Homeward bound....

That's right.  Three weeks after arrival, 2.5 weeks after birth, we leave Delhi tomorrow (Sunday) evening.  Whilst it is great to be heading home, I can't but help feel a little sad.  There have been so many wonderful people that have helped us in India; people who have genuinely wanted to help us in reaching our final goal, to take our babies home.  Particularly SCI who have been as supportive and caring as ever; Poonam who assisted us with all of our documentation and provided us with invaluable advice has been an absolute godsend (and a lovely person) in helping us to get home sooner;  the efficient staff at the Australian High Commission who went above and beyond their duties; Rahul and his drivers who have been caring and knowledgable (and it has been wonderful to listen to their stories); Dr Tandon who delivered our babies and provided ongoing professional care in James' and Ivy's follow up appointments; the staff at the Hotel Svelte..... the list can continue forever. 

But it has all made an impression on us and as this part of our journey draws to a close, it is difficult to leave such a remarkable place where my reason for being started. 

Ivy & James - One week old!

This time last week we were blessed with the birth of our darling babies, Ivy & James.  It is hard to explain the emotion we felt whilst at the hospital awaiting their delivery, then being congratulated by the doctor on the birth of one boy and one girl.  We will never forget that.

Ivy & James have matured so much in only one week - their personalities are developing; Ivy being the sweet natured little girl (except for feed time); James is cheeky and sooky. 

Both are very healthy and continue to feed well.  Although our sleep is suffering (cough understatment) we are really loving the time we are able to spend with them at the moment, it is a very special time.

We are hopeful that we will be returning back home in 1.5 week's time, making our time here (post birth) of 2.5 weeks.  We are sooo looking forward to returning home and introducing Ivy & James to our family!!

Thanks everyone for your kind words & congratulations.  It is lovely to read all the comments and support out there.

Leap Year Babies....

We feel so special to welcome our darling twins - Ivy Margaret May & James Raymond George on 29 February. Although they were due on 1 March, they obviously wanted to be that bit special. Both are healthy - Ivy weighed 5lb7oz & James 5lb4oz. Both will be discharged tomorrow as they are taking their bottle so well.  We are so thankful to our surrogate and SCI of turning the last eight months of scans and reports into little human beans!

Ivy Margaret May

James Raymond George

The stork is enroute....

We arrived in Delhi on Saturday, in amidst of International World Book Week which kicked off on 25 Feb.   The Svelte is great, the shopping centre which adjoins is a nice and easy reprieve from the hotel room, and also has some lovely eating places.  Unfortunately, Jim has a nasty sinus infection and has not felt up to getting out and about. 

Much more exciting though, is the news that our surrogate will be having a c-section this Thursday, 1 March 2011, at 12pm (Delhi time).  We are so excited to hear this news, however, our thoughts are with Rena who has to go through this operation in order to give us our dreams.  There have been recent changes in relation to the exit process, in that the Govt of India has streamlined the process, so hopefully this means we will be able to return home a bit earlier than planned.
Krissie & Jim

Update - almost full term!

Not a great deal to report - we received an email from Deepika informing us "that our surrogate will be full term (37 weeks) by 29th February, 2012 and the due date is 21st March, 2012. So, the babies can be born on any day between 29th February, 2012 to 21st March, 2012.  In regards to the same, we would like to request you to please plan to be in India by 27th February, 2012".

It's quite amazing that back in Decemember when we booked our flights to Delhi, we had booked to depart 25 February.  The reason being - we thought it was as good a day as any, plus it would have been my mum's birthday.  Anyhow, we are still planning to depart this Saturday and will definitely be in India by 27th February!!!  There's every chance also I guess that the babies may be born on 29th February - I guess with twins one birthday every two years is fair enough :)

I really do hope that we won't have too long to wait in Delhi for the birth.  We have almost reached the excruciating summit of Mt Waiting, and are simply exhausted by the journey and the continual climb to reach the end.  Of course it will all be worth it, but the wait is tough.  Put simply, I want these babies now.  I have waited long enough in my almost 45 years of life and I do not want to wait another day more, only to wait another day more.  I know, it doesn't make sense, but I am over "being ready" and "patient".   Perhaps when we are in Delhi, the waiting won't seem quite as bad - maybe I will catch up on the sleep that I am not having now, perhaps I will just treat it as R&R, but more than likely, and quite probably, I will go nuts.  Oh, and also drive Jim incredibly nuts. 

So, two huge bags have been packed and I am quite happy with everything that we've managed to fit in.  It will feel strange getting on that plane to Delhi - we've done it twice before but this time will be very different.  Everything in our lives will change from this point forward.  Saying our farewells beforehand, knowing that when we see these people again, there will be four of us!  It is difficult to express how we are feeling at the moment; we are excited but I think this will really kick in when it all becomes a reality.

Congratulations to all of those who have had some wonderful results and thanks to those who have, and continue to,  provide inspirational and encouraging updates. 

Krissie & Jim

34 weeks and an update

We received an unexpected email from SCI last night - a scan of our babies at 34 weeks.  It now appears that Martha has picked up her eating habits and is now weighing in at 2092grams & Arthur now is at 2406 grams.  All is very well with our surrogate and bubs and of course we are so thankful.  We are ready to head to Delhi on 25 February, but it has been mentioned by some fellow surrogate friends that given the size of Arthur & Martha, they may actually arrive a little earlier than us!  Not to mention, if I hadn't slept soundly before this point, I ain't going to sleep at all now! 

I have been on maternity leave for one week and am really enjoying preparing for the birth of the babies.  I am so glad I took the time out to make the transition from "work mode", it's made a huge difference to my stress levels - I'm now stressfully relaxing....

I have to make mention to all the great people we have met through our surrogacy journey - the kind heartedness and comradeship of others going through, been through, about to go through, the journey is heartwarming.  We were really fortunate to have met up with a wonderful couple who have just celebrated their triplets' first birthday, born through surrogacy.  This meeting has finally brought realism to me, in a big way!

Discrepancy?

Our 32 week scan arrived last night and all is fine, EXCEPT there is a "discrepancy between the twins".  Little Martha is weighing in at 1714 grams; Arthur 2142 grams.  That's about a pound difference.  Whilst Dr Shivani has reviewed the report and found everything fine, except for the discrepancy, it is enough to unsettle us.  My anxiety is already at a level that causes me more anxiety; I would consider similar to consuming several energy drinks alternating with triple shot lattes.  I think I am a little uptight.  Hence the wine.  

We aren't sure what to expect with the birth and if in fact, the discrepancy means that an earlier birth may be imminent.  Arthur is in breech (typical) position Martha cephalic.  Anyhow, we are still planning to fly out on 25 February and be in India for the births.  I have decided to work only another week of work then commence annual leave, followed by maternity leave.  My work is so all consuming that I really want to have a break, albeit short, to stop thinking about work (constantly) and start thinking about the next phase in my life, being a mother. 

So, for now, I remain split between my best friends - my HP tablet and my mobile phone.  I am soooo looking forward to breaking it off with them (maybe) when I no longer have to rely on their companionship to receive my late night emails and research.