Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Infirmary

Our house has been plagued with the flu. I have the horrible stuffy, earache, sneezy, coughy kind. Kenzie has the flu. The scary thing, Hannah Grace will be here in 5 days. Ready or not here she comes. I am guessing Kenzie and I will be all better by then, just praying the rest of the family stays well. Prayers of health are warmly welcomed. The good news, I don't have much time to focus on my fear while taking care of my little sick girl!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Prayers accepted!

As the last few days are winding down I am filled with a mixture of emotions; fear, excitement, anxiety. Remembering God is in control at a time like this seems like an impossible task. I find myself sleeping less and worrying more. The fear of the unknown is far too much for the human to take on, which is why we are to give it to God. I just have a hard time letting go.
As I watch my blood pressure rise and rise and rise at each visit I become more fearful of my past experience. For many, childbirth is a wonderful moment for a family to grow and bond. For me, its a very scary time when my life was hanging on the line and a fight for my life that I almost didn't win. It was a time of chaos, confusion, fear, pain and so many more. But I did win the battle I am here today. But the thought of going to a place that could potentially end in a different situation is very scary. I don't remember much of my past, however that day rings clear as a bell. Why can't I forget it? Why can't it be like Tuesday January something of 2000. I don't remember that day. Why do I have to have May 21, 2004 so embedded in my brain that I can remember the face on the Dr as I slipped out of consciousness.
Trusting that God has prepared my Dr and nurses is very hard to do. I pray for them daily that should any situation arise that they are equipped and knowledgeable. I pray for their families and personal lives, that they are clear headed and able to focus.  I just can't help but worry. Did they check my blood enough? Did they check my blood pressure enough? Did they check for protein enough? Do they really know enough about the rare illness that I got last time? Call me a worry wort. But I just can't shake the "what ifs."
As of last Friday Hannah Grace was measuring 8lbs 11oz. Yikes. Now, she may not be that big as its just an estimation from the ultrasound but she is definitely well over 8lbs. Also, my usually low blood pressure has gotten very high. So high in fact that he checked it 3 times before I was allowed to leave. He decided that it was in my best interest to induce labor. My appt is set for Monday January 14th. We are hoping that she decides to come beforehand so I don't have to be induced but that is the last day. I am also supposed to monitor my blood pressure daily and if it gets any higher to go straight to the hospital. So far no changes and she still doesn't want to come out.
So here I am left to trust in the Lord. Trust that He is in control and that all these worries Satan has placed in my head are meant to be given to Him. So I go where I know I will find the answers:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble."Matthew 6:24

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Busy Busy Busy

Wow, I certainly have let time fly. I can't believe that Christmas is 2 weeks from today and Hannah Grace will be making an appearance anytime after (hopefully) that. I feel like it was just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant, and so excitedly told the world. And now, 9 months later here we are ready to meet our sweet girl. I thought at one point that I could be pregnant forever. My pregnancy has been relatively symptom free, no morning sickness, lots of energy. Yes, I may have the occasional heartburn, indigestion, cramping, fatigue, pain in my hips. But honestly it seems so menial to the miraculous creation being formed inside of me. It's hard to believe that just under the skin of my stomach (and a few other parts) sweet Hannah is there preparing for the world. She is even about the size she will be when she makes her arrival minus a few pounds. None the less I can't believe she will be here quicker that we can imagine. Everyone complains that the last weeks just seem to drag on, but I am feeling quiet the opposite. I can't believe it's almost over. With all the holidays these last few months literally flew by. I truly have enjoyed every moment of bonding with my sweet girl inside of me. Every push, kick, jab, hiccup has made me fall more and more in love with her.

So as far as the last few weeks have gone here is a brief "catch-up!"

We drove to my families house for thanksgiving knowing it would be our last travel before her arrival. It took a few bathroom stops, and moving my legs but we finally made it. We had a really great time. I laughed more in those four days than I had in months. There is something about spending time with your "mommy" that makes the world seem better. I will always be her little girls, and I don't mind being reminded of that. Of course all the cousins spending time with Nana is always the highlight.

The following weekend was a shower at the home of my very dear friend Berenice. A group of 7 of my very closest friends threw me a shower that would have made pinterest envious. These girls have enough craftiness in their bones to make anything you could imagine. The shower was an open invite to our church and we were blessed with so many friends and family members. The house was full and love was in the air. I truly felt blessed to have all these strong sisters in Christ praying for me and showering me with love.
 
Some of the decorations in the back you can see. But I was able to take everything home and make Hannah Graces room a truly beautiful place. From the left Jennifer, Berenice, Vanessa, Myself, Toni, Wendy, Katy, and missing from the picture was Marriane. It was such a beautiful day.
Of course very proud Auntie V and a very excited Oma!

 
The very day after my shower Hannah Grace "dropped." She is getting ready for her arrival! My stomach is about 4 inches lower! Since then, we have been as busy as a bee with Christmas fun. Parties, tree lighting's, shopping, decorating, baking. And I wonder why I am so beyond exhausted!
SMBC Children's Christmas program!

And this was one of the lovely gifts my girlfriend Jennifer made. Sums it up completely.

"For this child I have prayed." 1 Samuel 1:27