I don’t even know where to begin. It’s a feeling that I can’t put into words. After such a long journey, to get here and meet my surrogate and feeling my babies kick for the first time was surreal. When I got the call from the clinic that I could go and meet the surrogate I was so happy. My clinic explained that most intended parents don’t want to meet the surrogate. In places like the US and Canada, it’s us, the intended parents, the choose our surrogate and are there for every step.
My experience was much different. We did not choose our surrogate, but for me, the first thing I wanted to do when I arrived in Kenya was see her. It’s crazy for me not wanting to meet the person that is carrying your baby. I completely understand the choice of not wanting to and by no means am I judging anyone choice. For me, my surrogate is an angle — a human being that allowed me to start my family. I have a lot of surrogate women following me to you all I say, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much what you are doing means to people that can not start a family otherwise.
So the night before I did not sleep at all. Rolled out of bed at 5 am, my mom was already pacing back and forth. She too didn’t sleep a wink. We arrive at the Hospital and sit in the waiting room. That 5-minute wait felt like a lifetime! She finally walks in; she was so beautiful, she was glowing and smiling. 34 weeks pregnant looked great on her. It was a little awkward at first, she sat down and was silent. What do you say to a complete stranger that is carrying your babies? I didn’t know if she even felt comfortable or would allow me to touch her. She was.
I was so nervous as I went down on my knees and my hands reached up for her belly. Did they even know I was there? Where they upset with me for not being around this whole time? Time stopped. As soon as I put my hands on her belly, I immediately felt pounding on both sides. Confused I looked up at her and asked, is that the heartbeat. She told me no, it was them kicking! They kicked and kicked, and I never wanted to take my hands off of her belly again!!
My mom started crying, I started crying, she smiled with tears in her eyes. For the first time, I was in the presence of my daughters, and they knew I was there. They felt my energy; they heard my voice, they knew that I would be there from now on and no matter what I will always protect them. The surrogate explained that they usually didn’t kick unless they were hungry, so her to was surprised by their movement.
This journey has been difficult; I’m not going to lie, being so far from everything and having no control killed me. But now we are almost there! 8 days left and my baby girls will be in my arms and I we will never be apart again. I’m so grateful to meet my surrogate, and I thank God every day for allowing me to have this experience. Meeting my surrogate and feeling my babies kick for the first time is definitely a day that I will never forget.
