Baby Shower Weekend

As I usually do with blogging, I've been a bit of a slacker. My three kids plus the one I'm gestating plus a husband has really limited my computer time. I've had intentions of writing often over the past 10 weeks and failed. However, I can't let the past weekend go by without mention because aside from the impending birth, it will probably go down in my book as the most awesome and fulfilling part of this whole journey.

A couple weekends ago, my husband and I flew all the way to the east coast to attend the baby shower for this little boy and his daddies. I had been counting the months, then weeks, and finally days since I bought our plane tickets back in January. I was secretly hoping all along that I would get a chance to attend the shower so when they formally invited me I was beyond excited.

The trip as a whole was fantastic - how could it not be? Hubby had never been to New York before so we spent the first day doing the normal touristy things like Times Square, Central Park, 5th Avenue, etc. Having been twice before I felt like a pro on the subway, which was great because cabs are slow and expensive. We didn't get to do as much walking as we would have liked because my feet were KILLING me after about three hours of walking (I felt pathetic, I was only 28 weeks and having a hard time walking already). I also required a nap between our sight-seeing and dinner - seriously, who naps while on vacation to NYC? This pregnant chick does, apparently!

That evening, we were scheduled to meet up with the guys as well as J's parents for dinner. His parents had flown in from Florida for the shower and were so excited to meet us. We met for dinner at a place called Spice Market, which was downright AMAZING. Most of the food in NYC is, actually. But wow. So not fair that we can't find anything close to that here in the midwest.

Anyway, the real high point of the meal was meeting J's parents. They are the most lovely people, so warm and open and easy to talk to. They both hugged us immediately and his mom instantly wanted to rub my belly and ask how things were with her grandson. Seriously so sweet and I was happy to oblige. They gave me a gift of some yummy soaps and essential oil. I think I may adopt them as my new in-laws. Close enough, right?

That evening was also the first time seeing the guys since 10 weeks prior at our 18-week ultrasound, so I had grown considerably in that time and they were giddy over my belly and the prospect of getting to feel their little boy moving. I have never been one to care if people touch my pregnant belly so I was happy that they weren't too embarrassed to get in lots of pats and rubs.

The next day was the baby shower. They were expecting about 40 guests and I was so nervous but excited at the same time. I'm always self-conscious when I'm pregnant and also didn't want to say anything dumb or seem awkward. C told me not to be nervous, everyone was SO excited to meet me and they would be there to protect me, LOL. I thought that was sweet.

We met at their apartment first, where I got to meet C's parents for the first time. They are just as lovely as J's parents and were quick to offer hugs, thank yous and belly pats. At that time I also gave the guys a gift I had brought - a stuffed bear we had made with their baby's heartbeat recording into it.

After that it was off to the shower. As soon as we walked through the door I was greeted by C's brother and sister, who I'd already met once but was so excited to see again. Then began the introductions to dozens more friends and family. It was a whirlwind and I retained very few names to memory, but wow, you could really feel how much love and support this little family has surrounding them and it made me feel that much more honored to be bringing a new life into such a great circle of people.

For most of the shower I was able to sit in one spot and have people come to me to introduce themselves, which was so nice. I'm pretty sure every single person came up to me and said something. Some just said a simple nice to meet you and thank you for what you're doing. Others, I could tell were very emotional about it and it really moved me be at the center of those feelings. I was told that I was beautiful, amazing, wonderful, heaven sent. Which, don't get me wrong, being put up on a pedestal is not the reason I am a surrogate, nor is it required or needed. I do what I do because I feel called to and if I never heard any of those words it wouldn't change my desire to help these people. But I will say that it was such an honor to be viewed as such by the people who already love and can't wait to meet this baby and it makes it that much more rewarding to me. So I'm thankful that they were so kind and open with their feelings. One friend even asked if she could say a blessing over the baby (of course I said yes!) and she placed her hand on my belly and said some beautiful words for him. That was one of my favorite moments.

I talked a lot with one of C's friends from Washington State who was also pregnant. She and I seemed to have a lot in common and it was nice to be able to talk to another mom who knew somewhat what I am going through being pregnant. I was sad to say goodbye to her at the end of the day.

At one point, C made a toast and talked a bit about me and what I mean to him and J. That of course had me wiping back tears - I don't think there were many dry eyes in the house to be honest. I honestly could not dream of better IPs. I love those guys.

The day seemed to fly by and after an amazing time at the shower, we took a walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade (GORGEOUS) and then went back to C and J's apartment to rest before dinner and a Broadway show. J's parents and C's siblings were all there and I loved being able to just sit and chat with them. His brother and sister and the third host of the shower gave me a gift as well - more soaps from a spa in Brooklyn, plus a gift certificate for a prenatal massage at a spa that is inside the hospital where I'll be delivering. Cannot wait to use that! The guys gave me a thoughtful gift as well, a really nice leather photo album. I can't wait to fill it with photos from this journey. We spent a good portion of the afternoon discussing various baby topics, from meconium poop to swaddling to not using baby powder, LOL. The guys had taken a parenting class and it was great to see them really utilizing the knowledge - they're going to be the best daddies ever.

That evening we had dinner at another beyond delicious restaurant called Taloache. Hubby and I are big fans of Mexican food so it was right up our alley and did not disappoint. Hands down the best Mexican food I've ever had - and I'm from Texas. After dinner we went to see Billy Elliot on Broadway. J is a choreographer for the show so it was cool to see where he spends so much of his time. The show was fantastic of course. Hubby's first experience with a live musical and he was very impressed - totally surprised me because it's not his scene at all! I'm glad though because now I won't have to do much convincing the next time I want him to see a show with me. :)

Sunday was our final day in New York and we spent it having brunch with the guys and their parents before they all had to head back home and J off to work. Then it was just us and some one on one time with C, which was a really nice way to end our trip. He showed us all the things they have so far for the baby - so adorable to see him getting excited over strollers and tiny onesies! Then we headed out for a quick lunch and spent some time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art before we finally had to head to the airport. C was trying fiercely the whole day to feel a kick and the baby was being SO stubborn and would not give it up. I felt so bad! Thankfully he didn't seem too upset and it was hilarious to see him talking to my belly.

As I expected, the time with them flew by and I hated saying goodbye. I can't believe the next time I see them, it'll be to bring their baby into the world. That seems so far away still but it's creeping up on me. I'm just glad that I got the opportunity to step into their lives for a couple days because it really made me feel like a part of their whole family and that's not something many surrogates get to experience first hand. I will be forever grateful for the whole experience.

This post probably seems like a big mushy, sappy mess - but I don't know how else to convey how special it was to me! I promise I'm not exaggerating anything. It really was that awesome. :)

Last but not least, some photos from the shower.

C feeling my belly!


Hubby and I with the guys


Us, the guys, their parents and one nephew


Us, the guys, their siblings and two close friends


S and I with C's dad