this just got real.

This week has been incredibly eventful in our little world of Ali and Brian's surrogacy. Things are finally falling into place. It is all becoming very real.

A week ago today, Ali & Brian made their way to Arizona for Brian to provide his super swimmers and for Ali to be checked to see how well her medications were working. The appointment was eventful and terrifying at the same time. While on one hand everything was perfect and ready for the egg retrieval this week, on the other, they found out about some unexpected expenses. Mainly, the need for $9,000 in order for the egg retrieval to be done. This meant they/we had about 3 days to scrounge up 9 grand!

My heart was broken. I was so scared it wouldn't happen. That Ali's medications would have been wasted. That our timeline would have been completely shot. Thanks to an amazing friend, we thought up a great drive to raise some money. The Psalm 113-9 drive was started that very night. We asked that everyone donate $11.39 toward the surrogacy as Psalm 113-9 says: He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD!

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Well, the Lord is definitely deserving of some praise right now. The drive raised over $1000 and some of Ali and Brian's family members graciously loaned them the money needed. Now, we just have to help them raise the funds to pay it back. Another miracle (well actually lots of them) happened in this past week as Ali and Brian were finally approved for a loan to cover the rest of the costs of the surrogacy! That's right, no more worrying about whether or not it was going to happen...game on baby!

Ali spent all this week in Arizona having her follicles measured each day to ensure that they retrieved her eggs at their peak. On Thursday, they were able to retrieve 8 eggs. Today, we got notification that 6 of the eggs were fully developed and successfully fertilized! We will get another update on the status of the embryos on day three (Sunday) and then again on day five (Tuesday). At this point, they will sample each of the viable embryos and send the samples off for genetic testing. This will allow them to know which embryos are most likely to survive, and therefor will be the best to implant...in me!!

I will start my medications sometime in the middle of October, and that will also be the first time I make a trip out to the clinic. I can't wait to meet the girls in the office with whom I've exchanged many emails and phone calls. Up until now, there has always been a little something going on in the back of my mind, telling me that this wasn't going to happen. Financially, it has often seemed as though it wouldn't be possible. I am so excited to know that it REALLY is happening...holy cow, in just a few short months, I will God-willingly, be pregnant with Ali and Brian's baby/ies! I can't wait!!