IVF and all that followed

From the time that we decided that surrogacy was our answer, and just the right thing due to my health, to the time that we found out we were pregnant, nearly a year had passed. The moment that we decided that surrogacy was it, I started to look for someone that could help us. Someone that knew what was and what was not, possible. Someone that could give us answers to the multitudes of questions that we had.

We found Canadian Surrogacy Options in our first Google search. It makes me laugh to think that we made this baby via Google search, but in a way we did. In fact in a few weeks from that Google search, we had found Joanne (our life line to the surrogacy world) and started our search for that special woman to carry our baby. It was Joanne that introduced us to our doctor, Dr.D, a man that made the process so seemless, so easy, that Martin and I are both surprised to this day how easily it all happened.

It was sometime in early 2008, less than 3 months after contacting Joanne, that the call came, we had found someone to carry our baby! I have to say that this was a big day for us, that very special call. One of those moments in life when all the stars align, and the universe gives you a bit to be happy about, that hope that you so desperately seek in tough times. We knew then that things were moving forward, that this could, just may be, work out as we dreamt. It was hard still to imagine how a baby would emerge from all this. It was more like a business exchange at the beginning that anything else. Lots of administrative paper work, and counting our pennies. Thinking can we afford this now, can we afford this later? We started to plan and cut down on extras. We talked to family and got help where we could. Yet to be honest, it did not feel like we were making a baby. It felt like we were investing in a very high risk investment. Joanne was our broker. Our surrogate was on contract. It was not until later, when I got to know Beth (our surrogate) better and our doctor better, and even Joanne better, that I knew this was not just another transaction, not just a medical procedure, it was true magic, and that this baby was made with love, as babies should be made.

Meeting Beth our surrogate, was amazing. We clicked at once. She was sweet, caring, loving, funny, and most importantly she wanted to help us with all her heart. In fact her whole family wanted to help us. It was once we met, and started to communicate online and over the phone, that Martin and I realized that people are just so good. Our society at times does not give credit to it’s people’s good nature. Beth showed me that the moment I met her. Her near need to help us, the best way that she knew how, filled us with such hope, such peace, and such happiness, that from that point on we knew that not only this baby was going to be made, that we were going to be parents, but also that the way that we were making this baby was special. Special in the best way possible, and all shame, frustration and sadness about me not being able to carry left us at that moment. We were proud to share with those who would listen about our choice, not only because we knew it was right for us, but also because it was a true testament to the good will of people. We wanted to share that with everyone!!

During the summer of 2008 we decided on an October/early November transfer. By the time that we were all ready to go, financially ready, emotionally ready, and healthy enough to go ahead, October had arrived and we were suddenly thrown into the world of IVF. Dr.D was amazing, and so was his clinic. The nurses and ultrasound ladies were amazing, and made what could be a daunting task, easy, and may I say enjoyable?!
My last birth control pill was administered on October 13th. It was on that day that I also started the Lupron shots, to suppress my reproductive system. The shots were painless and easy. Being a diabetic (as a result of my CF) I was used to taking up to 8 insulin shots a day, so these were a breeze. We knew at that point that if everything went to plan we were scheduled for a November 3rd retrieval and a November 6th transfer. The fact that this was happening so quickly was just a trip!! We had moments in the kitchen when I was cooking in the evenings, when I would say things like…’you know that in a month we could technically be pregnant..’ to Marty, and he would look at me and smile and we would enjoy the moment. Trying not to think about what if it does not work….what if…what if. We just allowed ourselves to love the possibility!!

On October 28th my blood work came back looking good. I was suppressed and ready to start my hormones. This meant more of the same shots, and more minor side effects. Nothing I could not handle. In fact during the whole process I did not experience much noticeable side effects. I cried a little more, my emotions being a bit wacky. And I had some minor swelling in my belly. But compared to the poking and horrors of my CF treatments, this was truly a walk in the park. The worse part of stimulation for me was the drive to the clinic at 7am nearly every other day. Though the clinic is in the same city, it still took me 45 minutes to get there, and it wore me out. The visits were quick however. Blood work and ultrasound to make sure those eggs of mine were growing as they should. We ended up with 16 eggs growing beautifully, and I was delighted to hear that for once my body was not failing me!! Funny enough during IVF, I was the most normal that I have felt in a long long time.

During the end of stimulation I was at the clinic every day. On November 1st, after some minor adjustments to my meds to make sure that all the follicles were ready for extraction, we were ready to go. That Saturday we sat back and waited for Monday to arrive, retrieval day. We were a bit worried about it, since I knew that my lung function was only 38% and I was going to go under as to not feel pain. But I trusted Dr.D and I trusted God. I knew that I was in good hands, and was just looking forward to have it all said and done.


Monday morning, November 3rd, Martin and I arrived early for the procedure. It was a long morning, but everything went really well. I felt no pain, and in hind sight had nothing to worry about. We felt that the doctor as well as the staff at the clinic, were so amazing, and that they were on our side, wanting to do anything and everything they could to make this baby. I went home that afternoon very sleepy, and tired, and happy. My part was over. It was the next day that more good news came, we had 15 embryos waiting for us at the clinic. We were thrilled!!


November 6th could not come quickly enough. Beth and I spoke during that waiting time of a few days, and we were both so excited. We were going to do it!!


Transfer day was just an amazing day. We met Beth and her husband Don early at the clinic and waited around in the operating room together. There was a lot of chatting and laughing as we got to know Don. He was as gracious and nice as Beth, and once again our nerves were eased with the faith that we had in this couple to help us have our baby. By the end of the morning, we felt like old friends, it was a pleasure. The procedure was quick and easy. Beth was a champ, she was great. Martin and I both had tears in our eyes as our two little embryos were put into their new comfy home. It was incredible. Before the procedure we were given a picture of the two little embryos that were going to be inserted. They were prefect! They were Marty and I, in one incredible little package. Perfection!!

So the whole process was just as we would have dreamt it. Easy, stress free, and overall as we know now a success. We have and always will feel very lucky. I have so many people to thank for the process. Everyone at the clinic from the receptionist that always made me smile (even at 7am!!!), to the ultrasound technician that was always so professional (when all us girls know it could be quite uncomfortable at times), and of course to the wonderful Dr.D that wore a Halloween costume while doing my ultrasound on October 31st (always understated but always in good spirits)....all these people made me the process so much easier.

Today, we are 6 weeks 5 days prego!! Woohoo!! Each day is better and each day it is all the more real. On Monday we find out if we're having one or two....OMG!!! That's right you heard me OMG!! Either way we are thrilled, either way we are dreaming a lovely dream.