When we first introduced you to Michael and Ryan in 2024, they were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child through surrogacy — what they called their “post-pandemic baby.” After years of preparation and partnering with Brownstone Surrogacy, they were full of hope and determination to build the family they dreamed of. Now, just over a year later, the couple is celebrating a full circle moment: a year of life, love, and countless milestones with their son, James.

James made his entrance into the world a little earlier than expected, but Michael and Ryan wouldn’t have had it any other way. “In true James fashion, he was ready to be part of everything from the very start!” they share. The couple traveled to South Carolina just in time to be present for the birth. “The hospital went above and beyond, even giving us our own room to bond with James right from the beginning,” they recall. After a smooth stay, they packed up their lives — and their brand-new son — and headed home to New York to start their next chapter as a family.

The moment they first held James is one they’ll never forget. “It was truly unlike anything we’ve ever experienced — absolutely magical,” they say. “In that moment, all the love, hope, and dedication from so many people came together in this tiny, perfect human we were finally holding. It was world-changing.”

Over the past year, Michael, Ryan, and James have embraced a life full of adventure and growth. “We’ve been incredibly lucky to travel quite a bit this past year — probably more than most would attempt with a baby,” they laugh. Whether tasting new foods, hearing different languages, or taking in breathtaking sights, James has been an enthusiastic little explorer. But it’s not just the travel that’s left an impact — it’s watching James’ personality unfold day by day. “Every week, more of his personality shines through, and it’s a joy to witness who he’s becoming.”

The journey into fatherhood hasn’t come without surprises. “You don’t realize how much you don’t know until you’re suddenly responsible for a tiny human who can’t yet tell you what they need,” they reflect. But the learning curve, though steep at times, has been deeply rewarding. “You learn to trust yourself, adapt quickly, and pour your heart into making sure this little person has everything they need to thrive.”

Throughout it all, one constant has been the overwhelming love James brings to their lives — and to everyone he meets. “He’s been a magnet for connection — bringing people closer, deepening bonds, and expanding our village in the most beautiful way.”

As they look back on their surrogacy journey, Michael and Ryan say one of the most rewarding outcomes has been the enduring bond with their surrogate and her husband. “Our connection didn’t end with James’ birth. They’re now family for life,” they say. The two families even recently reunited, celebrating just how much love this journey created.

Michael and Ryan’s advice for other hopeful parents? Trust in your path. “If there’s one thing we hope others take from our journey, it’s that this is possible. There may be challenges, but there’s also an incredible community, unwavering support, and a love at the end of it that makes everything worthwhile.”

From a story of hopeful anticipation to a year filled with milestones, Michael, Ryan, and James are proof of what’s possible when you follow your heart — and trust that you are, indeed, made for this.