So often in creating families through surrogacy, we forget that there are already children that have a voice. The families of surrogates come in all shapes and sizes, but the one consistency in all of them is the unbelievable love and acceptance given by the kids who watch from the sidelines.

LILIANNE TURK and MEREDITH LOGAN are two surrogates who shared an inside look at the impact surrogacy had on their children.

LILIANNE TURK is 34 years old and lives in Southern California. She is married and has three of her own children. She has been a surrogate twice.

She delivered a baby girl in spring 2013 and is currently pregnant with twin boys who are siblings of the frst baby. She is due to have the mina few days.

When she decided to become a surrogate and matched with her IPs, she told her kids immediately. She didn’t want to hide anything from them.

“I really wanted them to understand that I was doing it to help someone else have the joy that I have being a parent. I also wanted to make sure they were on board and were supportive in my decision before I went forward,” said Lillianne.

Her kids reacted positively. They were thrilled at the prospect of helping another family.

Lilli anne’s youngest didn’t understand as much as the older kids, but the vibe from the family gave her the signal to move forward.

Once Lilianne got pregnant, the kids each played a role in helping her.

The oldest child helped babysit the younger siblings and helped with chores around the home, as Lilianne was getting bigger.

Her youngest child would help hold the heating pad on her injection site after she did her shots.

Every little bit counted. They were excited to be a part of the journey.

The kids would rub Lilianne’s belly and laugh when the babies moved around.

They were excited for the IPs and their little faces would light up with joy when they got to see ultrasound pictures.

In the first pregnancy, the kids were able to see the happiness on the faces of the IPs.

Now that Lilianne is pregnant with twins, her kids are able to see the reaction of the little girl she previously gave birth to.

She is so excited to have two siblings on the way.

“I think that shows them what a huge impact you can make on someone else’s life,” said Lilianne.