In October of 2018, Mike and I started a journey to help a couple become a family. The process began with a company called Family Source Consultants, and they worked to get us matched with a husband and wife.

After looking at a number of profiles, we found a couple our age with similar beliefs and values who had struggled for over 6 years to become parents. They chose us too, and we finally got to meet them December of 2018!

We immediately connected and were on our way to becoming a surrogate for them.
First, Mike and I both had mental and physical health screenings, then lots of legal stuff and paperwork to go through, and finally, we had to meet with their fertility clinic in downtown Chicago to confirm we were acceptable. In January 2019, we were officially cleared to go!

Our first embryonic transfer was scheduled for early March 2019. We were excited and optimistic, but this first attempt wasn’t meant to be. It was unfortunately canceled due to me ovulating through the cycle. Slight hiccup but we pushed forward for an end of March 2019 transfer. Once again, however, l ovulated. Darn my body acting “normal” and on time!
Back to the drawing board we went, and the doctors decided l would need medication to stop me all together. It all looked promising! The next transfer was planned for the first week of June. We were hopeful, prayed a bunch, went through with the transfer, and yet heartbreakingly, the little baby didn’t take.

This was hard for us all, especially me. I was frustrated. I wanted it to happen so bad. It reminded me how not “in-control” I am and how this was all in God’s hands. We leaned into each other for comfort, and I re-put my trust in Him.

So we rested. The doctor’s suggested we give my body time to get back on the medication. It seemed like forever, but our next transfer was finally planned for August 23rd, 2019. Of course, this was a holiday weekend, and we would have to wait a bit longer than usual to get Beta test results back from the doctors….

11 days later: Beta 1= 434
13 days later: Beta 2 =1735

Praise Jesus! Little baby stuck, and we were pregnant!! At home, Mike and I continued shots and medication to keep baby growing and healthy. This was hard, but Mike was a trooper through every shot and our kids were so excited to help our newfound friends have a baby!

At 13 weeks, we were released to my doctor and off all medication!! This was a big relief knowing it would be a “normal” pregnancy from here on out for me. I loved going back to my doctor who delivered my four kids and having the reassurance of us working so well together!

On Christmas Eve 2019, we ALL got to see the bundle of joy for our 20-week ultrasound. Baby looked perfect. We enjoyed holiday brunch with the parents-to-be and our kids. This was probably the best birthday present l could get for my 35th birthday!

⭐️⭐️Currently, l am 35-weeks pregnant and so overjoyed that in Gods timing, we are going to deliver a healthy baby for our parents, A&B. This has taught me to be patient, and that l cannot control everything. Could not imagine this journey without the support of my family and friends! Thank you all!!

I can’t wait for the moment they lay eyes on their bundle of joy and become a family of 3! This moment with make the shots, aches and pains worth every second.
My husband and kids have put up with my crazy hormones for months, and l could not be more grateful for their support!

This opportunity only comes to a select chosen few, and I’m elated God choose me for A&B and their baby. We look forward to watching baby grow and staying connected through photos! They aren’t far, just a state over in Indiana, so hoping one day our kids will hang-out with baby. With all this going on in the world right now, we are thankful that the hospital will allow the parents to see their baby come into the world. And Mike will be there to support. Praying this stays true and nothing crazy changes!

Staci Swiderski, CEO and owner of Family Source Consultants has been involved in the field of reproductive medicine since 2002. Staci has vigorously grown the comprehensive egg donation and gestational surrogacy agency to become a worldwide leader in the third-party reproduction field. Staci is a former intended parent herself. She and her husband welcomed their son via gestational surrogacy in 2005. Additionally, Staci had the experience of assisting an infertile couple (AKA Recipient Parents) build their family through her efforts as an egg donor, with her donation resulting in the births of their son and daughter.