Research, research, research!

Here we go! I have been wanting to write a blog for some time. Now, as I'm entering into my first surrogacy journey, I know I need to. I want to remember all of the details surrounding this incredible experience!

First and foremost, my name is Ashley. I have been married to my wonderful husband Andy for 5 years now and we have two beautiful children, Lauren (4 years) and Connor (3 years). I had always had an interest in surrogacy, and after my two fairly easy pregnancies, I realized this could very well be a possibility. It was one photo that pulled at my heart strings. A photo that went viral earlier this year that completely did it for me. It's amazing to me that one single photo can complete alter the course of one's life. I don't know the individuals in the photo, however, I felt more emotion in that photo full of strangers than I do in most pictures of family or friends. The picture was of a gestational surrogate right after she gave birth to a baby. The IF's (intended fathers) were right by her side, holding their newborn baby and crying tears of joy. It was incredible. There are no other words to describe it.

I am an organized person (generally speaking...) Meaning, I don't just jump into something unless I'm absolutely certain. So the photo mentioned previously was seen months before I dug up the courage to even begin this process. I have researched surrogacy. I have read everything there is to know about it. I've spoken with gestational surrogates all over the country through social media to try and understand it from a real-person's point of view. Most importantly, I have discussed this process with my husband in depth. I've discovered that significant others are extremely important to this process and he needed to be completely on-board before I could begin. He is. He's 150% supportive of me and this idea.

I'm sure I'll be asked why I want to be a surrogate mother? I feel as though I am an able body, willing to help. I have been blessed with two fairly easy pregnancies and two healthy children. Andy and I have completed our family, but what about the families who can't be completed, or worse yet, can't even begin? My children are my whole life, I can't imagine not being able have my own children. So I am over the moon to be able to give that to someone else. I can't wait to deliver a baby and hand it over to the person(s) who have gone through hoops to hold that very baby. It's absolutely incredible to me and I can't wait to begin.

So with that, I will review the three agency's I've been looking at once more and make a decision this week!