‘Our finest good friend had a child for us – we have turn into the perfect group’

We all have various kinds of households – and one has proven how great it’s to be completely different.

Stuart Armfield-Haugen, a local of Hayes, Middlesex, and Francis Armfield-Haugen, initially from Llandovery, Wales, have been collectively for nearly 14 years. They met by way of mutual pals a few years in the past, and have been collectively ever since.

This 12 months their dream got here true as they welcomed just a little one into the world. Their household was in a position to turn into full because of a really particular good friend, they usually now have over 1.1m followers on TikTook (@stuartandfrancis) who like to comply with their story.

READ MORE: ‘I gave start to my brother’s child – it was so particular and I’d do it once more’

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The couple have a son named Rio who was born through surrogate in November 2021. They stated: “The key to our relationship is that we have grown together. Being gay is our super power.”

But their journey to parenthood hasn’t at all times been straightforward, as they had been about to undergo the complete course of in America earlier than their good good friend, Sam, supplied to be their surrogate.

Sam already had two youngsters earlier than agreeing to hold the newborn, and each households proceed to be in one another’s lives as their journeys progress. Only one month after having Rio, Stuart and Francis determined they wished to undergo the method once more, however there have been so many issues to think about – primarily, they needed to create extra embryos and needed to transfer shortly with this, as they wished to make use of the identical egg donor so the youngsters would have a genetic connection.

At the time their shut good friend, Carley, watched their journey with Sam on-line and thought it was superb. She knew it was one thing she would like to do for them.

Once she realised her husband and youngsters had been open to it, she reached out to Stuart and Francis, and stated she’d like to do it for them. Perhaps seeing the couple so in love with one another sealed the deal, because the pair admit it actually was love at first sight.

Speaking completely to Daily Star concerning the time they met, Stuart stated: “Picture this, we were seated at this long table, me at one end, and Francis at the other. The moment our eyes met it was like destiny had brought us together.

“Francis could not resist stealing glances, and earlier than lengthy, he made his method over to me. He stated, ‘I’ve heard a lot about you.’ Since then, we have been inseparable.”

They had always wanted children but, growing up, they said it seemed “inconceivable” for a gay couple like them to make it a reality.

Stuart added: “We hardly ever noticed any illustration of homosexual {couples} with children, so we assumed it wasn’t an possibility. It all modified once we noticed Neil Patrick Harris along with his youngsters – that was a turning level for me.

“In 2011, I placed a picture of him and his family on my vision board, hoping that one day, we might experience the joy of having a family. It felt like a distant dream, and we weren’t sure if it could ever become a reality.

“Now, once I scroll by way of my Instagram and see our life as dad and mom, I am unable to assist however really feel amazed. Being a mum or dad is undoubtedly onerous work, however I select to deal with the unbelievable magnificence it brings.

“It’s so much fun, especially with Rio at his age now, discovering the world and experiencing everything for the first time. The excitement in his eyes is infectious, and we’re just so grateful for this wonderful journey.”

But the pair admitted that when a pal first supplied to be a surrogate they had been “uncertain” at first. They deliberate to undergo the entire course of in America, as they apprehensive involving a good friend might have an effect on the dynamics.

Then, the surprising occurred, and the world went into lockdown. As there have been so many journey restrictions in place, they realized that in the event that they pursued the American plan, they would not get to fulfill the surrogate till after she gave start.

“That just wouldn’t work for us,” Stuart stated. “As fate would have it, everything fell into place. We decided to move forward with our friend as our surrogate.

“To guarantee there have been no genetic connections with anybody we knew, we selected an American egg donor. The connection we have constructed with our surrogates is an extremely lovely factor, and each of them have cherished this expertise.

“Having children is an incredible blessing, and I genuinely believe that Francis and I have become an even stronger team because of it. Working together to provide the best life for both of our kids has been an amazing journey.

“Rio, at this second, resides proof of simply how a lot he is having fun with life to the fullest. His boundless happiness and zest for all times are actually inspiring. We’re eagerly trying ahead to instilling our optimistic values in each Rio and Rebel.”

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