Carol’s Corner – New Years’ Resolutions

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I think everyone does this although many say they don’t.  We must take the time to self-reflect in order to grow, change and become who we are meant to be.  I do this, but honestly, more than once a year.  A year is too long to adjust the trajectory to ensure I get where I want to be, or at least in the vicinity.

 

I begin with the end in mind.  My initial thoughts go to my relationships.  Personal first and then professional.  I am a person of faith, so my relationship with the Lord is always first as I lean on Him a lot!  Then my loved ones, which, there are many!  I am the youngest of 7 children and I have 7 grandchildren.  I strive to be the best parent, grandparent, and sister as that is what they deserve.  

 

If you know me at all, you know that my personal and professional lives are intertwined. How can they not?  I have so much love and gratitude for all of our Surrogates and the families they help to build.  They and their families are in my daily prayers. And, it goes without saying, my family members include BFI’s Randi, Shannon, Lauryn, Mandy, Christine, Ana, Dr. Rad, and Dr. Natasha and their families.  Whew, what a large family I have!!!  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

 

What are your resolutions for this year?  Or, in other words, what are your short-term goals?  A year will fly by so be sure to take the time to examine where you are and where you want to be.  Then you can build the path towards that future.  Be sure to have fun along the way!!!

February Bio of the Month

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Bright, bubbly, and beautiful – gestational carrier, Mickayln, leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes! When she’s not spending time with her three girls you can find her exploring her creativity with a craft or getting the perfect shot for her photography business. She’s a natural nurturer and strives to teach her children patience and respect. Her empathetic soul ultimately led her to BFI; she loves that she is able to help a couple become a family through surrogacy. Keep an eye out for her journey updates and her birth story in August 2022!

2.02.22

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On 2.02.22 it’s only fitting that we share a photo of the lovely Kristal and her TWO surrobabes! This journey is definitely twice as nice, follow along on her IG @theirpeas.mypod.journey

 

The One Where They MADE a Baby!

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The One Where They MADE a Baby! Lauri Anne’s frozen embryo transfer went off without a hitch; she and her couple were over the moon to at pregnancy confirmation. Stay tuned for The One Where They Become Parents in 9 short months!

Mishell’s Surrogacy Story

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They say time flies when you’re having fun and that definitely seems to be the case in Mishell’s surrogacy journey! It feels like we were just celebrating her successful transfer and now we’re sharing her birth story. Clocking in at just under four hours, her labor was just as speedy! 

 

Mishell awoke at around 2:30am on January 12, 2022 feeling that her waters were leaking. According to her she was in denial that her wombmate planned an early arrival, but this early morning the signs of baby’s arrival were unmistakable. At around 4:30am she was admitted and her Intended Parents (who were not due to arrive just yet) hopped on a plane to meet their baby. Mishell was determined to deliver without an epidural and just when she was ready to throw in the towel, baby girl made her debut at 6lbs 13oz and 19 inches of perfection!

 

While her IP’s were not in the room when baby arrived, Mishell still was able to have her moment with them. Seeing them walk down the hallway to her and witnessing them see their baby for the first time was by far the most powerful moment of her journey. The hospital was so wonderful and even allowed the new mom and dad to play the announcement lullaby for their girl! 

Learn more about Mishell here!

 

January Bio of the Month!

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Meet Kristal! This happily married mom of three currently holds two associate degrees and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is working towards her educational goal of obtaining a Ph.D. That being said, it is no surprise that her personal philosophy is to work hard for her goals and not allow anything to deter her. She also feels very strongly that it is important to respect the choices and philosophies of others. Her mission is to raise her children to be loving, respectful, and productive citizens. She wants to make a difference in this world and finds joy in helping others. These traits along with the importance she places on family are a huge reason she is such a great fit for the Building Families Surrogacy Program. Kristal is currently helping a wonderful family welcome not one, but TWO baby boys! Stay tuned for her birth story in a few months!

Dee’s Surrogacy Story

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Congratulations are in order for Southern California Surrogate, Dee, and her International Intended Parents! After consistent contractions forced Dee to head into labor and delivery, her IP’s rushed to the airport to begin their long trek from Spain. While their best efforts were made to attend the birth of their second child, they were in the air when the baby arrived. At 12:00pm with Shannon by her side, Dee delivered a beautiful 7lbs 13oz baby boy! Though Dee is a first time successful surrogate, this was actually her couple’s second journey with our agency. We feel incredibly blessed to have be a part of growing their family not once, but TWICE!

Want to know more about Gestational Carrier, Dee? Click here!

 

Pricilla’s Surrogacy Story

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Lucky number three! We can honestly say that Priscilla’s third journey was just as smooth and magical as her first two. There is a unique relationship between a gestational carrier and each set of intended parents. We love watching the bonds form and this one was especially sweet! In fact, Priscilla and her family were able shower her couple and their baby girl ahead of her birth. No photos to post, but trust us, it was amazing! With the current regulations in Southern California we weren’t sure what to expect for the delivery room. Priscilla was so thankful to have not only her own mother but the baby’s mother in attendance when she delivered. Baby girl arrived on December 7, 2021 at 3:15pm and weighed in at a dainty 6lbs 13oz! Congratulations to Priscilla on another successful journey and to her IP’s on dropping the ‘I’ and becoming PARENTS!

Carol’s Corner – What Does Criticism do to You?

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What does criticism do to you?

 

“People who are right a lot listen a lot, and they change their mind a lot,” Jeff Bezos once said in an interview. “They wake up and re-analyze things and change their mind. If you don’t change your mind frequently, you’re going to be wrong a lot.”

 

To grow and learn, we must listen a lot.  It doesn’t mean that we must change our views to match others or adjust our values to fit in.  But without input we don’t grow, we don’t learn and eventually, we fail.  So, why is it hard to hear criticism?  Well, no one likes to be wrong or perceived as such!  It can be embarrassing, frustrating, and sometimes feel devastating.  But each and every time, we come away with something ranging from learning something new to confirming you weren’t wrong to begin with.  But if you shut down every time someone gives negative feedback, then a lesson will go unlearned.

 

Be open, that is my message to you.  This applies to all aspects of your life.  We all are faced with making decisions daily from parenting (grandparenting for me!), at our jobs, in school and in all of our relationships.  When someone offers their advice, take a mental note and later sort through it.  You don’t know everything and you never will.  But that is the beautiful thing about having people around you that are interested enough to take the time to contribute.  And of course, you should contribute as well.  We all are students and teachers of life.

 

October Bio of the Month

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Dee

Introducing, Dee! Her heart is as big as her smile as evidenced by her desire to become a gestational carrier. She has always been fascinated by the idea and once she had her own child five years ago, knew she wanted to experience helping a family someday. At this stage of motherhood, her hobbies tend to be kid-oriented. You can most often find her sporting Dodger blue at the park, reading with her son, or enriching his life through new experiences. She also enjoys bringing awareness to her favorite causes via running 5ks. With her infectious smile and outgoing personality, she is definitely someone who brings light to our program and we are so happy to have her in our family!

 

 

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