Wow, I can’t believe it’s been since the beginning of July since I’ve written about the surrogacy. I had planned on posting more and updating fairly regularly, but the truth is the first trimester through me for a loop. It flat out kicked my behind. Some days, I couldn’t even make it out of bed. I was absolutely miserable. My fourth pregnancy and the first time I’ve ever experienced morning sickness like that.
Why do they call it morning sickness anyway? I think I could of handled it if it was only in the mornings. But instead, it was 24 hours of pure torture for 13 weeks.
Thankfully, things have turned for the better and I’m doing so much better. I have much more energy than those first couple of months and I’m actually able to eat and I’ve stopped puking at just the thought of food.
YAY for food!
I’m finally in the second trimester and have been feeling little surro-baby move for the past couple of weeks. The movements are getting stronger each day and I can tell by the movements that baby is growing steadily.
The Intended Parents opted for an early gender ultrasound, so they flew down last week and we were able to find out what little surro-baby is. I’m going to share, but not just yet. But it’s coming soon. I promise.
Baby looked good on the ultrasound and we could see it moving around in there. The baby was in a crazy position, almost like a clam, with its feet by its head. It surely didn’t look comfortable, but there was plenty of room in there to move, so it must like feeling all cozy and secure. {Note to self: Get Intended Parents a bunch of swaddling blankets.}
I’ve been horrible at taking belly pictures, because I’m just not sure how this whole surrogacy thing works. Am I supposed to take pictures, or am I not? Am I supposed to document milestones, or am I not? This is my first surrogacy experience and I’m just not sure what I’m supposed to be doing. But since I wanted to send the Intended Mom a picture of the growing belly that was holding her growing baby, I figured what the heck. Belly pictures it is. Weird or not.
{17 weeks}
This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago at 17 weeks and was the first picture I took. I wish now that I would have started earlier, but it is what it is.
I’m pretty much carrying all right in front and from what people say, you can’t tell I’m pregnant from behind. However, as with each of my pregnancies, my face looks like that of a 16 year old girl and I just want to scream. I hate this part of pregnancy and thought that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t happen this time since I am a ripe old 31 years old. But, instead of the beautiful pregnancy glow, I get the acne glow. That’s what I’m going to call it anyway.
Overall, everybody that knows about the surrogacy has been very supportive. Sometimes I’m a little hesitant to share, because of fear of how someone will respond. I know it shouldn’t matter, but to me, it does. I hope that through this journey, I’ll be able to educate more people about the whole surrogacy process. Not only so more couples can achieve their dream of a family, but so that normal, every day families, will experience something so extraordinary that they will forever be changed.
Becca @ Mama B says
You look incredible!! I am so happy that you are stating to feel better and can enjoy this amazing experience.
Also – it’s not weird at all to take belly pics! You could create surrogacy scrapbook or something!
Crystal says
Thanks Becca, me too. Hopefully I’ll just be able to enjoy the rest of it 😉
Kelly says
Aw, you look beautiful! I’m glad that you’re feeling better. My whole pregnancy was filled with morning sickness but the first 13 weeks were NOT fun.
Crystal says
I’m so sorry your pregnancy was filled with morning sickness. I don’t think I could make it through a whole 40 weeks of feeling like that.
Jenny says
I’m at twelve weeks and I’ve got the acne glow as well. I hate it and wish I could get the pregnancy glow.
Crystal says
Congrats on your pregnancy, but sorry to hear you have the acne as well. It pretty much sucks.
debra b says
Wow what a wonderful gift that you’re doing!!!! I’m sorry I missed other posts about you doing this, I think its awesome
and BTW you look wonderful 🙂 glad to hear your morning sickness has ended, I always thought being pregnant was great, I loved every part of the pregnancy especially when the baby started moving around, that was the weirdest feeling at first..
Congrats on being such a giving person , Its great that you will be helping a couple achieve their dream of being parents
Crystal says
Thanks, Debra! I agree, pregnancy is great and such a miracle.
Stefani says
That is good that you are starting to feel better. I had awful morning sickness with my last pregnancy that was no fun. I can’t wait until you share the gender results. 🙂
Crystal says
Sorry to hear about your morning sickness. Such a horrible experience.
I’ll be sharing soon!
Zipporah Sandler says
What you’re doing is a WONDERFUL thing and those of us who love you want to hear ALL about it.
Crystal says
Thanks, Zippy.
Leilani says
You look gorgeous! And I think your decision to be a surrogate is very admirable. I’ve always wanted to do it.
Crystal says
Awww, thanks Leilani. I really appreciate your kind words.
If you have any questions about the process, let me know.
Courtney says
You look fabulous, and you are doing an absolute blessing for this family. 🙂
Crystal says
Thank you, Courtney!
Colleen says
You look wonderful and I think surrogacy is an amazing thing, nothing weird about it.
Crystal says
Thank you, Colleen.
Notorious Spinks says
You’re looking so good. I feel you should record this journey and feel free to share. Some people aren’t blessed to carry or deliver babies so what you’re doing is God sent, so have no shame. If people have a problem with it then its their problem not yours.
Crystal says
Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words.
Tricia Nightowlmama says
you look beautiful Crystal and such a blessing your giving to that wonderful family i sure they are grateful for everything you go through
Crystal says
Thank you, Tricia.
Marcie W. says
You’re doing a remarkable thing Crystal and don’t let ANYONE tell you otherwise. I’m happy you’re feeling better and you DO have that pregnancy glow 🙂
Crystal says
Thank you, Marcie. I’m so blessed to be able to take this journey.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
That is a great gift that you are giving someone. And I don’t think there is anything wrong in sending the intended parents belly shots. They will have that as memories, and if they choose to, share with the child :). So glad you are feeling better!
Crystal says
Thanks, Jenn. I’m just not sure what proper protocol is so I’m a little unsure on what to do.
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Well, you look absolutely fabulous, and when I was pregnant (especially the first one) I was sick ALL DAY, it was pretty bad! I’m very sensitive to hormonal changes. I hope it keeps going well (and you feel better the rest of the pregnancy)
Crystal says
Thank you, Penelope.
So sorry to hear you were miserable your first time. I really wish it didn’t have to be that way because pregnancy is so special.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
It’s a wonderful thing you are doing!!
Crystal says
Thanks, Anne!
Nichol says
You are adorable. I called it the “acne glow” as well. My face had small pimples that turned my face red. You are doing awesome mama!
Crystal says
Thank you, Nichol.
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says
You are so beautiful! You look great and what you are doing is amazing!
Crystal says
Awww, thank you Elaina. I really appreciate it.
HilLesha says
You look great! That’s one thing I miss about pregnancy – I didn’t get acne at all. I thought it was because I was getting older, but no, I’m having breakouts again.
Crystal says
Thank you, HilLesha!
Jenn says
You’re amazing for doing this! Having just finished up a pregnancy a week ago I’m not sure I could go through it again for a child of my own! LOL
Crystal says
Awww, thanks Jenn! And congratulations again on your new baby.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
Thanks for the update! I think you are wonderful and selfless for doing this. 🙂 You look adorable too. Can’t wait to hear baby’s gender!
Crystal says
Thank you Tiff! I announced little surro-baby’s gender in this post: https://simplybeingmommy.com/2012/09/29/gender-reveal-party-ideas/.
Donna says
You are beautiful! And I so admire you for your selflessness. What a wonderful gift you are giving!
Crystal says
Thank you Donna! You are too sweet.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
You look great and are glowing! I can’t see any acne on your face – mine was a mess. And not just my face – it migrated down to my chest and back too. Ick! I love belly shots!
Crystal says
Awww, thanks Kelly. The acne was just hidden, thanks to makeup and distance LOL!
Billie says
You look fantastic! I’m so sorry you were sick that long. I’m glad you’re getting better.
Crystal says
Thank you, Billie!
Lolo says
Seriously, you look adorable! Such an amazing thing you are doing for a lucky family!
Crystal says
Thanks so much Lolo!
Toni says
You are such a doll!!!!
Crystal says
Thank you so much Toni!
Abby says
You are such a sweet, wonderful woman for helping a family!
Crystal says
Thanks, Abby!
Lowrey says
Your bravery and selflessness are inspiring.
Crystal says
Thanks so much Lowrey!
Lorie Shewbridge says
Sorry it took me so long to get over here to see your update, but you look fabulous.
I love seeing belly photo updates of pregnant women, so if baby’s parents don’t mind, I say post a ton.
Can’t wait to hear the sex of the baby.
You and Ryan are doing such a wonderful thing for this family and I applaud you for sharing and bringing this subject to everyone. Hopefully others are able to do the same selfless thing you are doing.
HUGGLES!
Crystal says
Thanks Lorie! The baby is a boy, a very active little boy. I’ve been so lax about belly pictures but I really need to take a new one. I’m so much bigger now.
Erin R. says
I think it’s wonderful that you can do this for someone! Your a great person!
Mellisa says
It’s been awhile since you posted this but I can’t believe how cute you are pregnant!!!
Erin C says
You look amazing and I think what you are doing is wonderful. I may need a surrogate and it is so encouraging seeing people like you who are willing to give such an incredible gift.