I was just telling the boys that it is time for them to step it up and to start stooping and picking things up
for Mom... they do a lot of the stairs-errands at home and chores for me in the end of each pregnancy, and I'm sure they've noticed I get a little winded after a long walk. They're such troopers though - all of them! My boys are going to make great, loving & compassionate fathers some day... how can they not when they have such a great role model in their own. JP has stood by me now in three separate pregnancies, over the span of five seemingly short years, (not to mention those of his own children) and has nary a complaint about what I'm doing on behalf of others. He is my rock. My support. My one and only. Without his unconditional love and support I couldn't have completed such wonderful surrogacy journeys.
One might not think that the "supporting role" deserves much recognition, however, I feel it is equally important where a surrogate's family is involved. I recently read the following point of view from an article and thought it very apropos:
"When we met their husbands, we felt relieved by their self-confidence and self-possession. The role of a gestational carrier’s husband is, in some ways, more difficult than that of the carrier herself. The husband is, as Fie puts it, “a bystander to a miracle,” who partakes in the inconvenience of his wife’s pregnancy but has fewer emotional rewards (as well as the occasional negative reaction from a stranger whose congratulations for a new chip off the old block can turn to disapproval)."
JP has enjoyed the fun that comes along with saying his "wife is pregnant... but it's not his."
To add to the comedy, and mostly when I'm not present, he also says, "but it's not hers either."
And then he waits for the quizzical stare or stumbling of words.
He has given more progesterone injections than either of us really care to tally!
JP gives the best leg rubs after I've had a long day at work or been on my feet {something I hope doesn't go away after using pregnant baby bellies as an excuse for this little luxury}.
I'm pretty sure when he met and married me almost 15 years ago, he didn't think birthing someone else's children were
ever in the realm of possibilities. But I must say... he's done me proud - more than proud - and I couldn't have endeavored to learn to love him any more with each passing day, month and year... and blessed baby born!
JP has endured and persevered... and loved beyond measure. For that, I am grateful.
The baby's head is growing bigger to accommodate the brain, which is busy developing billions of neurons. The eyes can move in their sockets. They may be able to follow a blinking light. As well as your baby's increasing sensitivity to changes in light, they may also be able to taste. Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences or dislike for particular tastes at this stage." (Baby shown is from website, not actual Baby K image!!)
