We are a go!

Oh boy.

Misinformation sucks. I was told some things that weren't entirely whole true, so a lot of hopes went up only to be tugged down pretty hard.

Turns out the contract was not done. It was done and signed on June 30. It was sent to the clinic July 4 and guess what, I finally got my protocol today!

Well.. technically only part of it. But, still!

I start Estrace (estrogen) with my upcoming cycle on day two. It will get my body pumped and ready to prepare for a baby. 10 days after that I will have a lining check of my uterus via internal ultrasound.

And yes, it is as much fun as it sounds.

That day I will get the rest of my protocol and with any luck, transfer will be the first week of August. Yay!

I'll need to start eating/drinking things rich in whatever vitamins thicken the uterine lining. Pom juice, sweet potatoes, pineapple core (who knew), and lots of orgasms, haha. Sounds lovely.

I'm crossing my fingers for an early period lol.

I am not looking forward to sticking myself in the ass everyday with a 2 inch needle. I've been told once I do it the first time that it's fine. But I have a needle phobia and still cry when nurses take my blood. Sigh.

I went on a surrogate retreat this past weekend. It was fantastic. The rooms were all amazing and the food was delicious! SCO's coordinator planned a ton of stuff for us to do and I went home with a lot of goodies! Chocolate and cookies - to die for!

~~~

I also realize I haven't talked at all about where I applied or who I'm doing this with.

Back in January when my friend made me realize I can still be a surrogate, I searched up surrogacy in Canada on Google and was taken to Surrogacy In Canada Online https://surrogacy.ca/

I went through the application and after my second attempt talked with Sally, the program's coordinator. She is a lovely, lovely woman. If I ever have a question about the process or just a general problem/issue she's right there to answer me. She started this program way back when after being a surrogate herself. Her story is on the website, for those that are interested!

After I was accepted into the program, Sally added me into two secret groups on Facebook. One for surrogates and intended parents, and the other just for the surrogates. I have met so many wonderful ladies. They are all so kind and giving. I didn't expect much of a support system outside of my own people and was so pleasantly surprised to find them all.

SCO is how I met my IPs. Complete luck and chance. Surrogacy is actually illegal in a lot of countries in Europe. It isn't in Belgium, but apparently it is very complicated and my IPs found not a lot of them women do it altruistically. Like in the States, you can be paid to be a surrogate. In Canada you are only compensated for pregnancy related expenses.

For example; mileage to the clinic (little over an hour from my city), meals we eat during the trip, childcare if needed, clothing for the pregnancy. Special expenses like bed rest, special diets (if the IPs require that), lost wages, etc. It all has to relate to the surrogacy directly to be compensated.

I haven't been asked yet, but I know a lot of surros are. "You must make a lot doing that?" Well, no. And I'm not in it for the money anyway. I'm doing this to create a family that can't otherwise do it on their own.

I'm sure a lot of other people wonder - Why don't they just adopt?

It also isn't that easy. My IPs are gay, and it's very hard for gay couples to adopt in Europe I guess. Plus, why should that be someone's first choice? Isn't that why we have IVF? For couples to have a baby with their own genetics?

Either way, I'm so blessed to have A&M in my life. And none of this would have happened without Sally and SCO. She has created a great community.

If you, or anyone you know, is the tiniest bit interested in surrogacy please visit the website and look around! Or even egg donation! Half of this wouldn't be possible without the lovely women that donate their eggs for others!

It's really, truly a wonderful thing to do!