Minor Hiccups?

15 weeks and 2 days to go.

Wow, how did that happen? Just as things seemed to be dragging, all of a sudden things feel like they're moving fast!

We've had (we hope) minor hiccups in the last couple of weeks. First our wonderful surrogate was in hospital with a UTI. I must say, Dr Google has a wonderful bedside manner! He reassured us that there's nothing unusual in this and as long as it's caught early, everything will be fine.

And so we were relaxed for a few days until we heard that she is back in hospital again with 'abdominal pain'. I must say this vague diagnosis is much harder to deal with. But we're assured there's nothing too much to worry about. We're sending all positive thoughts and good wishes to her.

Meanwhile we really appreciate reading all the news in blogland. We're thrilled that Hayden & Scarlett seem to be doing ok and we're loving all the cute pics of Hari......

Boy or Girl?

The waiting doesn't get any easier, does it?

This week we were expecting our 20 week scan. Our regular day for updates has been Monday, then Thursday. We waited until Friday this time - we were nervous about the delay, but it was worth the wait. As well as the regular analysis we were greeted with these cool 3D images.

So let's have some fun. Boy or girl?

Triple Marker Test: Passed

Another hurdle this week, our Triple Marker Test passed.

We're really starting to get into planning mode now. We've booked our flights and accommodation in Delhi for July, we've bought a pram, figured out a car seat and Adam has made a list for this and a list for that. It's all very exciting

I've been in New York for a couple of days and got the chance to properly catch up on our news with two close friends. I love all their questions and their delight for us.

126 days until we fly to India....and counting.

First Trimester Over!

Phew! We made it!

We had our 12 week scan the other day and the result: normal, normal, normal, normal, normal! What a relief.

So we decided it was time to tell our friends and families and anyone else who cares to listen. We're going to be dads!

After we had spoken to our closest friends and family we were beaming with the enthusiasm our news was greeted with. And then, just before we headed out to dinner to celebrate, Adam and I updated our Facebook pages. We must have looked a right pair, sitting at the dinner table with our mobiles in front of us as we enjoyed each and every message that came back. Everyone's support is so gratefully received - and really affirming.

Buoyed by all this enthusiasm, we're moving into phase two of saving for the big day. We're in lock-down now!

Immigration Bureaucracy

I had a meeting with a UK immigration lawyer yesterday (Barry at Wesley Gryk if anyone needs a recommendation). I'm not sure that everyone needs such advice, since much of what is 'out there' tells you what you need to know.

I have been looking for a ways around the waiting 3 months in Delhi problem that all Brits face. We're lucky to be Australian/British citizens so we plan to apply for an Australian passport in Delhi for baby and apply for baby's British passport from Perth (where Adam's parents live). This would mean we'd be out of Delhi in around 3 weeks instead of 3 months.

Our lawyer sees no pitfalls in this cunning plan but it's a timely reminder to get all paperwork in order long before baby is born, in particular, our surrogate's papers.

For Australians, I came across Meg's brilliant document by document account of the citizenship/passport process: http://www.amaniandbobsurrogacy.blogspot.com/
and click on the photo of the guy on the horse. Thanks Meg!

We have neighbours!

In my last post, I said my January task was to reach out to find some people in London who are in the same boat as us. Well I did, and the result is unbelievable. Two guys who live two streets away from us brought their twin boys home in December. They even used the same clinic as us. How cool is that! We're catching up at the weekend to share our stories. Happy days!

Some inspiration...

A couple of days ago we had the pleasure of meeting Sophie. Sophie is 9 months old and she lives with her two Dads in Sydney. (Sophie and her two Dads were in London visiting family). It was such an inspiration to meet a family that was created in just the same way we're planning. Sophie is so gorgeous.....

This made us realise that we're a bit isolated here in London. Apparently Sophie knows four families a bit like hers in Sydney. So a project for January is to find some neighbours who are in our shoes. Any suggestions welcome....

Meanwhile, our 8 week scan was completed on Monday and again, everything is normal.

Normal is our favourite word right now....

Merry Christmas All....