Kara Suzanne; Born Wednesday, 5/23/07

That's right! Becky's stay in the hospital ended up being shorter than expected as Kara was born 4 1/2 weeks early. Becky was taken into an emergency c-section early Wednesday morning. I rushed into the hospital as fast as I could. I was able to see Kara shortly after they took her out. Here's the stats: 5lbs., 2oz., 17 3/4 inches. Mom and baby are doing well. For now, enjoy the pics. More to come.

Make it three more weeks . . . we hope

This is a follow up post to Becky's on May 12th. At that time she had just gotten back from an ER visit with dehydration from the flu. Well, that was just the beginning. But, in light of the sensitive nature of the details, I'll summarize. Sometimes I catch myself thinking I'm talking (or writing) to people who are going through the same things we are -- you know, pregnancy, and all the gory details that go along with it. So, anyways, I'll try to spare some of those terms you hear thrown around your local ob/gyn office. Becky is almost 35 weeks pregnant now. We have known she has placenta previa, which simply means that part of the placenta is covering the cervix (where the baby begins to leave the womb -- oh well, so much for not speaking like an OB doctor). This can be a serious thing the closer you get to 40 weeks. Well, since her flu episode on Friday and Saturday, Becky has bled twice (a complication common in placenta previa cases). All in all from Friday through Monday, we went into the hospital 4 times, the 4th one being the final one. Final in the sense that Becky is now being kept on bed rest in Room 343 of Holy Spirit Hospital until around 37 or 38 weeks. The hope is that she will not bleed anymore, and the baby will continue developing and be ready and healthy enough to be born. The baby girl (name to come at birth) will be taken by c-section.
All of this has been a roller coaster ride, and time would not allow an account of all the emotions and conversations we have experienced these last few days. Suffice it to say that we are very pleased with our team of doctors and their decision to take the safe route and keep Becky in the hospital. As one doctor put it, "Even if you lived across the street, that wouldn't be enough time." He was speaking of the possibility of a hemorrhage that could occur in Becky's situation, which could have fatal effects on the baby and possibly the mommy. So, Becky's address is currently room 343. Though we are very glad for the safety of this situation, it is not without its difficulties. We would appreciate your prayers for perseverance during this time for our family. Specifically,

1. For Becky, as she lies in a hospital bed, at times being lonely. By the way she has lots of books, magazines, puzzle books, and other things to keep her attention (especially her cell phone).
2. For Samuel, as he goes mommy-less for the next couple weeks. He is pretty resilient, but his missing mommy comes out at times. Also, we have more than enough options for his care over this time, thanks to the many friends and family close by.
3. For me, as I . . . well I can't explain how much I need Becky in everyday life. She is such a vital part of my daily routine, that of course I miss her and can't wait till she comes home.

All in all, we are doing well. We enjoy daily visits, and my work is flexing for me once again. Please also pray that I will be able to get to the hospital in case they have to take the baby in an emergency c-section. I have this fear that I will miss it all together.

One more request. I am specifically praying that each of us would not miss what God wants to teach us. For Becky, I desire that she not get caught up in self-pity and self-focus, that she spend this time getting to know her God better and blessing others. As you know, her personality is infectious, and God can use her in the lives of the hospital staff. For me, I pray that I will not look at each day through the eyes of the flesh, trying to think of ways I can accomplish everything in my own mind and strength. I desire for us to "Walk in the Spirit" and show forth the glory of Christ. Certainly, He is worthy of our life's devotion and surrender. We cannot tell what He wants to prepare us for, but in His divine wisdom He uses all things for the benefit of our ultimate good and His glorious worth.

This ministered to our hearts the other night,

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. ~ Psalm 139:13-18

Once again, thank you for your continued support.

Travis

Sam the Builder

Here's a couple pics of Samuel the other day when I took him into my office with me. He enjoyed freely wandering and looking at Dad's cool work stuff. Enjoy!
Travis

Six more weeks...

'til our little girl arrives. At least that's the plan according to the due date. I had a little bit of a scare yesterday. On Friday morning around 4 or 5 am, I woke up feeling very nauseated and started throwing up. It's always lovely having the stomach flu, but it's especially great when you're 8 months pregnant!! Yuck! As the morning hours wore on, I was feeling worse and worse (I'll spare you the gory details). I had been talking with my baby doctor a few different times throughout the morning and decided it was time to visit the emergency room. So we loaded Samuel up in the car and Travis drove me there. I could hardly walk by this time, cause I was so weak from throwing up so much. We took the trash can along in the car for which I'm very glad, since I needed it about 10 minutes into our trip. Thankfully, they took us right in...I think it's because I'm pregnant. They see a big stomach and everyone goes into emergency mode =)
My sweet sister-in-law, Traci, came to the hospital to pick up Sam and ended up keeping him ALL DAY!! We were there for 8 hours while they filled me with IV fluids (4 liters). They also checked me into the maternity floor for a while and checked to make sure I wasn't in labor. I was having a lot of stomach pains that moved around into my back and legs. I was sure praying that I wasn't going to have to deliver a baby on the heels of the stomach flu! I think I would have just asked for a C-section! At least I wouldn't have had to muster the energy for contractions and pushing =) I continued throwing up a little throughout the evening and night, but I'm feeling a lot better today (just have the body aches now). I have such a sweet husband who stayed with me all day yesterday. He didn't even leave me to go have lunch or anything =) Right now he and Samuel are out shopping for mother's day. It will be so nice to meet our new baby girl in just a few short weeks. Can't wait to tell you all her name! Have a great weekend!