vera, Canadian Intended Parent in Quebec, Canada

Explain your reasons for wanting a surrogate/donor:

We have a 4 year old son. His name is Izak. He was born in March *** He is the best thing ever! So much zest for life and so fun loving. He is a real boy who loves to dig in the dirt with his backhoes and dump trucks. He is full of spit and vinegar and we love him for that! We have a second son who has passed away. His name was Malek. He was born in December *** and passed away in May *** He was the most beautiful baby with these long lashes and dark curly hair. He was also very sick. It took doctors 5 months to figure out that he had a very rare genetic disease called Leigh's syndrome. We were devastated when we found out. His disease was non treatable and also kills very quickly. Our mission was to make Malek as comfortable as possible for the remainder of his life spent with us. He lived for another month. We have had a year and a bit to grieve and also to process that we were carriers to such a terrible disease. Our initial reaction was to try to have another baby, but we were discouraged to proceed with that dream because the chances of us having another sick child is extremely high. The thing is... we feel as though our family is incomplete. Our home feels empty. We both have always dreamed of having a large family and to be told that it is not a possibility for us just broke us. The one thing that amazes me though, is that my husband and I have grown stronger through this life altering experience (this tragedy). We are able to smile and laugh and have fun. We know that we have survived this together and that we can now accomplish anything. We are good parents who fought for Malek all the while making sure that our firstborn was never feeling neglected. We would, however, love a second chance at having a healthy baby who would become an addition to our little family! We have so much love to give.

How would you best describe yourself(s):

To describe oneself...it is such a hard thing to do.My husband and I are an easy going couple who work hard.We both own our own businesses, his a renovation company that always keeps him working close to home and mine a jewelry boutique that is located at home.We both grew up in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and still live there.We bought a very old house that was built in *** and have been restoring it to its original glory for the past 5 years (it is almost done - YAY!).We both have a good sense of humor.We are homebodies and like to enjoy our garden in the summer.But we also keep busy with a very large extended family and every month there is a birthday or special occasion to celebrate! My husband is a man who can basically do anything and everything.From building a whole car, to building a whole new home.He is very mechanical and intuitive.I suppose, in a way, we are a very traditional couple as in we both have our roles as parents.I am pretty much a stay at home Mom who is lucky enough to be able to also work from home.I enjoy cooking and baking and keeping a clean home).We believe in supporting local businesses.We speak fluent English and French (and I speak German as well, and a bit of Spanish).We have been married since May *** together since November *** We met and knew rather quickly that we were meant for each other.That, in a nutshell, is who we are.Hope to hear from you, Vera and J-F