Questions & Answers

After people found out we were pregnant, Meredith and I got some interesting questions. So just in case you were wondering...

#10
Q: Why the name Jak?
A: Meredith always wanted a little girl named Jak. I thought it was cute, so it was a done deal.

#9
Q: If you had a boy, would you have named him Jak?
A: NOPE! We only liked Jak for a girl. We could not decide on a boys name. Thank goodness she was a girl.

#8
Q: Are you two married?
A: Not legally...although we consider ourselves to be. In Ohio same-sex marriage is not legal. I did change my last name to her last name, though, so that Jak could have her last name when she was born.

#7
Q: Did Meredith adopt Jak?
A: No. In Ohio, second parent adoptions by same-sex couples are not allowed. We had to hire a lawyer and draw up special paperwork in my will saying that Meredith gets Jak in the event anything happens to me. One day I hope to live in a state where everyone is equal.

#6
Q: Do you plan to have any more kids?
A: We're undecided. Before Jak I wanted at least two and Meredith wanted one. After Jak I only want one and Meredith wants two. We'll see...

#5
Q: How did you get pregnant?
A: I was artificially inseminated. We were very lucky that we got pregnant on the second try. I did not go through Invitro Fertilization.

#4
Q: How much did it cost?
A: More than what a typical heterosexual couple spends getting pregnant, and less than IVF.

#3
Q: Do you know who the father is?
A: No. We chose someone who (on paper) seemed to look like Meredith (Italian, brown hair, dark complexion, full lips) and have her personality (laid back, musically talented, artistic). Unfortunately, with regard to looks, Jak is 100% me - fair skin, red hair, blue eyes, no lips.

#2
Q: Did you see pictures of the donor?
A: No. We did not choose a donor who had photos available because I didn't want to see him when I looked at Jak...I wanted to see Meredith.

And the #1 question we've gotten (by far).....

Q: How did you decide who would carry the baby?
A: There was no decision to be made. Meredith has no desire to ever carry or give birth to a baby. I, however, wanted nothing more than to be pregnant and go through labor...so we're a good fit. If I didn't do it, then we'd have no kids. Easy choice!

This time last year

One year ago today - on June 16, 2010 - I was laying down in the doctor's office listening to the greatest sound I have ever heard...my baby's heartbeat. I remember it like it was yesterday. I laid there with tears in my eyes while Meredith tried to take pictures of the little blob on the screen that was our baby.

We left that appointment so excited by all the things that were to come through the next 7 months and beyond....and now here we are. We have a 5 month old little girl who is the prettiest, smartest, friendliest thing God ever put on the Earth...and here I sit, with tears in my eyes again...looking at the little person that we created, as she plays in her jump-a-roo and tries to eat her crinkle book.

We love you Baby Jak and thank God for you every single day. We are so lucky!

Baby Jak - June 16, 2010

Jak - One year later (chowing on some cereal)

Just thinking...

Reading blogs like this (link below) makes me feel so blessed that I have such a healthy, happy little girl....while at the same time, terrified for how drastically things can change in a second.

Bissing Family Blog