We flew into Santa Ana Airport and boarded a huge bus with Mater and Lightning McQueen on the side. My kids were already beginning to get super excited at the prospect of meeting Mickey and Minnie, the bus just intensified it all. We arrived at our hotel, The Grand Californian and checked in on the 6th floor since we had the concierge service rooms. Our two bedrooms were secluded and connected so we could open our conjoining door and send my kids in to wake up the grandparents at 7:30am. Joke was on them though, Grandma and Grandpa were already up and dressed that first day to go have breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. We were led to our seats and I loaded up a plate of goodies for my kids and got back in time to see Dale from Chip & Dale arrive at our table. Hunter was ecstatic. I cried while I watched my son's huge smiling face laugh at the chipmunk and give him a hug and high five. I wonder if the people who play those characters realize what a huge impact they have on children. That morning Dale, Daisy, Minnie, and Goofy came to see us! Hunter and Emma had such an amazing time, I even had to chase Emma down because she started to follow Minnie around.
We spent the first day at Disneyland and the second at California Adventure. I even got to see my IM!! She or her driver came each morning to the Hotel to pick up the milk I pumped so I didn't have to worry about storing it. I was able to give her a big hug and chat in the lobby for a while. I also met IF's mom and was able to see his dad again! They were in town visiting Alaya for the first time.
We had such an amazing trip, and I was so happy my mother in law was able to join us as well. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
and now the question everyone has been asking me.. "Will you do surrogacy again?" and the answer is ABSOLUTELY!! Even my husband says I should do it again. I'm so happy he's supportive of it, haha even though I am not ready just yet. I have to wait until at least June. there is a 9 month waiting period to heal, I will be taking a little more time than that, but remaining in contact with my agency because I do plan to do it again.
If you wish to follow my family's story in the meantime I keep a personal blog separately from this surrogacy one at http://theoestreichs.blogspot.com
My next post will be around Christmas time when IM IF and baby Alaya come for a visit! :)
