In 2010, Kim Overton became a "solo starter" -- choosing to have a child on her own without a significant other in her life. She had her first child at 39 through IVF in 2010. When she tried for a second child, however, she was unable due to fibroids. That's when she began to consider surrogacy.
Leilani Rogers
After an emotional time trying to find a surrogate, Kim's cousin's daughter, Cydnee, offered to do it. After two unsuccessful transfers of embryos from Kim's eggs and other disappointments, Cydnee became pregnant. This is the moment Kim and her husband first saw the baby's head as he started to crown.
Leilani Rogers
"This picture says it all. Simply elated," Kim says of the moment when her son, Oliver, came into the world.
Leilani Rogers
"The birth of Oliver came after three years of an emotional roller coaster ride with extreme highs and lows," Kim remembers.
Leilani Rogers
"Surrogacy can be just as special and beautiful as a natural pregnancy and birth, and without it, our son Oliver would not be here today," Kim says.
Leilani Rogers
Kim hugs her surrogate Cydnee. " I was beyond grateful for her incredibly selfless act," Kim recalls of this moment, "and relieved that the long haul was finally over."
