Contemplation...

Although I was not really looking to do another journey at this moment ... a wonderful opportunity recently presented it self to me ... to help a couple add to their family. We had a lot of good dialog but their time table was quicker than my heart! I think it is so important to make sure that the right connection is there before moving forward ... I wish A&S the best of luck with their journey....sending lots of magic baby dust in their direction.

I will say that this experience has my wheels turning. My heart is definitely open to a new journey and the prospect of being able to help someone else create or add to their family really makes my heart sing. Life is a miracle...babies are miracles - and if I am lucky enough, the stars will all align at some point and I will get to do it all over again.

I have spoken with my children about maybe carrying a baby for another family again - they all seem very accepting of the possibility. I am so lucky to have my wonderful little ones - they are developing into smart and caring wonderful individuals ... I am so proud of them.

...who knows what the future will hold....

Mexico...

Well the summer at the Oregon coast have been kind of crummy....so now we are heading south of the border to get some summer!!!

We all need some time to relax - especially Rio. He is almost done with his Physician Assistant program now ... just another week of clinical rotations...I am so excited that he is done! A week away will be a great way for him to get a little break before the last week of school and the looming state testing not too far off in the future. I am just ready for some sun and warm weather....the kids are very excited too. Sebastian cannot wait to get back on an airplane and Magnus and Olivia really want to go swimming with dolphins....not sure if that will happen ... but for sure it will be a week of lots of fun!!

5 days left and woohoo Mexico here we come!!!

Maybe Baby...

Baby V is getting big...she has now passed the 9 month mark - 9 months in 9 months out - and she has now lived a longer period of time with her parents than in my belly! M&M's household will soon be overrun with moving toddlers....kitties - watch out!! Whenever I visit the sweet family or look at pictures of V and her brother - I just feel so much joy!

Over the summer, I have had some time to reflect over the last few years. It has been such an adventure and I feel so fortunate to have be part of something very very special....and I am getting the itch to do it again!!!

Only time will tell ... stay tuned :-)

Growing big...

I have been very fortunate to see the babies quite a bit over the last month or so...they are getting so big - I love their little chubby cheeks and happy smiles!

This past week has brought lots of excitement. M is writing about our incredible journey...it will be very exciting to see how it turns out. We have also been interviewed for an interactive piece and had a fun photo shoot just the other day. And what a long and busy day that was ... but so much fun hanging out with everyone and especially the babes...they did so awesome.

It will be exciting to see how everything will turn out. The photographer has done some amazing pictures...really incredible stuff. Hopefully we will all get some photos to remember this day with.

Got Milk?...well not so much anymore..

My milk supply has been dropping over the last couple of months and it is time for me to stop pumping. I made the decision today as I only get a few ounces at each pumping session now.

It is actually making me really emotional to have made this final decision to stop pumping. Somehow it seems like end to a truly amazing experience ... but in my heart I also know that is a beginning of new things to come. And for the babies ... it truly is the beginning of a new and hopefully yummy exploration into the world of food.

I am very proud to have been able to feed sweet Baby V for her first 6+ months of life. I have pumped a little over 52 gallons of milk for her and her brother and judging on their lovely chubby cheeks - it has been well worth all the effort. ...Milk - it does a body good :-)

Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to M!

Two years ago we started an incredible journey together. Today my heart sings as both M and I enjoyed a beautiful and sunny Mother's Day.

I feel so grateful for this experience. It make me feel so good that I was able to accomplish what I set out to do ... to help someone else's dream of motherhood come true.

Magnus, Olivia and Sebastian - you mean the world to me ... you make my heart sing! Every day I love you more than the day before and every day I feel the magic of watching you grow and learn.

Baby V ... you will always have a piece of my heart ... You are one special little girl and I know you are bringing so much joy to your mother.

Time flies...

Baby V is 6 months old on April 29 ... she is growing bigger and sweeter by the day. She has a beautiful little smile and along with her brother they are bringing lots of love and joy into this world. I feel so fortunate that I get to see them and watch them grow .. it is so amazing to watch their little personalities beginning to emerge.

I continue to pump for the babes but my milk supply is slowing down considerably ... good thing the babes are big enough to begin solid foods...exciting times!

Happy 1/2 birthday baby girl :-)