If you can make somebody happy, do it. The world needs more of that.

Perfectly said. Talk about the most selfless gift a woman could ever give. Emily and Gwen are both sonographers in a local doctors office together. After being friends for years, Emily  stepped up became the gestational carrier for Joe and Gwen, also known as the Intended Parents (IP). Baby Paxton was a  frozen embryo from September 2014.

**A surrogacy arrangement or surrogacy agreement is the carrying of a pregnancy or intended parents. There are two main types of surrogacy, gestational surrogacy (also known as host or full surrogacy)  and traditional surrogacy (also known as partial, genetic, or straight surrogacy). In gestational surrogacy, the pregnancy results from the transfer of an embryo created by In Vetro Fertilization  (IVF), in a manner so the resulting child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate. Gestational surrogates are also referred to as gestational carriers. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is impregnated naturally or artificially, but the resulting child is genetically related to the surrogate. In the United States, gestational surrogacy is more common than traditional surrogacy.**

These two sonographers were some how able to keep from cheating, and kept the gender a surprise! I have no idea how they did it

Dr. Costa was phenomenal, she had Gwen help deliver her baby, cut the cord, do skin-to-skin, and had her completely involved in her baby’s delivery. Momma announced to everyone, “it’s a BOY!” Tears were flowing, the room was full of love, smiles and laughter. Not a dry eye in the room. Not one face without a huge smile. I have never been in such a heartwarming delivery!

Here is a glimpse into baby Paxtons journey into our world!

It’s a…..

BOY!!!!

Then she sends me this…

I was beyond happy for her. They SO deserved this. I prayed and hoped for a beautifully healthy pregnancy for her, and then I prayed I would make it down to Tennessee for her birth. I was SO nervous.  I didn’t want to miss this. I wanted so bad to be there for her. She planned an all natural birth and to labor at home for as long as possible. Did I mention how nervous I was that I would miss this? Ah. Nerve wracking!

The last week in July came around… I was leaving for vacation August 1st so we both began to panic lol.  A few days later, Hayley text me and says she thinks its the beginning signs of labor. After a few hours and timing contractions, she was pretty confident this was it. I left Columbus Ohio and headed to her. its a 6 hour drive so I was hoping we timed this right. Hayley lives almost an hour away from the hospital so we met each other there when she decided it was time to head there. Talk about perfect timing…

 She labored beautifully. In fact, it was the most gorgeous labor I have ever seen. Honestly. I left this birth feeling so full

Doula Heidi – Expecting New Life Birth Services

Hayley Stell Photography

I can’t thank you enough Hayley and Matt for trusting me with Lennons Birth Day. I am so proud of both of you, congrats on your gorgeous family.

<3