Celebrations...

February is a fabulous month...
In our household, it is full of celebrations.

February 19th, 2001...the day Josh & I were engaged. Snow capped mountains, surprise trails of red roses in the snow,  and the man of my dreams down on one knee...with the ring. One of the best days of my life.

February 9th, 2005...the day we found out about Ella Mae's diagnosis of Spina Bifida. Life-altering, ground-shaking and faith-refining...but celebratory, because of His grace to let us meet this little girl, raise her and see the joy she brings to so many. She is indeed a reason to celebrate. 

And then today we celebrate February 17, 2010...the birth day of Miss Amelia Claire. 2 years ago we were celebrating the end of a difficult & trying 3 1/2 months of bedrest...days laying flat in bed, hours where it looked as though she would come too early, months without my other 2 children & husband, the loss of everyday normalities (like making your own food, sitting upright in a chair or standing. Yup, I even missed standing.) That all ended on February 17th at 11:20am, when this little punkin was born...

And oh, what a joy she is...and so worth it. 
Vivacious.
Affectionate.
Passionate.
Athletic.
Fun.
Smart.
And sometimes sneaky. :o)

This little girl has captured our hearts...we love you Amelia Claire and we are so glad that the Lord saw fit to bless our little family with you! We are very excited to see all that the Lord has in store for your little life...and daddy & I consider it an honor to be your parents. 


Happy Birthday Mi-Mi!!!

One year old...

Today I am one.

I love to smile.

I like to "talk" really loud so my big brother & sister can hear me.

I am crawling everywhere and am pulling up on anything that will stay still. Then I like to let go and see how long I can stand. I am getting pretty good at that trick.

I do not like to take steps when mommy is holding my hands, but I do like to push the chair around the room and take steps.

I love taking baths and my body almost shakes with excitement when I hear the water running.

When you say "How big is Amelia?", I like to reach both my hands high up in the air as you say "So big!".

I love my snuggly yellow blanket and my little stuffed sheep. They are my friends when I am sleeping.

I like blueberries, apples, pears, yogurt and pancakes. These are my favorite things to eat right now.

I love to snuggle with mommy, wrestle with daddy, get tickled by Levi and get kissed by Ella Mae.

I am growing bigger everyday.

I love my little life.

Today I am one.

I arrive...

I am smiley...

I am cute...

Happy Birthday to me...

Sweet baby girl...9 months old.

Here's some of the latest of Miss Amelia...
Taken by our uber-talented friend Kristin...thanks again Kristin, I am enjoying them so very much!

The Amelia blog?

Well, I am thinking of renaming this "The Amelia Blog"...as her presence has redefined our priorities as of late. :o)  I look forward to writing something more substantial soon, but for now you will have to settle for the latest cute pictures of our little Miss.  

Here's some highlights and recent events (I'll fill in more later...):
-We are just finishing the week, where we enjoyed a visit from my parents.  (...pictures to follow.) We were blessed by the wonderful cooking of my mother and the storytelling of my father...the kids had a great time with Grammy & Pappy.
-I also ventured out to church last weekend for the first time...and it was so good to be back worshiping with our church family. They have blessed us so much during my bedrest and recovery and it was good to see their faces and give thank you hugs. 
-And I have started reading again (yay!) and look forward to sharing the things the Lord's been teaching me in this new phase of life...
-And Levi continues to provide countless opportunities to take pictures that are absolutely hilarious and incriminating all at the same time. I love this kid. He makes me smile. In the picture above you are viewing his version of a tool belt. Hmmmm...I think I need to buy him a real one. :o)

with a full heart,
Sharon

3 weeks and counting...

Wow how time flies when you're having fun being mommy of three...

Many of you have been asking for an update...and I must admit, it is just a little harder to sit down with my computer these days. :o) 
Instead, I am sitting down with Levi to read a tractor book...or sitting down with Ella to work on writing her name...or sitting down with Amelia to fill her little tummy with food and her mind with sweet singing. I am even sitting down with my husband on the couch to talk about our day or just look dreamily into each others eyes. (the highlight of my day!)

And each of these things wins if I have to chose between them or my computer.  It is not a hard choice. :o)

Amelia turned 3 weeks on Wednesday and the time is going too fast.  I am enveloped in play times, midnight feedings, paying bills, doing laundry, baking cookies and making forts.  And it is all wonderful.  I am feeling good physically and thank the Lord for a quick recovery.  Each day seems to get a little better.

Much of my fast recovery is thanks to my wonderful S.I.L who continues to bless me with opportunities to nap, hot meals and folding of my laundry (just to name a few).  Although you've heard me say it, hear it again, I could not be doing this without her.  Thank you Tarah. 

As I grow a little stronger and feel a little better every day, I am excited to implement some of the things I learned during my period of "bedresting"...things like managing my mornings, continuing to work on my reading list (remember, just 15 minutes a day...), and staying on task with my list of goals for 2010.  


I thank the Lord for His sustaining grace during my time away from my family and now again, for the strength He continues to provide as I am slowly reassuming the role of wife to a fabulous husband, mother to three sweet children, friend to countless giving people and homemaker and manager of the home the Lord has given us. 


I have much to be thankful for.  Praying you are thankful today too.

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!

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.

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!

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

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)

We've got a goal...

Josh & I just met with our doctor...he is so compassionate and was very concerned about Josh & I and our family.  After talking about the pros & cons, concerns & considerations...we decided to stay the course for a couple more weeks.  

My womb is the best "incubator" for our little lady, so we want to keep her in there for as long as we can.  For now, we have a goal of making it to 37 weeks.  That would be the week of February 15th.  

Since I have had no symptoms this week, there is no medical necessity that we take her out now. This is good!  The next 2 weeks will provide valuable growth time for the little miss...for her brain to grow (did you know that their little brains are only 2/3 the size of a full grown newborn if they are born before 36 weeks?), for her to put on some "fat" which is what keeps her body temperature regulated when she comes out, and for her to develop her "eating muscles" so that when she is born she will have a better chance to eat on her own! (no feeding tubes is the goal...)

So as many of you have heard me say before, I am a woman who likes goals.  They keep me focused, they bring motivation and they help define my priorities.  And like I said, one of our goals is to keep the little miss inside for 2 more weeks...at least.  For me, that means obeying the rules, laying low and staying the "bedrest" course.  (honestly, I have never had a goal that included "staying in bed all day"...weird.) :o)

But really, the ultimate goal in this whole situation is that the Lord would be glorified through the events of this pregnancy and birth.  That our doctor & nurses would see something different.  That others would see the goodness of the Lord and the sovereignty of his plans.  That we, as a family, would grow in our understanding of God's grace and his unfailing love in the midst of trial.


Well, can we do it? Can I do it?  

No.  

Not without the Lord's sustaining grace to endure.  If I were to be totally honest, I would say that the last couple days have helped me come to a new understanding of the term "cabin fever".  And if it were simply left to me and my selfish, pity-full, narrow-minded self...I wouldn't be able to do it.  Seriously. 


But thankfully, it is not up to me.  And thankfully, the Lord is gracious with His children.  And thankfully, He answers time and time again...granting peace, patience, and grace every day.  I have experienced this first hand.  And I am so grateful.


So how can you pray? (many of you have asked...and have prayed...and it works! And we continue to need it!  So thank you...) 

-Please pray for my family...my husband first and foremost.  The time apart has been very hard on both of us and we are looking forward to just being under the same roof.  We are not made to be "doing life" apart, in separate cities, for months on end.  I must admit...I just do not like it. :o(
-Pray for my children...for Ella & Levi: that they would continue to thrive under the wonderful care of our family & friends.  And for this little one-to-come...that she would grow rapidly and come when she's bigger!
-Pray for the people I come in contact with here at the hospital (my doctor, nurses, coworkers, lab techs, kitchen staff, housekeepers) that they would see the glory of the Lord in our lives and how we endure.  And then, that they would ask questions...and that I would be bold in my answers, taking advantage of the opportunity to share with them the only thing that will truly satisfy: namely, Jesus Christ. For really, that could be the reason I am here.
-And please pray for me...for the strength to endure with joy and a thankful heart.  For productive days, a clear mind and a gracious spirit.  

thankful for a goal...
and a God who is greater,
Sharon

P.S.  I adjusted my "comments" section, so that you can leave a message even if you don't have a blogger account.  Many of you wished you could comment...well, now you can! Go for it...I love it. :o)

A day in the life...

Well, we are 34 1/2 weeks and counting.  No changes...which is good.  We are still waiting for her to get a little bigger. And while we're waiting, I thought I would explain what a "normal" day has been for me while staying here in the hospital.  (we are on day 18 at this point...yeah, 18)



5:30 or 6 am...the night nurse comes in to put our baby girl "on the monitor".  They strap on blue & pink straps around my belly that track contractions in my uterus and her movements & heart rate. Take my vital signs to make sure my blood pressure is normal as well as my temperature. 


6:40am...I usually drift back to sleep after the monitor comes off.  Baby girl is usually awake for the day! She practices somersaults while mommy tries to get a little more sleep. Emphasis on the word "tries". :o)


7:30am...my doctor comes in to check-in and make sure I am doing okay.  Usually just a quick "Are you hanging in there?  Do you need anything?", but it's always nice to know that he hasn't forgot about me!

Oh, and the construction begins around 7 am.  The main "tower" is going up about 40 feet from my window...so, my bed usually shakes and the noise begins.  Welders, cranes, hammering, etc...Levi's dream world.  You get the picture. 


8:30am...I usually feel like "getting up" about this time.  I seem to get my "best sleep" between the 7 and 9 am hours. Weird.  (well, that's if the construction isn't too loud...)  That definitely won't be the case once we all get home! :o)

9 am...Breakfast (ummm...current favorites include steel cut oatmeal with blueberries & brown sugar, raisin toast--I never buy it at home!, scones from Great Harvest--usually from Grandma, and the occasional scrambled egg omelet with mushrooms, ham & cheese...not all at once!).  It's really not too bad for hospital food. 

I usually am reading my Bible before and during breakfast.  I love starting the day this way and hope to continue it even after returning home. (It will however, be much earlier in the day!) I am still working on reading the Bible through in a year and hope to finish up before the little lady comes...it's gonna be close.



Take my morning meds...and get my assessment (listen to heart, lungs, tummy...check my legs for blood clots & swelling) done by the new nurse for the day.  


10am...Shower! Highlight of my day...no kidding. 

10:20am...Reading time.  I will usually read a little more in my Bible and then dive into whatever I'm working on at the time.  Right now it's Knowing God by Packer, The Doctrines that Divide by Lutzer,  a re-read of Biblical Womanhood in the Home (Becoming God's True Woman) edited by DeMoss and Gospel-Powered Parenting by Farley.  

Then some journaling, prayer time and more reading...



It's usually pretty quiet during the morning hours.  The nurses are busy with other moms & babies and I don't have any "commitments".  I did have a physical therapist come see me today to give me some exercises to do...so my body and muscles don't totally atrophy from the bedrest and lack of exercise! It's definitely not Tae-Boe or even Pilates...buy hey, it's something!  I'll probably have really strong finger muscles when this is all said and done.  :o) 


12:30'ish...Lunchtime (hospital menu, show me your best...).  Sometimes, I read a little more while I'm eating. 


1pm...Catch up on "work"...finances, pay bills, work on taxes, kid's schedules, prep plan for returning home, catch up with online classes for my work, etc... Checking email, the City and my blog usually falls into this time slot as well.


2pm...Nurse comes to put me on the monitor again to check on baby girl.  Check vitals again, refill my water jug, etc...

2:40pm...Off the monitors.  I try to work on something "creative" for my little mind!  That means make my kids a card, work on ideas for our next Noble Women event, sketch design ideas for our little basement abode, etc...  


Usually I listen to music or a sermon while I am working.  My brother-in-law and sister-in-law introduced me to Pandora online radio (usually Sovereign Grace music or something similar) where you can make your own "station" for free.  Or I'll listen to the Bible online at the ESV website.  You just put in a passage and click on "listen".  Sweet!
Sometimes I listen to the sermon from GCC for the week, or something by Driscoll or Piper. 


I try to avoid napping as that seems to keep me from going to sleep at night! No good. 

It's usually pretty quiet this time of day, as the nurses are changing shifts. 


5pm...I often catch up on the news, whether it be via Fox news or local.  This keeps me from feeling like life is all about me and this little room.  There is a huge world out there!


6pm...Dinnertime. Wednesday nights are the highlight of the week because they are "date night"!!! Josh brings dinner from somewhere yummy.  We sit and eat and talk...together...in person. It's wonderful.  


The other nights of the week however prove to be a little challenging for food choices.  The hospital food is not bad, mind you.  But after 18 days, my options are a little limited.  Currently cream of potatoe soup is a favorite, or chicken ceasar salad, and maybe the occasional chicken parmigiana. 


7pm...Nurses change shift again.  I'm still in bed. :o)
Josh calls with the kids on skype to have family worship and bedtime.  Sometimes I get to "sit on the shelf" while the kids wrestle with dad or jump on the bed.  They take turns telling me about their day.  Then we read the Bible story for the night and sing together.  Then we pray and Josh tucks them in and I blow kisses.  


7:30pm...the construction zone is quiet.  My night nurse usually pops in to say a quick "hi". She'll be back to check on me and baby a little later.  My eyes are usually a little tired from reading...but my body is not tired at all! 


Sometimes I journal and try to document the day or my latest feelings & prayers.  I may take the time to check some "fun blogs" about decorating, home improvement, craft projects or parenting.  I might use Facebook or the City to keep people up to date on the latest.  I have gotten so many encouraging notes via these two networks.  The Lord is using this little lady to bless many already. :o)


I also might peruse gardening books/magazines in anticipation for the spring or preview movies for my kids that I want to check out first.  Phone calls are fabulous this time of night...Josh tries to call and check in about the day or I'll hear from my family or friends.  

Honestly, this tends to be the longest part of my day.  



9:30 or 10'ish...the night nurse comes back to put the little miss on the monitor.  They do their nighttime assessment and check in to make sure I don't need anything.  It's been fun getting to know all the nurses...and I say "all" because I have been assured that I have met them all! :o) 


10:30pm...nurse says she's done for the night and will try to let me rest.  I think about going to sleep, but am usually not tired.  Soooo....back to reading or journaling to get my mind to relax and my eyes tired enough to close.  


11:30pm...seems like I can't fall asleep before this late hour.  My mind wants to but my body just hasn't burned enough energy! Some nights it's more like midnight or later before my body succumbs to sleep.  

A little tossing, a little turning, up to bathroom once or twice and...

it's 6 am before I know it!

The days do move slow and the afternoons & evenings can start to drag a little...but honestly, I am so thankful for the comfort of the Lord, for the encouragement of friends and family and for the knowledge that this challenge will soon come to an end.  
Again, thank you for your prayers and kind words...this marathon will soon be over!!! And we will all get to meet our new little girl. :o) It will be worth the wait.

Updates & little visitors...

So today we are 34 weeks and 2 days! Yeah! At this point, little victories are to be celebrated. 

Talked with my doctor yesterday and here's the latest:

-Baby girl continues to look great every time she is on the monitor...meaning her heart rate is good and she is moving a ton.  In fact, she is the most active baby I've had thus far! (could be exciting when she gets out!)

-Depending on how this week goes, we will be making decisions about when to "go in and get her".  If my symptoms increase, we will probably take her sooner.  My doctor is concerned that since we cannot now pinpoint the reason for my symptoms, we need to weigh the risks of waiting longer to get her out.  He wants to do what is the safest thing for her & I.

-If my symptoms do not increase over the next week, we may talk about leaving her in for another couple weeks?  That would be good because it would allow her eating muscles (mouth, jaw, suck reflex) to mature.  This is very important because if she were to come at 35 weeks, the likelihood for her to have to stay here at the hospital with a feeding tube would be quite high.  This would not be our first choice.

So, those are the ideas on the table.  We would appreciate your prayers over the next week or so as we discuss with our doctor, pray and seek the Lord to help guide each of us in this next step.  Our doctor is and has been fabulous during this whole pregnancy.  We trust him completely and know that he will provide us with all the medical information necessary to make the right decision. 

Thank you all so much for the sweet treats, thoughtful cards & phone calls.  They are the bright spots in my day here at the hospital! And thank you to the many who have blessed my family with meals over the last weeks (& months)...this is a huge blessing for them as they work to carry my load as well as their own.

Speaking of bright spots...the kids came and saw me on Sunday.  They sat, one on each side of me in bed, for two hours.  They did not budge.  We drew pictures, talked with nurses, had snacks, listened to sister's heartbeat and hugged...alot.  It was a wonderful day and something we all needed.  I cannot wait to be back to being their mommy...it is such a privilege.  Do we all look happy, or what?!?

Will keep you updated as things progress...we've got to get this little lady named! :o) She'll be here before we know it.

thankful, excited, expectant, and full of joy...

Sharon

34 weeks tomorrow...

Tomorrow, Monday January 25th, will mark the 34 week mark for this little girl.  Making it to this milestone with her still inside is a wonderful blessing.

"34 weekers" as they're called, typically have good enough lung development to survive outside the womb without help (ventilators, oxygen, etc...).  They also have a greater chance of being "big enough" to survive outside the womb without extensive help (NICU's, machines, fluids, etc...which would equal=transfer to Seattle.) They're biggest challenge is their eating ability.  They usually do not have fully formed muscles in their little jaws & mouths that are capable of nursing effectively.  So they usually stay in the hospital for 2-3 weeks needing tube feedings.

This is not what we would prefer...so she needs to stay in there until she is 37 weeks.  This would be ideal.  Her lungs would be further developed, her oral muscles should be ready to eat on her own and she would be a healthy size, ready for life on the outside!

Tomorrow I will be talking with my OB about the next phase, the plan, the timeline.  I hope to find out if we will continue this course of me staying here at the hospital until she comes.  If this is the case, then let the countdown begin.  3 weeks to go. 

But I will not get ahead of myself...I will post more after talking with our doctor tomorrow.  In the meantime, we are thankful she is still inside...growing, kicking, and content to stay there!

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully & wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  

My frame was not hidden from yoi, when I was being made in secret, inticately woven in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,  thedays that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  If I would count them, they are more than the sand..."  

Psalm 139:13-18

A few morsels...

Here's some tidbits from my reading & life as of late...stuff that's encouraged my heart, deepened my faith or brought a smile to my face:


-"Self-humiliation for Simeon consisted not of belittling the gifts that God had given him or pretending that he was a man of no account, or exaggerating the sins of which he was very conscious.  He went about it by consciously bringing himself into the presence of God, dwelling thoughtfully on his majesty & glory, magnifying the mercy of his forgiveness and the wonder of his love.  These were the things that humbled him--not so much his own sinfulness but God's incredible love."  
spoken of Charles Simeon in the The Roots of Endurance, John Piper, pg. 112


-"But when the goodness & loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."   
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV)

-“Unbelief says: S0me other time, but not now; some other place, but not here; some other people, but not us.  Faith says: Anything He did anywhere else He will do here; anything He did any other time He is willing to do now; anything He ever did for other people He is willing to do for us!  With our feet on the ground, and our head cool, but with our heart ablaze with the love of God, we walk out in this fullness of the Spirit, if we will yield and obey.  God wants to work through you!”

A.W. Tozer, The Counselor (excerpt from Ray Ortland's post)

-"My mommy is soooooo beautiful."  
spoken by Ella Mae McPherson the other day, as she sat daydreaming.  (Thanks for sharing that Tarah...it made this mommy smile.)

-"Thou Great Being who made and rules the world, put Your Spirit in my husband with perfect power and bear His fruits from his life. 
May he be a loving man; a joyful, peaceful man; a patient, kind, good husband. Make his soul and actions abound with faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control, for against such things there is no law. By Christ Jesus crucify his flesh with its passions and desires.
Let him not grow weary in doing good, for in due season he will reap if he does not give up. And may he never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the
world has been crucified to him, and he to the world (Galatians 5 & 6)."  
from Prayers of an Excellent Wife, by Andrew Case (this is what I have been using as a guideline, while I work at praying intentionally for my husband...download it free and enjoy.)

-"Wisdom without power would be pathetic, a broken reed; power without wisdom would be merely frightening; but in God boundless wisdom and endless power are united, and the makes him utterly worthy of our fullest trust."
J.I. Packer, Knowing God, pg. 91 


Be encouraged today.
Persevere.
Pray.
Grow in faith.
Be in awe of Him.
And thank him for his grace.