It ain't all about the money!

Hello Everyone,

Given the opportunity the cold days have presented to me, I decided to take it, and get this thing crackin'! First off, we are totally overwhelmed by the support and excitement you guys have shown us. We couldn't be more thrilled! We received more good news today, the doctor that was recommended by Northwestern, who deals with complex fertility cases, is accepting new patients, and can see us in less than two weeks! 

As I mentioned in my previous post, our biggest worry (having some weird stranger carry our baby) has been eliminated. That does still leave us with the big question of how do we afford the price tag that comes with surrogacy? Granted we have dodged a huge bullet by having a friend offer to carry for us, as most agencies charge a hefty finders fee. In addition, we have great insurance, to lower the costs of IVF. That still leaves us with legal fees, the medical bills, psychological bills, and other pregnancy related costs. Granted, that is what most couples experience when having a baby, but ours are just a little different. Right now, a lawyer wants to charge us $250 for just our initial meeting, and state law requires that both parties (us and our friend) have our own lawyer. Drawing up a contract can take about three months, so our legal fees alone will be about 7500 dollars. Prior to the contract all three of us have to get examined mentally, and physically. Part of which will be covered by insurance, part of which wont (we have no way of knowing that amount). Then, since we are going to Northwestern for the IVF, which will come with a hefty price tag. 

Mind you I am not complaining about any of this, B and I are so lucky and grateful for this opportunity. It's just the fact that reality is setting in, and we are slightly anxious about it. I have faith that this will all work out, but B is not convinced that is a way to live life.  B is having a hard time feeling confident that this can actually happen, as he is the logical realist in our relationship, where as I am the emotional, anxious one. We are very opposite, and it is at times like these when it is quite noticeable. 

The hardest part about this for me is I don't have a plan. Those of you who know me, know that this is killing me. I thrive off structure, but even I can't make a plan to make 15,000 dollars appear over three months, I have faith though. B's biggest struggle is he doesn't think things can just work out. For some reason in this case I feel that God made this happen for us, and he will continue to help us through this whole journey. We are willing to sacrifice, and I know that I may be spending a lot more nights at home, then at a restaurant, but that's worth it to me. I will still go to the grand opening of the Noodles and Co by my house though, because you gotta cut loose every once in a while. 

I have started a fundraising page; since we will be able to handle the month-by-month bills, but not some of the larger bills that are paid up front and in full, you can click donate on the upper right side of your screen if you feel so inclined. At the end of the day though, we are getting a far greater gift that can be quantified by money, we are getting two lives (mine and a child), and you can't put a price tag on that. Thank you all for your words of encouragement, and support. For however, or whatever form of support you give us, know that we are so grateful, and so blessed to have amazing people in our lives, and in our child's life (when they get here).