Here we go again, I thought. I just wanted an evening out to enjoy a warm meal and let my toddler bounce around in a bouncy house until he was ready to crash on the way home. With my husband deployed for two weeks, I figured attending the Deployed Spouses Dinner would be a nice change of pace. Juggling a full-time job and a long commute to pick up my energetic two-year-old had turned mealtime into a series of quick frozen dinners. Can’t a gal just savor a hot plate in peace?
Sharing the News
“Yes, indeed, I’m pregnant. Sixteen weeks along, to be precise.”
“Oh really? I’m 20 weeks! Do you know what you’re having?”
“I’m having a boy; we found out just last Saturday.” She quickly realized our husbands had deployed on the same day, so her surprise was understandable.
“Wait, your husband missed out on the gender reveal?”
“It’s alright! He managed to Skype in for part of the appointment, so he was included in the big reveal.”
“What’s your due date?” she asked, clearly intrigued.
“April 6, which is also my birthday! How fun would that be to share it with the baby?”
“Oh no! Your husband will miss the birth!”
“Actually, it’s not his child, so it’s okay…”
Shock washed over her face, and she struggled to find the right words. After a brief pause, I chimed in, “But he totally knows it’s not his!”
This time, her expression was one of sheer disbelief. I could tell I had thrown her for a loop. I went on to explain that I was a surrogate. My cousin had tragically lost her ability to carry children after a devastating pregnancy, and I stepped in to help. My husband was fully on board with the plan, understanding that this little one was biologically connected to another couple. He was even in the next room when the procedure took place!
The Journey of Surrogacy
We both knew he would miss the birth, but that didn’t change anything. And honestly, it always led to interesting conversations with new acquaintances. When you’re pregnant, everyone wants to know about your due date, the gender, and all the juicy details. When they find out your husband is deployed, the sympathy flows. But they never expect to hear, “The baby isn’t his… and that’s totally fine.”
But here’s the real deal: being a surrogate has been an incredible journey for me. It’s been life-changing in ways I never could have imagined. If you’re curious about more information on home insemination, check out this post for a deep dive into the topic. Also, if you’re looking for resources on fertility, this link is a great authority. And for those seeking guidance on pregnancy options, this resource is excellent.
Conclusion
In summary, my experience as a surrogate has been eye-opening and rewarding, showing that unconventional paths can lead to beautiful outcomes.