Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Circle of Life

Well, we woke up to very good news today - ultrasound results - 'there is a single, well defined gestational sac in the uterus, a fetal pole is noted in this sac, fetal heart activity is present'. (Smile, sigh, cry, smile). For the first time, we are allowing ourselves to celebrate the reality that this now appears to be.

As I mentioned in my last post, we traveled to Las Vegas with Steve's mom for the weekend. While we were there we saw the stage production, musical version of Disney's 'The Lion King'. None of the three of us had seen the stage version - only the movie. There is a beautiful theme song - 'Circle of Life'. I'm sure most all are familiar as it was made quite famous by Elton John. The musical was terrific and I couldn't stop thinking about how much fun it would have been to have our child there with us. The whole 'circle of life' concept resonated with me after having visited the Krishna temple in Mumbai so I found myself very introspective about the whole concept.

One thing I haven't written about is something that brings on tears even as I type this. Steve and I lost the love of our life this past February - over four months ago now - our precious yorkie, Maxwell. This dog was super special - human-like, really - there was a connection with this little guy that cannot be explained. Both Steve and I have had other dogs and, in fact, lost a Maltese, Phoebe, a little over two years ago, but nothing has ever hurt either of us like the loss of Max. He was like a part of us. Maxwell passed away on February 27, 2009. It was about this time that we accelerated the process of pursuing surrogacy.

So, given how special Max was to us and how much we sought to fill this void, it shouldn't surprise us that the estimated due date (window), as per the ultrasound is February 23-28, 2010.

We are feeling very blessed this morning - a door closes and a window opens.













Maxwell (12.13.96 - 2.27.09)

Oh, and yes, we do have two new puppies for our baby to grow with, play with and love. A maltese/yorkie mix that just turned one and a yorkie (from Max's breeder) that will be one year old this October. Both are boys...so, a house full of boys, at least for now. Can't wait to see if we continue the male dominated theme or, perhaps, add a girl to the mix?!? Both sides of our family are all boys - no girl grandchildren on either side of the family - so, there is no doubt that all the grandparents, aunts, uncles and nephews would love a girl - but we will all just have to wait and see about that...I, personally, love surprises.


6 comments:

Amber and Brian said...

Congratulations guys! It is wonderful to read that the baby has a good hearbeat! Wishing you the best.

Brian and I got a chance to see the Lion King in New York a few years ago and loved it. I love what you wrote about the "Circle of Life".

Niels and Alexander said...

Wow, every phase that passes is exciting. Great to read that there is a strong heart beat. Fingers crossed for an uneventful pregnancy!

Johnny and Darren said...

This is such a blessing. Congratulations again guys.

Johnny & Darren

Rhonda and Gerry W said...

Much, much Congrats!!! It just gets better and better!

I am recently having some feelings of worry as my own baby girl Frankie is 13 1/2 and she is my world. Any thought of losing her brings me to tears. I am so very sorry for your loss, I know what it is like to have a part of the family that means that much. RIP little Maxwell.

jon said...

Hey guys
Great news! I was at the clinic on Monday afternoon to visit the staff. When I saw Kaushal I took the liberty of nudging her a bit about you guys and planting a little reminder that you were anxiously waiting for your ultrasound report. I know how nerve-wrecking the waiting can be when they promise something and it gets delayed. But it was at the top of her head. Of course she would not discuss any results but she did have a big smile on her face when she mentioned you guys. 8-)
Glad to hear that things are proceeding well for you!
Let me know if there's anything we can do, we are here for about a month assuming all goes well and do have lots of free time.
With the monsoons in full swing, it's hard to get around and most of the time one is dodging the rain.
Ciao

Daria said...

That is a fantastic ultrasound pic! Can't wait to see more. Sorry to hear about your loss. It is never easy to let go of a loved one...