Wei Zhang never thought he would become a father through surrogacy. But after his wife Mei health complications made pregnancy impossible, they began exploring other options. This is his personal diary of the journey.
March 2023: The Decision
Today we had our first video call with Lumina Family. I was nervous—this was all so new to us. The coordinator spoke perfect Mandarin and explained everything clearly. For the first time in months, I felt hope.
April 2023: Paperwork and Preparation
The legal process was smoother than I expected. Lumina team handled all the US documentation, while we gathered our medical records from Shanghai. The contract signing was done remotely, with Lumina arranging everything with Nevada officials.
May 2023: The Matching
We were matched with a surrogate named Anahit. She is 32, a mother of two, and incredibly kind. We exchanged letters through the coordinator. She wrote: "I am honored to help you build your family." I cried reading those words.
June 2023: Creating Embryos
Mei and I traveled to Yerevan this month. The clinic was more modern than I expected—clean, professional, with equipment as advanced as anything in Shanghai. The doctor was patient, explaining every step in English and Russian.
July 2023: The Transfer
The first embryo transfer was successful. Two weeks later, we got the call—it worked. I was in a business meeting in Shanghai when my phone rang. I walked out and just stood in the hallway, unable to speak.
September 2023: 20-Week Scan
We returned to Armenia for the anatomy scan. Seeing our son on the screen, moving his tiny hands—I cannot describe that feeling. Anahit held Mei hand during the ultrasound. We took a photo together afterward, all three of us plus the doctor.
November 2023: Third Trimester
The pregnancy is progressing well. Lumina sends us weekly updates. We have a WhatsApp group with Anahit now. She sends us photos of her belly growing. It is surreal and beautiful.
January 2024: The Birth
Our son was born yesterday. I was in the delivery room, cutting the cord. He has Mei nose and what looks like my chin. Anahit held him first, then passed him to us. "He is yours now," she said.
The paperwork for his US passport and Chinese travel documents is already being processed. Lumina said we should be able to bring him home within 2-3 weeks.
Reflections
This journey tested us in ways I never expected. But looking at my son sleeping in the crib next to me, I would do it all again. He is worth every moment of uncertainty, every mile traveled, every sleepless night waiting for news.
To other Chinese fathers considering this path: be patient, trust the process, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Lumina was with us every step. You are not alone.