thanks SO much to everyone who has offered encouragement, prayers, and to help us out over the next few weeks. Thom and I appreciate all the support and love. And PLEASE continue to lift up Laura-she is SO uncomfortable and definitely does not do well with "sitting still". Bedrest will be especially tough for her and the kiddos. Anyways, more updates to come soon. We're 35wks 5days today! YAY!!