Four days until I become a mom. And, I cannot believe I just typed that. Four days. Four short days. My, how the time has flown. And, really, he could come any minute and surprise us. But, knowing the Klein’s schedule, he will probably not really feel like being too early. That, and, Amy has been feeding him nachos, so we think he will probably choose to stay as long as he possibly can. We are happy to report that he already likes Mexican food, so will be a great addition to our family.

We were so torn on when we should possibly head up to Wisconsin. Although we love being home, and we are savoring our last moments at home, the idea of an 8.5 hour drive while your surrogate is in labor, was pretty unbearable to imagine. Every night, the past month, I crawl into bed and envision her calling us at midnight, and us rushing to get there over night. It was not a great thought for anyone, so we decided to come early to await his arrival. We stayed in Madison for a few nights, so we could break up the trip. We thought it would seem like a vacation, but really, our minds are ONLY on this birth, so we have a hard time relaxing and having fun.

We got to Green Bay Wednesday in time for her last appointment. Everything was perfect, and we got to listen to his heart beat so beautifully for about twenty minutes. We also got to ask her doctor any questions we would have about the birth. I’m terrified, as I have never witnessed birth, and wasn’t able to take a birthing class, so I have lots of questions. We have decided that I will do skin to skin with baby, right when he comes out, and Dave will cut the cord. Fair trade, right? I cannot wait to put that sweet boy, of ours, on my chest, and feel him for the first time. A long awaited dream, finally becoming a reality. Four more days.

The last few days have flown, and we have gotten to spend tons of time with Amy and her family. It’s been so good for our souls. It feels so great to be so close to our baby, and they feel like family to us, so it works out great. The other day, the baby put a fist or elbow up to my hand and was moving it back and forth. It’s crazy to think, that the only thing separating us is skin and fluid… and that’s my baby. We have had so much fun together, and the fun with continue through the weekend, while we spend more time with her family. I have definitely loved each time the kids slip and call Dave, “Uncle Dave.” Because that is just what it feels like. They feel so much like family, and we know that is the way it will feel forever.

Many of you have asked our plans after birth. Some people have said, “So, you just take the baby and it’s over?” Absolutely NOT. No. This family has become our family, and there is no way that the birth will end this friendship. It will just be another milestone that the four of us get to experience together. They will both witness the birth of our first child; the moment that we officially become Mom and Dad. This moment will connect us even more. This will be such an intimate experience, and we are so thrilled that they can share it with us. I can promise you, it will be a memory we all take with us for the rest of our lives. What a beautiful moment. I have warned them, that I will probably sob more than I ever have, and they are (so they say haha) okay with that and prepared! We are all thinking that there may not be a dry eye in that delivery room that day. Oh, little Baby Klein, you are changing the world.

So, as I mentioned, I will do skin to skin with the baby, immediately after birth, and Dave will cut the cord. Then, we will get our own room (knock on wood that the hospital cooperates on this) and we will let Amy rest, while we stare intently at our sweet little miracle. Her children will come meet him as well, as we all feel like that is an important part of the process and great ‘closure’ for them to see and meet the baby, and see how happy we are with him. They have recently been asking more questions on it all, and I love that. Kids are so much more accepting to things than adults, and this is one situation that proves it. Such sweet souls.

We will be leaving for home straight from the hospital, which will be the most interesting drive home ever. I am sure it will take so much time for us to get there, while stopping to feed/change etc. But, we can’t wait. I have often envisioned that moment that we get in the car, and head home to start our little family. Gives me chills just thinking about it. While we go home with a baby, Amy goes home to her sweet family, but I can’t help but think of how hard it could be for her as well. We will still be talking daily, and still be just as close, but her body has been preparing for this baby, and hormones will continue. So, please, keep her in your prayers and we all move forward. Again, we know we will see them soon, and they will be our friends/family for life, but that doesn’t mean it will all feel normal. We will all have adjustments to make. We have experienced the greatest journey we have been a part of, and the feeling of the finality of it, is something I can’t even explain. While I am beyond thrilled to meet little mister, it will be so different getting off this sweet ride, and boarding the next train. We will never forget the highs of this amazing ride. After all, this ride took our broken pieces and mended them back together. And we have never felt so whole. Thankful for the terrible rollercoaster that we rode for four years, because, truly, it taught us about heartache and the strength that comes along with that. We are beyond grateful for the smooth ride we have been on this past year. We couldn’t have done this without the love of Amy and Robb. They were just who we needed. We couldn’t pick a better couple to help us, and there is no other woman out there that I would want carrying my baby. She is our sweet angel.

Dave had said to me, the other night at dinner, “Can you imagine if someone had told you years ago, that Amy would carry your baby one day?” I thought about that one for a minute. I remember praying so many times the past four years, for God to just let me know I would be okay, yet I knew he couldn’t. We don’t always know where our paths will take us, but we have to hold tight in faith. I would have laughed and thought it was the craziest thought ever, had someone suggested I wouldn’t ever be pregnant, and that a stranger would carry my baby. No way. No freaking way. I would have been crushed to learn, at a younger age, that this would be my story. But now, after fighting so hard to get here, I absolutely love my story. I feel like we are adding something beautiful to the world. We are inspiring others, through our strength, kindness (Amy,) generosity, love, faith and commitment. That was my goal all along; to make a difference. This is my favorite story I have ever heard, and I know it will make an impact for generations to come.