Danny and Bryce’s Surrogacy Journey

Our Surrogacy Timeline

We’ll go into more detail on each of these moments throughout the blog, but here’s an overview of how everything unfolded:

➡ May 18, 2023 – Reached out to Miracle Surrogacy

➡ May 29, 2023 – First call with Alejandro from Miracle

➡ June 29, 2023 – Provided semen analysis results

➡ July 9, 2023 – Signed contract with Miracle

➡ July 18, 2023 – Egg donor confirmed

➡ July 25 & 27, 2023 – Traveled to Cancun for semen deposit

➡ August 26, 2023 – Egg retrieval (13 eggs retrieved, 9 fertilized)

➡ September 15, 2023 – PGT-A results: 2 healthy embryos

➡ September 27, 2023 – Surrogate match!

➡ October 12, 2023 – Embryo transfer

➡ October 23, 2023 – First positive beta test!

➡ November 17, 2023 – First heartbeat detected

➡ February 9, 2024 – Flew to Cancun for an appointment & lunch with our surrogate

➡ June 10, 2024 – Arrived in Cancun for the birth

➡ June 12, 2024 – Milo was born!

Choosing Miracle Surrogacy & Making the Big Decision

Surrogacy is a huge decision. Not just logistically and financially but emotionally. For us, it was years of dreaming about being dads before we were finally in a place to make it happen.

We first heard about Miracle Surrogacy from our friends Tim and Craig, who had an amazing experience with them. At first, we were like, wait… surrogacy in Mexico? It felt overwhelming. But after seeing their seamless and ethical process and meeting their beautiful twins, we knew we had to explore it.

Why We Chose Miracle Surrogacy

From the very first call, we could tell Miracle was different. It wasn’t pushy, salesy, or transactional. It was human. They truly cared about us, and even more importantly, they cared deeply about the well-being of the surrogates. That was everything to us. Other agencies we looked at had a very “you’re the customer, so you get what you want” approach. But Miracle focused on building a relationship, making sure it was a respectful, loving experience for everyone—including the incredible woman who would be carrying our child.

Our Advice: Before choosing an agency, make a list of your “must-haves” and “non-negotiables.” Ask families who’ve gone through the process about their experiences. Do your research!

Semen Analysis & Deposit

Okay, let’s be real—this part of the journey isn’t exactly romantic. But it’s an important step!

Step 1: Semen Analysis

Before heading to Cancun, we did a semen analysis in Chicago to ensure everything looked good. It was a simple process, and we sent the results over to Miracle.

Step 2: The Semen Deposit Trip

For this, we traveled to Cancun, which was our first big milestone in the journey! Miracle had someone meet us at the clinic, and the moment we walked in, we felt at ease. The facility was pristine, professional, and made us feel completely comfortable.

That morning, we sat on the beach together and meditated. We’re big believers in the power of good energy and intention. We took a few deep breaths, reflected on the journey ahead, and just soaked in the moment.

Choosing an Egg Donor & Creating Our Embryos

Wow, the egg donor selection process was intense—but also amazing!

Step 1: Choosing Our Egg Donor

Miracle had so many incredible options. We were looking for a donor who felt like a good fit for our family, and the process was smooth and well-organized.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval & Fertilization

This was a nerve-wracking part.

📌 Egg retrieval results: 13 eggs retrieved, 9 fertilized

📌 Final embryo count: 4 embryos successfully vitrified (frozen)

Step 3: PGT-A Testing

After genetic testing, we had 2 healthy embryos.

💡 Our Advice: Be financially and emotionally prepared for this process to take multiple rounds. We were very fortunate to have success on our first try, but that’s not always the case.

💡 Our Advice: Find a way to ground yourself through this process. Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or prayer, having something to lean on during the waiting periods can help you stay calm.

Surrogate Match, Embryo Transfer & First Pregnancy Test

Finding out we were matched with our surrogate was one of the happiest moments of our lives. It only took a few weeks, and we were so grateful for how quickly Miracle found the perfect match.

📌 October 12, 2023: Embryo transfer day!

📌 October 23, 2023: First positive beta test!

📌 November 17, 2023: First heartbeat detected

We originally transferred two embryos, but only one was successful. And that little embryo became our son.

There were multiple doctor appointments where we got to virtually attend via Facetime.

💡 Our Advice: The waiting can be brutal. Stay hopeful, but also know that surrogacy is a journey with ups and downs.

Traveling to Cancun to Meet Our Surrogate

We didn’t have to travel for this, but we wanted to. Meeting our surrogate was one of the most beautiful experiences of our journey. We had a long lunch together, showered her with gifts, and just connected. We also got to attend one of her doctor appointments. It was amazing to get to be there and meet the OB!

In our opinion, this isn’t just a transactional process—this is a person carrying your child. We felt incredibly lucky to have such a kind, loving woman bring Milo into the world.

Prepping for Milo’s Birth—Packing & Finding the Right Airbnb

The moment we saw the positive heartbeat, our planning instincts kicked in full force. We knew we’d be in Mexico for at least a month, so we had two major priorities:

1️⃣ Preparing all the legal documentation for bringing Milo home (Bryce’s responsibility)

2️⃣ Gathering everything we’d need to care for a newborn in a foreign country (Danny’s responsibility)

Packing for Mexico—What We Brought & What We Wish We Had Known

We went all out packing for this trip. We borrowed three huge suitcases, made endless Amazon purchases, and researched everything we might need. We’re linking our full Amazon list in another section, but here are some things we were SO glad we brought:

✔ A pack ‘n play with a breathable mattress – Milo’s first bed in Cancun!

✔ Hatch sound machine – Lifesaver for naps.

✔ A TON of baby clothes – We planned for a month and packed enough to only do laundry a few times.

✔ A breast pump & storage bags – More on that later, but this was important.

✔ A giant clear binder for all our paperwork – Game-changer for the consulate process.

✔ A portable bottle warmer – Absolutely essential for feeding on the go.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re bringing a bunch of stuff into Mexico, remove tags and take things out of boxes. Customs stopped us and made us pay taxes on everything—even our laptops—because they assumed we were bringing things in to sell. We weren’t expecting that, and it cost us about $400. Learn from our mistake!

Click here to shop what we brought with us to Mexico!

Finding an Airbnb in Cancun

One of the most common questions we get: Where did you stay in Cancun?

We chose Puerto Cancun, and it was absolutely perfect. It’s a modern, walkable area with a great outdoor mall, tons of restaurants, and easy access to everything we needed. It was also a quick 8-minute Uber ride to the hospital.

Some people recommended staying right next to the hospital, but for us, it was more important to be in an area where we could relax, go on walks, and feel like we had some normalcy during our stay.

Flying to Mexico for Milo’s Birth & The Day He Was Born

Flying to Cancun—The Final Stretch

We arrived in Cancun four days before the birth to get settled. The first few days were a whirlwind:

✔ Stocking up on groceries at Chedraui (the best supermarket!)

✔ Setting up the Airbnb for newborn life

✔ Spending time with our family

A Special Dinner with Our Surrogate

Two nights before the birth, we had a beautiful dinner with our surrogate, her partner, and our birth coordinators, Frida & Jonathan.

We brought gifts for our surrogate and her daughters, including a pearl necklace (Milo’s birthstone) to symbolize our gratitude and connection. It was such a special evening that reminded us how fortunate we were to have such an incredible surrogate.

Surprise! Milo Decided to Come Early

The night before our scheduled C-section, we were at the Airbnb making margaritas when we got the call. Our surrogate was in labor! Cue the frantic running around, grabbing bags, and calling an Uber. We rushed to the hospital, so full of nerves and excitement.

The Birth Experience—What We Didn’t Expect

One thing we wish we had known: you may not get to see your baby right away.

Hospital policy in Mexico differs from the U.S. Since Milo was born late at night, the hospital was technically closed to visitors. We had to wait until the following day to see him.

That was hard. But we kept reminding ourselves: the most important thing was that he was here, safe, and healthy.

The Hospital

The hospital we used was nice and modern. Every nurse, doctor, and hospital employee we came into contact with was very friendly and welcoming. The hospital is next to a great shopping mall - Plaza Las Americas. We stopped there to grab donuts and goodies for the nurses at the hospital as a thank you to them for their dedication to our family. Our doctor was absolutely stellar. We met him on our first trip to Cancun to meet our surrogate/ attend one of the check-ups. He made us feel so welcomed and really made us feel so at ease. This is another area our agency shined in - partnering with such a friendly and welcoming OB.

The morning after Milo was born, we headed back to the hospital and got to spend a few hours with Milo and our surrogate in our surrogate’s hospital room. It was such a memorable and special experience. Freida and Jonathan made it so special. They had us sit in the room and then wheeled Milo in a little bassinet. They filmed our first moments with our son - which I am so glad they did. They were very generous with how much time we could spend with our new little best friend.

💡 Pro Tip: We highly recommend you discuss what the day of will look like with your agency and fully understand what protocol is. From our understanding, we wouldn’t have been able to hold Milo until day 2 - even if he came precisely when he was supposed to. It is essential to prepare yourself if it is true, as you will obviously want to hold your newborn immediately. We wish we had pressed more at the beginning of our journey. When we did ask, it was always approached as “something we will go into a lot of detail on as we get closer”. Would it have kept us from moving forward in our journey? No! It would have prepared us, though!

Life in Mexico with a Newborn

The weeks after Milo’s birth were some of the sweetest days of our lives.

Our Routine in Cancun

☀️ Morning walks in Puerto Cancun – We’d grab coffee, stroll the marina, and soak up every second with Milo.

🛒 Grocery runs to Chedraui – We were obsessed with this store. Seriously, it had everything.

🍷 A little wine bar we fell in love with – Because new parents deserve a treat, too!

🥘 One splurge: A private chef dinner – For Father’s Day, we hired a chef for about $30-40 per person, and it was one of the best decisions we made.

Adjusting to Life as New Parents

Milo mostly slept on us during naps; we were okay with that. At night, he slept in the pack ‘n play in our room, and we were so grateful for the cozy setup we had planned.

One of the biggest blessings? Having our parents there. They helped with everything—cooking, cleaning, and just giving us time to soak in those first newborn moments.

💡 Pro Tip: You’ll need a baby passport photo for the consulate. Miracle gave us the name of a photographer specializing in newborn passport pics. We picked up Milo’s photo on a grocery run, and it was super easy, and they worked with us to get the perfect photo before we went to pick it up.

Recommendations

Puerto Cancun Area

Marina Puerto Cancún

a beautiful mall in Puerto Cancun. Great restaurants, a Starbucks, movie theater, cafes, Zara, and H&M for baby clothes. We also loved walking around the mall with Milo.

La mantequeria Cancun

Amazing tapas and wine bar. They were always so kind when we brought Milo in. Dad’s need to eat too!

la-mantequeria-cancun

Chavito Bien Taquería

best tacos ever. We are embarassed by the number of times we went here for tacos.

https://chavitobientaqueria.com/en/

KAAJAL

In the Rennisance hotel. Awesome brunch!

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cunbr-renaissance-cancun-resort-and-marina/dining/

Cancun

Plaza Las Americas

This is a great mall next to the hospital where Milo was born. It has lots of food and one of the best supermarkets!

Chedraui Selecto - Plaza Las Americas

This is the best one we went to. It’s enormous, and the selection is excellent! It’s also easy to get dropped off and picked up right outside.

Liverpool

A department store similar to Macy’s, it has a baby department with clothes and stuff—just in case you forget anything. Also, if you aren’t sure your surrogate will be pumping and do not want to buy a pump, you can get one here for $100-150 with bags.

Personal Chef

We had an amazing experience with a private chef who came to our Airbnb and prepared a fantastic meal for the whole family. If anyone is looking for a similar experience in Cancun, I highly recommend him. Very fairly priced!

Instagram @chefgonzalezrincon

https://www.chefgonzalezrincon.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIZrO9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHe_C_fZNxj9ZGSiFNrHjWwGPYUzLdYNJjrxH8tHMK2ZTFP_fVVqvMpX1Wg_aem_sqIhSZ8PhuyPjMlXTQSmVw

Rental Cars vs Uber

We chose not to get a rental car and Uber. Every Uber we used (even when taking Milo home from the hospital) was easy to use and safe. We figured we spent a little less in Ubers and dealt with a lot less headache of driving and trying to figure out parking everywhere.

The US Consulate Visit—Bringing Milo Home

This part had us nervous. But spoiler alert: it was way easier than we expected.

Traveling to Merida

The consulate visit takes place in Merida, a 4-hour drive from Cancun. Miracle arranged a private van for us, our surrogate, her partner, and Milo’s grandma (Bryce’s mom). We stayed in a nice hotel and had a great dinner with our surrogate’s family.

The Consulate Process—What to Expect

We expected a stressful, intense experience, but the consulate workers were kind and supportive. After a quick 30-minute wait, the conversation took 10 minutes. We had all of our paperwork ready, and everything went smoothly. The consulate worker required the two of us, our surrogate and our son, to be present. In no way is the conversation a “gotcha” conversation. That said, come prepared with each document in a binder. Make it easy on them!

Later that day, we picked up Milo’s official U.S. passport—our little guy was one step closer to coming home!

Flying Home to the U.S. with a Newborn

Flying with a newborn? Terrifying, in theory. But in practice? Not as bad as we feared!

What Worked for Us:

✔ Wearing Milo in a baby carrier – No need to bring a stroller!

✔ Giving him a bottle during takeoff & landing – Helped with ear pressure.

✔ Having everything sanitized and ready to go – We were extra cautious about germs.

Milo slept most of the flight! Massive shoutout to United Airlines—they were excellent, kind, and so helpful.

We landed in Chicago exhausted but overjoyed. Our son was finally home.

Click here to shop what we brought on our flight!

Would We Do It Again?

1000% Yes.

Looking back on this journey, we are filled with so much gratitude—for our son, for our surrogate, and for the incredible team at Miracle Surrogacy who made this all possible.

Surrogacy is not just a transaction. It’s a profoundly emotional, life-changing experience that requires trust, patience, and a lot of faith in the people guiding you. When we chose Miracle, we didn’t just get an agency—we got a family.

Why We’d Do It Again with Miracle Surrogacy

When we started researching surrogacy, we wanted an agency that would treat both the intended parents and the surrogate with care, kindness, and integrity. From the very first call with Alejandro, we felt completely at ease. There was no pressure, no sales pitch—just a warm, honest conversation about what to expect.

What stood out to us most? The people.

• Silvi (our pre-birth coordinator): She was one of the kindest, warmest people we’ve ever met. She guided us through every step leading up to Milo’s birth, always making us feel supported and informed.

• Itz (our coordinator): Handled every logistical detail with such patience and care.

• Frida (our birth coordinator): Truly one of the hardest-working, most compassionate people we’ve ever encountered. She cared deeply about our surrogate and made sure she felt supported every step of the way.

• Jonathan (our birth coordinator): An absolute blast to work with—his energy, humor, and organization made the stressful moments feel lighter. He handled so many moving pieces behind the scenes, ensuring that everything from the hospital to paperwork was seamless.

• The owner of Miracle: This was not some faceless corporation. The owner was involved, accessible, and genuinely cares about the families and surrogates in this process. We never felt like just another number—we felt like people whose story mattered.

Every interaction with the Miracle team reinforced that we had made the right choice.

How Miracle Cared for Our Surrogate

One of the biggest reasons we chose Miracle was their commitment to putting the surrogate’s well-being first.

From the beginning, we saw how much they genuinely cared about our surrogate’s health, happiness, and emotional well-being.

• She was always treated with respect and dignity.

• She had constant support, not just from us but from her coordinators.

• Every medical decision was made with her health in mind.

• When we met her, we could see how much trust she had in Miracle—which gave us even more confidence in our decision.

A lot of intended parents go into surrogacy expecting to be the center of the process, but the truth is, this journey is just as much about the person carrying your child. You're missing the point if you’re only focused on getting what you want.

For us, it was so important to feel like our surrogate was cared for, respected, and supported. Miracle made sure of that every step of the way.

Our Experience at the Hospital & Beyond

From the moment Milo was born, we were surrounded by people who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and supported.

• The hospital staff was kind, professional, and inclusive.

• The doctor who delivered Milo was absolutely wonderful—we met him at our surrogate’s appointment, and he was the perfect mix of warm and reassuring.

• The Miracle team stayed in close contact, helping us navigate hospital policies and keeping us informed when we couldn’t be in the delivery room.

Even after Milo was born, Miracle continued to show up for us. They checked in regularly, set up a newborn photoshoot for us, and ensured that every legal process (from birth certificates to consulate visits) was as smooth as possible.

Would We Recommend Miracle? Without a Doubt.

We have already recommended Miracle to three friends who are now starting their own surrogacy journeys. That should tell you everything.

Here’s what we want you to know:

✔ Miracle is not just an agency—they are a family.

✔ They genuinely care about both the parents and the surrogates.

✔ They made this process as stress-free as possible (which is no small feat!).

✔ We felt supported, respected, and seen at every stage.

✔ We trusted them completely—and they never let us down.

Would we go through surrogacy again? Yes.

Would we choose Miracle again? In a heartbeat.

We are eternally grateful to every single person who played a part in bringing Milo into our lives.

Disclaimer:

We are not affiliated with or compensated by Miracle Surrogacy in any way—we are simply passionate cheerleaders for their work because they gave us the greatest gift of our lives: our son, Milo. Our experience with Miracle was overwhelmingly positive, and they now feel like family to us.

That being said, this blog reflects our personal journey and the experience we had when we worked with them in 2024. Every surrogacy journey is unique, and processes, policies, and experiences may change. Some of the information shared here may even become outdated. If you are considering surrogacy, we highly recommend doing your own research, reaching out to families who have gone through it, and speaking directly with Miracle Surrogacy to get the most up-to-date information.

We share our story with love, transparency, and the hope that it helps others considering this path.

How to Decide if Surrogacy Abroad is Right for You

Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey, and if you’re considering working with an international agency, you want to be sure it’s the right fit for you. It’s not just about cost—it’s about trust, comfort, and having realistic expectations for the process.

We highly recommend going on a fact-finding mission before making your decision. Here’s how to approach it:

Talk to Families Who Have Been Through It

Nothing beats firsthand experience. Reach out to multiple families who have worked with the agency you’re considering. If you don’t personally know anyone, ask the agency if they can connect you with past intended parents who are willing to share their experience.

What to Ask:

What do you wish you had asked before starting this process?

Were there any unexpected costs outside of what was quoted?

How responsive and supportive was the agency throughout the journey?

How was the experience for your surrogate? Did she feel supported?

If you did it again, would you choose the same agency? Why or why not?

Every family’s experience differs, but hearing multiple perspectives can help you prepare for what’s ahead.

Understand Your Own Comfort Level with International Surrogacy

Choosing surrogacy abroad means navigating a different healthcare system, legal process, and cultural norms. That might sound exciting—or it might feel overwhelming. Take time to consider:

Are you comfortable with the medical care available in the country you’re considering?

Are you okay with traveling multiple times throughout the process?

How do you feel about working across time zones for communication with your agency and legal team?

Do you trust the legal framework of the country and the agency’s expertise?

Mexico felt accessible and familiar to us, and Miracle’s expertise gave us confidence. But every person’s level of comfort is different, and that’s okay!

Do You Have the Patience Necessary for This Journey?

Surrogacy is not fast or predictable - it’s waiting for donor matching, embryo result It’s full of was, and beta tests. There are high moments of pure joy and low moments when things feel completely out of your control. You need to be emotionally prepared for potential setbacks, delays, and plan changes.

Ask yourself:

Am I prepared for this to take longer than expected?

Do I have a way to stay calm during uncertain moments?

Can I handle unexpected costs or setbacks without panicking?

If you’re someone who struggles with patience (like we do!), having a plan for how you’ll navigate the waiting game is crucial.

Find Someone Who’s Been Through It—You’ll Want a Surrogacy “Friend”

Having a support system is everything. We were so lucky to have Craig and Tim, our friends who had already been through surrogacy with Miracle. Any time we had a random question, a moment of panic, or just needed reassurance, they were there.

That said, always follow the guidance of your agency first. Friends can offer advice, but agencies are the experts in the current laws, policies, and best practices.

How to Find Your Surrogacy Friend:

Join online surrogacy support groups

Ask your agency if they can connect you with past intended parents

Reach out to families on social media who have shared their journey

Feel free to connect with us

Surrogacy can feel isolating at times, but you’re not alone. Having someone to bounce ideas off of makes the process feel more manageable.

Final Thoughts: Take Your Time & Trust Yourself

Choosing an agency—and deciding whether international surrogacy is right for you—is huge. Take the time to research, ask questions, and sit with your decision before committing.

Our best advice?

Talk to multiple families

Be honest with yourself about your comfort level

Be prepared for the ups and downs

Find a support system to lean on

Navigating the Legal Process

One of the most critical aspects of international surrogacy is ensuring legal parentage. It can seem overwhelming, but the process is smooth and manageable with the right lawyer.

Our Legal Timeline

📌 February 23, 2024 – Connected with our lawyer to start the process.

📌 August 12, 2024 – First court hearing (handled without us).

📌 October 7, 2024 – Second court hearing (we attended with Milo).

📌 October 21, 2024 – Adoption order approved—Milo was legally ours!

📌 December 20, 2024 – Received court order copies & Illinois birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

Start early. Find a lawyer experienced in both U.S. and international surrogacy laws.

Stay organized. Keep a binder with all legal documents.

Be patient. The process takes time, but a great lawyer makes it stress-free.

Having legal parentage finalized and holding Milo’s Illinois birth certificate was an emotional, incredible moment. If you’re considering surrogacy abroad, securing a strong legal team early on is one of the best decisions you can make!

Our Must-Have Baby & Travel Essentials

Throughout our surrogacy journey, we spent months researching the best products to bring to Mexico and have ready for Milo’s arrival at home. Some were absolute lifesavers—making travel, newborn care, and daily life so much easier.

We’ve put together a list of everything we used and loved, from travel must-haves to nursery essentials. This page includes Amazon affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, a small portion helps support this blog and allows us to keep sharing our journey with you.

We hope this list makes your own journey a little smoother—whether you’re preparing for a surrogacy birth abroad, traveling with a newborn, or just getting ready to welcome your little one home.

List of What we brought to Mexico

Diaper Bag Travel Mus-haves!

New Baby Nursery Must-haves

Final Thoughts & How to Connect With Us

Our surrogacy journey was one of the most incredible, emotional, and rewarding experiences of our lives. From choosing Miracle Surrogacy to navigating the legal process, preparing for Milo’s birth, and adjusting to life as new dads, we’ve learned so much—and we’re beyond grateful for every person who helped make this dream a reality.

We created this blog to share our experience in the most honest, helpful way possible. Every journey is unique, and while we hope our story provides insight, we always recommend doing your own research, asking lots of questions, and making the right decisions for you.

Whether you’re looking for advice, recommendations, or just someone to share the excitement (and nerves) with, we’d love to connect.

Reach out to us anytime! We’re always happy to help.

Danny & Bryce

Instagram: Dannylouiscanary

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