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Surrogacy Delivery Day: What To Expect
0 Playsin 15 hours
Surrogacy delivery day, what should you expect as an intended parent?
Aaron and Lisa are back.
When you first met them, they were just beginning their surrogacy journey. Now, they’re 7 weeks away from meeting their baby, with the same surrogate who carried their daughter.
But this time, they’re preparing for delivery day as parents… with a 5-year-old at home.
Which means new decisions, creating a birth plan, and navigating how to support their surrogate, while getting ready to welcome baby number two.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What changes (and what doesn’t) the second time through surrogacy
The key delivery day decisions intended parents need to prepare for
How to set expectations before the hospital
What might surprise you emotionally in those final weeks
Whether you’re early in your journey or counting down the weeks, this episode will help you feel more clear, supported, and ready for delivery day.
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Transcript
Introduction to the Second Surrogacy Journey
00:00:00
Speaker
Like we have seven weeks left. Aaron and Lisa are back. When you first met them, they were just beginning their journey. And now they're just weeks away from meeting their baby, who's being carried by Claire, the same surrogate who carried their daughter.
00:00:14
Speaker
This time they're preparing for delivery day as parents with a five-year-old at home and a new set of decisions to navigate with the benefit of experience. And I know the question was, who's going to go in the OR r with Claire? Are you okay with that being her husband or do you want it to be the mom of the baby? Of course you're excited to meet your baby. But making that day as smooth as possible starts with preparing for the decisions ahead of time. Just making sure expectations are set around that is something that just helps it go more smoothly.
Key Decisions and Experiences in the Third Trimester
00:00:46
Speaker
In this episode, you'll learn what changes the second time through surrogacy, the key delivery day decisions to prepare for and how to set expectations before you ever get to the hospital. Because even when you've done this before, delivery day can still surprise you.
00:01:05
Speaker
I really am so excited to get back with you guys because the last time we met, it was like maybe a couple of weeks away from the anatomy scan and the gender reveal and you know just all of that. And now here we are in the third trimester. Erin, you said seven weeks away. So I would love to just like go back in time a little bit and take me to like walk me into anatomy scan day. What was going through your mind? How are things? You know, it's so interesting. The anatomy scan is such a big deal because you can see so much detail and, I don't know, it becomes very real at that moment, I feel like. And I don't know, because Emmy was so long ago, I don't i didn't realize we would get the 4D pictures that we did on that day. And so it was the first time we could really start to see his little face. And um yeah, it was, it just, it kind of made everything more real for me. So I think there was a big moment of excitement there. And then obviously the health component too, like, you know, they they check the heart, they check all the internal organs, they just make sure everything looks good. And so you get a little extra reassurance as well.
00:02:14
Speaker
Yeah. You know, I think everybody holds their breath throughout a journey. Was there a moment where you kind of could really just exhale and just enjoy?
00:02:25
Speaker
For me, I've had so much faith through this journey. I haven't felt, i think it's, you know, it's been, over six years since we have had a miscarriage, I think at this point. And I don't know, I've just had so much more comfort with this journey that it's, um that everything was gonna go well. So I didn't have that, and but I know that feeling you're talking about. And I think I had that in Emmy's journey just because of all the consecutive losses, they were so recent. You're just like, is this gonna work? And I didn't yeah feel that here. Certainly got a lot more excited after that, ah the anatomy scan, because you do have that reassurance, but I wasn't like holding out hope this time around, so.
00:02:58
Speaker
yeah Well, thank thank goodness you had all that faith and hope. for me For me, I was like, okay, I see everything. How's the heart? The heart's good. You know, the legs are growing. You've got five fingers, five toes, and, and you know, 10 and 10, right? Five on each hand.
00:03:15
Speaker
of And then at the very end, I was like, so everything's good, right? There's no issues, no complications. And the doctor was like, nope, he's he's healthy and growing. So i was like, at that point, I felt i felt really good.
00:03:28
Speaker
Still, even to the day look with the pictures, I'm like, what's wrapped around his neck? Is that the umbilical cord? Like, is he good? Like, and we got seven more weeks. So it's still, until we can physically hold him, that's when I would be at ease all the way.
Parenting Styles and Gender Reveal
00:03:41
Speaker
So.
00:03:41
Speaker
And that yeah that kind of describes our parenting relationship. I feel like Erin's definitely always worried about Emerson. And I'm just kind of like, she's going figure it out. She's going to learn. I think something that was so special, and you you kind of you you've you've already kind of alluded to it there, Erin, but Claire was the one to keep the gender a secret. And then you guys had a beautiful reveal party. I would love for you to just tell us about that day.
00:04:12
Speaker
It was so fun. It was honestly, yeah I think what has made this so cool, like the first time around, it was kind of about us becoming parents. And this time around, it's just about Emerson becoming a sibling. Like we are so excited to have this baby, but we we really tailored it to her. it was Claire's idea to do this ice cream cone pop. And so,
00:04:30
Speaker
um Yeah, there was so much excitement and we all guessed wrong. We definitely thought it was going to little girl. So that was kind of funny too. And I think it actually made it that much more fun because it was a true, real surprise. And yeah ah Emerson getting to pop the balloon with us and just be part of that. And she had said, like, I want a baby sister, want a baby sister. So we were a little nervous and she just was so excited. And I think that was also really nice to see. You never know what kids' kid reactions are going to be. Yeah, it was super cute. I got a hold Emmy while she got to pop the balloon.
00:05:00
Speaker
it was exciting. and She's such a ah caring heart and like she loves everything and everybody. So she's going to be the the best big sister. So i was super excited to see how she how she reacts when he's here. And if she's like, I don't want him anymore, like put him back. so What went through y'all's mind when that confetti went off? I know you said it was like, this was a true surprise. And I know Emmy's reaction was really what we're all looking at, but what were you guys thinking when all of a sudden that blue confetti just comes down?
00:05:36
Speaker
I was in shock. I just thought, i and I did, obviously as a parent, like you don't have a preference. You want a healthy baby. yeah I just thought it was going to girl. And then in that moment, I was so excited because now we would get to have a journey with the daughter and a son. so was like, okay, how cool one of each. And I just, I, again, trust the process. i was like, Emmy needs to be daddy's only girl. Like that's just it. That's why we couldn't have a sister. And so- She'll have a, you know, i have a brother as well. It's awesome. My mom had a younger brother with a similar age gap too. And it's a sweet relationship. had so many people reach out after that that were like, it's, you know, it'll be her little brother, but as they get older, he'll be her protector too. And so um a lot of shock, which is a lot of excitement.
00:06:17
Speaker
yeah. Yeah. Yeah. For me, it was just make sure you stayed in the same place when you pop the balloon and don't run away and shock. because That's what I did with Emerson.
00:06:29
Speaker
Lisa's trying to give me a hug. In our first gender reveal, he I was going for a hug and he just ran in shock. and So I was kind of just left standing there. Just um So this time we embraced in a hug and it was super exciting and Emmy loved it. I think she loved the fact that all the confetti came out and then there was blue silly string that we got sprayed with. so she bypassed you know what it was and just had all the fun with the silly string and and confetti. But it was super, sure it was a surreal moment just knowing that now we're going have kind of what the American dream is, right? One of each, a boy and a girl and you know a family. So super excited.
00:07:07
Speaker
Has there been anything surprising that for you guys as Emmy has just been processing, you know, all of this? I don't know if it's been surprising. I don't think I've been surprised by anything, but it's just been really sweet. I just, you know, we went out to dinner last night even, and she was out playing on this little green space and I go out there to check on her. She's telling another family about her brother. And so like just that pride is just so sweet.
00:07:30
Speaker
um She definitely is very opinionated on name. And so she's got some names she throws out there. And i don't know that she's going to get the final call. So that might be a surprise for her. No, I mean, I mean, but she's super excited. I mean, obviously we started trying to transition her room upstairs to her big girl room. So that's been fun. Kind of, you know, working her through the process nice and slow. I mean, we're still a little behind behind schedule and we've got to hurry up at seven weeks.
00:07:55
Speaker
So yeah. Yeah, we haven't started the nursery yet. You're counting down for sure. Because we were like, okay, in order to get the nursery done, we got to migrate her to another room. And so, yeah, it's been a process. But she's actually been spending the night upstairs. We don't have any more bedrooms downstairs and baby's going to stay down with us. And so just getting her slowly adjusted because we wanted that to feel very special for her. You're not getting kicked out. You're growing up. And so we've been getting her adjusted to that. And that's been sweet
Anticipation and Preparations for Delivery Day
00:08:23
Speaker
too.
00:08:23
Speaker
Yeah, I was going to say how or I was going to ask how has, you know, just having Emmy changed how you guys are preparing for, you know, new baby coming home a practically and then emotionally. I know we're talking about rooms like how has all that been?
00:08:42
Speaker
I think a lot easier this go round because you obviously we're not learning the whole parent thing and a lot less prep, honestly, because I think in retrospect, and I hear you like a lot of moms say this, but you don't need as much as you thought you did. Or sure I think the thing I was shocked about is how short you would use things for. You thought you needed that one thing and they use it for six weeks and then they, you know, they don't really need it. And so we're probably doing a little bit less preparation. Obviously we're going to set up the nursery and everything. But,
00:09:10
Speaker
I think it feels so much more natural this time and there's so much more confidence you have as a parent. And so we are going to do a small sprinkle and get a few things, obviously, that we don't have from having a little girl, she mostly clothes. But um yeah, probably a little less preparation, I would say.
00:09:28
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah, we already know what's coming. So ready. Right. I mean, before, mean, for me, it was a long time until had a little one with Emerson. And this time I feel like we're pros now. know, you know, we might have to put the locks back on the doors, but we still got a little time before he starts crawling. Sure. We want to put all those locks back on and all the safety mechanisms. But, yeah.
00:09:53
Speaker
No, I think we're ready. if We're ready to just bring them home and and start start growing our family. I love it. I love it. I remember I was talking to another, first-time mom, and she was talking about packing up her car, and she said something like, I think I even brought, like, the ExoSaucer with us, which a newborn's not using that. Yeah.
00:10:15
Speaker
You just don't know, though. You do. You get so much stuff. And I'm like, you know, some of the stuff we might need. But yeah, that's like at one or two. like We don't need that right now. sure So yeah, totally get that. Exactly. Exactly. Like the safety, you know, having all of those like things on there, like maybe it's just going to be there for a little while. We got time. We got time. but Now that you are officially in the third trimester, does the anticipation feel different this time around? It's a good question. I don't know if I can. I feel like it's probably the same. it does I feel like it ramps up a lot towards the end. Like something hit me about four weeks ago that like, this is real. This is happening very quickly. And the weeks are just going like this. Yeah.
00:10:58
Speaker
I don't know. The excitement level just goes up because because they're coming home soon. You know, obviously with the surrogacy journey, they're not in your belly. You can't feel the kicks and all of that. We get to see Claire on occasion. But um yeah, I don't know. It's gotten very real. I just felt really giddy probably about four weeks ago and have been feeling that since. And then obviously getting the photos today from the ultrasound.
00:11:19
Speaker
um Yeah. yeah kind of You're kind of impatient, but I know it'll pass quickly. So yeah. Well, ah I think for me, i mean, I can't speak from a woman's point of view of carrying the baby, but I feel like we just started this journey and like we have seven weeks left. Like I told Lisa like last week, I'm like, how did this go by so fast?
00:11:44
Speaker
I feel like with Emerson, obviously we went through COVID with Emerson and everything and it was, it just seemed like it took forever because we were hoping that this one would work out and nothing would be wrong or any issues. But for this one, I'm like, oh, okay. You know, we're 15 weeks, then it's like 28 weeks and it's 33 weeks and you're like,
00:12:05
Speaker
when did it happen? Like, like how fast is this flown by? so It does feel a lot faster. yeah Yeah. I think we're, we're excited to go. I think we're, I mean, work has been busy. So we're, I think we're trying to plan like, okay, so is this baby coming this time or is it a week before, you know, we have some travel in between too. So it's just trying to plan, but there's no planning, you know, he's going to come in when he's ready and,
00:12:30
Speaker
uh but we're ready i mean seven weeks out which is crazy i think it goes a lot faster because we're managing five-year-old too like we we're trying to pick out kindergarten right now we're graduating from pre-k yes mom and dad both started new jobs everything about this and i think it's just the first it's the second go around versus the first where everything feels longer the first time you do something and so it has been really shockingly fast yeah well life just keeps going it doesn't stop yeah it doesn't stop Hey, real quick, before we keep going, what if your story is about more than just the outcome?
00:13:06
Speaker
April 19th through the 25th is National Infertility Awareness Week, a movement to change the conversation around infertility, break down misinformation, and remind people they are not alone.
00:13:20
Speaker
This year's theme is More Than. So every day that week, we're releasing a new episode exploring each day's theme, plus our full episode on Wednesday. If you want to learn more about NIAW, head to infertilityawareness.org and make sure you subscribe to create a happy family wherever you listen to podcasts. So you don't miss a single episode.
00:13:42
Speaker
All right, back to the conversation. For someone who has never gone through this before or they're ah just at the beginning of their journey, what kinds of things do you feel like are so just conversations to have before delivery day? What what kinds of conversations are so important around this time?
00:14:03
Speaker
Yeah. I think just expectations. um Yeah. I think for me, I think a lot of like, what happens at the hospital? What does that look like? Who's in the room? What if you been like? You know, when Emmy came, it was during COVID. So we were very limited on who could even be at the hospital. If you could be in the room. um But just making sure you have alignment there, because I think it obviously birth doesn't always go as planned. And so, um you know, Emmy's was an emergency C-section. And so you have moments to make key decisions. And so just making sure you understand who's going to be in the room and, Also, like just what it looks like thereafter, if they're going to meet the baby, are you going to spend time in their hospital room? Will they come and see you? What does that look like even in the weeks after, if you want to spend time with your surrogate and their family or not? I think just making sure expectations are set around all of that um is something that just helps it go more smoothly.
00:14:54
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. In terms of just thinking about, you know, you said emergency C-section birth doesn't always go as planned, thinking about who's in the room. How do you balance honoring a surrogate's birth and you know in y'all's case, Claire's birth experience while also stepping into your role as the parents in that moment?
00:15:16
Speaker
Yeah, I think we try to be, I know from, for our experience, like we always want to be very sensitive to like what her body's going through and naturally like what hormones you have. And also she is such a special part of our journey. We couldn't have done this without her. And, you know, she has such a special place, right? Like we're not family, but it's, and it's not quite friend. It's this very special, unique bond. And so Like for us, we absolutely wanted to go to her room and make sure she had time with the baby. And we wanted to take family photos together. we wanted, you know, even her husband to hold the baby and her kids to, you know, met Emerson, I think probably like a week after. I don't, give remember if who' was in the hospital or not actually. um But for us, all of that was very important. And it's just a moment of celebration of the entire journey. And so like not including them for us wouldn't have, you know, that wouldn't have been our way to go about it. And
00:16:04
Speaker
and so Yeah, we just kind of treated it as a celebration for both families and kept them pretty involved in all of that. Yeah, yeah. What about you,
Reflection on Surrogate's Role and Emotional Delivery Day
00:16:14
Speaker
Erin? I know i a lot of dads are always worried about where they stand.
00:16:19
Speaker
I think the most important thing is, you know, even from the beginning journey, when you're meeting whoever you the surrogate is going to be, is just have an open dialogue in the beginning of the expectations.
00:16:30
Speaker
I think with with our journey with Claire, like we've known them through friends for many years. So it's just, it's a unique situation for us where we feel comfortable. And obviously this is the second go around.
00:16:42
Speaker
So we feel extremely comfortable. But when it comes to, the birth inside of things. Yeah, I mean, this is even though you're you're paying in essence for a service, ah Claire and any surrogate is going through so much body emotionally, you know, spiritually, like I couldn't imagine, at least, and I talked about this before, you know, giving birth to a baby and then handing the baby off and then your job is done type of thing. So we try to implement that and bring that toclare to Claire too. Like, hey, thank you so much. Like we couldn't do this without you. you know
00:17:17
Speaker
look at Look at what you brought into this world for us and you know hold the baby and Aaron holds the baby as well and stuff. So we want them to be a part of that journey as well. Not just the you know the pregnancy portion. yeah you know Without them, you know on both sides, especially Claire, this wouldn't be possible. so Hmm.
00:17:38
Speaker
Looking back, and and I know Emmys was unique in, you know, because it was during COVID, but was there anything that you were especially grateful for that you clarified ahead of time in terms of the birth plan?
00:17:55
Speaker
I think, well, one of the things we talked about that I don't know, it's funny that your memory just kind of goes the window. I'm like, I don't remember what I put in ME's birth plan, but I remember what I mean. We were like rushed into the OR. We got to the hospital and I think within, it felt like within two minutes of being there, they kind of threw us the OR garb and we're like, get in the room, babies get coming out. yeah the question was, who's going to go in the OR with Claire? Are you okay with that being her husband or do you want it to be the mom of the baby? And we both kind of immediately knew, you're and you're figuring out in real time, I don't even remember what was on the birth plan, but Erin and I wanted to be together. We were very nervous because she was losing oxygen, like what the outcome was going when she came out. And I think we wanted to be together. We wanted to be with her husband. And so like we, but I remember kind of making that decision in that moment and talking about that. And so I think we we put that down that that was the preference again. And I think if it becomes a a natural birth,
00:18:49
Speaker
I think the plan obviously would be, you know, if we're both able to be in there, that's great. But obviously. For all men that listen to this, just let your wife be in there. So Lisa would be in there, uh, you know, with, with Claire and obviously I think any surrogate's husband needs to be a part of that and in there for support.
00:19:08
Speaker
Um, so I think that's the, for us, that was just a given, um, either, either one of those options, natural or C section. So. Yeah, her husband should be in there for sure. Yeah, making sure she had that support. And then even we didn't know it was going to be a C-section, obviously. And so knowing her physical recovery was going to be probably a little bit harder, like going to her room, bringing the baby to her, making sure that we were kind of just kind of being tuned in with that, making sure she got to see the baby. and um Again, I think just making sure we're thinking about the other family just as much as, yes, we're excited and we're kind of in our room and we're in that sweet you know space, but she's over there in recovery, just got out of surgery. And so I think we were just trying to be mindful of that. And so um those are some of the specifics that I remember that we we were like, we liked how all of that worked. And I think it felt good, I think on both sides. And so.
00:19:54
Speaker
Yeah. Well, and again, I mean, I know y'all's relationship is unique because you, you did have a little bit of, you know, a connection prior, but obviously throughout the journey with Emmy, you guys had built such a trust and such a bond that those things felt natural. It didn't feel like a, ah Oh, I have to check this box. It was like, no, we want to, I mean, you said at least we want to celebrate because we couldn't have done this without all of these people. And let's get, you know, the big family photo and, you know, just all of those things.
00:20:29
Speaker
What, what do you think might surprise intended parents about how emotional delivery day can be? that's a good question.
00:20:41
Speaker
It's emotional. Like, mean,
00:20:44
Speaker
I mean, it's emotional. I mean, it depends. You know, I think it's going to be emotional either way. Right. I don't think it changes whether it's your first, second or third. You know, it's it's an exciting day. It's, you know, it's a long journey to get to this point. Nine months is a long time. And obviously if you're going through surrogacy, it's longer than that.
00:21:03
Speaker
Um. So, I mean, it's exciting. I mean, obviously with Emerson, we we didn't know what was happening. So when you get a phone call, like you guys need to come now, we're like, that's that's a rollercoaster emotion of, you know, journey. yeah um This one, hopefully it doesn't go that way. And it's, you know, it's kind of like, hey, this is the day, this is what we're looking.
00:21:24
Speaker
So just leading up to it. I mean, it's just more of an excitement than anything. Mm-hmm. I mean, that's that's the journey we're on. It's just excitement. And hopefully we don't get a call like you need to be here in the next 10 minutes. thought Yeah, I think ah like as a new parent, I think going in, you're so excited that they're to be here. Like when I think of the baby being born, I'm like, OK, they're finally here. But you forget about like the labor and delivery part because haven't physically ever been through that. And I don't i kind of what Aaron said, like with Emmy, it was actually a little bit stressful. And so it's kind of this, you know, it can be a little anxiety inducing and um
00:21:59
Speaker
just not knowing again, the drive to the hospital and that one, we didn't really know what was happening. We got in there. It was a little chaotic. And so, and and then, sometimes that doesn't happen either. And so you just kind of don't know what you're in for, uh, can be kind of a wild day, but, um, but then once they're there, I think just, yeah, the, the bliss and awe and amazement is amazing. And, I think you're just kind of on cloud nine and yeah, you just, I don't know, we, to your point, like we very much naturally felt like we wanted to celebrate this moment and just share Emmy. And this was such an amazing journey. And so.
00:22:31
Speaker
um And I think now that the emotions really that we've thought about is, what are we gonna do with Emmy? Like, is she gonna come to the hospital, like stay there with us? Cause we don't have family here. um Are we gonna find someone to watch her for a little bit? Am I leaving the hospital, you know, one night and going with her back home? So I think that's the new, probably emotion and, you know, figuring out what we're doing, so. Sure. The new logistical fund. Yeah. I mean, do they have like ah a daycare to drop in the hospital? You can just drop them off. They sure don't. They sure don't. They sure don't.
00:23:11
Speaker
so When you guys are picturing bringing home baby boy, what image comes to mind?
Bringing Baby Home and Family Integration
00:23:21
Speaker
Oh, this is easy.
00:23:25
Speaker
Oh, well, then you go. Oh.
00:23:28
Speaker
walking in the front door and the dogs are going crazy, jumping up, jumping up and Emerson is wanting to help and and hold the baby and carry the stuff in.
00:23:40
Speaker
I think it's just gonna be chaotic in there. So, you know, trying to get the dogs to just like smell something new and see something new. And I think obviously for me, it's all protection, like back up, like back up.
00:23:53
Speaker
oh But that's what I see when we go home. These dogs are gonna go crazy. Erin's right on the dogs. I was asking Emmy yesterday, like your dogs, obviously they loved Emmy as a baby and would lay next to her and they're so sweet. um You know, I think the biggest thing that had a few friends tell me before we brought Emmy home is you kind of think I'm becoming a parent. My whole life is going to change. And it it does. But those first few months are pretty quiet. And I remember they were like, you're just going to put them home like on the kitchen counter in their car car carrier and they just kind of sleep.
00:24:23
Speaker
And I remember just like the house was so much more peaceful than I thought. And it wasn't as immediately chaotic like for my experience anyways, like when she was a toddler and we're running around and we're you know spilling things and we're doing tantrum like But as the newborn phase, it was very peaceful. And so I actually think it will be a little bit quiet. But I i was thinking, too, like, I think Emmy is hoping to have a playmate, like, from day one. And it's like, baby's not going to be quite there for a little bit. it So I could see her getting, you know, I think she's to want to do snuggles and help, you know, just feed him and help him get down for sleep. But also maybe be a little bit like, hey, you can't play with me yet. So.
00:25:01
Speaker
Yeah. Oh, no. I remember that with my eldest. I was like, do you want, you know, we have this great picture of her. She's like sitting there holding the bottle, but she's watching TV. And so like the bottles like laying like awkwardly, like in the baby's like eyeball and like just has no care as to, you know, feeding them. She's like, I'm i'm good. I'm done. Yeah. Yeah, I think it's going to be good in the beginning. Like, it'll be new and fun for her. But she's, you know, just like any five-year-old. I'm like, okay, next. Let me go do this. So I think for me and even for Lisa, and Lisa, you could speak on this. But for me, it's I'm going to have to make sure that I'm um really intentional on giving Emerson some time as well and not just focusing on the baby where she feels left out. um So I think it's going to be...
00:25:52
Speaker
Those type of, you know, mental roadblocks that you automatically will go to a newborn and and try to make sure that, you know, he's being fed. He's clean. He's, you know, there's no issues, um, and involving her more and and everything that we do with the baby. So she feels like she's helping him a part of it.
00:26:09
Speaker
Totally. Yeah. The intentionality is big. Yeah. Because, yeah, you don't, we've talked a little bit about like, you know, parenting siblings and how like we don't want there to be rivalry. And I do think it would be so intentional to make them both feel specialist, not just now, but as they get older. And so, you know, well, we're pretty good at, you know, taking Emmy on little one-on-one parent dates now and again. And so just making sure that all of that stays and that she's very included, I think will be an important part of navigating that.
00:26:35
Speaker
Yeah. Well, and it's just a whole new level to what you're you know already experiencing now. you know Exactly like you said, it's that new classic, like, okay, we're bringing home another baby and all of the parenting that comes with just navigating that. Yeah.
00:26:49
Speaker
What are you most excited for Emmy to experience you know when she is meeting little brother and just...
00:27:02
Speaker
Looking at, because I know you said before that Emmy's had, it's been so fun to see her and her relationship with Claire and how that relates to her. And now she gets to witness a delivery day. yeah Yeah, I think that in and of itself is so special. I was rewatching the video the other day where we walked her into the facility where the transfer happened and like walking her through that. And so this again, I think just kind of full circle for her story of what that looks like. And obviously she's young, but we'll have photo and video memory of this. so I think it's really neat. I think she is just such. um
00:27:39
Speaker
She's such like a hub people connect. she She thrives off of connectivity with other people in a way that I think is unique. I was very much a shy, introverted child. like She loves family time. And it's so special. And even like her grandparents pick up on that. And I think she she talks about her cousins nonstop and just always wants to be around people. yeah we We give her an option every year for her birthday. you want to take a trip or do you want to have a party with I want all my friends and family coming to my house. And so she's very much loves that. And so I think I'm just excited to watch her little heart. She's going to burst. I think having this other family member that is a kiddo and then just getting to do things together where she's not the only kid, I think is going be really special. And a lot of times we'll hang out with friends that have, you know, two kids and she kind of she always fits right into the pack. But I think for her to have her own, I'm just so excited to to see that. I think it's going to fill her her heart.
00:28:28
Speaker
Yeah. Oh, I love that. How has it been as the relationship has evolved with you guys and Claire and her family this time around and now as delivery day approaches and just the the dynamic with Emmy and, you know, just all of that? What has that evolution looked like?
00:28:52
Speaker
It feels, it feels so much more comfortable this time. I think we're all just, i mean, first of all, we're like older, more mature. We've done this. So we have some confidence, I think, you know, and we're parents now. So I think, you you know, they're obviously a busy busy family with three kiddos.
00:29:08
Speaker
You know, we only have the one we also really busy, but I think, um, I don't know. It feels comfortable in a really lovely way. Like there's just, there is a lot of trust. Um, I think there's just a lot of grace and just fair expectations of each other. And I think, um,
00:29:23
Speaker
It feels really nice. I think we just love them as a family and as you know people. And I think that's just really special. It's it's a treat. We get to see them every weekend at church was just kind of a nice treat. In addition to doctor's appointments or just kind of making time outside of that. Erin actually got to go to a daddy daughter dance with Claire's husband and Mallory and Emerson and like like, it doesn't get any sweeter than that. And so they're just, what they're also wonderful people that we like having in our life. And so I think it's just, ah it's been sweet getting to do this again.
00:29:53
Speaker
I love that. If your son listens to this one day, what would you want him to know about how he was prepared for?
Conclusion: Love and Anticipation for the New Arrival
00:30:06
Speaker
Gosh.
00:30:09
Speaker
Ask your sister. Ask your sister. I love that too, though, that that. they both have the same journey with the same person. So they'll, they'll have that, that common bond.
00:30:25
Speaker
Um, so, you know, there's not a, you know, well, I came out of mommy's belly and you came out of someone else's belly. Like it's the same bond, the same journey. So I do like that. Um, I think it's the same. i mean,
00:30:40
Speaker
you were prayed for, you were you were thought of, you were loved. It was intentional. um And I mean, that's it. you're gonna You're gonna continue to be loved. So, I mean you were you were placed here by God, you know, through prayers and and families and miracles, so.
00:30:59
Speaker
Yeah, the intentionality, I think this baby has been so prayed for. And so, I do. I mean, obviously we are, um and don't know, to have so much trust in the process, like that it was supposed to be a boy, that Emmy needed this brother. And it feels like a very purpose-driven journey that's intentional. And yeah, we know God's hands at work in all of this. And he's just loved so unconditionally already. And his family is so eager to meet him and just kind of get to live our life together and get to be a family for now and through eternity. So it's it's so cool.
00:31:34
Speaker
Yeah. Well, I mean, again, I'm so grateful that you guys, you know, took the time to come back and just share, you know, where you guys are in this stage. Seven weeks, seven weeks. We're almost there. Cannot believe it.
00:31:48
Speaker
my My, last question for you guys, you know, it's coming. As we know, Whitney and coffee, we are not far from one another. And so I always want to ask, what has filled your cup today, literally or figuratively?
00:32:04
Speaker
Iced hazelnut oat milkshake and espresso. She was ready with that. and And these little these little ah ultrasound photos, man, these 40 ultrasound have me all all in my feels today for this little baby. He's just ah getting to see the little face. I'm just, he's... He's this close, so we cannot wait to meet him.
00:32:24
Speaker
No, that's exactly what it was for me, too. Morning, morning, you know, cup of joe, and then seeing those those photos. I mean, yeah, those photos are just gorgeous, and i mean it's so fun to just have that. And, I mean, again, like, I am just, I'm so excited for you guys as you head into just these These final weeks, we are cheering you on I cannot wait to just see Emmy's reaction. Like that is just, that is going to be the best part for sure. But um truly, thank you guys so much for just continuing to share your story because I know, you know, just... It gives so many parents just such hope and is something that you know I know can just be a helpful guide of as you guys are going through this. So thank you guys so much. We are definitely counting down the days with you for sure.