Kim Kovacic is a permanent surrogate mother. I say permanent because the Virginia resident continues to have a relationship with the "test tube baby" she carried, Jamie Robyn Thompson, and the girl's parents. As this story from The Washington Post explains, Kovacic has celebrated all 14 of Jamie's birthdays with the family, attended graduations and confirmations, and even babysat for the girl.

It's not Kovacic's first experience with child-bearing. She has three children of her own and also was the surrogate for another baby, but is not in contact with that child or the family. Personally, I am amazed by people like her. Going through pregnancy is not easy -- it's a huge physical sacrifice. To make that kind of sacrifice for another couple that you don't even know is the textbook definition of selfless.

Some people might think it's strange for the surrogate to be so close to the child's family. (If you share that opinion, I'm sure you'll say so in the comments below.) I actually think it's pretty cool and must give Jamie an even greater feeling that she is loved. The fact that Kovacic and the young woman she helped bring into the world share the same birthday? Well, that's just icing on the cake.

Photo: SXC