tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65049102357675628552024-03-05T03:16:18.414-08:00Out in Clifton...Our Family is GrowingOur family - John & I, were married August 20, 2007 (Toronto). We moved from NYC to the suburbs, Clifton, NJ, in 2010, with the goal of expanding. Our family is growing. Our surrogate is pregnant with twins! Read on for more details...Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-27915281226541166812013-10-07T07:41:00.001-07:002013-10-07T07:41:38.775-07:009 Months & Growing!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">It's been nine months of parental bliss!</span> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been loving life with our sweet little ones. Both are growing and doing awesome; getting more active & fun with each passing day. Our lives are filled with kisses, snuggles & hugs. Sometimes it still feels unreal. The struggles in our personal journey to become parents - searching for the right clinic; the waiting & waiting; the discouragement and disappointment of bad news (complications & miscarriage); the worries related to complications late in pregnancy (weeks hospital stays) - it's all become but a distant memory now, overshadowed by hearts filled with a lifetime of new joyful memories.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We wish you all the best of luck on your own respective journeys...CHEERS!</span> </span><br />
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Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-33555598709480529502013-06-05T12:31:00.001-07:002013-06-05T12:31:45.277-07:005 Months & Growing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue;">It's already been 5 months, unbelievable! At times it feels like life is speeding by at lightning speed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">We can not even imagine life without our sweet little kids. I've been staying at home with the kids, while John keeps us financially afloat. He takes off every possible day he can and as many work from home days as his company will allow. It really has been going great. Here is a few pictures of the kids.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Here they are at about 3 months.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"> These were taken at about 5 months.</span><br /><span style="color: #4c1130;">They've been eating good, and growing fast. The doctor always comments on how healthy they look. They are such sweet babies, they seldom cry or fuss, and are no trouble at all. </span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">I just wanted to say "Hi". I hope everyone is doing well. I wish all you soon to be parents success on your journey. To all you parents who've successfully circumvented the hurdles (or are in the process) I wish you all the best. What an amazing ride life is. Through the all the fears and tears, the coos, poops, and pees there is the joy beyond all compare. <br /><br />I don't know what else to say, so I'll say good-bye.... life is good, so I'll go for now and get back to living it. CHEERS!</span><br />
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Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-53889721337070451882013-01-15T08:34:00.003-08:002013-01-15T14:34:26.379-08:00I See Little People!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived last Thursday, 1/11/13, & the next morning I held our son and daughter for the first time. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love at first sight. So tiny, so helpless. I couldn't bare to be parted from them. So I took them with me immediately, back to the hotel.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So begins our journey together, from little beginnings...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">I wouldn't say our last 5 days together have been leisurely. <br />Oh, no, they have been some of the busiest days of my life, and remember, I do have experience working with small kids, lol. Our angels are 33 week preemies, so they do require a little more careful care. The round the clock feedings every 2 to 3 hours alone have tested both my mental & physical strengths. But when I cuddle them. When I look into their helpless little brown eyes, smell their newness, hear their gentle coos (or their earth shattering screams) it's in these moments that I realize, what I'm experiencing now, is one of life's greatest experiences & gifts. It truly makes life worth living.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only thing that would add to this joy, is when my dear sweet John is here to join me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a couple of pics in which I endeavor (I think successfully) to showcase their more adorable qualities....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Ava on the left, & Aiden on the right...enjoying a little twin time nap in Ava's portable bassinet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Here's Ava, enjoying her third breakfast, lol. Perhaps she' part Hobbit (little Lord of the Rings joke, sorry)</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"> Ava sleeping</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">cuddling Aiden</span></div>
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Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-15526142658068315372013-01-06T06:55:00.002-08:002013-01-08T10:42:29.223-08:00They're Here! Pink & Blue!<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We got some awesome news yesterday, at about 2:15 AM (Delhi, India time) Saturday January 5, 2013, our lovely children were born into this wonderful world! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anouncing the birth of our tiny girl weighing a little less than 4 lbs (drum rolls please):</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ava Linh T<span style="font-size: large;">...</span></b> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...And her bigger brother, weighing in at almost 5 lbs (drum rolls continue):</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Aiden Kai T<span style="font-size: large;">...</span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67hxmngpzZj8R5jvFl_D2s7FOW3s2eNvJfTJzZMCKKoLm0xevU9JV1rUfCOqboS1hNW_SXilj7lTvTOh5Vm-Nun6U7vIODd8iHKv_qJHhPGtqNpVNrue1sbMxBg_qGzS9hdaUqe2RYuY/s1600/Aiden+Kai+Tran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67hxmngpzZj8R5jvFl_D2s7FOW3s2eNvJfTJzZMCKKoLm0xevU9JV1rUfCOqboS1hNW_SXilj7lTvTOh5Vm-Nun6U7vIODd8iHKv_qJHhPGtqNpVNrue1sbMxBg_qGzS9hdaUqe2RYuY/s320/Aiden+Kai+Tran.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">(Pictures </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> taken soon after birth, </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">courtesy of SCI Healthcare)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">SO HERE'S THE BIRTH STORY & OUR CURRENT PLANS...</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">They're more than a few weeks early, Monday would have be 34 weeks, but they are healthy, breathing on their own, only requiring tube feedings for now, which is really good for babies so tiny, late preemies. The doctor is confident that perhaps they'll be feeding on their own in a week.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">Some of you already know that they've been trying to escape the womb for almost a month (they just couldn't sit still in there). About 3 weeks ago our surrogate was hospitalized for 9 days with early labor. She was eventually sent home last Sunday (12/30). We thought things were back on schedule, but sometimes as you know babies have other plans. Was it to much curry? To much Bollywood? I guess we'll never really know...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">We had planned to arrive in India to leisurely prepare for delivery on 1/20/13. We had already booked plane tickets, hotel, etc. (that would have been about 36 weeks, plenty of time to wait, right? LOL). We've been scrambling since yesterday to rearrange things, wooosh!<br /><br />Since we're not certain yet how long their hospital stay will be, I'll be traveling there this Wednesday, arriving Thursday (1/10/13). When things are more certain, and an exiting schedule can be arranged, John will fly over and join me with all the legal stuff. It could be a few weeks, or longer, we really don't know right now. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">We so wish we were there to hold our little ones, but we know they're in very good hands until we arrive. Thank you for sharing our joy on this happiest of days. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;">There is still so much to do and so little precious time. Please, forgive us if we can't answer our phones or respond to messages as soon as we'd like. We will keep in touch. Talk with you all soon!!! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ABOUT THIS BLOG</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I started this blog last summer (but never published it). It started as something therapeutic for me. I used it to articulate answers to questions about our journey through surrogacy, and a little about our history. We agree that it would be useful to share with family and friends what's going on, to help answer questions you may have, but not feel comfortable asking. Please, feel free to read through the past posts. It will catch you up nicely, on the where's whens, & whys. We will also try to keep it updated as "Operation Out-of-India" unfolds. </span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #073763;"> </span> </span><br />
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Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-72237708395557099502013-01-05T19:34:00.000-08:002013-01-05T19:34:40.807-08:0030+ WEEKS! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We wait, wait, and wait, as time snails along at such a slow pace since last May. Finally though, we're over 30 weeks along, and the pace has quickened. The goal is within reach! I know time will now start to fly as we breeze through the holiday season. Our to-do list is lengthy. When I think of all the preparation still needing to be done it feels at times a bit overwhelming.<br />
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We will be ready! We must be ready! But please babies give us at least 6 more weeks at least! <br />
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All our reports about the surrogate have been great, no issues, a problem free pregnancy...we are so thankful!<br />
The USG pictures we've been getting now are mostly head shots, top of the head with nothing to see. Our babies have brains! See below a picture of one of baby's lovely brains...<br />
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<br />Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-31995491958691473612012-10-12T09:41:00.000-07:002013-01-06T06:34:18.855-08:00Who's Our Kids' Genetic Father?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFjHOGHoKK_ufELHXZYpcUYCfhJlDLqfSTcy1ByOGmvQL5Xt7Gjx0KrkT3iibmKk5DIU9XWbxcGTvaiGRejGxk81W2ZHyddNn2iMA-F250iEHaWPeOAwcu4y65nU7IJfrVvEALHfj8DU/s1600/biracial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFjHOGHoKK_ufELHXZYpcUYCfhJlDLqfSTcy1ByOGmvQL5Xt7Gjx0KrkT3iibmKk5DIU9XWbxcGTvaiGRejGxk81W2ZHyddNn2iMA-F250iEHaWPeOAwcu4y65nU7IJfrVvEALHfj8DU/s320/biracial.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We understand people are naturally curious, and that
this question is likely one we will encounter often. Most families that are readily identifiable as
atypical--whether they're gay, multiracial, or adoptive--should <i><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">expect</span></i> more questions than the
typical Brady Bunch. [Although the Bradys would probably generate a raft of
questions these days, too, come to think of it.] </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">F</span>rom the outset, John and
I have agreed that who supplied the genetic material for our children is of
less importance than the fact we are both 100% committed to our children. They are,
and will always be greatly loved by their devoted 2 fathers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nEgjgKkAEbi6EficiIrYE40jzf-C98nUeNPOCgtyuh1zHJJZ2nOSyG-hk9TRZuXiETqYe0nQvCk_wSdCerr2hpAVQWjdY3HnrqmFOo8XHeZDa1JKE0ImFkF44QxtTSwZtTnrKcf8ZN0/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nEgjgKkAEbi6EficiIrYE40jzf-C98nUeNPOCgtyuh1zHJJZ2nOSyG-hk9TRZuXiETqYe0nQvCk_wSdCerr2hpAVQWjdY3HnrqmFOo8XHeZDa1JKE0ImFkF44QxtTSwZtTnrKcf8ZN0/s320/012.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As far as their ethnicity is concerned, we have insured that
our children have genetically one parent who is of Asian descent (with similar
features to John), and one parent of Caucasian descent (with similar features
to me). Our children are biracial, and they will blend seamlessly into our biracial
family.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Though we understand it’s only natural to be curious about
who supplied the genetic material (sperm & eggs), we are under no obligation
to satisfy people’s curiosity in this respect (remember the old proverb “curiosity
killed the cat”). We don't think as gay parents, we should <i><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have</span></i> to seek "acceptance"
or "get fans," any more than a straight married couple
"needs" such external validation. And why should anybody have the
implied obligation to satisfy someone's curiosity. That having been
said we feel that<i> this question is too personal to answer. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We respectfully say
to anyone inquiring (outside of our immediate family of 4) that<i> the answer to
this question is none of their business. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cheers!</span></span></div>
Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-71984960476853874782012-10-03T16:14:00.003-07:002012-10-12T07:37:14.743-07:00Our Gay Pumpkin Family<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OAzMVQNlYOXsC17-8x_s_Vry6jTZX1H_G1gCwfmWNsALGXuQdHPP9hZotIqpAJKS28BbxzaxNCdtYdr0ztqhZrpe77GoWaerkqsYMg-szAY_vENM_WjT2TPSNTUYIARBh2QGHexolUg/s1600/DSCN1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OAzMVQNlYOXsC17-8x_s_Vry6jTZX1H_G1gCwfmWNsALGXuQdHPP9hZotIqpAJKS28BbxzaxNCdtYdr0ztqhZrpe77GoWaerkqsYMg-szAY_vENM_WjT2TPSNTUYIARBh2QGHexolUg/s320/DSCN1414.JPG" width="320" /></a></h2>
It's Autumn in Clifton, and we've been decorating with pumpkins...<br />
<br />
It's our future family in pumpkins. Only John & I know the significance of this display. I'm the one on the left, John's on the right, & our little unborn twins are the cutey pumpkin heads.<br />
<br />
We're so ready for them to be born. I can't wait for the day I can to do crafts like this with them. They will be so loved... Please be born kids; we need you desperately; but come on time, not too early.<br />
<br />
Here's some other Autumn pictures from around our house.<br />
As you likely know, one of my hobbies is gardening...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHBMdl5THVmppmH-2c5tTZdj-7KM98mHeBF_Arh9Ivxyg_QDc_-u7kFbeFOuD3fk1N7V6K03_DPLLItFt01m-UvAfJ9i3Q6iyqC9sCWhVTGRbOfQCRD5j1nsoJTsXErMBP4zZkk0dRDI/s1600/DSCN1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHBMdl5THVmppmH-2c5tTZdj-7KM98mHeBF_Arh9Ivxyg_QDc_-u7kFbeFOuD3fk1N7V6K03_DPLLItFt01m-UvAfJ9i3Q6iyqC9sCWhVTGRbOfQCRD5j1nsoJTsXErMBP4zZkk0dRDI/s320/DSCN1417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Left side view as you approach the front of our house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBWK5vZUEnBmFajp7lRIs6pqkiqnlx0kBjFoba2rEzxpO6AcgB979sO_vAv6Nxr8nUJ__bmUja2vGGk3Zsf3X0OcFjVuDX-9Wkj_3FwnCos3p0H0t34R775qppZfZmrxN7BqAkIymzLQ/s1600/DSCN1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBWK5vZUEnBmFajp7lRIs6pqkiqnlx0kBjFoba2rEzxpO6AcgB979sO_vAv6Nxr8nUJ__bmUja2vGGk3Zsf3X0OcFjVuDX-9Wkj_3FwnCos3p0H0t34R775qppZfZmrxN7BqAkIymzLQ/s320/DSCN1430.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I'm surprised these roses are blooming so well, so late. These are called 'Easy Going' roses, & are so fragrant. I wish this picture was a "scratch & sniff" </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wJHPkWwblxG1pYOlUFGFiulDdqLxvD6WFvXDtv97xLq8DvxSNexr3zHWdSuSiJRLyoKLiS8xxPua2YRS3EqTcygz3FawpBwtE862RUHmeFVFbUsSODO0-qHezGIVMjkTjYQ0PJgBXBA/s1600/DSCN1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wJHPkWwblxG1pYOlUFGFiulDdqLxvD6WFvXDtv97xLq8DvxSNexr3zHWdSuSiJRLyoKLiS8xxPua2YRS3EqTcygz3FawpBwtE862RUHmeFVFbUsSODO0-qHezGIVMjkTjYQ0PJgBXBA/s320/DSCN1443.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">This is the 2nd year for these 'Autumn Joy' sedum. They are doing so well, the big ones are over 3 ft. tall!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwtK-G-LXz1U6egtQODOyKrsNX6BXngn8tsfzau47Lyahx74tJtCTNtB3IRQAh7nM3cMpN0VOQgvw9KL6b3-oUbKFTjp8emd_v5CivTOkUh5_B1pj6A6BYIZbx80Oc1VeKaMAOjE4BqA/s1600/DSCN1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwtK-G-LXz1U6egtQODOyKrsNX6BXngn8tsfzau47Lyahx74tJtCTNtB3IRQAh7nM3cMpN0VOQgvw9KL6b3-oUbKFTjp8emd_v5CivTOkUh5_B1pj6A6BYIZbx80Oc1VeKaMAOjE4BqA/s320/DSCN1435.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br />The
mums are doing beautifully. I planted these mums in 2010, & they do
so well. I feel so good when I see them come back every year. They are
like my dear little garden friends.</span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag withTagItem tagItem"><a class="taggee" data-hovercard-instant="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=128785913836476" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-house/128785913836476?ref=stream"><br /></a></span></span></span>
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag withTagItem tagItem"><a class="taggee" data-hovercard-instant="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=128785913836476" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-house/128785913836476?ref=stream"><br /></a></span></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSa4SZLspHhuiDqd2fHizK7W-SwyU2O-QBDJCGvSBGjnd6VP_DzEsmjuGbQpSLVcaW8YDUg6NpNbfmSxSqfNMYr8TprQCo3uPGpAC3LWXzvOeBuWiybXC4kQWw4Lhtj2fI3tcSGkimsY/s1600/DSCN1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSa4SZLspHhuiDqd2fHizK7W-SwyU2O-QBDJCGvSBGjnd6VP_DzEsmjuGbQpSLVcaW8YDUg6NpNbfmSxSqfNMYr8TprQCo3uPGpAC3LWXzvOeBuWiybXC4kQWw4Lhtj2fI3tcSGkimsY/s320/DSCN1449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"><span class="fbPhotoTagListTag withTagItem tagItem"></span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br />Last
big harvest of the basil. The nights are getting too cold. The stems
are blackening, leaves yellowing & wilting. But I was still able
to harvest this last big pan full. Pesto anybody? :o)</span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"></span></span></span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"> </span></span><br />
<br />
Thanks for letting me share these pictures with you. Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-51626744638044731572012-10-03T15:54:00.000-07:002013-01-06T14:38:13.011-08:00WHY THE SECRECY? So far, 20 weeks & growing! <span style="color: #990000;">It's hard to believe it's already been 20 weeks (& 3 days). The future arrival of our twins is shorter than the journey we've traveled thus far. We've received some awesome 3D pictures of the little womb dwellers from our surrogacy clinic. So cute, but a little alien looking. I'll post them here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOl-5t-HXlBVIIwNYlNf9olpapVofiwhSL3MIESyYaa5zy6FYhXg2N7_OcJAT_CbKeuzEZWv-RSAjqmW4q8wzDrVBmhs6q-im6nCtJ1fBg6rRedzV6jMcWITpjQ6AzdX-wee6t_j9Hac/s1600/3D+USG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOl-5t-HXlBVIIwNYlNf9olpapVofiwhSL3MIESyYaa5zy6FYhXg2N7_OcJAT_CbKeuzEZWv-RSAjqmW4q8wzDrVBmhs6q-im6nCtJ1fBg6rRedzV6jMcWITpjQ6AzdX-wee6t_j9Hac/s320/3D+USG.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qH3WzdmbXpbEO-Jr7fiztcqkDejs7FcdYtltYaz9a3438Wz7_l5pKqwvdcMa853pyzgTbmGHxCHEyydJh0q_JqZiXEmPQpORH2xDzEeFNQwvbIcOxpcASDXjcHVZAXwyxNBdDVt0h9Q/s1600/3D+USG+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qH3WzdmbXpbEO-Jr7fiztcqkDejs7FcdYtltYaz9a3438Wz7_l5pKqwvdcMa853pyzgTbmGHxCHEyydJh0q_JqZiXEmPQpORH2xDzEeFNQwvbIcOxpcASDXjcHVZAXwyxNBdDVt0h9Q/s320/3D+USG+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> <b>WHY THE SECRECY?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b> </b><br /> At times, it feels like this has been such a long journey, progressing at a snail's pace. I'm tired of the wait. It's like a long marathon, but the goal is in sight.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> I'm
also a little scared. Why? Not at the thought of having kids, twins. After all, I'm a
peds nurse. I'm used to screaming sick children, and I've cared for 4
to 12 of them at a time. No, what scares me is loosing the kids. That we may loose them along the way, and they'll never get the chance to be born. That we will have to endure another miscarriage like our first pregnancy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> As a result of this fear, we've tried to distance ourselves somewhat emotionally from the process. Something easier said than done. To help us do that, we've kept this pregnancy a secret. So, that if things don't work out others won't be
effected, disappointed, etc. So, here I am writing a blog for now that
is for my eyes only, about our surrogacy journey that is a secret
between us. For now at least....</span></span>Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-8884272991566487302012-07-20T09:31:00.002-07:002013-01-06T06:28:42.377-08:00OUR JOURNEY INTO SURROGACY... Adoption? India?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkslDWCeeEkOQmcLv2yibOZo5_6cDuSNMiJF4bMxlLoBc7SA_IqyuRk1FtJnK5IwmnNBTgDpHUic8KiAWXapsPR4tH6GGd7KL_smD764LS41U3MgDcKdSgD6NRfxnGaexiqwC6PNHb6E/s1600/8weeks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkslDWCeeEkOQmcLv2yibOZo5_6cDuSNMiJF4bMxlLoBc7SA_IqyuRk1FtJnK5IwmnNBTgDpHUic8KiAWXapsPR4tH6GGd7KL_smD764LS41U3MgDcKdSgD6NRfxnGaexiqwC6PNHb6E/s320/8weeks.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">twins, 7 Weeks 5 days old...very, very tiny. Hello babies! Please, keep growing :o)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEOAC6lgTVidacjLAxqHG5IDtP49pdg8WaaSNLhQmfkVMDHF_bsytwAMicmgCT8TEaWJnjUKKINWThEbsUI88a9EBa_3IZz0TIqkWXXRj7JEzPWMMJnEwXmMeLaQ5zosrflRE6PS0V_U/s1600/USG+Report2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEOAC6lgTVidacjLAxqHG5IDtP49pdg8WaaSNLhQmfkVMDHF_bsytwAMicmgCT8TEaWJnjUKKINWThEbsUI88a9EBa_3IZz0TIqkWXXRj7JEzPWMMJnEwXmMeLaQ5zosrflRE6PS0V_U/s320/USG+Report2.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
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<img align="middle" height="215" src="http://www.mtholyoke.edu/%7Emckee20p/classweb/surrogacypm/images/ivf.jpg" width="284" />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">I always wanted a family, but as a single young gay adult never really thought it possible. Then I met John, and my dreams of sharing my life with someone special came true. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">From the very beginning we knew we had much in common. One thing we both shared was a desire to enlarge our family. If possible, we wanted to expand our small family by at least one kid at some future date. How, and exactly when, we did not know. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">We moved to Clifton with many goals in mind. One major goal was a less hectic home-life, with room to grow. A step in the direction for enlarging our family.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Why not adopt?"</b> If you've ever adopted a child you are to be commended. Also, you understand the unique problems or hurdles that must be overcome before, during, and after the adoption process. We looked into this extensively, and decided it would not be our first choice.<span style="font-size: small;"> We decided that surrogacy would be a bette<span style="font-size: small;">r</span> <span style="font-size: small;">option for us.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>"Why India?"</b> W<span style="font-size: small;">hen we</span> decided on gestational surrogacy (egg donor & surrogate are not related) we realized immediatly that the biggest <span style="font-size: small;">hurdle</span> was financial.<span style="font-size: small;"> Here in the USA <span style="font-size: small;">the price tag is between $8<span style="font-size: small;">0,000-$120,000 (on the higher end for twins, or complications).<span style="font-size: small;"> When we began researching a few years ago <span style="font-size: small;">th<span style="font-size: small;">at</span> cost for us was<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">prohibitive</span></span>, so we began looking overse<span style="font-size: small;">as<span style="font-size: small;"> at surrogacy clinics in othe<span style="font-size: small;">r</span> countries</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It took about a year before deciding that India would be an ideal place for us. We found a surrogacy center who's goals seemed to harmonize with ours, SCI Healthcare (<a href="http://surrogacycentreindia.com/">http://surrogacycentreindia.com/</a>). The staff was friendly. The managing doctor Shivani Gour, MD had overseen hundreds of <span style="font-size: small;">successful</span> births, and was loved and well respected by her many clients. We then chose an egg donor that mirrored our own combination of Asian/Caucasian ethnicity, giving our children that desired blend. Then we decided on a surrogate to carry our child/children. Then there was the medical and legal issues to get in order. By early 2012 things were in place, and invitro fertilization was <span style="font-size: small;">performed</span>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">Our first attempt ended with a miscarriage<span style="font-size: small;"> in early 2012</span>, and that was very discouraging. We decided to <span style="font-size: small;">immediately </span>give it another try, and <span style="font-size: small;">that attempt</span> <span style="font-size: small;">was a</span> success (as the above documents can attest to).We hoped for one, but we were blessed with twins! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;">p.s. Here's a<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>New York Ti<span style="font-size: small;">mes</span></i></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: small;">article <span style="font-size: small;">f<span style="font-size: small;">rom </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">March 10, 2008<span style="font-size: small;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i> about surrogacy in India.<span style="font-size: small;"> Thought <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thought </span>you m<span style="font-size: small;">ight</span> <span style="font-size: small;">enjoy reading</span> about how surrogacy began in India<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">(the information about costs, etc., are outdated<span style="font-size: small;">). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/world/asia/10surrogate.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/world/asia/10surrogate.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&</a></span><br />
<img alt="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/03/10/world/10india.1903.jpg" class="decoded" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/03/10/world/10india.1903.jpg" /><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">CELEBRITIES</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> WHO'VE</span> ALSO <span style="font-size: small;">HAD CHILDREN VIA SURROGACY</span></span></span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The surrogacy appeals to married couples,
unmarried couples, heterosexual couples, gay couples and single parents.
Just take a look at the expansive list of celebrities who have have
used surrogacy to start or expand the family:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1992</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Deidre Hall and Steve Sohmer: David</li>
</ul>
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<b>1995</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Deidre Hall and Steve Sohmer: Tully</li>
<li>Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith: twins Julian and Aaron</li>
</ul>
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<b><a href="http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com/2011/06/Camille-Grammer-and-kids.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-52479" height="328" src="http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com/2011/06/Camille-Grammer-and-kids.jpg" title="Camille Grammer with kids Mason and Jude" width="210" /></a> </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2001</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kelsey and Camille Grammer: Mason</li>
</ul>
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<b>2002</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson II (aka Blanket)</li>
</ul>
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<b>2003</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Joan Lunden and Jeff Konigsberg: twins Max and Kate</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2004</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Peri Gilpin and Christian Vincent: twins Stella and Ava</li>
<li>Kelsey and Camille Grammer: Jude</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2005</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Joan Lunden and Jeff Konisgberg: twins Jack and Kimberly</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com/2010/12/spl35610_0141.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-44209" height="320" src="http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com/2010/12/spl35610_0141.jpg" title="Dennis Quaid father of twins" width="210" /></a> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2006</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance: twins Bronwyn and Slater</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2007</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Katey Sagal and Kurt Sutter: Esme</li>
<li>Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Buffington: twins Thomas and Zoe</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2008</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Marisa Jaret Winokur and Judah Miller: Zev</li>
<li>Ricky Martin: twins Matteo and Valentino</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2009</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick: twins Marion and Tabitha</li>
<li>Michelle Stafford: Natalia</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com/2011/06/Elton-John-Dad-of-the-Year.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-52531" height="294" src="http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com/2011/06/Elton-John-Dad-of-the-Year.jpg" title="Sir Elton John and Zachary Father of the Year" width="210" /></a> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2010</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cristiano Ronaldo: Cristiano</li>
<li>Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka: twins Gideon and Harper</li>
<li>Chris Daughtry and Deanna Daughtry: twins Adalynn Rose and Noah James</li>
<li>Elton John and David Furnish: Zachary</li>
<li>Vern Yip: Gavin</li>
<li>Bill Horn and Scout Masterson: Simone</li>
<li>Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban: Faith Margaret</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2011</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman: Felix, March 2011</li>
<li>Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower: Helen</li>
<li>Alexis Stewart: Jude</li>
<li>Vern Yip: Vera</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2012</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Alexis Stewart: Truman</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b> </b></h3>
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Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-36123212498300513772012-07-20T08:28:00.002-07:002012-12-07T11:37:05.637-08:00Our Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
One of the happiest days of our lives, August 20, 2007...a beginning.<br />
<br />
A brief history...<br />
<br />
John is of Chinese/Vietnamese descent; his family having immigrated to the USA when he was 3 years old. He moved from New Orleans to NYC when he was 10 years old. His family settled in Flushing, Queens, & set up shop in Manhattan's Chinatown on Canal St. John later went to school, & became an accountant.<br />
<br />
I was born in the Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas. Ours was a rural life. My family grew a garden, & raised some livestock (some pigs, chickens, guineas, & rabbits) for food. I also lived a few years in Oklahoma City. When I was 19, I moved to New York City in 1995, settling in Brooklyn Heights, NY. When I met John, I was living in Jersey City, & in the process of switching careers. I was in nursing school.<br />
<br />
John & I first met, in person, on the Manhattan-side entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. We walked across the bridge & had brunch at the Clark St. Diner. After that first walk there were a few things we both agreed on - monogamy, marriage, & a family. It was soon afterwards, we began pursuing those goals together. <br />
<br />
August 20, 2007, was our official, legal, contracted beginning. A promise made to each other before witnesses & the world, of our shared love & pursuit of life's goals. It has been 5 wonderful years!<br />
<br />Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504910235767562855.post-50909410226137686742012-07-20T07:38:00.002-07:002012-07-20T10:07:44.056-07:00Our house July 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_VFXkz2ueiz7tR8a5D8TqQ1e3RYEY88blfVUX_z5HDnnaoTHOs1ZFJlO8HleFigLnRhOGOPaFrCHPHg0cg_nrWbk3FW9RLhoZ_fC5yjDi1GbpI37KMMnngMRRLpdxrLU67pJ8SKjSg0/s1600/Front+of+our+house+July+2012+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_VFXkz2ueiz7tR8a5D8TqQ1e3RYEY88blfVUX_z5HDnnaoTHOs1ZFJlO8HleFigLnRhOGOPaFrCHPHg0cg_nrWbk3FW9RLhoZ_fC5yjDi1GbpI37KMMnngMRRLpdxrLU67pJ8SKjSg0/s320/Front+of+our+house+July+2012+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Here's our lovely little house in Clifton, NJ. Our neighborhood is quiet, & the neighbors friendly. We know many of them by name, & even exchange Christmas gifts & cards with a few. There are two other gay couples on our block. Next door lives Don & Gary, & a few houses down on the opposite side of the street live Ira & Patric. I especially enjoy gardening, I put in the flower gardens myself :o)Howiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025655916926525901noreply@blogger.com0