I can’t believe it has already been a year since giving birth to a child that wasn’t mine. One full year later and I’m in still in awe of the journey called surrogacy. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to experience something so incredible and for being just a small part of Zachary’s story.
Although my surrogacy journey is over, I am still in contact with the family, which I absolutely love. I receive emails and text messages often with pictures of little Zachary. I always get excited to see a text come through from his mother because that means there is a picture to follow. I adore being able to watch him grow up through pictures.
The big question everyone asks me is “so how are you doing now?” And the answer to that is simple. I’m doing fantastic. It was a rough road there for a few months, but I went through the valley and I’m finally on the mountaintop again.
I’ve received many emails, Facebook messages, Twitter DM’s and more about my journey and I always get so excited to share about my experience. If you or someone you know has any questions about surrogacy, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to answer any questions you many have and to point you to additional resources about surrogacy.
Other posts on my surrogacy journey:
Jenn says
How wonderful that you still have a relationship with his parents! What an amazing story to be a part of.
Crystal says
Thanks, Jenn! It has certainly helped.
Raijean says
Thanks for sharing your story! He is amazing! My friend just used a surrogate and is in love with his little man.
Crystal says
I love to hear about families using surrogates. Such an awesome thing to be a part of.
Shell Feis says
I’m so glad you are doing so well now! He is one handsome little kid, and what you did to help him come into this world is nothing short of magical.
Crystal says
Thanks, Shell! I’m glad I was a part of his story.
April Decheine says
Wow it has been a year, what an adorable little gift you gave another couple, such a beautiful person you are!
Crystal says
I know. The year flew by.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
He is darling! What an amazing feeling to know that you helped this family achieve such joy.
Crystal says
Thank, Tiff. I agree. He’s just too cute for words.
Kathleen says
He is such a sweetie. Surrogacy is definitely a great thing to be a part of, I am grateful I had the chance to be part of it and help a family be complete.
Becca @ Mama B says
Wow, I can’t believe it’s been a year already!? Time sure does fly. He is such a cutie.
Crystal says
I know, Becca! The year flew by.
Mickey says
He’s beautiful. What a wonderful gift surrogacy is. That’s wonderful!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I can’t believe it’s been a year since that beautiful boy was born. Still so proud of you, Crystal.
Julie says
Happy birthday, Zachary! What an amazing blessing you gave to his parents.
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
He is so adorable!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
He’s so stinkin’ cute! And, I seriously can’t believe that it’s been a year already, time sure does fly.
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
wow I can’t believe its been a year already. It really is amazing . He’s ever so beautiful and such a blessing
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
That’s amazing that you still have a relationship with his parents. I’m glad to hear you’re better. What a journey!
Toni says
He’s so adorable. I can’t believe it has already been a year.
Dee Mauser says
I really loved following your story, it was very touching. What a wonderful gift to give a family who couldn’t have a child on their own. Zachary is a beautiful child and boy has he grown. Wow! Time sure flies.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
What a cute little guy. Awesome that you got to take part in bringing him here & that his parents have the opportunity to love him 🙂
Colleen says
I’m so glad you are feeling fantastic and such a wonderful journey in which you have made a big difference in many lives. He is adorable what fantastic photos.
Lolo says
I cannot believe he is 1 already. Great that you are still in contact with them!
Nichol says
I can’t believe it has been a year already! He is absolutely precious!
Marcie W. says
Zachary is gorgeous and it must be such an amazing feeling to know you helped create a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
I can’t believe it’s been a year already! Wow. He’s adorable. So glad you are doing great with it all and have the privilege of staying in touch with Zachary’s parents. What a blessing.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I’m so glad you’ve come through the toughest part of the journey. Being able to watch this little peanut grow up via photos has to soothe your heart and soul a bit. You gave a lovely gift, my sweet friend!
Sandra (at) Coasahmom (dot) com says
Time does fly by so quickly when they’re this little. He’s adorable and I think it’s awesome that you’re still in contact with the family and everything.
Kelsey Apley says
What a cutie pie!!! I think surrogacy is a great way for many people!! Nice to see and read about your journey!
Lucero @We Are Earthformed says
He is such a doll baby. So glad you are doing well and that you are “back on the mountaintop”. It’s so nice that you still get to be part of his life.
Penelope Guzman (NYC Blogger) says
I’m glad you are doing well…he is so beautiful, and it’s amazing you helped bring such a wonderful being into our world 🙂
Toni says
Oh my gosh Crystal, I can’t believe it’s been a year. I am so glad you are doing well. He is growing so fast.
Brandy says
I can totally think that surrogacy would bring some insane hormones after the fact. I love that you are still involved in some level with this little boy, he is simply adorable btw. I believe I could be a surrogate only if I still was able to have some involvement with the child, or at least the parents to know how the baby was doing. I am glad to hear that you are doing better now, I saw you were having a difficult time at first and I couldn’t imagine. Combine hormones with the fact that surrogacy is probably difficult as a whole, it’s no wonder you were in a valley for a bit. Perfectly natural, you realized it and worked through it though. Kudos and way to go girl!
Sandra (at) Coasahmom (dot) com says
Wow! He is absolutely adorable! Surrogacy is nothing I would be able to do personally but I praise those such as yourself that are able to do such an amazing thing. Thanks for sharing the update.
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
Happy Birthday lil’ man! I’m so glad to see you’ve found your way with your experience 🙂 He is amazing and handsome! I’m glad to see Mommy & Daddy have great taste and put him in cute Gymboree too! lol
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
You gave that family such a wonderful gift! I’m glad you’re doing better with it now, too. He’s a cutie pie!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
He is precious! You are a wonderful person!
Crystal Green says
He is absolutely adorable. I am awe over the whole situation. I am so glad that you get to be a part of his journey in life too.
What's That Smell? ~ Kim says
You did an amazing thing for that family, I imagine it was hard but being able to receive updates and photos must be so awesome.
I am not sure I could do what you did.
Rebekah Baier says
Wow. It takes a really incredible person to do what you did for this family. Thank you for sharing your story, I am sure it has been a lifeline for many others going through the same thing. He is just a sweetheart 🙂
Donna says
I am still in awe at your selflessness. What a blessing you are to that family!
Carolina says
It fills my heart with tremendous joy, what you did for this couple! As someone who faces infertility and struggles through to the core of my being daily, I cannot tell you how much it means. I could only be so blessed to meet someone like you if my road ends at surrogacy. You are truly incredible and the love you have given them is so selfless and beautiful. Thank you.
Crystal says
I’m so sorry to hear about your infertility struggle, Carolina. Thank you for your comment and your kinds words. I truly wish you the best and hope that you’ll be holding a baby in your arms very soon.
Kathleen says
You’ve heard it before, but you are awesome! That’s really nice of them to keep in contact with you and to share their happiness with you!
Freda Mans says
You are an admirable woman to give someone else the gift of life. God bless you.
Theresa says
He is beautiful!
Our Family World says
It is such a great gift that being a surrogate gives.
Jennifer says
I think it’s awesome that Zachary’s parents are sharing his life with you. He is a beautiful little dude!
Ailee Petrovic says
Crystal, I am so glad to have found your blog! I love it. What an amazing article too. Sweet little Zachary is adorable. I can’t wait to read more. xo
Jaime Grigsby says
I admire every woman that has the gift of surrogacy in their heart. I am currently in the possible to be a gestational carrier myself and will be going for my second transfer end of January/ beginning of February. Our first embryo transfer did not take and I too like you are pro-life. I pray this next and last one is the embryo(s) that take. Please be in prayer of my IP’s and my husband and he has been a true blessing of support. Do you have any helpful hints or tips that you would give to prepare my body for this second transfer?
Penelope says
How is he doing now? I haven’t seen an update in a while and I sometimes wonder about him 🙂
Crystal says
He’s doing good. I can’t believe he is 2 now…CRAZY!
Cinny says
Wow, he got big fast! He’s super adorable though!
Crystal says
I was commenting on another post and saw Surrogacy at the top of your page. What a strong woman you have to be to carry a baby for another couple. I have struggled with infertility and 2 stillbirths so I can imagine the strength it takes to carry a baby and then place it in the arms of another family. I have much respect for you and other women who are surrogates!