July 16th Birdies for Babies Golf Outing

Yesterday was our Birdies for Babies Golf Outing at Tamarack Golf Club in Naperville, IL. We could not have asked for a better day. We had 60 golfers and another 40 guests that joined us for the reception. It was a little cloudy with a few drizzles in the early morning hours, but that didn't keep the golfers from having fun on the course. A special thank you to my sister-in-law, Meghan Patera and her friend, Emilie, for selling 50/50 raffle tickets and for taking pictures of all of the foursomes, as well as the Hole Sponsor signs. Another thanks to my other sister-in-law, Kellie O'Brien, and family friends, Debbie Holland, Nancy Taylor,  and Cathy Wermeling for helping out at the betting hole. Greg golfed with my dad and his friend, Nick. I drove around with my mom and mother-in-law to say hi to all of the golfers and sell raffle prize tickets. When we reached a foursome that my RE, Angie Beltsos, put together, she invited me to play with them. I spent the rest of the morning golfing with her group and had a great time. By the end of the morning, the clouds had parted and it was sunny and warm.

Registration

Golfers

Greg's Group

Selling raffle prize tickets with my mom and mother-in-law

Dr. Beltsos brought a foursome to our event. I played several holes with them. 

Following the golf, there was a luncheon. During the luncheon guests continued to purchase raffle prize tickets and bid on our silent auction prizes. Todd Trader, co-founder of Birdies for Babies, spoke and thanked all of the sponsors. Then Greg and I were given the opportunity to thank everyone for their support. I gave a special thanks to Dr. Beltsos who has gone "above and beyond" in terms of support from the moment she knew we were planning this golf outing. The remainder of the luncheon was spent handing out golf awards, raffle prizes and silent auction prizes. It was the most amazing day to be surrounded by so many family members and friends that are supporting us in our surrogacy journey. We are also thankful for all of the people that are cheering for us that were unable to attend our event. We can't wait to announce our grand total of money raised for our cause.

Raffle Prizes

Silent Auction Prizes

More Raffle Prizes

Thank you speech

Me and Maggie

More Raffle Prizes

There are so many wonderful pictures to post. If you would like to see all of them, please follow the link to my facebook album.

Medical Clearance

Two weeks ago Greg and I had the opportunity to go to Chicago to meet our prospective surrogate and her husband. They were coming into town for their appointment with my RE, Angie Beltsos. We met them for lunch before their appointment. Despite being 45 minutes late due to every single traffic light being out because of the previous night's storm, we could not have asked for a better lunch. Our prospective surrogate and her husband were an absolute delight to meet. We enjoyed the opportunity to get to know each other and were hopefully that the remaining medical screening would go smoothly. Our hopes came true. Our prospective surrogate was granted medical clearance. We are so excited to be able to move forward in the gestational surrogacy process with this wonderful woman. Our next steps include getting contracts written and signed, as well as preparing for an upcoming egg retrieval for me and transfer into our surrogate. We are so excited for the journey ahead of us. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and things continue to move forward.