Monday, October 7, 2013

Meditation-Mis-Matched-Massage Monday

new socks from my momma...loads of silly mismatched socks!
loving my massages!
attempting to meditate
Photographs by the one and only, Zsu Zsu



Sunday, October 6, 2013

24 Weeks



You're Not Alone

What a beautiful Sunday morning. While it is dark, rainy, and gloomy outside, today I am singing God's praises for another glorious day.

My Sunday began at 2:30 AM with a clap of thunder and flood alert on my phone that awoke me. After the grumbling of being awake, I soon realized what day it was...Sunday! 24 weeks! Since I couldn't fall back asleep, I took to my usual Sunday morning ritual...just a few hours early! I got on all my pregnancy apps and began reading about the landmarks we will hit in this 24th week. It's amazing that two and a half weeks ago, doctors were preparing us to say goodbye to you two, yet, here you are, still fighting and staying strong!

Around 6:30 I was awoken again, this time by your daddy crawling into my hospital bed! We enjoyed a half hour or so of cuddling together in the quiet morning. By 8:15, the hustle and bustle of hospital life had already began, and your dad was out the door to run home to take care of some things there.

I have so enjoyed sitting in the dark this morning, listening to my music, thanking God for all He has done already for us, and doing some reading (it's hard for me to adjust to this "no church on Sunday" thing). While sitting alone in my room, the song "You're Not Alone," came on the radio. How perfect!

"It was the sweetest voice that called my name saying: You're not alone, For I am here. Let me wipe away your every tear. My love I've never left your side; I have seen you through the darkest night and I'm the one who's loved you all your life. All your life. Faithful and true, forever, oh My love will carry you."

I am so thankful that we are not at all alone in this journey. I am thankful that God knows exactly where this journey is going and that He is the one in control. As I type these words, singing along, I am thankful to see my belly jumping in the glow of the computer light, as you two kick to the sounds (hopefully because you are enjoying my singing and not already telling me to hush!). Though this pregnancy has taken an unexpected turn, I am still so incredibly grateful for all we have in our lives. Things don't always go as planned, and we don't always know how they will end, but we are beyond blessed with a beautiful life and soon-to-be (but not too soon!) two beautiful boys. I am just beyond amazed with the way God works and how perfectly everything always seems to fall into place. I am so grateful that I am not alone. I don't know how you would get through a situation like this without a hope in something more powerful than ourselves or doctors. Today is a beautiful day.


Friday, October 4, 2013

Weekly Recap

Well, my first week in the hospital was spent in a medicated daze. This week has found me more "active." Thanks to my fabulous mother and sister, we created daily themes! Here's a quick look at my week in pics! We are so blessed to have had so many different friends and family members each day, helping to keep our spirits lifted. Keep fighting, Little Ones, you are doing great!
Massage Monday
Tangled-Toenail Tuesdays
Wordin' Wheelchair Rollin' Wednesday
TLC Thursday
Fun Friday


13 days and 12 nights in the hospital...he's incredible - been here for every one of them!

Monday, September 30, 2013

New Day

Yesterday, we faced a pretty big scare...one that shook me unlike any we had faced up to this point. Even once we knew all was okay and "normal," I just couldn't shake my uneasiness. I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep you safe. To think it could've all been taken away so quickly and suddenly yesterday was just terrifying.

I'm thankful for my family's visit yesterday. They forced me out of my funk, made me take my weekly picture, and did all they could to keep my mind occupied. As always, before leaving, Paka offered a prayer for our sweet family. I felt myself relax and feel comforted with his prayer. I offered my own silent prayer that this peace would continue through today.

I am so thankful that the Lord heard our prayers. I tend to get really anxious at night. By the evening, I am the most sore from the day's "activity." You would think I would notice this pattern, but every night it makes me nervous. Last night was the most peaceful I have ever felt before going to sleep. And even better, I woke up in that same peace.

Today I saw three doctors, all were very positive and optimistic. From there, my day just got better. I spent the day with Zsu Zsu and we kept super busy today! We chatted, watched some movies, showered, knitted, and even took a spin around the third floor! That afternoon Aunt Aubrey joined us for "Massage Monday," and gave my hands and feet a fabulous massage (oil and all! she's the best!).
feelin' good!
third floor stroll, here I come!

thanks Zsu Zsu! new hobby!
massage monday!
Later in the evening we enjoyed a visit from Grandpa Curran, Paka, and some of our close church family. It was such a turn around from yesterday's roller coaster ride. I thank God for His peace. I thank God for my family and how selfless they have been through this all. I thank God for another day you stayed put and stayed healthy. And I thank God that today was "a new day!"

It's a new day
Oh, it's a new time
And there's a new way
I'm gonna live my life
All the old has, passed away
And the new has come
Thank God, It's a brand new day

Movin' On Up

Friday Dr. Weeks had given us another positive report, pleased that my body was not fighting the surgery and was still infection free. He also said his goodbyes, letting us know he would not be back for at least six days, but his partner would check in daily. 

Saturday morning brought on our goofy nurse, who stressed me out completely. As I lay in the hospital bed, I was praying and trying to find comfort in our situation. At that moment there was a knock on the door and a familiar face came in...Dr. Weeks! "Well, I had a little more paperwork to follow up on and a few patients I wanted to check up on." I was so comforted to see him since he knows the intricate details of our difficult stimulation.

So, I shared my concerns with him. He was so positive and pleased with the progress we had made! I count Dr. Weeks' surprise visit a complete act of God. Here I had been praying for comfort and reassurance and in walks the doctor who can be painfully honest...and yet he was so positive! I instantly felt peace and thanked God for this small blessing. 

And then, things got even better. Dr. Weeks was so pleased with our stable condition, he decided we didn't need to wait until Monday to move upstairs, he was ready to send us to a more permanent room Saturday.  So, not long after, we were headed to the third floor where we would not need the constant hourly monitoring. 

We packed up the room, I "hopped" in my wheelchair, and we headed to my new room. I have accomplished and overcame a lot of fears in just one week, but this may have been one of my proudest moments. For the first time in over twelve years, I rode an elevator. And not only did I ride an elevator, I rode an elevator without having a panic attack!! You, my boys, have given me more strength than I ever thought possible. I love you more than I could imagine even possible and believe me, I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe and healthy. 

Sunday, September 29, 2013

23 Weeks


watchin' you two wiggle!

hospital cuddlin'
sweet smooches
always there to comfort me
lovin' on our boys