Update on Angie (Part IV): Happily Waiting

Dear family and friends:

Yesterday, the third full day in the hospital, was a good day.  After hearing the great news that Angie remains free of any signs of infection and that the doctors ordered the continued administration of the medicine that keeps contractions at bay, the day was largely uneventful, apart from several nice visits. 

My parents and Angie’s mom and aunt brought the kids in the morning to visit.  We announced the name of our baby, Noah James.  It was something of an emotional conversation as Angie explained, in terms kids can understand, where things stand, where things could go, and the importance of praying for the health, safety, and well-being of Baby Noah.  Gabriel and Michael, being older, seemed to understand and were visibly concerned and affected.  Isabelle, for her part, certainly misses Mommy.  The only way we can keep her from crawling up into bed with Angie is to put on “Frozen” on the room’s TV.  She doesn’t like to see Mommy with the IVs and monitoring equipment all around her, saying “Mommy, no band-band” (bandages) to indicate her wish that Angie be free of such things.  We again try to distract her as she is carried out of the room.  This is the family picture we took while the kids were here:

Thankfully, the kids are staying quite busy this week.  The boys have Kyrene Summer Academy in the morning and VBS and swim team in the evening.  Isabelle has swimming lessons (she’s in the “shrimp” class and is happy to be there – a very enthusiastic swimmer indeed!) just before VBS.  They spend the rest of the day with our family members, who have been keeping our household going – and giving the dog some attention – in our absence.  Some dear friends have also devised some system for sending meals to our house.  Our friends and family have showered us with offers to watch the kids, shuttle them around, bring meals to the house, bring food and items to the room, and so many other things.  I cannot omit to remark, for it is so often on our minds, how very blessed we are to have so much love, support, and kindness around us! 

Finally, here is a short video Angie made this morning from the room:

Angie had an ultrasound and a blood test just a few minutes ago.  We will attempt to provide an update later today. 

Jarrett and Angie

Update on Angie (Part III)

Dear family and friends:

It is our third day in the hospital.  Angie is feeling much, much better now that they reduced the amount of magnesium sulfate she is receiving.  The higher dosage made it difficult for her to engage in conversations, stand, chew, and even breath.  The medicine relaxes all smooth muscles, not just the uterus.  She seems much more like her usual self.  She also got some better rest last night.  For anyone who may have visited in the last day or two, you will find her much more able to chat and carry on a conversation if you happen to come by again.

As I mentioned yesterday, the doctors had planned to stop giving Angie the magnesium sulfate at 1:30 pm today and to wait and see what happened.  Last night, we spoke with Angie's OB, among others.  It was a difficult, emotionally draining conversation involving a bunch of "what if"s and various contingencies.  As a result of that conversation, we learned today that the doctors will keep Angie on the magnesium sulfate (at the current dosage) for a few more days -- at least until the point we reach week 24.  We are very happy to hear the news.  To know that she will receive the medicine for a few more days really eases our minds.  The baby continues to remain strong.  He seems to be doing some flips and to be very active in the last couple of hours.

And now for some big news.  We decided upon a name for our baby boy.  We decided to call him Noah James.  When Angie suggested it, it really seemed to sound like a very nice name to me -- it has a good ring to it.  Angie's name apps tell us "Noah" means comfort, rest, and follower of God, and "James" means honest, benevolent, brilliant, and full of high inspiration.  James was also my great-grandfather's name.  

Thank you to all of you who have visited, called, sent emails, texts, plants, candy, and reading supplies, prepared meals for our kids, brought in dinner, prayed for us, asked others to pray for us, and provided help and support in so many other ways.  We are very moved by your love and support.  Please continue to remember us in your prayers.  We really do believe in the power of prayer.

Jarrett and Angie

Update on Angie (Part II)

Dear family and friends:

Angie is resting peacefully at the moment.  Today, she received the second and final round of steroid shots and continued receiving magnesium sulfate (the medicine that both reduces contractions and protects the baby's brain) and prophylactic antibiotics, among other things.  She began feeling quite weak -- really wiped out, in fact -- over the course of the day and experienced difficulty breathing, sitting up, or standing for even a second, so they reduced the magnesium sulfate drip by a third.  She seems to be feeling a lot better as a result, and the contractions seem to remain under control.  There are no signs of infection, either.  The baby's heartbeat remains strong.  Last night at about the same time, he seemed to be very active; the nurses said he was really having quite the "play time in there."  He seems to be active again right now.  I guess the evening is fun time for him.

Tomorrow at 1:30 pm, the steroid shots will be fully effective in promoting lung development, and they will take Angie off the magnesium sulfate.  Then, we will continue waiting and hoping to push off the delivery as long as we can.  The latency period (the period of time between the rupture of the membrane and delivery) in such cases varies dramatically.  For some, it is a matter of hours or days.  For others, it can be as much as 10 weeks.  The mean is two weeks.  As I mentioned, every day that passes is beneficial.  The survival rate in the 23rd week of pregnancy increases by about 1.5 to 2% every day that passes over the course of that week.  He is a little larger than his peers at this point (707 g as of a day and a half ago) and otherwise healthy, both of which also help.  

We are taking it hour by hour, day by day.  We appreciate your prayers and continued support, including all of the offers to watch the kids, bring over dinner, and help in any way possible.  We can truly feel the love.

Jarrett and Angie

Update on Angie (Part I): Admission to the Hospital

Dear family and friends,

As some of you may know, Angie is now in the hospital.  She asked me to guest-write some updates so that everyone would know where things stand.

Angie and I went into the ER at about 1 am on Saturday, June 6.  We were concerned about a possible leak of amniotic fluid.  The test revealed that it was not amniotic fluid, but she did have an infection.  They sent her home with a couple of prescriptions, including antibiotics.  She continued to experience a lot of cramping and other symptoms over the rest of the weekend, and had intended to go to her doctor first thing on Monday.  At 12:40 am on Monday morning, Angie's water broke, and we rushed to the hospital, where it was confirmed.  This is the 23rd week of pregnancy.

Angie was hospitalized.  While there is almost no amniotic fluid at this point, the cervix remains in good shape, and the baby remains in utero.  A baby may remain in utero for days or weeks following the rupture of the membrane.  Infection is the greatest concern after the rupture, so Angie is on antibiotics as a prophylactic measure.  She will remain in the hospital until delivery, whenever that might be.

Every day that passes is important for the baby in terms of development and ultimately mortality and morbidity.  Angie received a steroid shot yesterday and will receive another one tomorrow.  The shot helps with the baby's lung development.  She is also on magnesium sulfate, which serves to both diminish contractions and to protect the baby's brain.  The baby has a strong heartbeat, and he is a little larger than most babies at the same stage.  Angie is feeling the effects of the medicine, but she is hanging in there.

We appreciate all of your prayers and support.  The show of love and support has been a huge help, and we truly feel blessed by having so many great friends and a supportive, loving family.  We understand that things are out of our control, but we believe in the power of prayer and ask that you please continue to remember us in your prayers.

Thank you all.  We will try to provide further updates from time to time.

Jarrett and Angie

When God Winks... My follow up appointment from last week.

One of the non-parenting books sitting on my night stand is called God Winks.  It is a great book that shares personal stories of such amazing coincidence and chance that people can't help but wonder, "God, was that you winking at me, telling me everything is going to be okay?" I've had it on my night stand for the last several years and I often go back to reading it when I'm looking for inspiration, hope and a reminder that God is always there.

Yesterday was my follow up appointment from last week's scary appointment with the low amniotic fluid.  My appointment was scheduled for 9:30, an ultrasound, followed by a 9:50 appointment with the doctor.  As I was driving to my appointment, talking with my mom on the phone about how hopeful we were that things were improving, I received an incoming call.  I looked at the number, realized it was my doctors office and said, "Hold on Mom, my doctors office is calling."  I clicked over and said, "Hello?"  The lady on the other end of the line said good morning and jumped right into the purpose of her call, "Angela, I was calling to inform you that our ultrasound technition called in sick today and we do not have anyone else here to perform ultrasounds, therefore we are going to have to cancel your ultrasound for today.  We still have your other appointment so plan to come at that time to meet with your doctor."  Hearing my ultrasound was canceled and knowing that was the only real way to check the fluid level, my heart sank into my stomach.  I tried my best to hide my disappointment, I said, okay, thank you and good bye.  I clicked back over to my mom and let my true emotions flow... I said, "Mom, they had to cancel my ultrasound because the lady is sick.  I was so looking forward to knowing if the levels have improved and the baby is okay."  Mom provided me some reassurance and then I told her I'd call her later with an update.

I arrived at the office early (as I was already on my way for the ultrasound anyway), they checked me in and actually took me back early to see the doctor.  Within a few minutes Dr. L arrived, and introduced herself.  She went through my entire history, talked with me about the complications and gave me additional information about my oligohydramnios (low levels of amniotic fluid).  Dr. L said that at this point in my pregnancy they want the baby's fluid levels to be at least at 15 centimeters but no less than 10 centimeters.  She then went on to tell me that last week my levels were at a 4.3 so that is why they are so concerned.  She then went onto tell me that she was sorry they had to cancel my ultrasound this morning but that she felt it was really important that I get an ultrasound still today to make sure things were getting better.  She also said, given that I am still having pretty consistent contractions (ones that kept me up the entire night on Sunday night), that she felt it was time to refer me to a high risk perinatologist ( a team of obsstetric specialists concerned with the care of the fetus and complication, high-risk pregnancies).  I was thankful to hear she was still going to get me into have an ultrasound  I asked, "Will you call me later today with the results?"  She said, "We probably won't get the results until early next week since we are referring you."  I just hoped secretly with my new gained experience in looking at weekly ultrasounds, I'd be able to tell in with a novice eye, if the fluid levels looked better than last week.

Dr. L went onto measure my stomach, she said it measured at 23 weeks (I'm 2 days shy of 23 weeks) so I was happy to hear at least that seemed to be positive news, and then she listened to the baby's heartbeat on the doppler.  150 bpm, she said, "that's good!'  She gave me strict orders to continue to take things VERY easy, resting as much as possible, lying down and to continue to drinking the 200 ounces plus of water a day.   She then said, make sure you set up next week's ultrasound today so we can continue to monitor you.  And she said, "If you have 6 or more contractions in an hour, call us immediately or go straight to the OB emergency room.  She then left the room having her assistant return a few minutes later with my order to go get an ultrasound.  The ultrasound tech returned and said, the office we are referring you to has five offices, I know the Chandler office is closest to you but we got you in at Mesa."  

I left the office continued on with my day, counting down the hours until I could go to my next appointment.  When the time came, I arrived at the office 30 minutes early, hoping maybe I could get in early.  I filled out the paperwork, paid my copay and had a seat.  Just a few minutes later the door opened and I heard my name called.  I looked up to see a familiar face.  It was Gabriel's friend's mom, Marybeth standing at the door.  I smiled and she said, "I was hoping it was you! I only know one Angela Haskovec."  Immediately I was at ease and thought, "What are the chances?"

We walked back to the ultrasound room and spent a few minutes catching up.  She then asked me all about the history of my pregnancy thus far and the complications I've experienced.  I told her about all the concerns I've had from the bleeding to the anatomy scan and the fact that they weren't able to see the baby's face (he was not cooperating that day-maybe being shy) and that the results of the scan came back saying there was a spot on the baby's bowel they needed to investigate further.  I'm not sure if it was the overwhelmed and anxiety filled look on my face, but she smiled and said, "Well were going to check everything today!"

And boy did she.  She walked me through every aspect of the baby's development, showing me every aspect of the baby's anatomy while providing constant reassurance that everything she saw looked perfect.  Baby was cooperating today and was facing the scan.  She then went onto check the lips, verify there baby's structural bone development is perfect, ruling out clef lip or clef pallet.  As she explained everything we were seeing, she was extremely supportive, going into depth about the medical background and reasoning why the baby's development in one area is critical to the development of the next area.  While everything she was saying about the baby's development was so encouraging, I couldn't help but wonder about the fluid levels.  I could see there was a pocket of fluid in front of the baby's face but didn't see much other fluid around the baby.

 See that little pocket of darkness in front of the face.  In addition to a hand and the umbilical cord, there is a tiny bit of fluid to drink.

MaryBeth must have read my mind because she said, "Okay, let's go look at the fluid levels.  I'll find all the fluid I can, add it up three different times, and then average it."  She explained to me all about the amniotic fluid and why it is so critical for the baby. She said from week 22 to 25 weeks the baby needs to have plenty of fluid to swallow in order for the lungs to develop so that when the baby is born they are able to take a breath.  If there isn't enough fluid the lungs will not develop correctly.  She said since you are almost 23 weeks we really need to get the fluid levels up so we make sure the lungs are okay.  She then started adding up the pockets of fluid to see the total.  She said, I'd like to see your levels in between 15-20 cm.

As she went around baby's womb it was clear there was NO room.  Baby not only had both hand in front of the face but also both feet and the umbilical cord.  She said, "think of your womb like a house, baby is currently living in one tiny room within the house without very much fluid. We want to expand the size of that room so the baby can stretch out and grow."  I felt bad, looking at how squished up the baby was, I don't care if the baby likes to be curled up in a ball, there is NO way the position the baby was in was comfortable.  After adding up the fluid she said, "there is a total of 8,7 cm of fluid.  While it is still very low, I am encouraged that your fluid levels doubled in a week."  She continued, "Keep drinking all that water and she said, we want you to start hydrotherapy"  She explained, in addition to needing to drink all that water, hydrotheraphy (being submerged in water up to your neck) for 2 hours a day has shown great benefits as well.   I'd like you to try and find 2 hours a day, whether in your pool or in a tub, to sit and let the water absorb into your body.  My hope would be that by next week, your levels are up above 10 and closer to 15.  Keep drinking all that water.

She then went onto to ask me about the contractions I've been having.  She said, it is VERY important you do everything and anything you can to avoid going into labor. That means if you need to stay in bed for several days at a time, you need to do that.   She said, "prior to 25 weeks, if you go into labor the doctors won't intervene to do anything to save the baby, but after 25 weeks, they will do everything medically they can.  We need to get you to 25 weeks.  That's only 16 days.  And my hope would be that when you get to 25 weeks, then you focus on making it to 26 weeks.

While hearing the reality of the practitioners goal in trying to get me to 25 weeks, it was the first time anyone had been so honest and upfront with me about what their goal is.  While hard to hear we are still in a scary place, I really did appreciate the information and to know what we are trying to get to.  I am really clueless about pregnancy and while I worry a lot, having knowledge is helpful.  We pray the next 16 days go quickly and that baby rests comfortably inside.

Finally MaryBeth said, let's look at the baby one more time.  She then went to show me some 3D and 4D images of the baby.  She said, "now you're going to have to use your imagination.  Usually baby has enough room to move around and we can get a really good shot of the face.  Because baby doesn't have a lot of room and has every limb infront of the body, we're not going to see as much but still. it lets look.

She then went to show me and it was so amazing to see the baby in 3D.  It was really neat and I'm so thankful she showed them to me as it will probably be the only time I'll get to have a 3D and 4D image.

While kind of hard to see, what you can see is baby has a foot and an arm in front of the face. 

 Here's another shot of the baby's feet and two hands in front of the face.  Not much room to move.  

 Here's a shot of the baby putting both hands on his forehead and a foot right in front of the mouth.  I think it is amazing to see all the fingers.  To the outside of the foot you can see the baby's eyes closed.

As we left MaryBeth's room she wished me the best with the baby, gave me a big hug and said, "Just 16 more days, let's work toward that goal."  I hugged her back, feeling so much gratitude for all the extra time she took with me and for all the extra pictures and reassurance.

I walked out to my car, got in, closed the door and starting crying.  In the last 30 minutes I had spent with her, staring at our baby, I feel so much emotion.  While still scared that we are still in a scary place, bad that poor baby has no room to move, I felt also encouraged, informed and hopeful... baby is still fighting hard in there even though there is little fluid and not much room to move.

I dialed Jarrett and tried to gather my composure.  I said, I'm just leaving the specialists office, guess who did my ultrasound?  He thought for a moment and said, "MaryBeth?"  I started crying again.  I can't help but wonder, if it wouldn't have been for the lady at my normal doctor being sick and then for the other techs at my OB's office to be fully booked, they would probably had held off on referring me to the specialist.  But because she was sick, because my other OB's office's were booked, and because my doctor decided to send me to the Mesa specialty office instead of Chandler,I got set up with her.  And even on top of that, out of 4 ultrasound techs at their clinic, I just happened to get scheduled on a friend's calendar.  What are the chances?  I said to Jarrett, 'I think God just winked at me."

I continue to pray that baby thrives and overcomes these complications.  I pray we can keep the contractions at bay so I don't go into early labor and I pray for the day I can hold our healthy, full-term baby in my arms.  That continues to be my greatest prayer.

Until then, God, I appreciate the winks... I know your here.

Angie

Your "real" mom..

Summer is here and that means schools out, the pools open and the neighbor kids are frequent visitors to play with the boys.  Its wonderful having friends so close by that by the drop of a hat an impromptu party can happen at any given day.

Yesterday was no exception.  Actually it was a special day as one of our beloved neighbors is moving back to Chicago to reunite with their family.  They were brought out here by their Dad's work and now the time has come for them to go back home.  Michael and Gabriel and neighbor Jack have really become great friends and it was a sad day knowing this was the last of the play dates we were going to have (at least for a long while).

I love to listen to the conversations the kids have.  Most of the time I sit in the background and pretend I'm doing something else, while always keeping an open ear to whats going on.  Lots of times their conversations are typical boy stuff... sports, burping, other bodily gasses, what happened with some other kids at school and what cool video game they are most interested in now.  Honestly, not the most interesting stuff; but that isn't always the case.

Yesterday as I sat back at watched them eat the smorgasbord of snacks I'd prepared for them (4 growing boys, its more like a full Thanksgiving meal), I listened to a very interesting conversation. 

 As they mowed down on watermelon, cheese, meat and crackers, Jack turned to Michael and said, "Michael, was your "real" mom homeless?"  Michael and Gabriel looked at Jack and then Michael said, "No," giving pause for a minute.  "My "real" mom has never been homeless."   Continuing on he said, "My real mom is right there." pointed to me and said, "Right mom?"  I sat in the background not interjecting, wanted to know more about how this conversation would continue.  

I knew immediately who Jack was referring to when he said "real" mom and it didn't bother me to know he was NOT talking about me.  I know he didn't mean any disrespect; he was trying to find the right word to inquire about Michael and Gabriel's birth mother but just didn't know how to categorize her.  

I listened carefully as the conversation continued.  Jack said, "Well okay, not your real mom then but your (pause)...."  Michael interrupted, "My birth mom?"  "Yes!" Jack said.  Without hesitation Michael picked up where Jack had left off, almost knowing exactly what question he was asking.  Michael stated, "My birth mom wasn't able to take care of us like she should of.  So we went to live with a foster family until Mom and Dad could buy us."  I started laughing, Michael looked at me like, "Isn't that right mom?"  And I said, "Well Michael, we didn't buy you but everything else is correct."  He laughed then too, "I mean adopted us." to which the four boys around the table all giggled.  Jack then asked, "How many times have you been adopted?"  "Only one Jack, you only get adopted once.  Or at least most people do right mom?"  Still sitting back acting like I was busy, I said, "Yes, you will stay with us forever.  Only adopted once!"  

I was curious how the conversation would continue but in that answer Jack was satisfied with what he had heard and the next topic of conversation was already started, "Look at me!" as Harlan threw a goldfish cracker up in the air and caught it in his mouth.  A new competition for the boys was underway.  

I couldn't help but replay the "real" mom conversation over and over in my mind.  I felt like I was a fly on the wall watching the boys share their story.  While Michael did all the talking, I watched Gabriel's reaction to the questions and wondered why he never uttered a word, letting Michael do all the talking.  I guess if I think back, Jack was asking Michael the questions so maybe that's why he did all the talking.  I was really proud of Michael for his response to Jack's questions (minus the fact he thinks we bought him). :-).  Michael's responses were straightforward, honest and I could tell he was almost proud to say I was his "real" mom.  I have always said I never want the boys (and Isabelle too) to feel different, embarrassed or ashamed of their story; it is a happy one.  Yes, granted they suffered loss of their birth family and that I feel sad for them for that, however, we found each other and if it wasn't for that loss, we all wouldn't have the great life we do.  While I've always felt that way, I want to make sure the boys feel that way too.

Gabriel has always been the one more open about their adoption, about his past and about how thankful he is to have our family.  He continues to be the more emotional one, still walking up out of the blue to give us hugs, to simply say, "I love you mom!"  or "I'm so happy for my family". Michael on the other hand isn't our emotional one.  He doesn't really wear his lovey emotions on his sleeve, and while he asks questions sometimes, most of the times he's just your typical kid, more focused on playing, doing things he wants or fighting with his sister, than being open and forthcoming about his feelings on being adopted.

Hearing Michael's response to the question I am sure they are going to receive over and over in their lives, made me realize, while we make a lot of mistakes in parenting, at least I feel were doing okay in making sure the kids are prepared with how to answer that question and that they are not uncomfortable sharing their story.  

In the last 7 years I've read a lot about adoption and how to help your kids as they grown with understanding their past.  I've also read a lot about what it means to be a "real" mom versus an "adoptive" mom or even a "birth" mom.  And while all those text book definitions are okay, if I had to pick one title I'd like to have most, its the title my middle son gave me yesterday as he sat with his friends.  "That is my REAL mom!"  And without a single word uttered to define what he meant by "real", the simple point of a finger made it clear to everyone in the room.  

"Real" mom-  probably the best title I've ever held.

Until next time,

angie

I am reminded…

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers.

After posting an update of the scares we’ve been going through lately, we’ve been showered with kind acts of generosity, texts of prayers, phone calls, meals, and support.  I’m so extremely thankful for all the kind gifts we’ve received and while I don’t feel deserving, I am so so grateful.

Last week was hard and while I still feel like I’m living in a limbo land (praying for Thursday’s doctor’s appointment to come quickly), I can’t help but feel encouraged, loved and supported with all the prayers and support.  I shared what our experience has been, not to draw attention to our situation but for the reasons I said last week.  I’ve also said many times, this blog serves as a virtual therapist for me and what our life is like.  To be honest, I had to get all the feelings, the nerves and the anxiety filled thoughts out of my head, even if it was just in telling the details of what has happened.

Since the appointment last Thursday, I have spent the majority of my time drinking water, going to the bathroom and lying on my left side.  I’m hopeful that this Thursday’s appointment will give us good news.  I am thankful that the spotting has stopped and that I continue to feel the baby move.  I find myself relying upon the gentle nudges or the butterfly like swooshes that come every once and a while.  I think of them as the baby’s way of telling me, “Everything’s going to be okay mom.  I’m okay in here.”    The other absolute wonderful thing that happened in the last few days, was that Jarrett got to feel what I get to feel.  Sunday morning, I was lying in bed trying to convince myself to get up, when all of a sudden baby woke up too.  I could feel the kicks on the outside of my stomach so I decided to wake Jarrett up.  I asked him, “Do you want to feel the baby?”  In past weeks when I ask him to feel my stomach to feel the hard lump that is the baby, he often declines saying he doesn’t want to press too hard and hurt the baby.  This time, he reached over his hand, I placed it on my stomach in the place where I had just felt the baby and said, “just wait.”  Not more than a minute later, baby moved and I looked at Jarrett with wide eyes.  “Did you feel that?” I asked.  Just then the baby moved again.  He smiled, I smiled and he said, “Wow, that is so amazing.”   

In a time of being scared and really fearful of what had been happening, the fact that Jarrett got to feel the baby move, something we’ve been waiting and looking forward to, was like the sunshine after a never-ending rainstorm.  So welcomed, so refreshing, and obviously a reminder we have so much to be thankful for.  Keep on moving baby… keep on a moving.

While feeling the baby move is so exciting, and something I keep going back to, to give me encouragement and strength, the last 6 days have been filled with so many other blessings, I couldn’t not mention them here.

First of all, the texts of support… I’m honestly not sure how many people read our blog but after my last post, I learned there must be quite a few.  Within hours of posting what I consider one of my more raw posts, I started getting text message after message.  Friends and family checking in to see if I, if the baby, if we were okay.  Nice messages of support always ending with … Praying for you and the baby.  Or… Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and the baby.     Short messages that mean a mountain of support and kindness I will never forget. 

The calls… I’m so thankful for the phone calls, those to say, “I’m thinking about you; your post made my nervous.”  Those who wanted to check in and send their support across the miles.  I could tell from the sincere tone in their voice, just how concerned but also just how much they cared.  You know who you are… thank you.

The physical offering of support… From my Godmother’s, both of them reaching out to say they wanted to help.  My Aunt Donna calling to say they’d love to host our boys back on their farm in Iowa to give us a break and allow our house to be a little more quiet and calm.  I know the boys would find the opportunity to go back to Iowa and visit the farm to be the highlight of their summer.  Having Donna volunteer to take them for us, means so much.  Donna, I haven’t forgot about your offer- I will be calling you soon! 

And then last night when my other Godmother called and said, “I am worried about you and would be happy to come out for a few weeks to help you.”  My Aunt, Marjory volunteered to put her life on hold, to come out, in the middle of our horribly hot summer no doubt, to give me a rest and care for my family.”  I told her how thankful I was for her offer, that I would talk to Jarrett and let her know today.  Less than 3 hours later she called me back and said,  “I realized the only way to probably get you to say yes is for me to just book a flight and come out.  So I’m looking at flights now and I’d like to book it tonight.”  Just like that, she dropped everything she had going on, and is headed here in just 5 days to stay for a month.  I’m simply overwhelmed by the kindness.

Our close friends… last Friday was my birthday and after my doctor’s appointment on Thursday, I pretty much felt like staying home and crawling in a hole to hibernate while I consumed loads and loads of water.  My friend Janelle texted me the day before my birthday and asked if she could stop over to drop off something on Friday.  It’s always fun to spend time with her so I said of course.  What I didn’t realize is that she and our other close friend Sonya had been planning to have a surprise mini-gathering at our place.  Totally low key, with personal touches to the max, these ladies know just how to brighten up my spirits.  They brought us dinner, cake, cookies, drinks, a very nice birthday gift and flowers.  Additionally Janelle’s husband Jon came along and volunteered to take all the kids swimming so us ladies could catch up inside where it was cool.  It was the most touching and thoughtful birthday gift I could have ever dreamed of.  Getting to talk with them helped me in so many ways.  It took my mind off the guilt of what I felt I had done, made me of so thankful for them, who seem to know exactly what I needed and who so generously showered me with their love.  How do I deserve such wonderful friends?

My Aunt Anita and her family have been extremely supportive.  The minute she found out about our low fluid level scare she brought me over a care package, water flavor drops to add to the 170-200 plus ounces I get to drink a day, a prayer card her mom, my grandmother had shared with her, a loving card and dinner.  She has since brought dinner to our place three nights in the last 6 days.  Additionally, she has extended the call for prayers as I mentioned before, to my grandfather’s sister, a Nun who has the entire priory praying for us.  And finally, she volunteered to take Isabelle for me last Saturday morning on a playdate, while Dad and the boys were gone, giving me the entire morning to rest.   These generous acts that mean so much.

And my in-laws.  I’m not sure how to repay them.  They have been there for us since early on, helping me with meals, with the kids when I was too sick to be able to crawl out of bed or to stomach making a meal for them.   They have been there for us in more ways than I can ever recount.  From the small (or not so small things) of sweeping the floor, wiping the fan blades, meeting the repair man for this broken thing or that broken thing, and keeping track of the kids for us.  Their support is like that Mastercard commercial…priceless.

 It wasn’t until last night when I laid in bed last night that I physically felt the stress leaving my body.  As I thought about my aunt flying here in a few days and how she will be around to help me on the days when I’m home with the kids and Jarrett’s at work.  As I thought about the fact that the kids have Summer Academy, Swimming Lessons, Swim Team, baseball and then the time at home, that I realized how nice it will be to have an extra hand.  As I thought about the evening we had just finished and how my mother and father in law have stopped their life (in the middle of moving to a new house and the fact that they are supposed to be enjoying retirement now), to be at our house 3 or 4 days a week to help.  From giving Isabelle a bath, to walking the dog, making meals for the kids and us, doing the laundry, you name it.  I basically come home to find that they are running the house.  I get to eat dinner and go lay on the couch.  How spoiled am I? 

And so in the middle of what seems like a very stressful time, I am reminded.  I have so so much to be thankful for.  I have so many blessings.  From a family who supports from close and afar, for friends who send a loving text, place a caring phone call or show up in perfect timing to brighten one’s day. I continue to pray that Thursday brings us good news about the baby and the fluid levels.  I pray my efforts to drink 200 ounces of water a day, provide enough fluid to replenish what the medication decreased and that the ultrasound shows a very active and fluid submerged swimming baby. 

I pray.  I am thankful, and I am reminded… just how blessed I am.

Until next time,

Angie