Sweetest thing ever- Big Brother can't wait! Journey #5

This is my sweet buddy, Hey Jude. (Baby's big brother) 

He's been asking questions and my IPs have been trying to answer them. They read him my book (which he is holding in the pic) and now he requests it at naptime and bedtime. He also won't go to sleep without holding a picture of me. Aw!

I've only Facetimed with him once the weekend of the transfer when I first met Lovely Rita in person. He is so excited and full of so much love for his baby sister. I feel so blessed to be the one carrying her for this family. Only 2 1/2 more weeks and  we'll all be hanging out together. Baby's still got awhile longer to finish cooking though. Lovely Rita says he's processing it all well! 

They recently got some girl hand me downs and he sleeps in the pile of clothes and cuddles with this monkey that LR told him is about the size of baby sister right now. 😍❤️

He also knows that I'm coming and asks everyday if I'm coming today. So sweet.

#Book #Review The Baby Chase #surrogacy #book

I was contacted a few months ago to review a new surrogacy book. I was sent a free copy for review.

I have mentioned the book before in a giveaway here.

Read more about the book at Amazon.

So, what did I think?

 I would give it 3 stars. * * *

I enjoyed it overall. It kept my attention and I wanted to keep reading, which is good. There are books that I haven't been able to finish.

My hangup? I didn't care for how it was written. The story itself, the couple's story, was interesting. Their surrogacy journey was interesting. Some of the facts about IVF, India, etc. were interesting. Some, not so much. And it seemed to me that these facts were randomly placed throughout the book. A few added to the story, but some subtracted and I just wanted to get back to THE STORY. I didn't even realize at first that the story was a true story. I think the fact that it was, made it more interesting and enjoyable.

I definitely felt for the couple's struggle with infertility. (I can somewhat relate as a surrogate myself, and going through things secondhand with different couples.

The book tells the story of Gerry and Rhonda Wile and their struggle with infertility. They come to be the first American couple to hire a surrogate through Surrogacy India. (a clinic/agency in India)

I am not a huge fan of surrogacy in India, from other things I've read. I don't necessarily agree with how their surrogates are viewed and treated. However, I am glad that this situation seemed positive for everyone and I came to have respect for the Drs and everyone involved. I did feel a connection to the story in a way, because I carried for a couple from India (living in the states) at one time and it was a good experience. I love how the Wiles really embraced India and it's culture.

I didn't care for how the book made surrogacy (surrogates even) in America to be all about the money. And I felt that the book over glorified surrogacy in India.

In the end, Gerry and Rhonda were blessed with 3 babies- a singleton and twins.The success and the emotions make it all worthwhile.

Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy and a book review

Did you know that there are different kinds of surrogates. I mean beside good ones and bad ones. Ha! But seriously, there are Gestational Surrogates (GS) and Traditional Surrogates (TS). What the heck is the difference?

Well, when surrogacy was first around I believe most if not all surrogates were Traditional Surrogates. The surrogate would use her own eggs combined with sperm from the Intended Father to produce a baby for the couple to raise as their own. Technically the child was in part their own, thanks to the fathers contribution, but the child was also genetically related to the Surrogate. There are still Traditional Surrogates today. Sometimes an infertile couple needs an egg donor AND a surrogate. A Traditional Surrogate acts as both. I think it is very admirable, but I don't think it is for everybody.

So then, what is a Gestational Surrogate? Well that would be surrogates like me. I have carried babies for infertile couples using their embryos. Sometimes the embryo was made up of the mother and father's genetics, sometimes an egg donor was involved. Either way, I was only a carrier for the baby(s). I was in no way genetically tied to or related to the baby(s). I was just the stork. I was an organ donor, donating my uterus, nothing else.

When I went to my medical screening awhile back (for my current surrogacy journey), I took some things to keep me busy on the plane and at the airport. Among those things was a book titled My Egg, My Womb, Your Baby! by Dawn Marmorstein. I was so excited to read a book about surrogacy while I was starting another surrogacy of my own.



Dawn has been a Traditional Surrogate three times. I was very curious to read how different her story would be compared to my own surrogacy experiences. In some ways, it was very different, but the feelings involved were very much the same. It all comes down to helping couples become parents.

"Dawn enjoyed being pregnant so much when she carried her own children that she decided she wanted to help others who were unable to create their own family. After doing some research, Dawn decided that she wanted to become a Traditional Surrogate mother -- both egg donor and surrogate mother -- who would be genetically related to the surrobaby she carried who ultimately destined to be given to another family. while modernly, most surrogacies are gestational surrogacies, where there is a separate egg donor who provides the egg for the carrying surrogate mother, Dawn's journey with traditional surrogacy created three babies related to her, each with her knowledge and consent that two would given to two separate same sex recipients, and one would go to a traditionally married couple.

I thought to myself," I could carry someone else's baby!"  

It did not take me long to read the book. I got caught up in each experience she wrote about. It was so interesting to read all the similarities as well as the differences between traditional and gestational surrogacy. I thought it was really neat that Dawn and I had a lot in common. We both stumbled upon surrogacy on the internet, we both got a self-esteem boost and felt our sexiest when pregnant. We are both on our 4th surrogacy journeys.

She had plenty of ups and downs between different hospitals and agencies. At one point she was accused of having an affair with the baby's father. Dawn eventually decided to start up her own agency, Los Angeles Surrogacy Center.

Dawn's writing is real and raw. It is a wonderful look inside the surrogacy world. You should definitely read this book. You will not want to put it down.

Learn more about Dawn, her agency and her book below.

Buy My Egg, My Womb, Your Baby! on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1479121193/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_6SRMqb0RKGAN5

On Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/213653

Facebook Pages:
http://www.facebook.com/myeggmywombyourbaby

http://www.facebook.com/lasurrocenter

Dawn's website:
http://www.dawnmarmorstein.com/

Dawn's Surrogacy Blog:
http://surrobaby4.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer- Dawn and I exchanged books about surrogacy for review. Read her review about my book here: http://www.mommylovestalking.com/2012/10/book-review-once-upon-surrogate-storks.html

Surrogacy and Embryo, Sperm and Egg Donation: What Were You Thinking? (review and giveaway)

Surrogacy and Embryo, Sperm, & Egg Donation: What Were You Thinking?: Considering IVF & Third-Party Reproduction by Theresa M. Erickson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't imagine that there is a more thorough guide out there in regards to IVF, surrogacy, etc. This book has it all covered.

Theresa steps you through it all and offers up great advice along the way. This book is well researched and well written.

I especially liked the top 10 myths with third-party family building. There are so many links and resources. The only thing missing is the mention of my book as a resource. However, my book hadn't been written yet, so I forgive her for not adding it.   :)

You can keep referring to this book at any stage in your journey.

Even as an experienced surrogate, I learned a lot from this book. Whether you are just starting out or experienced in any way, this is a must read! On my blog, people have come to me for advice and I'm pointing them towards this book.

I agree with Theresa that it is so important to educate yourself when considering surrogacy, egg donation, etc. This is an excellent resource in doing so.
View all my reviews

Learn more about the book: http://www.ericksonlaw.net/surrogacy-and-embryo-sperm-and-egg-donation-what-were-you-thinking

You now have the opportunity to win your own copy. 1 winner, 1 copy.

How to earn entries:
1 each-
Leave a comment on this post
Become a fan of Theresa's on FB http://www.facebook.com/surrogacylawyer
Like her book on FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theresa-Ericksons-Surrogacy-and-Embryo-Sperm-Egg-Donation-Book/136278766412434
Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/TheSurrogacyLaw
Follow her blog http://www.surrogacyissuesblog.com/
Follow my blog http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com Please follow through Google Friend Connect if possible
Follow my surrogacy books blog http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com
Become a fan of Mormon Surrogate on FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mormon-Surrogate/129139433785474
Become a fan of Surrogacy Books on FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surrogacy-Books/164401093599033
Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/surropepperbird

Then please e-mail me and let me know how many entries you've earned and how- pepperbird@gmail.com
PLEASE put in the subject line Surrogacy Lawyer Book Giveway.


ENDS Friday January 28, 2011

25 days of 25% off Surrogacy Books

I'm having a sale over at Surrgoacy Books. You can order my book,  Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers  from December 1-25 at 25% off. Regularly $16.95, now $12.71. No code needed. If you are looking for a surrogacy book check it out. It is a new children's book about surrogacy, however it's written for all ages to enjoy.

Surrogacy Merchandise Sale (books, t-shirts and more)

As some of you know, I love designing. I have a few Cafepress shops where I sell surrogacy merchandise. (surrogacy shirts, mugs, clocks, journals, keepsake boxes, magnets, stickers, etc.) I have merchandise for the IP's as well as surrobabies and surrogate's own children.

Well Cafepress is having a great sale. They are offering $10 off any $50 order.


Details:

Happy Holidays:



Just letting you know about a Friends & Family Sale in my shop (and through-out CafePress) From November 20-23 you can shop for gifts and save among my designs and others.


You'll save $10 on orders of $50+ (use code: Friend10). So buy gifts and save.
(All links to my shops will be listed towards the bottom of my post.)



I am going to add to that sale. If you buy any 3 of my t-shirt designs (or $35 in merchandise), I will send you my book for free!

Also, if you buy 3 of my books, I will send you $10 of any surrogacy merchandise for free.

Well.... what are you waiting for? The Cafepress sale is only November 20-23!

Before that, they're having a sale of $5 of $45, use code: PRETG5 now through Nov. 20th.

My Surrogacy Shops:
www.cafepress.com/surropepperbird
www.cafepress.com/surrobabe
www.cafepress.com/surrogatemade
www.cafepress.com/storkhelpers
www.cafepress.com/MultiSurrogacy
www.cafepress.com/surroholiday


P.S. I will do custom designs if you ask nicely. I will need a few days though.
Also, if you come across something you like, please "like"/share on facebook, Twitter, etc.

My Surrogacy Book Store:
http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/


My offer will last through the end of December. 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: You must purchase your 3 shirts (or $35 in merchandise) through one of my Cafepress links and then notify me. (pepperbird@gmail.com) I will wait 2 weeks to make sure there are no problems with the order and then send your free book. Same with buying my book- purchase 3 books online @ http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/, then e-mail me and tell me you want your free surro gifts. (right away) I will need your mailing address.

Enjoy and Happy Friday!

~ Mormon Surrogate







surrogacy books, surrogacy gifts, surrogacy merchandise, gifts for intended parents, surrogacy gift sale, surrogacy book sale

Surrogacy update and the sweetest book review so far

It's been an awesome week! I don't want to get my hopes up, but good things just keep happening and I'm going to ride this cloud. First of all, my agency (surrogacy) may have found insurance for me. Not only that but they have a couple in mind for a match.  AAAGGHHH! That's what happy screaming looks like, right?  I was ecstatic.

So, that alone could make me happy all week. Well I came down to my office to check my e-mail and I had a message that there was a review posted for my book.

OH MY GOSH!!!! It's the most well-written reviw I've ever read or received. Not only that, but the lady was so darn sweet, she made me smile from beginning to end. I was so thrilled/touched/impressed. I was this close to crying happy tears. She made my day!

You can read it here:  http://northeastpa.citymommy.com/?q=node/6525

Hope the rest of you out in Bloggyland are having a great week!

It's such a good feeling

Just another day around here. The kids were all scheduled for their dental cleaning. It's in our old neighborhood which is now 40 minutes away. I don't mind the drive, and it's cheaper than going to the dentist nearby. Plus they know me and the kids and we love them!   :)

I usually carry around a few of my books with me and I have bookmarks, stickers, etc.  I brought a book to read because I knew I'd have some time between 3 kids' cleanings. The receptionist noticed the book I had brought and asked if it was the latest Richard Paul Evans book. Alas it was not. I still hadn't read his book from 2008- Grace. My mom gets me his latest book every year. I don't think she did last year though. Anyway he IS my favorite author, but ever since my husband got out of the Navy and I started homeschooling my kids, there's not a lot of ME time.

Since we're talking books, I mention how I recently wrote a book and my girls helped me illustrate it. She responded warmly. I then let her read the book. She was working, so she was only able to read a page or two at a time here and there. After a while she finishes and approaches me with tears in her eyes. She was so touched. She told me how impressed she was with the book and how in awe she was at me and what I do for others.  I never expect that. It happens from time to time, but it is never expected. I hope that people like my book, I am ecstatic when they love it.  I was so touched that my book touched her like that. She has children who can't have children, so she could relate. The assistant overheard us and she was impressed as well.  It just feels so darn good. Not everyone understands surrogacy or even respects us as surrogates. Even though I had already felt blessed by each surrogacy experience in itself, the blessings keep pouring down. I am in awe that helping someone else can feel so good for so long.

To top it off- NO CAVITIES for any of the kids. Wow!

As we got closer to home I decided to stop by our neighborhood library. I had been wanting to drop off one of my books. Plus, we hadn't checked anything out for awhile. We head in and I approach one of the librarians. I tell her I want to donate a book. She asks if it's to pay off a fine or damage. I say no- it's mine. I wrote it, I just thought it would be fun to bring it in. She said Oh wow and turns around and tells another lady that I wrote the book. I guess they don't usually have authors bring in their books.
:) Another good feeling. It's been one of those days that has left me feeling optomistic and happy.

Surrogacy Book Review

Krystal was one of my winners (for this contest) and has posted a review for Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers. She is also a surrogate.

Please visit her site: http://surrogatediva.blogspot.com/2010/11/once-upon-surrogate-storks-helpers.html

I will also include the review below:



A few weeks back I won a drawing that allowed me to review a new book about surrogacy that was actually written by a surrogate. I recieved the book a little over a week ago and last night I sat down with my daughters (8 & 4) to read the book to them.




Here's a review from 3 different perspectives:



My review on Jill Hancock Reeder's Once Upon a Surrogate book:



Once Upon a Surrogate is a good book for surrogates to read to their children or for parents to read to their children that were born via surrogacy. It explains, in terms that children can understand, the concept of surrogacy. My daughters really liked the fact that the book was illustrated by Jill's children and they were able to grasp the idea of Mommy being the "stork".

I would recommend this book to anyone going through the surrogacy process, as a means of explaining it so your children can understand.



My 4 year old's review:



2 thumbs up (literally), when I asked her how she liked it :) She also said "I liked the stickers", as she covered her arms in them. Then she added "so you were the stork to deliver us to be your children?" :-)



My 8 year old's review:



She thought the book was "okay", she said that she wasn't that interested in it, but that she did learn what an embryo is, which is something she didn't know before.



Thanks, Jill for giving us the chance to review your book!



You can learn more about the book by visiting:

http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/

or

http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/



Krystal

First Review for Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers

This book is fantastic! It was great to be able to read it to my children and see that them realize what surrogacy is. They really enjoyed the story and so did I, I think that it really helped them to understand the whole concept of surrogacy.




I have two boys who are young (6 & 4) and they loved this book and have asked me to read it to them several times since we received it and I am more than happy to do it!



I would recommend this book to surrogates and intended parents alike, this is a great way to teach your children what you do for other people or to teach them about their beginning. Thank you Jill for writing such a lovely book, I have been looking for something like this since I started my first journey and finally my search is over!
 
-Sarah
 
You can learn more about the book here: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/

Headed home...

Today is the last day of our vacation. It's also the day I chose to publish my book- 10/10/10. These kind of days are so cool. Real quick plug here- today is the last day to get my book at the pre-order price. ($5 off) http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/.

If you are waiting to receive your free copy to review (those who won)- I will be mailing those out this week!

Oh yes- and today also marks the one year anniversary since we went through the temple as a family.

We are in Las Vegas- headed out soon. We had a blast! It was a 10 day total trip and we did lot's of stuff, but had plenty of time to rest and relax here and there. I will share more details and pics this week.

For now, I'll leave you with my favorite song to listen to on our way home. (I've been listening to this song on the last day of vacation since I was about 10-back then I was on an airplane coming home from Puerto Vallarta? listening to my cassette/walkman)

It's official. (and more)

(I wrote this yesterday and was hoping to add pics... but it didn't work out..)

My books are printed. I am now a published author. Wow. It's just funny how one thing leads to another. Before July of this year, I don't think I would have ever thought I'd be writing a book and publishing it. (I definitely wouldn't have thought that my girls would be illustrating the book and that I'd be helping with that as well)

 I was working on a book a few years ago about all the circumstances in my life that lead to other things.. but probably wouldn't have published it, because who would be interested in my silly life? Plus it was hard to wrap up. I mean let's say I wrote it and ended it in 2007. A lot has happened since 2007 and I'd have more to add.

Oh well. Maybe one day I'll finish it anyway.

So today I'm hoping to drop off some books at the local bookstore and mail some out for review. I also have some orders to mail out already. I had to raise the price of the book, so if you order before October 10th, you're getting a pretty good deal!!! Get your good deal here. Not only will you save some money by ordering now, but I will also sign your book and add stickers and bookmarks to your order for FREE.

It's crazy how far the book has come since I started it. I had a little rough draft printed up about 2 months ago and just the cover alone is a huge improvement.




It's also crazy how much I did on the book.. I mean I designed the whole darn thing. It was so good for me to be creative and even fine-tune my skills.

I can't believe it's the last day of September. The summer flew and then this month has flown. Tomorrow is October 1st. (well duh that would follow the last day of September) On October 1, 1994, John and I had our first date. We went to Homecoming at Alta High as friends and have been together ever since. (except for that summer he broke up with me) I can't believe it's been 16 years. I was the kind of girl who always thought that every boyfriend I had was THE ONE and that we'd always be together. But then none of the other relationships lasted longer than a few months. We're not a perfect couple, but we are a good balance and we compliment each other. Does that make sense? It works, and we are best friends and have fun together.

We are headed out this weekend on vacation and I couldn't be more excited. For some reason I always get nervous though before vacations. I get anxiety. Not sure why. Weird.

Hopefully I'll blog while away... maybe even vlog... maybe even a cool surprise. 

Happy Thursday/Last day of September! 

Well Now Happy Friday/ First day of October!
:)

It's done, been sent to the printers, now what?

I'm so sorry if you are sick of hearing me go on and on about my book. However, that's what's going on in my life right now and I couldn't be more excited!

I did finish it up over the weekend and sent it to the printers. (Yay, I beat my 2nd deadline) I'm hoping that my kids and I will actually have a chance to go see it being printed. Sounds like a nice photo op.

I have a more professional looking online store now: http://surrogacybooks.ecrater.com/

I also designed some t-shirts and other merchandise that match my book and theme: www.cafepress.com/storkhelpers

So now what? Well I have to patiently sit back and wait. I hope to get my books this Thursday. I need to get some over to the local bookstore and then I'm heading out on vacation. That's right..... I'm going to Disneyland.  We're going to take it nice and easy some days and then play all day on others. We're hititng up Mesquite so I can meet the one and only One Cluttered Brain in person! (and personally hand her a copy of my book) (if it's done before I leave) We'll be spending some time in Vegas and then California. We'll be going to Six Flags, hanging out in Hollywood and of course Disneyland.

Oh, the best part? Stopping for a visit to see the twins.

I've got a few people I'm dropping off books too. I better start sharpening my book signing skills. I really like this new "chapter" in my life. Tee hee.

In case you are curious, it took me about 3 months to complete my book. I think that's not bad for a 1st timer. I went over it a lot... the story, the layout, the cover, the illustrations. Ask my husband, it's been my life the last 3 months. I've loved every minute of it. I wonder how old the youngest illustrato is. My girls are 10 and 6. hmmm

Book Cover Help (can't decide which one to use)

I can't decide on a book cover. I know- I already had one.. but earlier my daughter had drawn a different cover and I think I like this particular version better.

Which do you like the most?

A (original)

B (new)

Thanks!   :)

I tried to combine all your advice with what I want it to look like and came up with this.......

1 more day: 2 winners book review/giveaway

What a silly girl to host a giveaway that ends on her anniversary. Ah well... I've had a great response so far and I wish you all the best of luck. 2 lucky winners will be randomly chosen by my children on Monday September 20, 2010. Hopefully you will receive your books along with stickers and bookmarks before the publish date of 10/10/10. (Which is a Sunday, so yeah I'm kind of a dork)

I will pass along this info to the winners; When you do the review, you can either post it on your own blog or other source (please let me know when and where you've posted) OR you can e-mail me your review and I'll post it on my blog! (my booksite too)  I would love it if you'd do a synopsis as well, but you don't have to if you don't feel like it. If you have children and they'd like to do a synopsis, that would be awesome!

I'm excited for you all!

Oh and if you didn't know about the giveaway or what I'm even talking about... Go HERE!

Yeah so it's my birthday...

I love Fall. The change of weather is awesome, especially here in Utah. I mean... I just LOVE the Fall colors... leaves mainly, orange and red this time of year. Absolutely beautiful!  I also enjoy changing my wardrobe. Hooray for jeans and long sleeve shirts!

Oh and of course my birthday is in the Fall... today to be exact. #33. Not too bad, especially considering I already thought I was 33 earlier this year. See previous post HERE.

So can I just be selfish today and tell you what I want for my birthday? Well I'm going to anyway......

I posted on Twitter the other day that I wanted:

• At least 80 followers on my blog (yes this one... would you like to send someone my way? Aw... thanks!)
• At least 50 facebook fans Ahem- http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mormon-Surrogate/129139433785474?ref=ts
• At least 10 book orders- Pre-order my children's book about surrogacy

So what am I getting for my b-day? 

• Rolling Stones magazine that's a special Beatles edition- All about the Beatles
• Beatles folders
• Beatles shirt
• Awesome I'm A Pepper Dr. Pepper shirt- too funny cuz my nickname is PepperBird. I've been wanting this shirt Forever
• some other clothes
• My dad gave me an early b-day present of helping me pay for Paul McCartney tickets -http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/search/label/Paul%20McCartney

Well that's what I picked out and know I'm getting. And then you're getting me something from my list above, right? *wink wink, nudge nudge*

:)

I'm hoping to have a date night with hubby tonight. I'd like to go to Red Lobster. YUM. (oh I know, that's Red Robin's slogan. Red Robin... YUM! lol, they're good too!) Haven't been there for awhile and we used to go there back in the day. Then tomorrow I'm having a birthday party. I feel like such a little kid. There's a cool new place and it sounded fun. http://www.incrediblepizza.com/ Wanna come?

Happy Friday!

I'm screaming with nervous anxiety and excitement (surrogacy book)

Are you tired of hearing it yet? I'm getting so close! I got my ISBN # for my book this morning.

My book is now available to pre-order for $1.00 off even. I think online ordering is even up and running. 

The reason I feel like screaming? Well 1st- from pure excitement! (Awesome screaming) 2nd-because I'm nervous. Nervous of what? Putting myself out there, in the spotlight, drawing attention to myself and my book. I'm kind of scared in a happy way. I just don't know if I'm ready to be reviewed and critiqued, but ready or not....



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2010


Media Contact: Jill Reeder

801-918-1699

Surrogacy Books

P.O. Box 904

Sandy, Utah 84091

surrogacybooks@gmail.com



SURROGATE TO RELEASE CHILDREN’S BOOK REGARDING SURROGACY

By now I’m sure we’ve all heard of surrogacy. We see it on television, in the news, and even in movies. It is a way for a family to realize their dream of having their own children, with the help of a human stork. Jill Hancock Reeder has seen that dream come true twice by being a surrogate; first with a little girl and then with twin boys. She started blogging about surrogacy last September. She reviewed 2 children’s books on the subject before deciding to write her own, Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers.

She started designing merchandise for surrogates and intended parents in 2005. She used ideas from her phrases and sayings to form a story that would be enjoyable for children. She has already received interest in her book and has been approached for review. She has even received interest from people who have not been involved in surrogacy. She is giving away a chance to receive her book for review at her blog, http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-step-closer-my-book-and-giveaway.html.

In this book you will read about Jill’s first surrogacy experience, touching base on how the children handled the experience and how they were involved. The story is presented through facts with a fairy tale twist.

Jill has involved her children as her illustrators and her dad as her printer and consultant. She will be marketing, promoting and publishing the book herself with a little help from her family, friends and the internet.

Jill grew up in Sandy, Utah and currently resides in Eagle Mountain, Utah. She was a Navy wife for 10 years where she lived in Florida and San Diego for part of that time. (her husband got out 2008) She started home-schooling her 3 children the end of 2009. She has been a surrogate 3 times. She has already begun working on a 2nd book in her Once Upon A Surrogate series.

Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers (ISBN: 978-1-4507-3642-8) can be pre-ordered starting September 10, 2010, which is her birthday. Books won’t be available for official release until 10/10/10. (1 year anniversary of her going through the LDS temple with her husband and children) To start out, her book will be available online at http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. The first 10 books sold will be signed and will include stickers and bookmarks. She will soon be selling her book at the local bookstore in Eagle Mountain, Dragons and Fairytales, as well as other bookstores. You can visit her personal blog where she talks about almost anything and everything, including surrogacy. Book signings will be announced soon on her websites.

Book Site: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/

Personal Blog: http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/

#####

One step closer.... my book and a *giveaway*, *review opportunity*

(Update- Review Giveaway will run until Monday 9/20/2010 and there will be 2 winners. You must e-mail me at pepperbird@gmail.com for your chance.  Thanks!)

So here's what happened...

I wrote my story. I didn't know what to do about illustrations, so I threw in some real pictures from my 1st surrogacy journey and some clip art. I got a feel for how I wanted the book to look and what pictures I'd want. Basically I made a scrapbook for myself with a story to go along with it.  (in the meantime, my 10 year old daughter asked if she could draw the art for my cover, which led to my girls illustrating my book)

Well that version is done.

I can't publish it with real pictures or real names. (except my own) So I have this little treasure all to myself.  I was able to show close family and got good reviews. My girls were just as thrilled as I was to see my book as a book. Pure Awesome!

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I'm lucky enough to have a dad in the printing/book binding business. He printed my books and I couldn't be happier. I did get to thinking though that the front cover could have looked a little more professional. (My fault, not his) So I re-designed it and I'm much happier with it. I was already happy with the back cover. YAY!

Awhile back I was working on my book and things just weren't quite working out like I pictured in my creative little head. I was settling for what I had, but hoping for more. Well things are starting to click and fall into place and I'm oh so happy! I wanted a background for each page, something to give the illustrations a little more color and flair. So, yestereday I played around and designed a background, and I think it's going to work great! 

I was hoping to release my book for sale/publication on September 10th- my birthday. However, my little monkeys children are not done illustrating my book. We only have 8 days till my deadline.
 I'd like to pull my hair out.! It's not really a huge deal if it's not done by then, but it would sure be nice. (also I can't start on my 2nd book till this one is complete)

So............... once my book is complete, would any of you like a copy to review?

If you're interested, contact me here. (pepperbird@gmail.com) In the subject line put "Chance for Book Review". I will randomly select 2 numbers and will notify the winners. I have not released any information about my book yet, not even the title. (only the fact that it's a children's book and it deals with surrogacy)
If you're serious about reviewing it, I will give you a heads up of the details a few days before it's officially published and for sale. Then once it's officially published, I will send you a signed copy of the book for review.

*UPDATE: Book is available for pre-order http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. Hopefully officially release will be 10/10/10!    :)

Want extra chances to be picked? OK! Add this button to your blog:

 








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You can also tweet about my book (or this post), blab it on facebook, shout it out on your blog. Let me know that you've done any of this and you'll get an extra entry for each.  Thanks!

Opportunity knocked- I opened the door and let it in...(the secret's out)

In my life one thing has always led to another. Every now and then an opportunity presents itself. Every now and then I feel super duper good about it.

It all happened a few weeks ago when I got the e-mail about reviewing a book. Then I approached another author and offered to review her book. That's when it hit me- why not write my own book?

I've written poetry since I was young, around 5. I've played around with writing short stories etc. in middle school. In high school, I took a creative writing class. But since then, I didn't have inspiration to really write about anything. (other than my poems here and there)

Well all of a sudden I had 2 ideas for 2 separate stories. All I can tell you is yes, they are about surrogacy and they are children's books.

I've been working on the 1st story almost non-stop.  I'm reseraching, etc. and it's been so good for me.
Getting closer to the final product every day.  I already have an offer to review it.    :)

This is extremely exciting for me!

Everything's lining up rather nicely.

I didn't want to say anything too soon, because I didn't want to jinx it or have someone else steal my idea(s). But I'm not saying a word about my ideas... so ha.

Wish me luck...

I'm so excited I could scream... (but it's a secret, shhh)

I've been working on a super duper secret project. Not sure if I am even ready to reveal it yet. But I'm so excited, because my creativity seems to be flowing and I have researched what I'm working on, and I seem to be doing it right, which is just freaking awesome.

I know, I know, the supsense sucks!!! But I just don't want to jinx it. I have my reasons, and one day soon I'll feel comfortable enough to at least tell you the basics of the project.

In the meantime, know that I love you all....

Mormon Surrogate

P.S. My girls got a sneak peek and gave me 2 thumbs up!