Lessons Being Learned

Isn't it funny how we learn the most when we are in positions in which we are clearly NOT in control? God, I believe, uses these times. He brings us to our needs to get us to our knees so that we stop thinking we're so smart and not in need of Him. Clearly I am registered for this class and learning a lot!

We are truly humbled by the sacrifices and service from friends and family. I'm learning that it's okay to ask for help even when it's silly things like putting away Jon David's toys or running an errand. We've been well fed and have a nicely mowed lawn all due to the kindness of others. We are learning a lot about service to others and intend to remember these things when there are people who need us. I thought we did an okay job at this but we are truly humbled by the love we are receiving.

What's a pregnancy without a little drama? I started to feel agitated and slightly crampy on Friday night but blew it off since it was not especially painful (though my mood was probably to my husband and my sister-in-law). :) They still love me. :) Same thing happened Saturday night and I decided to talk about it with JD. He wanted me to call the doctor even though it was 11 pm. Being a good wife, I called but thought it was a little silly and fully expected the doctor to tell me to chill out. Wrong. He advises me to head to the hospital. Good thing my mom was already staying the night. Off we went. After a little while of monitoring, the nurse informs me that my contractions were 2 minutes apart. Contractions??? You call this mild cramping contractions???

Fast forward a few hours, some tests and a shot of terbutaline to slow the contractions, we head home at 3 am. I started to feel the same way last night and the doctor gave me the option of taking terbutaline by pill and ordered me some. I was thankful to stay at home.

So, we head to the doctor today for more tests. We don't think that I was in labor (clearly) but too much of this funny business can cause me to go into early labor. I'm being a good patient, drinking my water and resting. I'll post more later with the 4-1-1.

Again, thanks for your comments and prayers!! We made our first real goal of 32 weeks!! Praise the Lord!

(Photos of Jon David and his best buddy, Tyler, on the 4th of July. Kim sweetly came by to play with my boy and keep me company.)

More of the Same

Jon David playing with the "other" Denise who has been coming over to help.

I'm still residing in the "Land of Doing Nothing" per my doctor today. They did not do the test again since it really needs to be two weeks. But, he gave us some helpful info. Mostly, there is a 30% chance of me delivering within two weeks of the test results. And, he really, really wants us to make it to 32 weeks which is this Sunday. We went to the hospital for a steroid shot to help the baby's lungs develop in case he comes early. We return tomorrow for the second dose.



That's all the news that's fit to print. Thanks for your love and prayers!

8 Random Facts... I was tagged!

Thanks to my gal, Wendy, for the tag. Here goes...

Here are the rules:- I have to post these rules before I give you the facts. Each participant posts eight random facts about themselves. Tagees should write a blogpost of eight random facts about themselves. At the end of the post, eight more bloggers are tagged. Go to their blog, leave a comment telling them they're tagged (cut and run - I stole this line from Wendy).

1. I am a big sports fan. My husband and I share a love of Florida State football, Houston Astros baseball and Houston Texans football. When we lived in Houston, we had season tickets to the Texans (we still have them but sell the tickets) and we still have season tickets to FSU football games that we sell. One day, we'll actually go to an FSU game together.

2. I can't parallel park and am scared to drive big SUVs. I think that is because I believe myself to be spatially challenged.

3. I got stuck in my car during a bad flood in Houston which freaked me out. The water was up past my tires, about 18 inches high (I'm guessing). It was very scary! While never a fan of driving in inclement weather, this pretty much sealed the deal for me and I really try hard not to be out driving in bad weather.

4. I feel soooo good when my house is clean, my fridge is full and there is the smell of a home-cooked meal or dessert in the house.

5. I find my husband irresistible when he wears this certain flannel shirt. Who knew I had a thing for lumber jacks??? Also, I'm quite fond of him wearing corduroy pants in the fall/winter.

6. If I had the talent and creativity, I'd like to write children's books. I studied Elementary Ed in my mid-20s when I went back to school for a second degree and Children's Literature was my all-time favorite class.

7. I've gotten better but I tend to be a class half-empty person and my husband sometimes calls me "Chicken Little." God blessed me with a husband who helps me with perspective when I lack it.

8. Random favs: Bible teacher - Beth Moore, Christian song - "Held" by Natalie Grant, book in the Bible - Ephesians, Hymn - "It is Well with My Soul".

My list of taggees:

1. Jenny.

2. Cindy - when you get back from your missions trip to Peru.

3. Anna.

4. Andrea.

5. Jamie.

6. Jamie B.

7. Susie.

8. Hollie.

Book Party!

I wish that we all lived closer and could have this massive play date with all our kiddos. We now have a big backyard and I know Jon David would love to play with his blog pals. And, if we lived closer, you could even come to my book party! I am (hopefully) hosting a fun night on the 11th for other mommies (and aunts and grandmas) to come hear about Usborne books. The party also exists online until the 14th.

Here's the official word: Usborne Books expand a child's world through education and imagination. You can browse their books in person and see the latest releases without fighting the crowds at a retail store.With over 1,300 titles, from baby board books and modern science to fairy tales and interactive kits, Usborne Books engage all types of learners. Discover the magic of reading with your child today!

Jon David loves to read and these books are so cool. I figured sharing this with other mommies would be fun! If you are interested, you can order books courtesy of my party by clicking here. Have fun!

(Important sidenote: I moved my OB appointment up to Tuesday so we should know more by then. I am bored and some might even say whiny at times. :) Your comments and prayers have done wonders to cheer me up. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!)

The Good and the Bad

Today's OB appointment was a mixed bag. The good news is that the cervical ultrasound came back very positive. It looks strong and a really good length. As a bonus, I got a quick peek at my baby boy and found out that he's head down and not likely to pull any funny business and switch positions. That all was good, very good. Now the bad - my fetal fibronectin test came back positive (which, if you recall, is bad). Apparently, when you get the desired result (negative), you can pretty much count on NOT having a baby within 2 weeks. When it's positive, it does not mean you will deliver soon but it's a possible indicator. The doctor said this result in light of the good news we had with the ultrasound is why she is not overly concerned. Still, I go back next Thursday the 5th instead of my normal two-week appointment.

So, I'm trying not to worry and trust the good Lord. My sweet hubby is very concerned and basically wants me on close to bedrest. I want to be good and protect my baby but I also don't want to overreact and totally stop doing anything. I have a family who needs me and there is so much to do every day. How do you just let it all slide especially when I've been trying so hard to keep up with everything. I know we need to lean on people for help but I hate to cry wolf and I still feel fine. So, this is tough. :( We could sure use some prayers. Jon David arrived at 34 weeks and still needed 2 weeks in the NICU. I'm only 30 1/2 weeks and really, really need to make it to 34! That seems SO far away at this moment!

Must go. My beloved wants me resting. Off I go...

(Wendy, I think I stole this picture off your blog a long time ago.)

Freezer Friendly Recipes Please

My list of acquired appliances keeps growing! I now have a big freezer that I plan to stock full of meals for after baby boy arrives. I've wanted an extra freezer for years! :) And because of this new purchase and that I am bringing a meal to a family from church with a new baby - I need your help! Please send me good, easy, preferably somewhat budget/waist-friendly recipes. In exchange, here is a good one that I've used and loved. It's from one of my favorite cooks, Paula Deen. Thanks, Guys!

Baked Spaghetti (I've not used her House Seasoning. I just improvise.)

Sharing is Fun!

What a fun day! Besides JD tackling a mountain of Honey Do's (and even adding some of his own to do for me as an extra help), Jon David's grandma (my mom) came over. To make the day even better, Jon David's buddy, Tyler, spent the day with us. The guys mostly bonded over sharing sippy cups (I gave up trying to stop this after 5 futile minutes) and playing in the kitchen. Two cuter 19-month olds I cannot find!! Here's proof.

"My mom says don't touch the blinds - but I can't resist!"