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!