For many families, the path to parenthood is straightforward. For others, like Kimberly and Max, it’s a tale of love, heartbreak, and unwavering determination. We sat down with Kimberly to hear her incredible story of finding love, surviving trauma, and bringing baby Phoenix into the world through surrogacy.

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you and Max meet?

Kimberly: It was a day I’ll never forget. I had just finalized a custody agreement with my ex for my oldest daughter, Braelynn, and honestly, I was in a rough place emotionally. A friend invited me to lunch, and Max happened to be there. We were all chatting, and he offered me a drink. I declined, but when his drinks arrived, I casually started sipping his beer without a second thought. I guess that was the moment for him! He asked my friend for my number, and the rest is history. Three months later, we went ring shopping, and as soon as we stepped outside, he proposed. We’ve now been married for ten years.

You’ve experienced quite the range of emotions with your pregnancies. Can you tell us about them?

Kimberly: My first pregnancy was incredibly difficult. I was in an abusive relationship, which made everything harder. I was induced at 39 weeks, but it didn’t work—I ended up being in labor for four days. There were complications, including hemorrhaging, but Braelynn was worth every moment. She was the best baby and an amazing child.

With my second daughter, life was better—I was with Max, but the pregnancy was still challenging. After losing a baby before her, I went into labor at just 15 weeks and had to take medication for the rest of the pregnancy. At 35 weeks, I had an emergency C-section due to complications with my placenta. It turned into an emergency hysterectomy, and I lost a significant amount of blood. It was terrifying, and the news that I couldn’t have more children was devastating. Despite her rough start, my second daughter is so full of sass and spunk—I adore her.

What led you to surrogacy? Was it always the plan?

Kimberly: Not at all. Surrogacy wasn’t on our radar because of the cost. We explored adoption, but that process felt overwhelming, and fostering didn’t feel like the right fit. We had pretty much given up on the idea of a third child when a friend told us that an old acquaintance of Max’s from high school was interested in being a surrogate. It felt so far-fetched at first, but I reached out, and to my surprise, she was serious. That’s how we met Dani, our amazing surrogate.

What was the surrogacy process like for you?

Kimberly: It was tough. We needed an egg donor because of my hysterectomy. During our first IVF cycle, we got only one viable embryo, and it didn’t take. That was devastating. After some time, we decided to try again, and this time we ended up with three embryos. We opted for genetic testing and decided to transfer a boy since we already had two girls.

Dani made the entire experience so special. She lives in Missouri, and I worried the distance might make it hard to connect. But we talked every day and shared everything—bump photos, updates, even recorded storybooks for the baby. I flew out as often as I could for appointments and milestones. She made me feel so involved, even though I wasn’t the one carrying him.

How did Phoenix’s birth go?

Kimberly: It was intense. Phoenix was breech when Dani was induced at 40 weeks and one day, so they had to flip him. They started her on medication to soften her cervix, but by evening, there wasn’t much progress. They tried Pitocin and an epidural, but the epidural didn’t work. By 1 a.m., she was finally 10 centimeters dilated, but she was utterly exhausted. She pushed for an hour, but Phoenix’s heart rate kept dropping. They had to perform an emergency C-section, which was terrifying, but he arrived safely.

You chose to breastfeed Phoenix, even though you used a surrogate. How did you manage that?

Kimberly: I induced lactation using hormones and a medication called domperidone, which tricks your body into thinking you’re pregnant. About six weeks before Phoenix’s birth, I stopped the hormones and began pumping around the clock. I’m not able to produce enough milk for him, so I supplement with donor milk and a bit of formula. Breastfeeding has been challenging but rewarding—I’m so glad I took on the challenge.

How has Max adjusted to life with a new baby?

Kimberly: Max has been my rock through this entire journey. He supported me from day one, even when things were uncertain. He didn’t show a lot of emotion until closer to Phoenix’s arrival, but once Phoenix was here, he fell in love with being a baby dad again.

And how are your daughters handling their new roles as big sisters?

Kimberly: My youngest daughter is obsessed—she wants to help with everything and dotes on him constantly. My oldest has taken a bit more time to adjust, but she’s coming around. They both love him, and it’s beautiful to see them bond as siblings.

Why the name Phoenix? Does it have a special meaning?

Kimberly: Absolutely. Phoenix symbolizes everything we’ve gone through to bring him into the world. It’s about rising from the ashes of all the challenges and heartbreak we faced. The name suits him perfectly.

What advice would you give to couples considering surrogacy?

Kimberly: Stay hopeful and choose a surrogate you can trust completely. Communication and a strong relationship with your surrogate are crucial. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s worth it.

Looking back, how would you describe this journey?

Kimberly: It was the scariest and most rewarding experience of my life. Phoenix has completed our family, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Kimberly’s story is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the power of perseverance. Baby Phoenix is a beautiful reminder that even after the darkest storms, there is light.

Kimberly is an esthetician and hair and makeup artist based out of her home in Aurora, Colorado. If you would like to connect with her for services or follow her journey further, you can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, or via her Website.

Berkana Photography Studios would like to thank Max Schlosser and the entirety of our Armed Service members for their service and dedication to the United States. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.

If you have a story you wish to share with the world through portraits, I would absolutely love to work with you and feature you here as well! Contact the studio today to book your session!

303-396-7155