TV Land: A Different Look At Infertility & Surrogacy

Good Evening Humble Readers...

So I have a confession to make. I watch a lot of unscripted family drama on TLC. I cannot call it reality tv, because it's just not reality. I am curious about the lives of people dealing with different family situations and how they are living their day to day lives. I was intrigued by the idea of what it would be like to watch a family with sextuplets handle things, and the logistics of raising a family of 19 kids.

My most recent addiction is the Li.ttle Cou.ple. If you aren't familiar, pop over here to learn a little bit about Bill & Jen.

They are going through a lot of life changes right now. Job challenges, building a house that will meet their physical needs, and most recently, investigating what it will take for them to build a family. Jen's anatomy is such that carrying a baby will put her life at risk, so they are currently looking at surrogacy and what that process would look like for them.

I have to say that, with the exception of one instance when Jen referred to the RE 'implanting' and embryo in their surrogate, I have been very impressed with how they are showing the process.

In every episode, they are portrayed as taking their time, weighing their options, and trying to make decisions with as much information as possible. In looking at surrogacy, they are faced with all the usual fertility issues, plus the genetic issues brought with both of them being dwarfs.

In last week's episode, a psychologist at the surrogacy center they are considering working with asked them what I thought was a very important question... why would a surrogate take them on as intended parents? Knowing that they have a one in four chance of having a child that will not live past the first year, the psychologist talked about the impact that would have on the surrogate and her family (spouse, parents, children).

It is the first time I have experienced a 'Hollywood' representation of surrogacy as anything remotely resembling real life. I was cheering as they talked about the implications, the costs, and the realities (will they even be able to retrieve any eggs?) of family building when you can't do it the traditional way. Tonight's episode had them in an RE's office, and actually talked about vaginal ultrasounds, egg retrieval and semen analysis. All the 'messy' stuff that you never hear about when it comes to infertility and tv.

I look forward to following their journey, and I hope (and pray, seriously) that they have a positive end to this road, and not wind up the way other TLC families have (the infamous Gosse.lins, the Rol.offs, and the Teu.tuls).

Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Monday Morning Minutia

Good Morning Humble Readers...

It's been a quiet weekend. AF has packed her bags and has left for another month. She's been staying for short amounts of time lately, more than three days, but not a full four days. Just something to think about.

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I have been slowly making my way through the Creme list (check out the link to the right if you don't know what I'm talking about). I've found I can only read a couple of posts a day because they are so emotionally charged. There are so many incredible stories in our community! If you haven't submitted something for the list, Mel is accepting submissions until March 1.

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Calling my fellow foodies! I am going to be brave this week and am going to try frying chicken. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I have been reading a LOT of recipes and have a pretty good idea of what I need to do, but there are some contradictions. Soak the chicken in ice water or in buttermilk? Cook for 8 minutes a side, or 20 minutes, before turning? My Beloved is prepared for an emergency pizza order in case everything goes to pot.

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Does anyone have any experience with the OV.Wat.ch? I'm looking at getting one (from Kiji.ji... the Canadian equivilent of Cr.aig's List) and I want to hear how it worked for others.

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For those who asked... Yerger Burgers are kind of like sloppy joes. Brown up your ground beef, toss in a diced onion, a bunch of ketchup and mustard, and at the last minute a bunch of chopped up dill pickles (basically whatever you put on a burger). Then you put the mix on some good chewy buns, top with shredded cheese, then wrap them in foil and toss them in the oven for 10 or 15 minutes.

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I didn't make Iron Commenter during ICLW in January... *pout* It wasn't for lack of trying. I was able to visit 120 (or so) blogs before I ran out of time and steam. I love that there are so many people on the list these days, but it also makes me a little sad that there are so many of us... if you know what I mean.

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I watched the Dugg.ar special last night... about the premature birth of their 19th child. Honestly, I don't know what to make of the Dugg.ars, but in watching that episode last night it was very apparent how they cherish their children and don't take it for granted that they have been blessed with all these kids.

Disappointment

Ok, so I wasn't going to watch it, but I did. Jon & Kate tonight was probably the most disappointing thing I've ever seen.

My opinion probably isn't a popular one (and I might get some nasty comments), but I feel that they are being selfish and copping out. What is more important for a child than for his or her parents to be together? Marriage takes constant work, especially when they have as many stressors as they do.

They kept saying that they were doing this for the kids. Pardon me for saying so but, what a load of crap...