All Things Jenn!!!

Baby Update:)

As most people know, I gave birth to a precious baby boy in July.  I have kept in contact with the family and I am so thankful they are doing great!  My family is planning to visit them in a couple of weeks and I can't wait!  I truly miss being pregnant.  But I must say - having that first adult beverage after over a year was pretty amazing!  

I have begun working out again - mixed emotions about this! I am really enjoying it, although it took me several weeks to get into the swing of things again.  For whatever reason (and I wish I knew why), being focused 100% of the time has been hard this time.  Two years ago I was focused and it came easy.  This time I've slacked some and eaten things I know I shouldn't have.  However, I'm stronger every day and my Coach Alma Dominguez has been great helping me along!  I hope to have a better update on that next time!

I'm a Bulldog:)

Who woulda thunk it???  NOT ME!!!  Anyone who knows me knows how I live and breathe Navasota, Texas and Navasota ISD!  Since becoming a teacher, the only place I'd ever (like EVER EVER EVER) dreamed of teaching at was NISD.  I loved all my teachers growing up - I  pictured myself as them one day!  At SHSU's job fair, Mr. Hemann (our old asst. supe) asked "are you ready to come work for us" and I answered "yes sir"!  I applied, interviewed, and was pretty much hired on site.  I attended the board meeting where I was officially hired and remember Mr. Hood and Mrs. McLain coming up to me and welcoming me to NISD! Since then I lived and breathed NISD.  NISD helped me almost get divorced years ago because I was married to it more than I was married to David Ramirez.  But I was okay with that at the time!  I ABSOLUTELY LOVED MY JOB!!!

Fast forward twelve years..............education slowly and quickly (as weird as that sounds) changed - and not for the better!  Kids just aren't the same as they used to be!  My good friend Cindy said to me one day - "they are Jennifer - it's the parenting that is different". This is very true!  Kids nowadays are being raised by young people, or old people - and many values are different.  There is crazy stuff on tv and let's not even mention social media! It's hard to be a kid, parent, and especially hard to be a teacher!!!!!  

So about two years ago I decided to get out of the general education classroom and try something new - something different - something fresh - something to get me pumped about teaching for a few more years!  I hadn't considered it before, but thought I would try special education!  I attended a class and studied hard and researched it and became certified!  I had talked to my boss then about me being interested in a sped position if and when one came open.

This past Spring a resource job came open at my school.  I spoke with NISD's special education department head a couple of times, as well as my boss a couple of times.  I found out in April that he offered that job to a first year teacher to Navasota.  I will admit that I was disappointed! - for several reasons:  I am a graduate of Navasota, I have lived here 37 years, I have a graduate of Navasota, I have a student in Navasota, I am the biggest supporter of Navasota that I know - hell I even have a freakin' Rattler tattoo - geez!!!!, I taught here for 12 years, my husband is a Navasota graduate, I am highly qualified, I have studied, those kids need me, my heart is in it, I will be around forever, I have a vested interest in our school and district etc. etc. etc. (ya'll get the point)  I truly felt like I was a darn good choice!  So I told him exactly how I felt about his decision and that I would be looking for a job both in and out of district.  He replied a short and inconsiderate reply telling me "High Point and Intermediate are looking for a sped teacher".  Basically - he told me where I could go! THANKS A LOT DUDE!!!  I was once again disappointed.  Hold up Jenn!!!!!!!  Let's be honest - you were not disappointed - you were angry!  This reply let me know exactly where I stand and how he feels about me.  I knew at that point I had to leave.  I cannot and WILL NOT work for someone who thinks that little of me.  I will not face him daily!  I will not work my butt off for him!  I told David I needed to leave and his reply was "that's fine, but you better have another job lined out".  (several of my friends' husbands told them that it was fine to quit - and mine says I better have a job lined out!  LOL - Gotta love my D!!!) I approached the Intermediate principal, but another friend of mine from Webb was told we couldn't apply there because of their rating and because of our rating.  So intermediate was out!  I inquired at the junior high and high school, but they didn't have anything I wanted or was qualified for.  I then interviewed at High Point, but the principal decided to hire a first year teacher rather than me! THANKS AGAIN LADY!!!  I then applied to three local districts hoping something would come open before I had to tell David sorry - we are going to live on Ramen noodles, boil our bath water, and dress by candlelight because there is no way in heck I'm working for that dude!  I prayed often and spoke to my close friends constantly. IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT NEARLY 30 PEOPLE FROM WEBB LEFT JUST THIS YEAR!!! MANY OF US STAYED IN CLOSE CONTACT DURING OUR JOB SEARCHES!  And I still trip out that my hometown district was okay with letting me go.  Not to toot my own horn - but you need Jennifer Ramirez on your side!!! Just sayin'!!!

Early July I was big and pregnant and laying in bed when I received a call from a cheerful lady who asked if I could come interview for a sped job in Waller!  I was shocked, excited, scared, and excited again!  I was scheduled to attend a conference in Austin the day she wanted me to interview, but I told her no biggy - I'd drive back down to Waller and back to Austin afterwards.  She kindly said I didn't have to do that and asked if I could come today! I was like absolutely! I texted some close friends for advice on interviewing (I had only interviewed twice before that - 12 years ago and most recently at High Point).  My sped friends gave me some tips and everyone wished me well.  

As I drove to Waller - it truly felt like an out of body experience - what in the world was I doing?  Was Jennifer Navasota ISD Rattler Ramirez actually doing this?  My eyes teared up and my heart raced.  It was too weird!  I interviewed with an awesome principal and awesome sped department head.  I thought it went well and I came home to sleep (remember this is my most favorite thing to do)!  D came home and I told him about it.  He napped too.  Then my phone rang and it was a Waller number.  The principal had called to offer me the position!  WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!  I gladly accepted and woke D up to tell him!  He congratulated me and the rest is history!  Happy history!! My new human resource department emailed me official info and I typed up my resignation. (one of the things it said was that I hoped the new teacher in my room loved Navasota kids half as much as I do) My old boss did say how he wished me well (although two other sped jobs came open and I was never considered for that - but that's none of my business (kermit's voice)).  

My awesome husband and son packed my entire 12 years of classroom stuff and hauled it home. I didn't lift a finger (perks of being prego)! 

I would like to ask for you to pray for teachers.  Our job is hard. There are tears shed daily. I get calls from people needing help!  Literally crying for help! Many of my friends spend hours on end at school.  Become educated on what is going on. Become active.  Become visible. I will blog about teaching again in the future - but my point is that things have been better in Navasota and I hope that they return to those days soon.  

I would also like to say how grateful I am for Waller - for giving this fat Mescan girl who they didn't know a chance!!! I still can't believe I'm not in Navasota.  It's surreal. But it is a good time to be gone. I will forever be grateful to them and this experience.  I am grateful for a big raise (although I'm not in it for that - but it sure doesn't hurt).  The drive is pretty cool.  It gives me time to focus, pray, relax, and thank God for life and His beauty.  I am grateful for great leaders who have a heart for their job. I am loving my students.  I am grateful for being able to be home early. Those long hours are for the birds!  I am grateful for less stress.  I am grateful for phone calls on the way home to catch up with friends. I am grateful for God having a plan for me, even when I don't see it for myself.  I am so grateful for the doors and opportunities He opens for me.  It's truly a present!  I AM JUST PLAIN GRATEFUL!

OPRAH! :)
My daughter Kimberly, my friend Shannon and I attended Oprah's The Life You Want Weekend two weeks ago.  It was very inspirational and very fun!!!  I have always been a fan of hers because she is the best teacher ever and it was amazing to see her in person!!! Some quotes I wrote from her and her speakers:

Honor your calling.

You are co-creating your life.

You become what you believe.

You have no power in any territory other than your own.

Write a new story.

You can wear better shoes, but keep your feet on the ground.

Take what's happened to you and use it!

I'll share more later.  This was just from day one!  Thanks for reading about my life.  I hope you are able to learn from me as much as I've learned from others.

One of My Proudest Days!!!

We had a doctor appointment on Monday, July 28th.  For the first time, my urine had elevated protein in it and my blood pressure was a tad high.  My bp was checked about three more times and was normal.  My doctor had recommended we induce on Wednesday and we had the date scheduled already.  So when those two things happened on Monday, she suggested I go ahead and go to the hospital and we induce on Tuesday!!  I was cool with that because we had Texans Training Camp tickets for Wednesday!!  David was the one who had suggested the Wednesday induction date - forgetting it was camp day - but he was cool with missing camp!  Anyway - the four of us headed to the hospital and prepared for their sweet baby boy to arrive!!!

It was somewhat of a long night - Kimberly came by a while - David went home to get a few more things for the night - and we tried to sleep as much as we could.  I had to pee every thirty minutes or so, so it was not too comfortable.

The next day we began the induction and I was finally at a ten late afternoon.  We pushed for nearly an hour and the baby wasn't coming, so the doctor made the decision to go ahead and do a c-section - boo!  She didn't want to take any chances hurting me or the baby - yay!  I could only have one person in the room with me, so after careful thought I chose the babys mother.  David was a little upset (he was worried about me and I fell in love him all over again because I knew he was truly concerned), Kimberly was upset (this wasn't the picture moment and fun, easy time with lots of smiles we had planned).  Surgery is never an easy thing!  I knew recovery would be harder and longer.  Since I was starting a new job and had tons to do, I was a little bummed.  But the fact is that it was out of my hands - so I just went with the flow!  I wanted the mom to be in with me so she could see her baby be born and if there was any decision that needed to be made concerning the baby, she would be able to make it.  If it was my child, I wouldn't want to miss such a huge moment - so there's no way I would have chosen anyone else!  My cousin Christa had had a c-section a couple of weeks before me and made complete sense when she said she had her plan, but God has a way of showing us that His plan is what we go with and He is ultimately in control.

Thank God all worked out and a beautiful baby boy was born Tuesday!!!  He is absolutely beautiful and perfect (I know what ya'll are thinking -  it's shocking that he's not mine, because that totally describes me!!!  I think so too - lol - just kidding!!!) 

I got out of the hospital that Friday - I had lots of calls, texts, and visitors all week - IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL TIME!!! I truly wish I could play that week back again and again and again!  I never cried having the baby or when the parents got the baby or anything - that was so awesome!!!!  However, I did get sad over the weekend when I was home - I missed all the fun times I had all week :(  .  Kimberly and I had a fun night on Thursday relaxing and having time alone.  David and I had a romantic dinner Wednesday night.  My mom came daily to check on me and visit.  Many friends and family came - bringing me food, snacks, and clothes - too many to mention!  We all had great conversations.  I had the best nurses ever!!!  We were able to visit the baby and he visited us with his parents - we got to hold him often and take pix with him and his parents - all was so great!!  I had dreamed many times over the past several months of how awesome it would be to see him with his parents - and it was exactly as I thought it would be - amazing!!!  Then the real world was here again - WACK!!!  LOL 

Many people have asked if we would all keep in touch - and the answer is YES!!!   We had discussed this several times during the previous months.  I don't want to be all up in their business and overstep my boundaries.  His parents have texted me and sent me videos and pictures of his cute self!!!  We are planning a trip in several weeks to visit them and see how much he has grown.  (out of courtesy to them I am not revealing his name, weight, etc. because that is private and he is NOT my baby and it's not my job or business to do that - my job was to make sure I did what I could to make sure he had a healthy home for 9 months and I did that!)

I can't believe this journey is over - it's so crazy that we had to go through so many steps and I was finally pregnant!   Then the 9 months flew by :(   I could not ask for a better experience - it was all I imagined and more! 

I have met some great people through this journey - my friends and family gave her a huge shower at my mom's house - it was great!!!  I am so glad everyone got to meet her and she got to meet them!  So many people have shared that they have struggled having children, have adopted, etc.  I am so humbled that people think what I did was so cool - I think so too!!  

I appreciate everyones prayers and support - especially my awesome husband David - who many times was more excited than I was - I love that man so much - even more now!  I couldn't have done this without Kimberly's support - she has been my cheerleader from the get go when I first mentioned it!  She is the best daughter anyone could ever dream of!!  Lil' David was also very patient with me over the past months - he held the baby and then tweeted "I love this little baby".  Precious!!!  My mom and stepdad were also huge support - I love them!!! 

Many people have asked if I'd do this again.  I'm not sure.  If this particular couple asked me I'd say yes in a heartbeat!  They were the best.  You have to wait a while to do it again.  Most people do it more than once.  I am getting older, not sure David would be on board (but I bet he would), I need to lose some weight, etc.  But one thing I've learned as I get older - we can't always predict what will happen - I am learning to leave things in God's hands!  When you do that - you can't go wrong!!  :)

35 Weeks Today! Time Hurry Up, but Time Slow Down!!!!!

Oops, I've been too lazy to blog!

I got a text from my best friend Shelly late last week asking why I hadn't blogged lately!  To be honest - there hasn't been a lot going on (at least I didn't think) and time has flown by!  But as I'm reminded - there are lots of people who are interested in my journey that may not be super close to me, so don't hear about everything that's going on.  So ya'll can thank Shelly for this post!  LOL

I didn't really realize I hadn't blogged since telling everyone about this journey - so there is actually quite a bit to tell I suppose!

Timeline

As my title says - today I am 35 weeks pregnant!  For those of you who don't understand the week deal - most  babies go to full term which is 40 weeks - so yes, we are basically pregnant for 10 months, rather than 9!  Pretty crazy!

David and I were talking last night about how long we had been on this journey - I began this process March of 2013, so it's been going on quite a while, but yet seems like it just started!

Although I am excited to have the baby, I am pretty sad it is flying by so fast and that it will be over pretty quick :(

God willing, my due date is August 2.  Although at one point he was measuring a week early, so we were thinking it would be late July.  Who knows??? It's not our decision - we will let him and Him decide that part!  My goal is to keep him healthy and comfy in my stomach for as long as he can!  I want a healthy baby boy for J & D!  

My mom's family reunion is scheduled for August 2, so I'd love to be able to attend - whether it's with or without him!  LOL  I believe if he was born at 37 weeks or so, there wouldn't be too much to worry about with his health!  So time will tell!  IT'S SO SUPER EXCITING THOUGH!  

Modern Medicine

All that talk about weeks brings me to my next thought - modern medicine!  This journey would not have been possible without modern medicine.  When I sit and think about what is inside me and how it got there (not just the easy insertion part) - it is so amazing that people have figured out how to do that!

As I look back on my life, some of my earliest memories are in a hospital!  When I was in 2nd grade, my mother had gallbladder surgery and complications from it caused her to almost die!  I won't mention the doctor's name, but he has passed away and I can't say that when I heard of his passing I shed a tear!  I remember seeing her suffer in the hospital and at home.  I remember having to stay with my brother Julian and his wife.  I remember being 8 years old and worried she would die.  It sucked!  I also remember becoming closer to my Daddy.  He wasn't the closest, most nurturing father - but he bought me anything I wanted!  I remember him buying me a big, beautiful white rabbit that had pastel overalls on (I better still have it in storage David Ramirez).  I remember the two of us having dinner in the hospital and going through the cafeteria line and seeing frozen yogurt for the first time!  

Fast forward a couple of years and put my Daddy in the hospital bed!  My mom had pretty much recovered from her complications (although she still to this day may have pain from it).  My Dad became diabetic and ended up having heart failure, needing a heart transplant ( I may as well add my two cents here and say that if I were president I would make it mandatory that every person had to be an organ donor - I feel strongly about this - and because of it my two kids as well as myself are donors).  He refused to get on  the waiting list for a heart because of timing, financial reasons, and not wanting to live a life like that!  He ended up dying when he was 50 and when I was 12.  It was hard seeing that as a child.  It didn't bother me then as much as it bothers me now.  I would give anything for him to be able to see my two kids and meet my husband David.  If David loves my brother Julian and loved my Uncle Frank because of their sense of humor and brutal honesty - he would adore my Daddy!!!  My Dad was a real jackass at times, but was funny, loved sports, often had a foul mouth, and loved food - yep - I'm pretty much a female version of him and I often apologize to my Mom for embarrassing her at times! The other day she said to me "I never have to worry about you Jennifer" - which made me feel proud!  I feel the same way about my Kimberly!

Back to "modern medicine" info - I have prayed many many times the last few weeks for three babies!  An ex-coworker of mine named Mendi gave birth to her sweet son Brooks at around 26 weeks.  He is so teeny tiny and will remain in the hospital (which is a long trip from her house) until probably September or so.  Please keep him in your prayers!  My ex-coworker Lisa facebooked about a baby named Piercen that was in the womb sick and was born earlier this month, full term, but with many heartbreaking complications. Please keep him in your prayers! Lastly, my cousin Gerald is expecting a new son named Chase and his wife Christa is in the hospital at about 33 weeks now because her water was leaking.  She went in at 31 weeks and will be there until delivery, which is as long as possible!  We want Chase to continue to grow!  I am so thankful that so far everything has gone great with the baby I am carrying and I pray things continue to go great!

I don't know where these doctors and nurses get their brains from - but through this surrogacy journey and watching t.v., and reading about these sick babies, I am in absolute awe and admiration of their abilities.  One of my close friends Kourtney lost her beautiful son Otto to cancer several months ago and when we visited them in the hospital, her husband Gus explained to me about the doctors at Texas Children's Hospital - he said most were pretty young and they were all different nationalities, etc.  Super cool!  

Happy Happenings!

These are in no particular order by the way.

*on the day of our transfer I gave J & D some white and black iBelieve bracelets I got from Scripture Haven - they have cool scripture readings on them.  David has a black one and I have a white one as well.  I don't take mine off and haven't since November (except for the one time I dropped it at my brother's house, thankfully David found it for me), David wears his pretty much every day too!  I also got them a handmade cross and a Willowtree Angel.  J gave me a beautiful bracelet from India

*I suggested J & D record their voices for the baby so that I could play it for him to listen to so that he can recognize their voices - they did and I play the cd for him often!  I think he likes their voices because he seems to move a little more when it's playing :)

*David is still a huge supporter of this!  He tells anyone who will listen what I'm doing - I got my teeth cleaned a few weeks ago and David had gone a few days before me.  The hygenist said David had told her all about it and was so excited!  He also loves telling people "it's NOT MINE" so that he can make a joke!  He's silly!

*I have gained 13 lbs so far!!!  Not too bad I suppose - with my two kids I gained, well let's just say A LOT MORE THAN THAT!

*on the day of delivery D will cut the cord and the baby will be handed to J so that they can begin the bonding process!!!  David will then hand me a Dos XX with lime and salt and we will toast to getting through this, having a healthy son for them, and being able to drink once again!  JUST KIDDING OF COURSE!  I'm not a real big drinker, but for some reason I am craving a beer - so David and I joke that he will have me one in the hospital!  

*J & D will have their own room in the hospital

*Kimberly and I attended J's baby shower in May - it was so neat to meet her family and friends!  I am blessed that she invited us.

*I am giving J a baby shower in July with some of my close friends and family.  I want my friends to get to meet her and see how great she is!  They have heard about her for a very long time, so I am excited for them to see her in the flesh!

*I am taking great care of this baby boy, but when I picture delivery day and handing him over, I am not sad about "giving him up"!  The truth is he's never been mine to begin with and I cannot wait to see him with his Mommy and Daddy!  I will cry about that for sure!  SO EXCITING!

*I am planning on pumping my milk for another baby that is in need of breastmilk!  J began taking lactation pills and is already making her own milk for the baby I am carrying - HOW DAMN AWESOME IS THAT????!!!!!  I'm telling you - modern medicine is freakin' great!!!  I am a little nervous about the pumping thing because I never attempted that with my two kids, nor attempted breastfeeding - it always kinda grossed me out (my Mom gets mad when I say that and I can hear her say "that's what they're for").  We shall see how that works out for me!

That's all I can think of right now.  I'm going to attempt to attach a recent pic of my "belly bump" and also a link for baby Piercen's info and baby Brooks' info!  If you can't click and find the info, google their info!!  I promise to update again in a couple of weeks!

Baby Brooks Info:  

www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/supporting-baby-brooks-and-the-wellborn-family/192275/update/181845

Prayers for Piercen Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/prayersforpiercen

Easter - my favorite Holiday!

Today has been a beautiful day!  My Chelle came down to attend church with us.  Nothing makes me happier than attending church as a family.  I don't attend church as often as I should - but when I do, I feel at peace and am ready to begin a new week, and when my whole family is there, it makes it that more special!!!

Easter has always been my favorite holiday - I love all the beautiful pastel colors, eggs, candy, and food it all brings!  It's so sad and different not having small children to do baskets and hunts for!  Time sure flies by :(

April is also the month of my brothers' birthdays.  I am lucky to have two older brothers and be the only girl in my family!  I always wanted a sister, but to be honest - I'm not real good about sharing the spotlight - so being the only girl is fine by me! My brothers are only a year apart and grew up very close.  My brother Sam is awesome, but I am closest to my brother Julian.  He lives across the street from me and has always spoiled me and been there for anything I need.  I have leaned on him many times in my life and he is one of the most caring people I've ever known.  He and David are super close, which makes me happy.  He is also super funny and crazy and makes me laugh every time we talk!

April is also prom season!  Little David went to Navasota's prom earlier this month and will go to Anderson's prom in May.  I can't believe he is old enough to be going to prom!

To me April also means beginning to wrap up another school year.  This year has been one of the most stressful ever, for many of my friends and co-workers! Our district is going through lots of changes - many make me sad. I personally haven't gone through many things - yet!  We have an upcoming election where I'm hoping lots of changes will be made.  I'm excited to end the school year - it means rest for the summer and a new start in the fall - thanks be to God!

Speaking of summer - this will only be the second year out of twelve that I haven't taught summer school!  I am 25 weeks pregnant, so I've decided to take it easy this summer and rest both months!  My due date is August 2, so I plan on relaxing quite a bit before then!  As far as baby news - nothing much is happening!  I gained another three pounds (a total of 8 so far), the baby is kicking a lot and it's so awesome!  J and D came down last week for an appointment and things continue to look good with the baby.  Time seems to be moving quickly.  J has a shower next month that I will attend :) , and my friends and I will be giving her one this summer as well!  

Some baby info that I didn't blog about sooner: (I don't want to bore you with every detail, but I think these things are exciting!!!)

*we transferred one embryo in November - from what I understand you can fit about 40 embryos on one of grain of rice - so you can see what a miracle this baby is!

*the transfer only took about five minutes - it's similar to a pap smear - doesn't take long and you're in and out and can pretty much continue your day as usual!

*you then wait for beta results a few days later from a blood test!  

I had bought a pregnancy test to test at home, but David and Kimberly and J all told me to be patient and wait on actual numbers from the clinic!  I was cool with that if the results were good, but if the results were going to be bad I wanted to be prepared! I'm a member of some online groups of surrogates and most of them pressured me to test as well, but I went ahead and was patient - which is out of the ordinary for me!  And being patient worked out!!!

J actually got my lab numbers first and called me on a Friday in November to confirm that my numbers were high and the pregnancy was positive! I thought it was very special for her to know before me - afterall, it's HER BABY!!!  You then have several more blood tests for several weeks to make sure things are progressing and numbers are increasing 

*J and D didn't want a gender reveal party (although Kimberly and I did!!!)..........there was no such thing when I had my two kids, so I thought it would be super cool to do something fun to find out the gender of the baby! David thought it was silly, because it's not my baby, but I told him I wanted to do something fun so he went along with it!  LOL  

I felt like it was boy because I as hardly sick at all - with Kimberly I was VERY sick, with Lil' D I was a little sick, and with this baby I wasn't sick at all! 

Anyway - we did a new test that has only been around about a year - called "Verify" - it's a simple blood test that tests for abnormalities and gender and it's 100% positive on the gender - no mixups!  I believe you can do this test as early as 11 weeks!  J and D decided on the test and the doctor called J to tell her the gender and she then ordered a cake for us from Cake Junkie and Kimberly also got cupcakes for us.  We then ordered Wings and had dinner at my Mom and Stepdad's house and cut the cake to see blue inside!!!  So fun!!!!!!   

That's about all I can think of right now - I'll blog soon about other cool things that are happening in my life and with the baby as well!  

Living Life with No Regrets!!!

I just had a birthday last Thursday! 

On my birthday in 2013, I moved forward with a thought that had crossed my mind for many years...................becoming a Gestational Carrier (what most people know as a surrogate)!!! I knew that I was getting older and that if I wanted to seriously consider doing this, I needed to move it!  Yes, you read correctly - I WANT TO CARRY SOMEONE ELSE'S BABY and I think that's the COOLEST THING EVER!!!

First of all let me begin by letting you know why I wanted to do this!  There are many, many reasons - but the three most important ones are as follows:

1) If I were to die today, one of the regrets I would have is not being pregnant one more time.  Most people think it's crazy, but I truly love being pregnant! I had both of my kids at a young age, which I am grateful for because I don't have the will or energy today to care for a baby and commit 18 years to a child! I was 20 when I had my last child and wanted to experience pregnancy again as a mature, older adult - without having to raise it. David and I have NO DESIRE to have any more kids.  As a matter of fact, we are looking forward to traveling and seeing the world in about a year and a half - once Lil' D is in college - God willing, of course. 

2) I have seen many close friends and family struggle with infertility.  I worked with a lady several years ago who had twins through a GC and I kept up with their journey and thought it would be awesome to be a GC myself!  I remember telling her I'd love to do it one day and she said I should!  I can't imagine not being a parent.  Being a parent is the absolute most rewarding thing EVER!!!  It's definitely challenging on many days, but it is the best thing that could ever happen to a human being in my opinion.  Helping an awesome couple begin their family is one of the most rewarding things I think I will ever do!  

3) Modern medicine is a true miracle!  To think that someone could carry someone else's child is a real trip to me!  It's very complicated, but simple at the same time.  Two of my favorite shows are The Little Couple and Gulianna and Bill and I have enjoyed watching them become successful as parents, even with their infertility struggles!

(There is SO MUCH to tell about this journey - and this post will be the beginning of many, but I'll try my best to post regularly so that I can keep everyone up to date on what's going on in this exciting journey).

Back to the story........So in early March I contacted a couple of companies to find out more info on the idea.  They both replied to me and I got a kind of weird vibe from the first, but fell in love with the second - Surrogate Solutions!!!  I discontinued contact with the first company and decided I would continue with SS.  

Many of my friends say they would do what I'm doing.  However, it's not as easy as it sounds!  You have to be approved and there is a LONG LIST of things you have to do to even be considered.  There are physical tests, psychological tests, blood tests, drug tests, home visits, meetings, tons of paperwork, interviews, pokes, prodding, etc. etc. etc.  Which I think is great!!! There are also many legalities that go along with it - which I also think is great!  You have to be on the same page with the parents (called Intended Parents - "IPs" for short). Your spouse and family need to also be supportive and have to go through much of the process with you as well.  Many people just think you can do it - but that is NOT the case!  It's not for everyone, nor should it be!  

After a few months of all the things I mentioned above, I was approved and our journey began!

David and I met with three different couples.  For different reasons, we weren't matched with them.  And I thank God we weren't!  In July we had lunch with a couple, and the next day I got word that they liked us and wanted to move forward!!  They ended up choosing us and we chose them as well! For privacy reasons I will refer to the baby Momma as "J" and the baby Daddy as "D".  I AM CURRENTLY 18 weeks PREGNANT with THEIR BABY BOY!  

THE REST IS HISTORY pretty much!!!  I will blog again in a few days to fill you in on how things have progressed.  It's SUPER EXCITING TO ME!!!

Until then, I will leave you with the following:

1) You never know what infertility struggles you, your children, or grandchildren will face - so please don't take for granted how fortunate you are to have children if you are one of the lucky ones who is a fertile person!!!! I am definitely more respectful to people who don't have kids yet because I know they could possibly be struggling.  I am not naive anymore to think that they just don't have them now because they don't want to.  Many people would have them if they could!

2) This baby is not related to me or David biologically in any way!  Some people have commented to me that they couldn't do it because they wouldn't be able to give it up!  My answer to that is - I know I will be emotionally attached because I have cared for him for nine months.  However, I can't wait to see his parents with him.  I DON'T WANT A BABY!!! If I wanted a baby, David and I would have one - but we DON'T!  He is not legally mine - he is legally J and D's baby!  (I'll touch on Texas laws later - but Texas is a great state for surrogacy - it protects the parents fully - which is awesome!)  So even if I thought I'd keep him, I CAN'T!  lol  

3) There is so much more to say - but lastly and most importantly I'd like to end with thanking my family and friends for their support through this!!!  

Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers.  I pray often for friends struggling with infertility issues.  I appreciate their support - many have talked to me for a long time and told me how cool what I'm doing is!  Many have cried as they have told me their struggles. 

As many of you know - I began bootcamp with a great group of ladies in August of 2012.  Through this group I lost weight, but gained lifelong friends that I can talk to about anything.  This group of women have been there from the get - go when I first began this process.  They have supported me and been a rock to lean on.  They have texted, talked, hugged, and prayed for me and the baby and J and D. And by the way - I fully expect to rely on them again in August as I begin to lose weight for the second time - be ready girls!!!! 

My school family has been great!  

Some of my best friends - Shannon has been a great support!  And also Shelly who has been my biggest cheerleader.  She has included us in her church Bible study group since the beginning - which means more to me than she will know.  I have talked to her about every step of this because her husband is a nurse practitioner and she gives the best advice on everything to me!!  She is a friend I will forever cherish and is super close to my heart!

My Mom and Stepdad - bless them!  They have seen me at my best and worst in my life!  As I've said before, my Mom never judges me.  She doesn't even give me her opinions often - because she knows at the end of the day Jennifer will do what Jennifer wants!  She has let me learn on my own.  And yes, I have regretted not listening to her at times.  When I first told them about my plan, they kinda thought I was nuts.  But they have supported me and have been there for me since the beginning!  They recently met J and D and love them as much as we do!  I am so glad they will be there when I have this baby for J and D.  Love ya'll Mom and Robert!!!

My Kimberly - who is my best friend for eternity and is another cheerleader for me - she hasn't missed many appointments and has been so excited since I told her what I wanted to do!  From the beginning she has thought it's the coolest thing and continues to be excited for J and D and for us.  She has made this special for me and I couldn't have done this without her - I LOVE YOU CHELLE!!!

Lil' David is Lil' David - he doesn't get too excited over anything.  And let's face it - he's a teenage boy!  He is definitely supportive though.  He went with me to an appointment and saw the baby on an ultrasound and thought it was pretty cool!  Love him!

My husband David who thought I was a little crazy at first.  Actually - we've been together for nearly 22 years - so he knows I'm crazy!  lol  He has supported me 200000% and is often times more excited about it than I am! He is proud of me and like me - he can't wait until J and D are parents!!! David and I will definitely shed some tears when they hold their son for the first time! 

Most imporantly - J and D - who trust me with their son!  They have been great support through this process.  J and I text and email often. I am so glad we are close and am excited to continue to let our relationship grow.  I promised them I would do all I could to make sure their child is healthy and I am doing just that!  They have made this journey special for me and I am so excited for them to be parents!   

I hope everyone enjoys reading about my journey!  I can't wait to continue updating you on how things are going!  I thank God for this opportunity and for giving us modern medicine!!!

P.S.  I forgot one HUGE thing to say - I have chosen NOT to let my students know that I am a gestational carrier!!!  For the simple fact that it's not easy for adults to understand, much less kids!  And I don't care to have a sex talk with them about the birds and the bees! If their parents wish to explain this to them (which I don't suggest because they are only 7 and 8), that is their choice!