Life at home...

Oh, it's good to be home.  We are all enjoying readjusting to life together, with the addition of Miss Amelia.  And she is a delightful addition at that. 

The kids are excelling at big brother and big sister life.  They love to take turns holding her and she has already been smothered with hundreds of kisses.  As I've returned home and enjoyed "getting to know" my two oldest again...I am surprised at how much they've grown.  And how much they've grown up.

They are both huge helpers and want to be involved with little sister's care as much as possible.  They are handling the "re-entry" of mom plus new baby sister quite well.  I am so proud of them.

And I am so thankful for my husband, in-laws, sister-in-law & brother-in-law's care of our children in my absence.  It is evident that they have been nurtured, mentored, trained and loved more than I could ever imagine.  Not only have their physical needs been met (eating, sleeping, playing, etc...no small task for a 3 year old and 4 1/2 year old with special needs), but more importantly their emotional and spiritual needs as well. 

They are reciting the 10 commandments (not something that I taught them!) and talking about making sure they use the "P" word (patience) as they go through their day.  Their little hearts are joyful in play and filled with laughter and songs. 

It makes this mommy's heart glad to hear these things.  And it makes the job of resuming my beloved role at their mommy and mentor that much easier.  I do not have to "make up" for lost time or "retrain" bad habits & attitudes.  Instead, I simply get to step back in where I left off...and it's as if I hadn't even left.

So thank you my family (and friends)...who have filled in a hole created by my absence.  I am forever indebted to each of you for the selfless investment you have made in my children.  This mother's heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. 

Heading home...

Amelia & I have had a lovely day.  Lots of eating (for her), then sleeping and being just a little more alert each time she is awake.  Her eyes do look blue...just like her siblings.  We will see if they stay the course or if they join the brown eyed ranks with mama. :o)

Right now, she is sleeping and I am attempting to "pack up" my room.  Thankfully Greg & Candy took some stuff home on Wednesday, but there is still much to be gathered.  Most of it is evidence of sweet blessings from friends & families...homemade blankets, snacks, journals, great books and clean laundry (thank you grandma!).  As I pack, it feels a little sureal that tomorrow we will be heading home!

Home!!! I cannot wait...and cannot believe it's really here. 
I can't say that I will miss this place, but I will miss the people.  I have enjoyed some wonderful fellowship with many of the nurses here and hope to stay connected with them in some way.  Miss Amelia and her journey to get here have made quite an impact on many people...so I hope to return in a couple months just to say hello and show them how much she has grown. (and what I look like when I am standing up!) :o)

Well, I must finish packing my stuff, the little lady is stirring and my time is short.  I don't have new pictures from today, but do check out Joshua's blog to see some cute one's from her birth-day.  I will post some pictures and possibly video of our family reuniting tomorrow.  The kids will have their first look at their new baby sister...should be the kind of stuff memories are made of. 

Blessings and a final farewell from the hospital...
Sharon & Amelia

Hi. My name is...

So we have decided on the name...why did it take so long you may ask?  Well, one problem was not living in the same house, let alone the same city for the past  2 1/2 months.  And then, when it came down to it, we just couldn't seem to pick from so many good options.  

But you all will be happy to know that our decision is now final and the results are in:

Introducing:

Miss Amelia Claire McPherson

Amelia: work of the Lord
Claire: to make bright & famous


...so she is "to make famous the work of the Lord"!

You saw her stats and she is doing just excellent.  And so is mommy!  The day of her birth went so well.  Everything from the amnio to the timing of the surgery, from our wonderful anesthesiologist (Dr. John Thomas...you were great!) to my recovery, and everything in between...the whole day went off without a hitch.  

We know this was not coincidence...thank you all for your countless prayers.  They have proved to be beneficial and have blessed our family immensely. 

Miss Amelia is doing quite well.  She is nursing very good and has seemed to have caught on even quicker than her siblings (this is a huge praise!).  She does not appear to have any jaundice and we continue to watch her daily.  Her lungs are working perfectly and she has been able to stay in my room with me since her birth.  What a blessing!!!

Her & I are having some great quality time...just the two of us.  Just like we have been doing these 2 1/2 long months...except it is much more fun to kiss her little cheeks and look at her tiny face, instead of just feel her kicking inside.  
I am so thankful for the immediate bond I feel with this little lady.  We are so excited to have her in our growing family and we cannot wait to get home tomorrow (Saturday)...yes, tomorrow! 
Thank you again for your overwhelming prayers and concern during this phase of our lives...we are so encouraged to be moving on to the next part of the journey and we cannot even express in words what our thankful & humbled hearts feel about all of you.  

So from our family and especially from Miss Amelia Claire...thank you.  We will continue to post pics of her progress and growth.  For she is a work of the Lord...to make the famous our Lord, her great Creator!

And she is here!!!

Welcome little miss McPherson (name will be coming soon!) Here's her stats...

Born: February 17th @ 11:22am

Weight: 7 pounds even

Height: 19 1/4 inches

Name: we don't know yet!

Who she looks like: we aren't quite sure...what do you think?

Will post more pics soon...when we name her!!! Thanks for the prayers...we are so excited...and blessed!

Today!!!

Well, the amnio is in and the results are great!  They were very pleased with her lung maturity and are anticipated that she'll be breathing quite well when she comes out.  This is a huge praise the Lord!

So, the surgery time is set for 11am...less than 30 minutes from now.  Josh is fueling up at the coffee stand...and he's having one for me too. :o) And I am resting, waiting in anticipation to head on into the surgical suite.

We will post the update you've all been waiting for as soon as we can after she arrives. I will be in recovery for at least an hour & baby girl will be with daddy for at least that long as well. But we promise to post pics & stats as soon as we're able. 

Keep praying saints...we can feel it! 

Tomorrow...

Tonight I am excited...of course!

Let's recap:  Tomorrow morning at 7 am we will have the amniocentesis to check on the lung maturity of our little lady.  The results take about an hour and as long as her little body is ready, we will be added on to the surgery schedule.  It could be as early as noon or later, like 4 or 5pm.  
Josh will be with me all day and will be updating everyone with the latest.  He will post here on my blog and on the City (for our church fam), as soon as we find out when we'll be going in to surgery.

Wow.  It seems pretty sureal at this point.  Tomorrow we'll have this baby.  After all this wait and all the excitement, she will be here.

And despite all the things I will be going through tomorrow to get her here (some of which are not real enjoyable), I am overwhelmed by a great sense of peace & comfort.  My sweet sister-in-law came by yesterday and shared some encouraging words:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as we share abundantly in Christ's suffering, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too...our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."

2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 & 7  (emphasis mine)

A wonderful exhortation to be comforted by our Lord Jesus!  Since He has been faithful every step prior to this, I am confident that He will continue to bring peace and comfort in tomorrow's events. 

So, I am heading to bed...my last night with this little lady inside the womb.  When she is here and we are able to look at her sweet face, I must admit that I will miss her little kicks & turns inside by tummy.  It is one of my favorite experiences to feel a little life growing inside...a miracle, that only a masterful creator could design.  And I am thankful & humbled to have experienced it.

We look forward to introducing her to you tomorrow...so stay tuned and please continue your prayers.  For safety, joy & comfort as we go through this next phase of the journey and get to meet the little miss.

Can you say 3 days?

We're in the final days...3 to be exact.  
And since the Olympics are on, my adrenaline seems to have kicked in.  I feel like I am in the final days of prep before a big race. (Once competitive, always competitive...yup, that's me in the picture.  I'm the third girl from the left.  And those are my GFU hurdle teammates & coach.)   

I watched the short track speed skaters last night and found my stomach churning as they prepared to race.  I was immediately taken back to my days in track & field.  (I started competing when I was 6.)  
The moments before the race were always the most nerve-wracking.  It was then that I would think of all the training I had done to prepare for this one race.  I would visualize my race...the start, every hurdle and myself crossing the finish line in the lead.  I had one shot.  It was a ton of pressure.  But the end result was worth it.  To cross the finish line in first place was a fabulous feeling.  


So after watching them compete last night, I laid awake in bed for another hour.  My old adrenaline had kicked in and I was ready to go out and run. (...although that would have been really funny to see, given my current condition!)  


And that is how I am starting to feel about this Wednesday.  I feel like I've been in training (funny training though...laying in bed?!?) and have been preparing for this day.  Maybe more so mentally.  For the surgery itself (the epidural is really not a favorite thing of mine), for the recovery after and for my return home (nights without sleep due to a newborn girl, readjusting to my roles as wife & mother, etc...).


I feel like I am "gearing up" for many things.  So many adjustments and changes ahead.  And I am so thankful for the mental prep that I have been able to have during these past months.


My mind is not full of fear, but of hope.  
I am bolstered by truths I have read about my Lord:

About His sovereign plan...which keeps me from unnecessary worry.
About His steadfast love...which brings me perfect peace.
About His Holy word...which provides constant reassurance.
About His unending grace...which is the only reason I am here today.
About the Holy Spirit...who intercedes when I have no words. 
And about His firsthand experience of suffering & pain...which softens my heart & encourages me to endure.

I am getting ready to finish this "race" on Wednesday.  For me, this is the best way to view it.  I am excited.  My adrenaline has started pumping.  And my eye is on the goal.

With my Lord by my side, I cannot fail.  
And that is even better than Olympic gold.

Reasons for Hope: Number Four

Number four: There is no act of Satan that is not subject to the ultimate power & sovereignty of God. 

 I listened to a great talk by John Piper the other day called "10 Aspects of God's Sovereignty Over Suffering & Satan's Hand In It".  It can also be found in written form, along with many other great articles, in the book "Suffering and the Sovereignty of God".  

This article by Piper listed 10 excellent reasons to hope in our sovereign God.  Satan is real.  And he is a powerful enemy.  But the battle and the end result does not belong to him.  In fact, his power is always subject to our sovereign God.  

There is immense hope in that fact.  And the knowledge that our God is greater brings much comfort, even in the midst of suffering.  If you have time, download these talks here and enjoy the encouragement that comes from knowing that our powerful God is in control.  And ultimately, He is victorious. 

"And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth...but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."  Revelation 20:9 & 10

Reasons for Hope: Number Three

Back to my "Reasons to Hope" series...prompted by the story I shared about the woman in the room next to mine.  (Each of these reasons coming from some reading or studying I have done as of late...which will soon have to take a temporary backseat to the new little lady on the way!)


Number three:  singing hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord is a way for the soul to pray when it has no words of it's own.  Hymns can be powerful pieces of theology that can be sung in times of trial, to "preach" to ourselves about the nature of God.

This is an old favorite of mine:

"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine."

 One thing I have missed tremendously while being here at the hospital is singing.  I have missed worshiping with others at church, singing with my children at home and just humming a hymn as I go through the day.  Singing here is a little hard, but when I clicked on the website to find the lyrics for this hymn...I couldn't help but sing along.  

The powerful words and strong theology were enough to lift my spirits and encourage my heart.  Just another reason to hope. 

Little girl...Big plans

Here's the latest updates on our little lady (still in the womb!):

1. We are planning on having an Ultrasound on Monday, Feb. 15th to make sure that all looks well (amniotic fluid, her size, placenta location, etc.)...

2. We will then plan on having an amniocentesis on Wednesday, Feb. 17th to check her lung maturity.  If the test comes back showing that her lungs are ready, then they will "add me on" to the surgery schedule for later that afternoon/evening...

3. Sooooo, we will plan on meeting this little lady (finally!) on February, 17th!  So let the countdown begin...only 7 more days! :o)

4. And that means, we will plan on bringing her home on Saturday, the 20th or Sunday, the 21st.  HOME!!! I cannot wait...

 
5. That means Josh & I celebrated our last "date night" (in the hospital, that is) last night.  It was our best yet.  Probably because we are almost done with this season of life! We had a wonderful dinner, laughed a ton (one of the bazillion reasons why I love my husband...he makes me laugh...a lot), and we opened these AMAZING baskets from a bunch of families from our church (more of you than I can count!).

What can we say?  Thank you seems so inadequate.  We had so much fun opening both baskets...and the diaper bag.  I would so like to write you all a thank you note, but don't know where to begin or what is from who?!?

So many cute & thoughtful things...  

One of the things I have missed is "nesting"...preparing to bring this little lady home.  Things like laying out little onsies, stacking tiny diapers, and preparing her bedroom.  The things in these baskets along with the work of my very thoughtful sister-in-law (to get the baby's "room" ready) have filled that gap so well.  

So thank you to you all...you know who you are.  For making this mommy feel even more ready for our girl's arrival. 

Don't worry...we'll keep you posted on any updates or changes and we'll let you know if all goes according to plan!

Reason for Hope: Number Two

Number two:  Many saints have paved the way and provide encouragement & hope through their testimonies.

Just check out the familiar story of Joni Erickson Tada.  Confined to a wheelchair as a quadraplegic at the age of 19 (due to a diving accident), her story is one of endurance that provides hope to many and brings glory to Christ every time she shares her testimony. 

She spoke a couple years ago at a Desiring God Conference on suffering; a topic she is well acquainted with.  I listened to that talk today and was again reminded of the perseverance it takes to faithfully endure such a physical trial as quadraplegia.  I was struck by the thought that, although some would consider my temporary bedrest as a "trial", there is a definite "end" in sight.
 

I can look forward to a date when this will be done.  I can mark days on the calendar and plead with the Lord for the grace to endure.  But then, this trial will be over.  I will be free from the confines of this hospital room.  I will be able to walk again, take care of myself & my family, return to church and resume "normal life".  It is a very temporary "trial".

But Joni, she has no end in sight...except heaven.  She cannot mark days off the calendar in anticipation for her "trial" to end.  She is confined to that wheelchair for life.  And she must awaken every day with the challenges that come with her physical disability.  I was struck by some of her statements regarding her daily struggles.  

She stated (and I paraphrase) that the cross you bear is not the affliction...it is not the suffering...it is your attitude about such things (self-pity, anger, bitterness, unbelief, etc...). We are called to die to these sinful attitudes daily.  For then we can grow to be more like Him, to become Holy, to become sin-less.  And it is through His power, His peace and His joy that we are able to experience these changes in our sinful souls.  And through them, the Lord receives the glory...and others are encouraged in the faith. 

If you haven't read her story or ever heard her speak...do so, it will change how you view your current sufferings. It did mine. 

Reasons for Hope: Number One

Number one:  Nothing can keep us from Christ.  
No sufferings and no earthly pain will keep us from eternal life with Him.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.  For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

As it is written: 

"For your sake we face death all day long; 

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."  

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 Romans 8:18-39 (emphasis mine)

Another day: What a blessing...

I had a delightful surprise visit from my husband & children this evening.  They are hanging in there...but my girl was a little teary. Well, mommy was a little teary too.  And I am so thankful that we are nearing the end of the journey.  

Today we are 36 weeks...another wonderful milestone.  I feel so blessed as each day goes by that she gets to grow a little bigger.  She gets a little "chunkier" every day.  Well, so does her mommy. :o)   Her lungs get a little better at breathing.  Her body gets a little better at staying warm.  And each day is a blessing.

I am surrounded here in the hospital by much joy.  So many births.  New precious lives coming into the world.  I get to hear their little cries (well, some not so little) and hear parents, grandparents, friends and relatives coo over their every move.  And I happily anticipate the day when we too will have the joy of meeting this little lady.  

But the other day I was reminded of the true honor and privilege it is to have this little one growing inside me.  A healthy little one.  As far as we know, everything in her body is working correctly.  And as far as we know, we will get to see her grow up...experience her laugh, see her run around, and enjoy her individual personality.  

The room next to mine was not full of laughter & celebration the other day.  Instead of happiness and joy coming from that room, there were only tears.  Tears & sorrow, weeping & groans.  Although I do not know the woman who was in that room nor the situation, I do know that her baby was born without breath in it's lungs.  She never got to hear her cry.  She won't experience her coos, smiles or see her take her first steps. 

I sat in my bed and tears flowed down my cheeks as I listened to her sob.  All I could do was pray for her.  For her family.  For the hard days ahead.  For anniversaries of the loss of that little one.  I don't know if she has other children,  if she is married, or if she knows the only One who can ease her suffering. 

I was overcome with thankfulness for so many things.  For the two children already entrusted to our care, for my wonderful husband, my amazing family, for the child still alive & growing inside my womb and most importantly, for the hope of my Savior who does not keep these things from me or from my family...but who can take the circumstances of suffering and use them for His glory with the assurance that He will ultimately satisfy.  

Is that just a bunch of "christian-ese"?  Is it really possible to go through terrible suffering and not blame God?  Can I really be "thankful" for the difficulties that come?  Or am I just faking it? What would I have told that weeping mother if I'd had the chance?


Coming up with the right words would be hard.  To look in the eyes of that mother, who had just lost a child...I just wouldn't use phrases like "This too shall pass" or "It's all for a reason" or "It'll be okay".  

I would have only one explanation.  

It hurts.  It's not easy.  You can't explain it.  In fact, you're probably angry.  And that is normal. You probably think you can't go on.     

You're right.  You can't make it through this on your own.

But God is greater.  He is better.  His ways are higher.  Our comprehension can't contain Him.  His sovereignty is unmatched. His glory is far more beautiful.  And the grace He pours out on us is undeserved.  

He knows our suffering.  He has experienced grief.  He does not delight in the hurts of His children.  His love goes far beyond the pain.  He will never leave you.  He will provide the grace you need for every day.  He has spared us from eternal damnation...the only thing we really deserve. 

In the days to come, I will try and highlight some of the reading I've done recently that have solidified these facts in my heart and increased my passion to share the news of Christ with those who have no hope.  

But for now, I am praying for the woman who was in the room next to mine.  I am praying for a family overwhelmed by sadness.  I am praying for the thousands who have no food and no homes in Haiti.  I am praying for people who heard the diagnosis of cancer today.  And for others who are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one.  


That they would be comforted.  And would come to know the only One that will truly see them through the pain.

In awe of His mercy...
Sharon

Enjoying a visitor...

Today I have been enjoying the company of my mother! She flew in yesterday and will be staying with me until Sunday. 

We've had a fun day (complete with sandwiches from Great Harvest...thanks Grandma!) talking about gardening, reading, watching the occasional cooking show,  & looking at pictures of my kiddos.  She also took me in a wheelchair ride outside! Glorious!!!  Breeze in my hair and sun on my face...doesn't get any better than that. :o)
We plan on having some chai tea this evening, along with good conversation.  

What a fun way to pass the time...and the time is passing!  We are aiming for the week of the 15th and so far, so good.  I do have contractions daily, but still nothing consistent. We are waiting patiently, expectantly and joyfully...and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel!  

The journey continues and we are thankful...

Blessings,
Sharon

Sweet gifts, updates and a good book...

Four (fun) things to report today:

1. A thank you to my friends who gifted us with some really cute gift baskets today! And of course, they both made them all by themselves...I am sure they could do it for a profit. :o) See for yourselves...

Thank you my friends...it was so fun to see your smiling faces, your cute children, and just "chat" about life.  I am waiting to open these until Josh & I have date night tonight...it'll be a fun part of our evening together.

2. Speaking of date night...yea!!! Josh will
be coming tonight for a little while.  Hopefully we will have some yummy food, some wonderful conversation and maybe another discussion about her name.  Well, the name discussion, that might be asking alot. :o)

3. And speaking of asking a lot...we keep hoping and praying that our little girl will continue to stay inside.  I have had contractions today, but not as frequent.  They are pretty "strong" (that's such a relative term) and show up quite nicely on the monitor.  So far, my count today is about 8.  That's been since 9:40am this morning.  And it's 4pm.  So that averages out to about 1 every hour or so.  Not too bad...

4. And speaking of praying...(ok, that was a bit of a stretch)...I have been so enjoying my "Prayers of an Excellent Wife".  And I know I have already mentioned it before, but it has been so good, that I am mentioning it again!  What a wonderful way for me to pray the scriptures over my Love.  In fact, because of it's format, I have begun to see ways to use other scriptures I read in my quiet time & turn them into prayers for my family & friends. How exciting!

One of the most enjoyable things I have been doing with these prayers, is writing them on cards or putting them in an email and sending them to Josh at least once a week.  Most of the time, I get so excited about the prayers that I send them more often!  This way, he gets to enjoy them along with me and know what I am praying over him every day. 

So, not to sound like a broken record...but I am saying women, this is a fabulous resource & tool to add to your library.  And men, there's one for you too.  It's called Water of the Word and is also a Bible-saturated, theologically sound resource for prayer and intercession for your bride.  Both books are downloadable for free at the author's website...or order a copy so you can mark the days and record the prayers answered!

Blessings,
Sharon

Did I say we have a plan?

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

As I updated last night, we have a plan to keep this little one inside until the 37th week.  And so my mind was at ease at the thought of something so concrete.  Hmmmm...guess the Lord wants me to trust Him and not a plan.

Let me explain...

This morning, my nurse came in at 5:45am to put me on the monitor.  She asked how I slept and I said that my night had been quite fitful.  I had been up at least 5 times and my back was really sore.  She started the monitor, which records our little girl's heart rate and movements, as well as any contractions I might have.  Our girl started wiggling and "performing" right away.  The nurses all laugh because she starts to "dance" as soon as they hook it up.  :o)  

I dozed off & on, as I was quite tired from my night.  My nurse returned 20 minutes later, looked at the strip and said, "Ummm, are you feeling any of these contractions?"  She showed me the strip and much to my surprise, I had had 6 contractions in about 25 minutes.  

I said I didn't think I'd felt them, but that my back was still quite sore.  (Sharon, can you say "back labor?")  So we called my doctor who said this could go on for days or weeks, or it could be the start of true labor, and we could have this girl before we know it! 

But, as the day has progressed, the contractions have disappeared again. So, we are back on track with the plan.  I think. :o) 

We'll keep you posted and in the meantime, I am loosely holding on to the plan...but am holding tightly to & trusting our Lord.  That's better than our plans anyway.

P.S. on posting...please sign your name with your comment, that way I know who you are!!! :o)