Gaining a New Perspective

DAY 22

We have made it to 27 weeks and 2 days today! My OBGYN said that from his experience, each day these little girls can stay inside me is two less days they will have to be in the NICU. Obviously there is no scientific research to back up that statement; however, it helps to give purpose to the most boring of days.

I am beginning to adapt my former routine to fit my current bed rest situation. I am still able to read and am beginning to make my way through the list of titles on my reading list. In addition to knitting, I have also been given a pattern and supplies for some cross-stitching. The knitting and the cross-stitching are past times that I enjoy, but are limited by what position I need to be in to best pick up the babies heart beats. This is actually a good thing, because when I do get the ability to sit up and work on them they are little added treats instead of everyday occurrences.

 Because I am continually on the monitors now, my daily exercise is limited to bathroom breaks and showers. While this can feel very confining, the upside is that I get to hear my babies at all times, day and night. I don't have to sit and wonder in between monitoring if they are okay. There is someone watching them at all times and the instant they begin to get into trouble we can take immediate action. I appreciate and respect the doctors for taking this course of action and refusing to take chances with the lives of my girls. I do not envy them their job. I will never forget the look on the specialist's face early Saturday morning after one of the babies had experienced several drastic drops in her heart rate. It was evident the weight of the responsibility he bore as he had to make the decision to take them then and expose them to pre-mature risks, or allow them to stay put and possibly lose one or both of them. I am thankful for doctors that value life and strive their best to make decisions to protect and preserve it. They need our prayers!

The kids decided that last week would be a great time to start teething so visits with them were limited due to the fevers they were running. They seem to be over that hurdle, at least for the time being, and Stephen has been able to bring them up to see me this week. While it is difficult to interact with them like I did when I was off the monitors, it is still a blessing to see their faces and to remind them that I love them, miss them, and am coming home soon! I am thankful that they are young enough that they won't remember this time I had to be away from them.

The nurses and doctors continue to help me and make my stay as comfortable as possible. I pray that as my time continues here, my attitude would stay focused on the Lord and that He would be able to use me to show His love to those I come in contact with. I remind myself daily that my situation was not a surprise to Him, and that He has put me in this place for such a time as this.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, cards, visits, and gifts. My heart is truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love I (and my family) have received from the body of Christ.