Calm

I can't believe I fly out next Tuesday. I actually just got back from Edmonton a couple of days ago - I had work meetings that ended up being less productive than I would have liked. However, I did realize that, as much as I enjoy flying, I need to keep occupied during the flight. I ordered a couple of books earlier this week so hopefully they will arrive before I have to head to the airport. I'm sure I will also sleep a little on the plane. I will be meeting "C" at the airport - we arrive a few minutes apart.

I also booked our hotel rooms at the Stay Inn Hotel. I will most likely rent a car as well so it will be easier for us to travel around as well as keep our luggage in during our consultation and dinner. Speaking of dinner, we'll be meeting "D" for dinner in the evening - I have a few options for restaurants so we'll see.

Before leaving though, I'd like to gather a few photos and complete my gift-buying. I still have to finalize what I will get for "C" - I bought something for her son and daughter already. I also got "D" something but hopefully it will arrive in the mail before I leave otherwise I will just send it out when I return. I also got gifts for her two daughters. I'll have this weekend to finalize everything.

Thank you for letting me share part of my world with you.

Peaceful

Just 11 more sleeps until I fly out to Toronto to meet "C" and one more sleep after that before we finally meet the doctor to "get the party started" as they say. I hope any tests that "C" needs to complete can be done on the same day. We've completed all the testing we could on our end - it's all good with the results. After our consultation, we plan on having dinner with "D" so that will be exciting as well. "C" and I will fly back to our respective homes later that night.

All of this potentially could have been put on hold because "C" was having some work-related problems. However, she gave me the green light to go ahead and book the flights soon after. I have to admit I was a bit nervous and even "D" had resigned herself to a delay; however, it was actually a good hiccup for me personally. I came to the conclusion (not just logically but emotionally) that I will reach my destination when it's my time. Experiencing and truly believing this conclusion gave me a sense of inner peace. Given my personality, I will always think, anticipate, and plan but I have come to terms with how little control I have over my journey's destination. I need to live and enjoy the journey, appreciating each milestone, and allowing the destination to arrive when it's time. I know this will be easier said than done but I am well on my way.

On a side note, "D" thinks cycling may even start in October given how close her cycle is close to that of "C". This could mean a transfer in early November. How exciting is that? Things will become more clear after we have our consultation - again, it's all about appreciating each milestone rather than just focusing only on the destination. There isn't much to do now but wait. Time is truly flying by as I look back at my earlier posts.

Thank you for letting me share part of my world with you.

Happy

Woohoo! I called the clinic this morning but no pick-up. I tried a second time soon after and WOW - I got someone! I had the opportunity to book the consultation on September 20 but had an important strategic meeting out of town so selected September 27. We now have a target so let the countdown begin!

I've been emailing my surro- and IP-buddies getting more information so "C" and I can come to Toronto as prepared as possible. This means getting as much testing and screening done ahead of time. "C" has been great and shares my sense of urgency and determination. She will be visiting a doctor tomorrow to see if she can get all the testing done.

Tomorrow, I have a few more phone calls to make as well as look at booking flights for myself and "C". I have also advised "D" that we will be flying in. I'm excited to finally get to meet her - I first met her online a couple of years ago. She was also a GS to two IFs that I also got to know online.

It feels good that I am slowly but surely moving forward. I can see each phase ahead of me but try to remain focused on the current phase. I keep reminding myself, what's meant to be, will be.

Thank you for letting me share part of my world with you.

Impatient

I was hoping to hear back from the clinic today to schedule the first initial consultation with the doctor. They had responded to my email on Wednesday, asking me for a few available dates in late September. I replied on the same day but have not heard from them since. I have been told by other surrogates and IPs that this clinic is very slow in getting back to its clients relative to other nearby clinics. However, I have heard nothing but great things about the doctor so I can be patient for now. With the Labour Day Weekend upon us, I hope to hear back from them on Tuesday.

I have advised my GS "C" that I will contact her once I hear back from the clinic so I can book our flights to Toronto, Ontario where the clinic is located. Her flight will be much shorter than mine as she lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. My ED "D" lives in near Toronto so very little travel for her. This was purposeful as I wanted to select a clinic near "D" since she'll have several appointments with the doctor prior to egg retrieval. "C" will be monitored in her home city and then fly in prior to embryo transfer.

This is all quite exciting. I think once the consultation is scheduled, all of this will feel even more real. I'm going to try to keep at least one foot on the ground until I finally have my baby in my arms. Keeping it real but also enjoying the journey.

Thank you for letting me share part of my world with you.