Life in the Northwest

15 years ago

2012-01-05T16:06:00.001-08:00

I sit here and I listen to this song tears run down my face the same as the day I gave birth to her and the day I said goodbye to her. Jan 6th 1997 I had the sweetest little girl I could have dreamed of she was perfect in ways only a mother can know. I didn't know it then but she was only going to be mine for 3 short weeks, I had no idea this little baby would change my life forever! She showed me strength and pride that would knock you to your knees in fact I spent many nights on my knees begging for him to heal her body and let her come home with me, I know now that wasn't his plan. In fact it wasn't until I had my Sofia that I knew all along he was preparing me to be the woman I am today and to be her mommy. He was teaching me what it was to feel so deeply and trust so intensely that I would later be able to give birth to five little boys and have the strength to hand them back to their parents and feel a love beyond words. You see this one little girl made me who I am today, and because of her I life I was able to give life to six more little precious souls!!!

In memory of my sweet Hailey Grace

1/6/97-1/26/97

Im Alive!

2011-12-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

Doesn't get any sweeter than this!!!

I just wanted to wish all my blogging friends a very Merry Christmas! I have been away for awhile having babies and trying to get them well enough to travel home with their daddies. I'm happy to report I had the boys three weeks ago today and they are doing great! Not the uneventful delivery I was hoping for but we are all three alive and healthy and that's what matters. I'm hoping with the New Year I will be more proactive with Blogging and trying to keep up with every ones blogs. :)

Not so long ago!

2011-10-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

I use to blog :) I try to read but I cant seem to find the time to write :(

All is well in the Pacific Northwest I am turning 34 weeks pregnant with my sweet surro twin boys, My sweet Sofia turned 6, I'm turning 41 and my sweet London twins are turning 2!!! Holy crap where has time gone? I'm so incredibly blessed I don't even know how to express it.

As I approach this birth and know that this will truly be the very last time I ever carry a baby in my body I am a tad sad but so EXCITED! I have so many things I want to do and accomplish in my relationship with my husband to start and next as a home school mama. Not to mention I will be busting my ass at the gym I am long over due for some good exercise and time to get this body in order :) those of you who have been pregnant recently even not so recently know how pregnancy can take a toll well I am 6 pg in and 8 babies later I'm gonna have to work a bit.... Nothing I cant do or not willing to do.....Ill leave you with a few pictures of my girl.

Due for an upgrade!

2011-10-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

So I broke down and got an IPHONE! And I love it, I work hard everyday as a mother, teacher, wife and surrogate ( That's the hardest job of all) and I earned it. I am not rich my husband is unemployed but we are savers and I felt like I deserved to have something I worked hard for. I have had a smart phone for awhile but I love this phone :)

So on a more serious note. I am loving home school but at times feel overwhelmed, can you imagine being a teacher with 28 kids to teach? Not me! I'm so happy and Blessed to have this opportunity to be home with my little pumpkin to teach and see grow as she learns from her mama :) I'm 28 weeks now and its been a hard road I try to rest as often as possible to avoid early labor I would love to reach 36 weeks with these two little guys and see them off with their daddies for a wonderful Christmas!

Seems like forever

2011-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yet time seems to be moving very slow! I'm almost 27 weeks pregnant with these two little guys and feel like I should be delivering now LOL.

All is well on our end of the world been busy with school yet overwhelmed with worry I'm doing it all wrong? I'm feeling anxiety over being accountable to someone on my progress with Sofia, I'm feeling like I want to venture out and so an independent program instead of a public school funded program. Ron feels I should find a program more suitable for us and I think he might be right.

Ron is still looking for work and helping me out at home because I'm on modified bed rest! so Its been nice to have him home, but I wont lie I am sooo ready for him to be back to work I really feel like I get more rest when I have alone time.

I thought because Sofia is home schooled I would get her involved with a few activities and to be honest I'm regretting having so much to do. She has soccer thurs nights and then Awanas I'm wishing now I had skipped Awanas :( its from 6:00-8:15 and its to much she comes home all wound up and getting her ready for bed is a joke. Not to mention I'm pooped at that time so we have to rotate soccer practice and Awana each week just cant do both. She hasn't caught on yet :) Other than that nothing exciting in our lives just waiting for Dec to meet these two Little's and see them off with their parents....That brings me Joy!

Our Children

2011-09-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Love! That's the first that comes to my mind when I think of my child, Second! is responsibility, we as parents have a responsibility to protect and be their voice until they can speak for themselves. If you take your child to the Dr. do you believe everything that Dr. (human) says? I mean come on they are human and make mistakes, if you have a Dr. that is perfect I would love his #. When you take your child to school you trust their teacher to protect them, keep them free of bullying? I would if I sent my child to school the truth is the teacher does their best (you hope) and if not then you have a responsibility to listen to your child and be their voice. Our children did not get to choose their parents nor do they deserve to have anything less than the best when it comes to someone being their advocate so if you have children STEP up and be their voice Its our RESPONSIBILITY!!!
I feel pretty strong this is why I am a home schooling mom right now, my voice may be to loud for some but I don't care! My child my voice, my responsibility!

We are now entering our second week of home school and its not as hard as I thought it would be :) Sofia has a desire to learn so that helps, I am still trying to get a routine down and if its not done first thing in the morning then I'm screwed! LOL I have to get school out of the way first thing in the morning.

I'm also asking for prayer for my Aunt right now she has been diagnosed with Brest cancer and we need all the prayers we can get! Thank you so very much.

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

I decided start Homeschooling (well get my feet wet). Needless to say I'm overwhelmed and my ability is in question, I know its Kindergarten but this is the beginning the next 12 years of her education and I want to be sure she gets the best start possible. I'm not throwing in the towel yet but I'm already thinking of which private Christina school she will go to if I don't feel confident to do 1st grade (again not giving up) just want to be sure I have a backup plan. Its precious how eager she is to learn and says wow MOM! I'm so smart...I just love this girl. I'm going to take pictures tomorrow so I will post them then.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day!

Summer coming to and End :(

2011-08-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

I wont lie I'm not ready for Fall or Winter. In the Pacific Northwest Summer is short lived and Fall, Winter, & Spring dominate. It can be a drag to not see the sunshine for a long period of time. With that said School starts next week and I'm super excited to Home school for the first time :) I have my school area all set up and Sofia is super excited to get started. With us I think its important that she gets up every morning and gets ready for school as if she is going, I want her Fed, dressed, teeth brushed and feeling ready to learn :) routine will be everything for us to be successful at this. I will post pictures of the first day of school and look forward to sharing in our journey.

Side note: I'm 23 weeks PG Wed!

August already?

2011-08-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sad that soon summer will be coming to an end and Fall will be fast approaching us here in the Northwest. I have been away but come often to check on everyone an look for updates :) As for my family we are all doing Ron has been off work since July and looking for a new job with much Faith I know there is something out there for him, he will also be finishing up his Masters this semester.

Miss Sofia is growing like a weed and hard to believe in just a few short weeks she will be starting Kindergarten WOW! If I haven't mentioned I will be homeschooling my little princess and we are super excited!!!! After much thought my heart told me I needed to be her teacher and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

Justin is living at home still and I wont lie I'm ready for him to be gone and on his own, its so hard with everything being so expensive so I don't see him leaving soon but a mom can dream :)

Me? well if you read my surrogacy blog you know am now 20 weeks pregnant with my third and final surrogacy with twins! and to top it off two boys again. I am due Early December just about the time Miles and Grayson turn two.

That's about all going on in the "G" household so I wont bore you with anymore babbling but Hope to be better about blogging in the near future...Blessings!

Im alive

2011-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

But not blogging much:( Im in my 14th week of pregnancy and the two little ones have made my life hard up till now. I'm now feeling like a human being again and I'm so thankful for that. Not a whole lot going on, Sofia keeps me busy and I try to stay busy it would be nice if summer would pay us a visit! we are heading to Seattle this weekend for a much needed getaway and will be back the 4th! Hope you all have an wonderful Holiday weekend!!!!

A few pictures :)

2011-06-12T20:38:00.001-07:00

I have been MIA due to illness and I'm sorry for that I just don't feel like posting. I would like to share some pictures and share that as a family have decided the best thing is for me to home school Sofia in the Fall :) I'm super excited and cant wait for Kindergarten to start! She calls me momma teacher :) I would also like to congratulate my sweet friend Amy in California ( I know 4 Amy's) On the birth of her twins Nash and Chesney! I wish you and Jake nothing but joy and happiness...Love you Amy!!!

Are you Kidding me...

2011-06-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my neighbor who has a daughter Im not a big fan of ( she is always up to no good!) And I told her When she is at my house I dont let the girls whisper behind each others backs and try to divide each other, her mother thinks they should work out their own problems at 5/6 WTF Really??? your ok with your 6 year old being mean? She says that's life and you cant always be there to protect them..... I'm sorry but isn't it our job to teach our kids to be nice and respectful to each other?? She says its gonna happen in school and it happens in private school and she isn't gonna be hanging out at her kids school that's crazy! Not to mention she thinks home schooled kids are weird??? All the home schooled kids I know aren't weird...I said well I'm gonna be working at the school and if my kid is being bullied I'm gonna step up and say something...She doesn't agree I wish they weren't staying 3 more months I wish they were moving tomorrow..I'm a mom I signed up to be a mom and take it serious. She says her daughter is insecure and cares what people think of her at 6 Are you kidding me??? why is she worried at 6 what people think. She is always dirty and her hair is never brushed and her mom says you look great! Isn't it our job to teach them hygiene and how to care for themselves??? Correct me if I'm wrong but it wont matter because I am going to keep on raising my daughter to be sweet and loving and nice to others! My blood runith over hot right now!!!!

Mold update!

2011-06-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

All was fixed! I complained and they took action... I guess everyone was afraid to say something I'm so happy I finally spoke up guess it pays to be a big mouth.

What?

2011-05-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Good Lord I haven't blogged in awhile.....I'm just feeling yuck these days, I wish I could say I'm feeling fabulous and everything is perfect but I don't :( I'm 9 weeks pregnant with twins and they are kicking my big butt! I'm hoping and praying this to shall pass as I progress to the second trimester but who knows anything is possible. Other than that all is well in the Northwest, At least we are safe from Tornado's I'm sorry for all my Midwest friend having to battle this scary weather....I'm praying for you all

Mold

2011-05-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Would you take your child to private swim lessons where the owners had moldy toys and swim accessories? I have been taking Sofia to the same place for over a year ( her swim teacher is amazing) and in the winter they put a gigantic bubble over the pool all the toys have mold, fins, noodles?? Why when its so easy to clean that stuff. Tonight I decided enough was enough so along with Ron we decided if something doesn't change we wont be taking her back :( sad, I got up my nerve and called the owner and said you must get rid of the mold or loose us as a client! She says it will be handled by next week. If we arrive next week and there is still toys with mold we will walk out. I really never noticed how bad it was till recently and another mother pointed this out to me, whats wrong with me this is a total health hazard! My friend said we wouldnt let our girls swim in poop why let them swin around mold...

SUCKS

2011-05-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so torn right now with emotions! I am so happy I am carrying two precious babies for two amazing people yet my heart is so broken right now for one of the most amazing women I know! Its sucks that I cant take this a away for her I don't want my friend to be hurting I don't want her to be planning a funeral right now I'm so heart broken and it sucks! I know know this road all to well yet I have no way of knowing her pain, She had 8 years with Conner I had three weeks with Hailey Our grief while familiar its so different on so many levels! Someone who looses a pregnancy in the first few weeks has no way of knowing my pain, her pain or we hers we just grieve. I want to wrap my arms around her and tell her its gonna get easier but I cant she has to go through this process. I will say this I wish no mother had to join this group because it Sucks!

http://www.connerlangford.org/

Please dig deep!

2011-05-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

To all my followers and I dont have many! Please help if you can, This is my very dear friends son who passed away Friday morning at theage of 8 any amount will help you can donate on this blog page and all money will go directly to the Langford family to help pay for Conners funeral! God Bless

http://www.connerlangford.org/

With a heavy Heart

2011-05-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

I am so sad to say my friend lost her 8 year old little boy after his very long battle with seizures :( He was beautiful in every way and while I know how it feels to loose a child I have no way of knowing her pain and I'm sick to my stomach to think of what she is going through, I am paralyzed with grief knowing that I will have to watch this mother bury her son in the coming weeks. Please lift them up in payer as they navigate through this horrible tragedy..

Natalie, Bryan and girls We are all thinking and praying for you!!!!

30 Days of Blogging Day # 22

2011-04-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Favorite City

Hands down NYC!!!

Not just because I have two of the cuttest surrogate baby boys there (well London now) but because its the most exciting and fun city I have ever went to visit.

#2 San Fran

#3 San Diego

#4 Portland

#5 Seattle

30 Days of Blogging Day # 21

2011-04-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Picture of me

I think you have seen enough of me LOL

30 days of blogging Day # 20

2011-04-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Nicknames

Growing up it was Tit-less Tina (Not a fan of that one)

By the way they finally grew :)

Teena Beena

Spaghetti Galletti

String bean ( Tall and skinny) Not so much these days

Teen weena

As you can see not all that flattering of names I was called.

30 days of Blogging Day 19

2011-04-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Something I miss

I miss my sweet Hailey Grace! I miss her smell... I miss holding her and kissing her sweet face. Nothing in this world I miss more than my sweet baby girl....

30 Days of Blogging Day #18

2011-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Something I regret!

I regret never following my dream of being a Police officer! That was all I wanted from a very young age and I would have been good at it! Better yet I would have been AWESOME at it!

30 Days of Blogging Day 17

2011-04-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Something Im looking forward to

Giving birth to my surrogate babies this year! Im over the moon happy to be pregnant again!

30 Days of Blogging Day 16

2011-04-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dream Home

Where ever my family is healthy and happy is my dream home! But I wouldnt mind a big ranch house out in the middle of nowhere :)

30 Days of Blogging Day #15

2011-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Bible Verse

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way .[a]

30 Days of Blogging Day # 14

2011-04-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Picture of me

30 Days of Blogging Day #13

2011-04-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Goals

To get through the next 9 months and not drivemy husband crazy or my kids for that matter!

Take a trip to London next year!

Take a family vacation somewhere warm with crystal clear water!

Have plastic surgery to repair my boobs after having all these darn kiddos ( LOL)

Be the best mom I can be and know I did the best job I could in the end!

30Days of Blogging Day #12

2011-04-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

What I believe

I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe that when I die I will go to heaven. I Believe that I have a beautiful perfect daughter in heaven waiting for her momma. I believe that as humans we are on this earth to love each other, respect each other and not judge one another, I believe and know that if we treated and loved each other as Christ loves us some pretty awesome things could happen in this world! I believe that people are generally good but have potential to bad if they don't have positive influence in their lives. I believe that you have the ability and potential to change something or someone in this world in a way that will glorify God!

30 Days Of Blogging Day#11

2011-04-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Favorite TV shows

Hands Down Greys Anatomy!

Glee

So you think you can dance

Private Practice

Army Wives

Modern Family

Amazing Race

Brothers and Sisters

Desperate Housewives :)

Body of Proof

Older shows

Happy Days

Lavern and Shirley

Welcome back cotter

The facts of life

just to name a few!

With so many reality shows on these days I wish we could get back to really good family TV

30 Days Of Blogging Day 10

2011-04-15T15:06:00.001-07:00

Something you’re afraid of

DYING

I'm not not afraid of death its self but the thought of my children being without me terrifies me!

Spiders

Not a fan of snakes

Small confined spaces

High places (really high places)

30 Days Of Blogging Day #9

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Picture of my friends

I have a couple friends and not one picture :( I dont really have any friends that I hang out with as an adult the few I have live far and were from school..So I guess i'll skip this one....( Kinda sad)

30 Days Of Blogging Day # 8

2011-04-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

A Place I've Traveled to

I haven't been a whole lot of places but the one place I have been that I love is New York City! Since having my surrogate twins I have been twice and each time was unique and special in its own way. There is something about that fast pace, loud noises, bright lights that gets my attention and holds it. I hope to go back as soon as the boys move back from London. Ill leave you with a few special pictures..

http://lifeinthenorthwest-tinag.blogspot.com/2010/03/princess-in-central-park.html

30 Days Of Blogging Day # 7

2011-04-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Favorite Movies

Fried Green tomatoes

The Notebook

P.S. I Love You

( I know girlie movies)

Grease

Pete's Dragon :) I know all the songs

Passion of the Christ

Rocky (all of them) Corny

Meet Joe Black

Grownups LOL Funny

Legends of the Fall

(I love Brad Pitt)

Old Westerns are a Favorite also

Much more but to many to name you get the idea!

30 Days of Blogging Day # 6

2011-04-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

A picture of something that makes me happy!

30 Days Blogging Day #5

2011-04-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

My Siblings

I am the youngest of three girls, and i have three step sisters. Ellen is the first born Kathy the second born and then there is me :) ( Donna, Paula & Cheri are my step sisters all older.

This will be brief because other than Ellen I don't talk to any of them, Ellen and I use to be closer but maintain the best we can living far apart, Kathy is a drug addict and continues to steal my identity and I continue to fight it. So in a nut shell "Dysfunction" is pretty much the deal! I'm gonna leave it at that I really don't have much to offer in the dept.

30 Days Of Blogging Day #4

2011-04-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

My Parents

My parents divorced before I was born. I didn't meet my dad till I was 19 I didn't even know I had another dad till I was 16. My mom married my step dad when I was two and he was all I knew, after over hearing my two older sisters talking about their dad one day I caught on that he was my dad also. Mad, yes! but that's a whole different post. My dad lives in Florida and was married to my step mom for 30 years and raised her three daughters, My step mom passed away two years ago from cancer. My dad whom I love deeply is a alcholic and heavy smoker who will most likely die way before his time. My Mom and step dad live in Arizona. My mom was awesome growing up I believe I'm them mom I am because of her and the love she gave us as kids. When I was 12 she came down with encephalitis after being bitten by a mosquito and almost died. After 6 long months in the hospital she came home but never the same she has had a very long road to recovery and while she manages to get around via her walker she is getting worse as years pass. My mom has a lot of brain damage and can be child like at times (SAD) I miss the mom I once knew. So those are my parents, it could be worse!

30 Days Of Blogging Day # 3

2011-04-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

My first Love!

I have three long tern relationships in my life next to my husband, him being the longest. 15 years ago I met a great guy who at the time was a MP in the Marine Corps, We dated, partied, had a lot of fun, I might add we made a really cute couple. About 4 months into dating I became pregnant with my second child. Crap! Shit! WTF am I going to do I was in the process of being hired with the LAPD and got hired but had to turn it down because I was pregnant. I'm not going to go into details about the pregnancy or the relationship but it ended and it wasn't good, I had my daughter 13 1/2 weeks early and she passed away when she was just 3 weeks old. This was a huge turning point for me because I needed her daddy in my life I needed that someone who was a piece of her and if you know me when I set out to get something I get it! end of story I'm a persistent girl and I got the boy back, I think, well I know we I fell in love and I needed him in my life. We dated for another 2 years and while I gave my 100% he never was ready to settle down and raise a child with me :( He went off and became a CHP officer and came to visit now and again but I needed more. I wont lie I think about him often and will love him for the rest of my life, he is married now and has a son and I love that he has the pure joy of being a parent and knowing what joy that brings. My husband was the reason I moved on and fell in love all over again and I love him very much he gave me that second chance at being a mommy and I cherish that. But do we ever really get over our first love? I like to think I did I will just never forget :)

30 Days Of Blogging Day #2

2011-04-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

The meaning behind the name of my blog!

When I was trying to decide if blogging was my thing I really had a hard time coming up with a name. I was sitting at the table and thinking to myself since moving to Idaho from California 8 years ago it has been a struggle and the name was born, Its nothing catchy or something that would draw 1000 readers but the few maybe even two readers I do have, I love! And you know you who you are my faithful readers.....

30 Days Of Blogging Day #1

2011-04-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Day #1 Introduce yourself

My Name is Tina and I live in the Pacific Northwest, Hence the blog title. I have two amazing children Justin 22 and Sofia 5 and one angel baby girl in heaven. I have been married 9 years 10 this summer to my wonderful husband Ron. I must not forget the mention I have been a surrogate two times working on the third.

15 interesting facts about me (not sure how interesting lol)

1.I have given birth to 4 boys and two girls

2. I am a surrogate mother to three boys so far ;)

3. My step daughter is 5 weeks younger than I am, She doesn't like me :(

4.My husband is 20 years older than I am

5. My husband changed his last name to mine when we got married.

6. I'm the youngest of 6 girls

7. I had Justin when I was 18 and raised him for the first 12years alone :)

8. I have been riding horses since I was 7

9. I always dreamed of being a Police officer..

10. I was born and raised in So California

11. Justin was in the room and video taped his sister being born

12. I hate Sushi

13. My favorite food is Pizza

14. I love buying re selling childrens clothing, well anything but clothes the most.

15. I use to be a smoker and no one knew.

30 days of blogging

2011-04-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Got this idea from a fellow blogger The Cave Clan 30 days of blogging... So I will be participating starting tomorrow :)

~~Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts~~

~~Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name~~

~~Day 3-Your first love~~

~~Day 4-Your parents~~

~~Day 5-Your siblings~~

Day ~~6-A picture of something that makes you happy~~

~~Day 7-Favorite movies~~

~~Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to~~

~~Day 9-A picture of your friends~~

~~Day 10-Something you’re afraid of~~

Day 11-Favorite TV shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-A picture you love

Day 15-Bible verse

Day 16-Dream house

Day 17-Something you’re looking forward to

Day 18-Something you regret

Day 19-Something you miss

Day 20-Nicknames

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 22-Favorite city

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Day 24-Something you’ve learned

Day 25-Favorite memory

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Day 29-3 Wishes

Day 30-a picture

Who I am!

2011-03-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Many of you don't know me you just know me from what you have read. That's a just a small window into who i really am, I am a Wife, mother, loyal friend, surrogate. I have worn many hats in my 40 years on this earth and some of them I'm not so proud of but the ones that matter I am very proud of. Growing up I was always the one who was outspoken had an opinion and really didn't give a shit what anyone thought I just said what was on my mind and I'm sorry if it hurt your feelings but sometimes the truth or should I say my truth hurts. Well over the years I have developed a sensor. This sensor was to tone down my approach at honesty in hopes of not hurting anyone with my honest opinion, I must add its my opinion not always the truth! (took some growing up to realize that one) But through this growth I haven't forgotten who i really am and how I really want to always stand up for what I believe in not conform to the way someone else believes because it makes them feel better or because they might not like me because I have a different view. I mean come on if we all agreed on everything this world would be kinda boring. One thing I will stand firm on is my belief in Jesus Christ! Many of you know I am a surrogate mother to three amazing boys I am so very proud of my involvement in bringing these three into this world, Micah has a mom and dad that love him very much he is thriving in ways every little boy should. Miles and Grayson have two dads! Two of the most amazing men I know next to my husband. Out of fear and being very protective of my guys I have not always been honest when someone asks about the twins parents. I'm done with candy coating the truth because it might make someone else feel uncomfortable. This is my life I have one person to answer to no one else. I feel I was called to be a surrogate mother and never once did I think carrying a child for a gay couple would bless my life beyond my wildest dreams, never once did I think I would have two people in my life that love me so much they consider me their family, two people who love their children more than anything I have ever witnessed and It makes me very proud to know them and to have been a part of bringing those boys into this world. I am currently cycling for a wonderful gay couple and will hopefully be pregnant soon with one maybe two babies :) My last effort at helping one more amazing family have what we all want, family and children to love and cherish! How lucky am I?? I get to add two more amazing people to my family tree! I have one last question? Who are you?

Remember me?

2011-03-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

I started to write the other day and realized I wasn't on my surrogacy blog, but then I thought this is something I want to share and then I chickened out, out of fear of being judged for feeling a certain way so there is sits in the draft folder waiting to have a voice! I'm just not sure yet if that voice will be here or in the invite only blog??? Do you ever have something to say and just aren't sure how to articulate it the right way? I do all the time I'm not the best writer but my brain is always on the move. I am seriously thinking of doing a book about my whole experience as a surrogate and allow my husband to share his point of view of the whole process? Its a very deep place for me not something I just want to casually write about as if it was just a job I did, I want to go deep beneath the surface and show the raw feeling and quit frankly I think I want the twins dad to co author, He is a writer and has written a few books and I want his prospective in the whole thing... I'm going to chat with him about what he thinks and ask him if he will help? Note to self: No crying! just talking about this made me get tears in my eyes...

Kindergarten, Really????

2011-03-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

So today was that day the one I was dreading. I registered my baby for Kindergarten :( I have mixed feeling about the whole thing? Happy she is ready, sad shes that age! I'm ready for this chapter I really am LOL OK so maybe not so much but I will be come September I promise. I plan on being in her class at least three days a week I hope the teacher doesn't mind but I just need to know whats going on, when Justin was young I didn't have that luxury and yes its a luxury for me as a mom to be able to stay home and now be involved so I'm going to be and no one is gonna stop me :) So on that note I have 7 months to get myself ready to once again be the mother of a Kindergarten student... In case you need reminding I have been through K-12 already so this should be a piece of cake. Right?????

My Girl!

2011-02-21T19:07:00.001-08:00

Safe travels!

2011-02-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

To my beautiful surro boys Miles and Grayson! I know your on a plane to London as I write this. Your just a bit further from me but right here in my heart! I love you you both very much! Hugs and Kisses to M&C love you guys..

Is there a difference??

2011-02-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

When you loose a child who is young vs older? A live child vs an unborn child? I cant say I think so. I have only lost a living child that was here for a few short weeks so I cant compare and cant pretend to know the pain of a mother who has to bury her teenage daughter of only 19 years old, I can say I know the pain of having to bury a daughter and I know the raw pain of missing her so much you want to throw up. I know the day I lost my sweet girl I lost my future and I know this mother has so many memories to look back on but still that loss of what your hopes were to see your only daughter get married have children is GONE! I know many of you might wonder why and I writing all of this well with the recent loss of a local girl my heart is HEAVY! so heavy I cant stop thinking about her or her family I get a knot in my stomach and feel sick knowing that tomorrow that mother will bury her dreams with that precious girl and I'm MAD about it I'm SAD about it and frankly I am really angry about it! I'm not sure I have anyone I am angry with but i am and I don't know what to do with it???? I want to reach out to her mother but know right now there is a numbness that comes with this part of the journey, I'm really worried about 2,3,4,5 ....weeks from now I know all to well that after the dust settles and everyone goes back to work and their lives you feel really lonely and it sucks! So I have to pray and think about it and if and when it is my place to reach out at the right moment. Please keep praying for her family especially tomorrow as the funeral is tomorrow morning.

With a very heavy heart

2011-02-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Today on the news it was announced that a local girl had died in a car crash on her way back to school, same road my son drives every time he comes home and goes back. My stomach is sick thinking about the pure raw pain her mother and father are feeling right now and I wish I could take it away from them. I don't know them and I'm not sure I ever will but I never want a parent to feel that pain I know it and its sucks! I'm feeling physically sick just knowing that she was home with them over the weekend and now she is gone! Please pray for her family! I am begging for each of you to stop and lift them up in prayer and ask for them to find comfort in Jesus! I speak from experience... Thank you all...

Happy V Day!

2011-02-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing anyone who reads my blog a very Happy Valentines Day! It was a great day in the Galletti house as always full of love :)

Super bad headache tonight but I will be back tomorrow to write more!

Take a Breath and Cherish!!!!

2011-02-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

I just want to say that everyday I am blessed to get up and walk through life on this earth I will Love my babies to the maximum capacity. Each one of these precious souls I gave birth to will forever be mine in my heart and soul! I love you Justin, Hailey, Sofia, Micah, Miles and Grayson! the six of you are the reason I am the woman I am and I strive to become better with every breath. I LOVE YOU!!!

I often wonder

2011-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

My big kid!

My Awesome Husband!

My little Sofia

My Handsome guys

And my very first surro baby!

What ever did I do to deserve such a great family? Life?! We struggle financially but God always provides! Ron has been in school since 2004 and will finish soon with his Masters! I know what your thinking( wow thats a long time)...It was a big sacrifice but he did it and Im so proud. Im so happy have been able to stay home with Sofia and be her mommy full time (My dream)!!!! I have an amazing son who has a brilliant mind and has big dreams (and Passion!!!) Got that from his mom! I'm just feeling really blessed. And can I add for the millionth time I have three wonderful surrogate baby boys who I love and adore and I'm SUPER proud of that!!!! If I had a horn I would toot it.....

New Projects

2011-01-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

If you are a friend on FB then you know I'm always starting something new around my house, Painting decorating who knows with me (bored) :) I just finished Sofia's room this past week not the mention the laundry room and the master bath. LOL I am now working on the guest room. If you know me then you know I would love to be living in a farm house out in the middle of no where! But I cant have that so I'm gonna bring in in to my house. Here is the link to the room I want page 4 its the bedroom with the red quilt Sarah's House

Today, Tomorrow and Forever

2011-01-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

Fourteen years have slipped right between my fingers, I go through each day and think about her at least once, maybe more. The pain isnt as raw as it was those first few years but its weird how sitting here writing about her the tears run down my face. I can smell her, I can feel her breath on my neck as she slipped away, I knew the moment she took her last breath I hate it that I felt the most peace at that moment that I have ever felt in my entire life! It was that moment that I realized I wasnt going to get the opportunity to raise this little girl to be a wonderful woman, I would never tuck her in to bed at night and listen to her giggle, I was going to have 3 weeks of memories and thats it! Our story ended the day I gave my little girl back to a God that blessed me with her for that short time. My heart still aches to know her to see who she would have been. I am so blessed to have a second chance at that job! Thank you Sweet Jesus for giving me Sofia, to show you I can do a good job and I will make you proud and thank you for holding my sweet baby girl safe in your arms until I can meet her again.... I miss you Hailey Grace and I will see you in Heaven! xoxoxoxo Your mommy.....

Almost Feb?????

2011-01-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me? I haven't blogged since Dec 29th?? what the heck is wrong with me. I don't have much but things are good. I had surgery this past week for my next surrogacy journey and I'm hoping to have some news about that soon. Ive been busy painting and painting and doing home improvement stuff I will post some pictures as soon as I'm done!

Where does the time go?

2010-12-29T10:54:00.000-08:00

So today is the 29th and I haven't posted since the 8th ??? Where oh where does time go. I think Christmas ate it up LOL So much happen in such a short time. I had an IVF transfer and it failed so we will be moving forward with an FET cycle hopefully in Feb. I'm excited to try again, Sofia keeps me busy and has me thinking about a few things?? I wont share just yet! Got ya thinking don't I :) I'm off to snow blow my driveway with my new snow blower that two wonderful people bought me :)

FB ruined me

2010-12-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

I think having FB I don't get on and post as often as I would like to. I come on here everyday to check on updates of other people but fail to post something new! I am however posting that I will be going to Portland next Wed for my surrogacy journey, If all goes well I will be pregnant for one last time :) Please keep us in your prayers that it all works out this would be a wonderful Christmas gift for some pretty amazing people!

Lordy Lordy look who's turning

2010-11-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

40!!!! Yep you guessed right! ME

Good lord where did the last 40 years go??? I will say I feel much younger when my 21 year old is around...Sofia makes me feel old :) maybe because all her friends moms are 30...Im not thrilled about this day but Ill just have to deal with it.....

Happy!!!!

2010-11-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for and so happy to have such an amazing family that are healthy... Hope everyones day is wonderful!

Happy 5th Birthday Sofia Grace

2010-11-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Its so crazy to think that 5 years ago today I gave birth to this little angel! everyday with her has been perfect and rewarding and wonderful.. I love her more every time I look at her, feel her little hand reach up to hold mine and more important when she say momma I LOVE YOU! It just melts a girls heart :) I love you to the moon and back peanut!

Happy Halloween Weekend!

2010-10-30T17:28:00.001-07:00

New York City Pumpkins!

Heading to NY City!!!

2010-10-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

We are heading to NY on Wed to see the twins, I just wanted to post a couple new pictures of Sofia seeing I haven't posted in over a month??? :) first one is before dance class the rest are on her field trip to get pumpkins!

You are my Sunshine!

2010-09-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

As another summer comes to an end I am gently reminded daily of how precious my time is with my girl, I get a little choked up thinking she will be in Kindergarten next year and while I love each an every mile stone in her life I cant help but wish she would stay young just a little while longer. I know this is my baby and she will be my last so I want to breath her in and never forget this time in her life! Every single "WHY" that drives me crazy means more to me than anything... Sofia Grace I hope you read this someday and know you are my life and my heart I love you more everyday if that's even possible......Thank you for making each day a beautiful thing....

L.O.V.E

2010-07-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

The 4th

2010-07-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you I am so inspired by the true meaning that I completely missed posting yesterday! I'm so thankful i live in this great country! I have a few gripes about this closed minded suppressed state in which I live but Ill save that for later, for now enjoy a few pictures...

Happy Birthday Justin

2010-06-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Minutes after you were born! One of the best days of my life!

This month while you were camping! You make my heart happy...Love you

Yesterday was my wonderful son Justin's 21st birthday! I didnt get a chance to post but wanted to say I love you Justin and a Mom could not be more proud! I had a great time with you and your friends last night, but somethings a mother should not see :) Hugs....

VBS

2010-06-21T13:55:00.001-07:00

Today was Sofia's first day of Vacation Bible School, from what I could see she had a good time. There was a girl there she knew that lives next door from us she was so excited! To my disappointment and her the little girl acted like she didn't have time for her because she was with her other friend, big sigh.......................It made my heart heavy for the first time since I was a little girl in school. Why do kids have to be mean at such a young age???? where do they learn this??? its so hard as a mother to watch your precious kind heart child look so sad when someone they truly like turns their back to them... I don't know how I will get through the next 12 years of this, I want my daughter to be kind and excepting of everyone and not join into clicks that leave our someone else! I will work very hard to instill this in her and I wish and pray other mothers and fathers do the same! We will see what tomorrow brings :) I'm praying for a smile on my darling little girls face!

Oh ya' one more thing I had to bring it to the attention of the staff that they were not checking kids out and anyone could have come in and taken a child and no one would have known. It really bothered me to see a 4 year old out walking around with no supervision or a parent there to pick him up yet????

2010-06-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Its a Match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to my final pregnancy and surrogacy journey! Sept/Oct 2010 we will be hoping to create a family!!!!

Surrogacy.......has always been in my heart!

2010-06-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

I will know forsure by next week who and when! I will indead be doing another surrogacy journey! This will be my very last pregnancy and I want to be 100% that its a perfect fit! Its gonna be hard to beat my last journey but I think I can get pretty darn close! More to come

The Boys just turned 6 months and take my word when I say they are perfect! Beautiful and HUGE! Cant wait to see them in November....

Big stuff happening

2010-06-07T13:20:00.001-07:00

And Im super excited.... Stay tuned.. Its not a job for my husband :( But its good stuff...

Where are we???

2010-06-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Suppose be be living? Please Lord direct our path to where we should be living.... Where do you want my husband working? I'm frustrated that he works his tail off for pennies and comes home tired and doesn't feel like doing anything, our family is suffering from this and I need my happy husband back! Please lead us to the place you want us..Overwhelmed, I trust you Lord I know you have a plan for our family I know this with all of my heart but I'm growing weary my heart is heavy and I'm tired of feeling anxious and frustrated....

Monday

2010-05-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ron's graduation from the University of Idaho! what an accomplishment for him.. Great Job honey..

These are a few pictures of my Kiddo on his camping trip with his friends and Girlfriend...

Holy crap! I am the worse blogger in the world. But im not sure thats a secret, I have been super busy sitting on FB Ha" just kidding.. I just finished painting my entire living room over the weekend and rehanging everything thats fun :) It really turned out good and Im loving the new feeling you get from the paint.

My Aunt is coming to stay the summer with us so I am also getting things ready for her arrival, if you dont know we are really close.

If you are on FB you would know I was watching a baby for the last 6 weeks and now Im not. Lets say that was the most trying 6 weeks of my life she pretty much cried or fussed the entire 8-10 hours I would have her and that can make any human crazy. I have decided to take on the small task of being an inhome nanny of sorts for two little boys two days a week. Sofia and their 31/2 year old get along pretty good and they have a little 14 month old how is just precious, he is by all standards a high functioning downs child and could be any more delightful!

As for my Sofia well she talks non stop all day everyday. you would never know at one time we were worried she wouldn't talk, she is growing so big and so so smart I laugh at the things that come from her little lips. Justin is now working two jobs and hoping to find another to replace the one that gets him up early in the morning :) Not liking the early hours, I wish he could see his finding work as the blessing that it is! He knows God and he used to go to Church all through high school then he just stopped, With so many people out of work this really is a Gift from God that he has been able to find something.

My sweet husband not so lucky! He has a job and don't get me wrong we are thankful for that, but its slowly killing his spirit and body. He is in pain all the time, he is discouraged at ever finding something new. I know in Gods perfect timing he will give him the job that is just right for him and we keep praying and waiting that this will happen soon, of course we want it now but what normal person wouldn't? So I ask if you can please pray for strength for him to keep going and to be positive and look to God for strength. Hope you all have a great week

Great Contest go check it out!

2010-05-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Enter to win this video camera!
http://bonggafinds2.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-that-got-away.html

Our walk tonight

2010-05-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

I don't post much these days but I will say one thing is for sure, I love this girl more than anything in this world and would walk through fire for her! Here are a few pictures I snapped while on our walk tonight, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Happy Mothers Day (day after)

2010-05-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say thank you to my wonderful kids and husband, you make my world a better place! I love you......

I GOT NOTHING

2010-05-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Im at a stand still... I think FB ruined me not sure? but right now I have nothing to offer the Blogging world.....I will tell you this I just joined a great bunch of girls in a Biggest looser group and we are all on a mission for the next 12 weeks.... Im going to be busting a move because there is money involved :) i love to win so stayed tuned maybe Ill post a picture of my before when I have an after one to compair it to....Its pretty funny I wore a batman mask so in case my picture is leaked to the media I wont be on the front of some magazine :)

Put down the hipe!

2010-04-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is my daughters new thing to say.. oh ya and step away from the the hipe. I bet your wondering what on earth are you talking about. Well a few weeks ago my dear sweet husband said something about being a crack head ( not me being one )and Sofia picked right up on it... So I told her say step away from the Pipe and put down the Pipe so that is her favorite thing to say its pretty funny to here her say that all the time....Hmm what else is happening in the Galletti house???? Not a darn thing we were pretty sick with the flu for a few days but all better now.... I'm not even sure if anyone reads this blog but if you do I'm reading yours :)

How cute is this!

2010-04-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just cant help myself...

2010-04-06T16:25:00.001-07:00

Im a woman of few words but I have a ton of pictures....:)

This is not ....

2010-04-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

A face only a mother could love... this is a face that everyone could love :) she is my joy and I love her!

Princess in "Central Park"

2010-03-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Statue of Liverty :) (Liberty)

2010-03-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

just a quick update from NY

2010-03-19T20:15:00.001-07:00

I Heart my Family

Leaving soon

2010-03-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting much due to lack of inspiration! ha' that being said I don't usually have anything crazy important to talk about. I will however tell you I leave on Wed for NY city and I cant wait to get my hands on those precious little babies I gave birth to 3 1/2 months ago. I'm still pumping in case your wondering but I am down to twice a day and I should be down to one very soon.....

All is going well on our end my husband is looking like crazy for a new job! I am staying busy with Sofia. Justin started his own business and it is getting going and he is planning on moving out the first of April... He'll be back I'm sure.....

Much better

2010-02-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

I tried to cold turkey it! Big! HUGE, Fat mistake....Im taking it slow and feeling much better... down to three pumpings a day and might be able to cut one of those out soon.....I might not go crazy after all.....Oh ya did I mention I go to NY in less than three weeks.....I cant wait..

Im so sad!

2010-02-21T18:44:00.000-08:00

Weaning and hating every min of it.....Im just sad

2010-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

Reflecting

2010-02-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

As I was sitting here this morning with my husband I couldn't help but think of all we had been through in the last 9 years. Have a seat if your going to read this post because its a long one!

In 2002 Ron had I had decided to move to Idaho so Justin could start high school here. In June 2003 we packed up and headed to the Pacific Northwest to start new in hopes for a better life for our family. Not that the one we had was so bad :) Just wanted to get away from all the crime and craziness of California. That year we managed to buy a house site unseen, quit very good jobs and come North without knowing what the future held. Now you might say that is crazy and it was but we took a leap of faith and did it trusting God every step of the way!

That first year here was very hard yet nice to have a break from work, how did we survive? we lived on our savings. Ron did odd and end jobs and we just made it work. Justin did very good with the move and made a ton of friends so the change did him well. After much search my husband could not find a decent paying job so we decided he would go to school to earn a degree, In 2004 Ron started back to school in pursuit of a dream, and many jobs later he has his BA and is now working on his masters. Amen!

In 2004 we had been bitten by the baby bug and on Feb 14th 2005 Little Sofia started growing in my tummy :) She was Born Nov 2005 and has been the light of our lives! its was when she was 3 months old I had decided I wanted to be a surrogate and started a journey no one could have imagined! In May 2006 I started the long road of shots and failures but in Nov 2006 I got pregnant with Micah my first surrogate baby, he was born Aug 2008 and in Dec 2008 I started the journey all over again with a wonderful couple from NY. I was not planning on doing A second surrogacy but I had no idea how this journey would change our lives forever. On April 10th 2009 I went to Portland for our transfer and on Dec 6th 2009 I gave birth to two of the cutest little guys ever. This family blesses me everyday just by knowing them they are our family and we look forward to watching those boys grwo into great men! (A side note here: I want to say that without my amazing supportive husband non of this would have been possible, he is my rock. I love him very much!!!!

Now as I sit here Feb 11th 2010 10 weeks post par tum still pumping and shipping for these two precious souls and I wonder whats next???(NOT ANOTHER SURROGACY) lol, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have given birth to four more children let alone be living in Idaho yet here I sit with so much to be thankful for.. Ron and I are hoping to add to our family this year and to be honest I'm not sure if that is what God has planned for us or not but if it is I cant wait! we leave for NY in 4 weeks and we will be enjoying a much needed break from everything! Ron is looking for a new Job and we aren't sure where that might take us next but after the last 9 years I'm sure it will be good, Lord knows we are up for just about anything.....Please pray that God leads us to right where he wants us.

Blessings .......

Book !!!

2010-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am currently attending bible study at our church and this is the book we are reading for the study! It is so good I recommend it to all my lady friends....

Friday night and bored

2010-01-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Ha' my son says that's what happens when you get married! Dork how would he know hes just a 20 year old who lives like he dying..... Oh to have that life and know what I know now. I'm totally happy being home on a Fri night bored, I'm actually watching The Hurt Locker and it really puts this whole war thing in to perspective! We take our troops for granted.. Unintentionally but I think we do. I'm my last post I said I would be weaning soon if things didn't get better with my boobies well it got better thank you HAPPY DUCT herbs! I am however going to be weaning off the pump this month and moving on with other things, I have been working out and trying to get in shape. So on that note enjoy your weekend I will be getting up early to go work out! Nighty night!

Where does time go?

2010-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Here I am another week down and haven't blogged....I had a wonderful friend from out of town come for a nice visit over last weekend, and while she was here I was battling with a issue! A BOOB issue darn it.... I was sure it was Mastitis but I think it may just be I keep getting clogged ducts on the right side for any of you who have had this you know its painful and makes you want to cut your boob off! It stated to clear up and BAMM! it came back. I'm doing everything I can to clear it up and I praying that goes away forever. I hate it that I feel like giving up and I feel guilty for wanting to stop yet I want to keep going because the boys need this to stay healthy. My goal is to get to April at least but if this keeps happening I might have to stop sooner...Any suggestions are welcomed even if I'm already doing it :)

Have a wonderful blessed weekend. Anyone have a baby to loan me for a few hours that would help :) J/K

6 weeks

2010-01-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe its been 6 weeks since I gave birth to the boys! Wow how times fly's I started working out today and I am hoping to be good about doing something everyday :) Its easy to put things off but my body hurts and I know its because I need to get into shape. I'm not looking to loose weight just get toned up... anyone care to share what they do to keep fit? i would love to hear all about it! If my memory serves me well only a couple people even read this blog LOL and if they do read only a couple of you post Oh well I guess I'm not that exciting....Have a good week if you do read it :)

Happy Birthday

2010-01-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

To my sweet Angel Hailey Grace!!!

Not a day passes I don't think of you.

2009-12-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY "2010" MAY YOU ALL BE BLESSED IN THE NEW YEAR!

Hmmmm

2009-12-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

Im not sure where time has gone? I just know that we had a wonderful Christmas! As we head into 2010 I can only pray we have a year like this one. I am so blessed to have gained new friends and family along the way! Miles and Grayson will be 3 weeks tomorrow ( I can't believe it) Im doing really well healing after a c-section I know its because Im pumping for them :) and loving every minute of it! we are all excited to be going to NY in March for a visit with our favorite guys!

Justin and Sofia are doing great Justin is working hard at Olive Garden waiting tables and Sofia is just happy to be playing with her dolls! Ron has been home with us since delivery and goes back to work on the 4th now that he is done with his BA we are praying he will find a new job! Please pray for him if you can he really needs to get out of his current one. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have an amazing New Years! We love you.......

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Pure Joy

2009-12-13T15:20:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the world!

2009-12-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

MILES AND GRAYSON!

6'12 & 6'2 beautiful and healthy.........

This is what makes life so wonderful!

2009-12-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:28:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful safe holiday as you spend it with your loved ones...... Be blessed!

We are headed to the movies with Sofia and eating Chinese today, we cheated and already had Thanksgiving while my family was in town......

Wordless Wednesday (sorta)

2009-11-18T08:10:00.001-08:00

I wish the entire two weeks my family was here for a visit would have been wordless :) But here we managed to take one picture with all of smiling, that was the hard part.....My mom,sister,Sofia and myself.