Week 29: Admitted for Monitoring

Here we are, week 29, and it's been a very emotional day! After a pretty good check up with my OB yesterday, today was not as I was expecting. I went in for my weekly MFM appointment as usual. Babies looked great just as they always do. It's my darn cervix that won't cooperate. Today they could not get any measurements of my cervix - as in, it was too short to measure. Instead they discovered I am dilated about 0.5cm, which sounds like no big deal to some (heck, I walked around at 3cm for a couple months when I was pregnant with Josiah before I ever went into labor), but when you're carrying multiples and have the high risk factors I've had, it's cause for concern. So I was told that I needed to be admitted to the hospital to be monitored...for who knows how long. Thankfully it was not an emergency, so I had time to go home and pack a bag and drive down to Austin.

Let me pause here and say that there is much to be thankful for. We have some awesome friends who are so willing to help in any way, especially with Josiah. I am thankful my mom was with me at the appointment - yes, there's been a lot of crying today. And just the amount of prayers being sent up by friends and family has been encouraging. Seriously. So grateful.

As I said, I needed to head to Austin to be admitted. Seton Medical Center does not have a NICU facility. My doctor mentioned Scott & White as an option, but we ultimately decided on St. David's North Austin Medical Center - this is where all my MFM doctors are; they know us, they know our history. This makes things a little more complicated as it's 45 minutes away from home, but we're taking it one day at a time. Right now, my mom is here with me, Josiah is with a friend, and Richard is about to get off work to come be with me (he had a pretty full schedule today and couldn't get away until later in the day). He will probably stay the night with me and we'll see what happens tomorrow. We could be here for a couple of days or it could be weeks, we don't know yet.

So what have they done since I was admitted? They hooked me up to some fetal monitors to track the babies and my contractions - the nurse preferred to call them "irritations" since they aren't very strong and basically a blip on the screen. I had more blood drawn for some lab work and an IV put in, but is not being used yet. They gave me some medicine to help relax my uterus to keep the contractions away and I get to wear these lovely compression wraps on my legs to help prevent blood clots since I'm on bedrest still.

We are prayerful that the Lord will keep these girls safe and healthy and inside for a little longer. At this point the babies look great and we should be grateful we've already had one round of steroid shots. Their main concern right now is making sure I don't go into preterm labor and that I'm safe and healthy. Please pray with us. God is so much bigger than my fear and uncertainty. He will be my strength and my comfort. He has a plan and it is perfect.

(I will read those last few sentences often as a reminder. Because, hello. Hormones.)

Week 28: Nursery & News

Week 28: Baby A just chillin' (bottom) and Baby B throwing up peace signs (top)

Well, I managed to survive my first week of bedrest. The first couple of days weren't too bad, then the boredom and monotony of it all sank in. It was such a God-thing that Richard's furlough was the remainder of that week. Having him home and taking care of things helped make the transition much easier for me. Plus, I really enjoyed watching him and Josiah have some good quality time together - as exhausting as it was for him, I'm sure he loved it too.

The out-pouring of love from our friends has amazed me! For that first week, we did not have to worry about a single meal as we were provided for almost each night (the other nights we had plenty of leftovers). I've had a few visitors, which has really helped break up the moments of boredom. And the thoughtfulness for us and Josiah is astounding - that kid has been showered with love as well with new toys and little activities to keep him busy. He and I had some good times coloring together and snuggling on the couch. It was precious time spent.

Over the weekend I allowed myself to go upstairs ONCE to help finish up the nursery for the twins. I directed where things needed to be hung and where to place certain items. Getting it done was two-fold: I was dying to have it ready so I could cross it off my list AND we needed it to be a less cluttered, usable space for our visitors to sleep.

So here we are, the nursery is pretty much done (minus a few more needed items to purchase)!

One VERY full closet for two very blessed little girls!

Cribs complete with coordinating baby blankets a friend made along with matching letter art I made

More clothes in that dresser and changing station

Simple wall decor and the glider where I envision rocking these sweet littles

It's a small space, but it's perfect! I sat in there for a bit afterwards to take it all in and pray for our girls. I wish I could do that everyday, but the Lord knows my heart.

For someone on bedrest, my week is filling up! Monday Richard's mom arrived from Georgia to help out with Josiah and such for a week. My mom is driving from Oregon (leaving Thursday, will arrive Sunday or Monday) and will be here until after the girls arrive to help out. Yes, a long visit, but we've already been pretty open about expectations when communicating and getting over getting on each other's nerves ;) I've got a few days this week when I'll have some friends stop by to visit - so thankful! I sure do miss seeing my people!

It was nice to get out of the house for a bit this morning for my MFM appointment. A quiet drive in the car and some new scenery does a heart good. I was especially anxious about my appointment as I was hopeful there'd be some improvement in my status. I was pretty disappointed when I found out there wasn't, but I held it together - no crying! ...until I got home. Last week I was measuring at 1.3cm to 1.7cm and this week I was measuring 1.0cm to 1.4cm, which in doctor world is "about the same" since they don't really read too much into the minor millimeter differences. I, on the other hand, look at it very differently. I couldn't dwell on it too much when I was talking to my doctor because he brought up a couple other things. My blood pressure was a bit high again this week and since it had been like that for a couple weeks he wanted to do some lab tests for pre-eclampsia to be sure. So, I went across the hall to my OB's office and had blood drawn for that. He encouraged me to lay down a bit more if possible to make sure I'm keeping as much pressure off my cervix as possible. I will probably have to spend more time in bed than on the couch, sadly. I've been avoiding doing that only because I don't want to feel isolated at all - I still want to be around my son and feel like I'm a part of things, so this will be even more difficult emotionally.

He saved the baby info for last. Their heartbeats were good, as usual. They are growing well - each one weighs about 2lbs 12ounces now. They checked for their practice breathing and they're doing well with that. They also checked their umbilical cord flow. Baby A was great, but Baby B had some interruption, which the doctor explained can be normal with twins. He told me since the umbilical cord is like a hose, certain movement or baby's position can put pressure on the cord/limit flow to the baby. He said he wasn't too concerned about it and that we'll look again next week.

Y'all. I'm overwhelmed. The reality of these girls being born so early is starting to sink in. I'm frustrated. I just want my body to do what it's supposed to do! I don't want a short cervix. I don't want pre-eclampsia. I don't want to meet them until they are grown. I don't want them in the NICU. Yet, I know God is good and that he has a plan for them and it's going to be ok. I have to keep trusting that. I have to keep His hope in my heart. His word; His truth will sustain me.

Please pray:
-For my time on bedrest - my emotional well-being along with it physically helping me and my body
-For the babies - they continue growing well and that no further issues with umbilical cord flow
-For a negative result for pre-eclampsia and that my blood pressure will stabilize
-For my emotions regarding Josiah - he's excited grandma is here, but as I was expecting he's testing me more by not obeying as well, being manipulative, and really not wanting anything to do with me (I've cried a few times because he's refused to even sit by me or want mommy to do anything). Again, I know this was expected, but it sure hurts my heart when I already feel like I'm giving over my authority as mom.
-For the hubby - that he will be encouraged, strengthened, and refreshed while dealing with my emotions as well as the grandmas staying with us and helping. It can be overwhelming to have people in your space for a time.
-For the Lord to give me strength as we tackle each day and each piece of news through this journey - that others will see Him through our story

Week 27: Some Not So Great News

What a whirlwind of emotions today has been! I will say right now that I'm still processing everything and may seem a bit all over the place. So here we go...

Today's MFM appointment was not great. Every week when I drive in to Harker Heights I spend the majority of my drive praying that everything is fine and that my nerves will be calmed. Today was no different, only I was not prepared to be as floored as I was. Babies heart rates looked good, blood pressure was ok (the top number was a tad higher), and then they measured my cervix...length ranged from 1.3 cm to 1.7 cm - I literally had the doctor repeat the results because I wasn't sure I heard her correctly. Last week was so hopeful with some improvement (2.5 cm to 3.0 cm) and then BAM! Such a drastic drop. It was frustrating, to say the least. I couldn't contain it and burst into tears. She reassured me that this wasn't something I did and that it's something that is common in women carrying twins, but I was still flooded with emotion. She immediately ordered full bed rest (basically I'm allowed to potty when I need to and take quick showers, but the remainder of my days are to be spent on the couch or in bed until further notice) and gave me steroid shots to help speed up our babies lung development since my risk of preterm labor is even higher now.

I don't even really know how to begin describing all that I'm feeling. This entire journey has been about hope and trust and in order to have those things I have to give up control, which is a challenge for me. I've been trying to remind myself of the Lord's truth all day; to rely on that and be encouraged by that, but I'm an emotional being and sometimes I just need a good cry (or several)!

Preterm labor scares me some. I want these babies to stay inside me awhile longer and grow healthy and strong. God has his hands on them and has a plan and a purpose for them - I need to trust in that.

Although bed rest will be good for me and the babies, it's hard to be ok with it. To give up my responsibilities to another is hard, especially regarding Josiah. I've already been feeling like I'm losing some of my authority over him as his parent - I worry that bed rest will only make that worse. I don't want to be secluded from my family and let someone else essentially raise him for the time being. I'm mom, that's my job!

I've never been really good at asking for help - I like to figure things out on my own a lot of the time. So I'm continuing to struggle with relying on others to help. One of the worst questions for me to answer right now is "How can I help?" and one of the worst statements for me to respond to is "Let me know if there is anything I can do." Half the time I don't know what things will help and the other half is I don't want to be a burden; there HAS to be a way that me and my husband can figure out a way to deal with this and still take care of Josiah. I know, ridiculous. God gave us a village; a community. USE THEM, DUH. Please love me through this time and try to understand who I am and that God is changing me. It overwhelms me to come up with a list of ways for people to help my family out - it makes me feel selfish or self-involved and that is so not me. I know my feelings aren't truth, but it's going to take me a bit to find the strength to lean on the help God provides us. It's not personal, promise.

Currently, I am thankful Richard has the rest of the week off so he can help and that gives us time to arrange plans for his mom and my mom to come out to help take care of Josiah.

Please pray for:
-Bed rest to help lengthen things and show improvement as well as keep these babies cooking for awhile longer
-My emotions and spiritual encouragement - that giving up control will come more easily to me. It will be better for everyone if I'm not stressing myself out over things I can't control.
-Be ok with people in my space and helping.
-My sweet husband. Give him good rest and enough energy to manage everything until long term help arrives. Oh and the sanity he needs to manage me and my emotions.

The Lord has provided so much for us already on so many levels - physical, emotional, and spiritual. I need to trust that He will continue to do so. That he will use his people to uplift us and pray for us.

Oh and that I'd get visitors every once and awhile because I ain't leaving this house for awhile.

Week 26

Definitely been rather uncomfortable the past several days and this picture shows the reason - the girls have been growing! Had my MFM appointment today and discovered Baby A is about 2 lbs 4 ounces and Baby B is weighing in at 2 lbs 1 ounce! Just a couple weeks ago they were each about a 1 lb and a half - they've been busy, busy! The ultrasound tech gave me some more detailed pictures this week, which was really nice.

Baby A

Might be hard to tell, but this Baby A's face. She was folded in half and curled up, so getting a good shot of her was difficult. Her hand is up by her forehead and her leg and foot are folded across her body.

Baby B

Hello, Baby B! That's her arm straight up beside her face (and baby A right up against her arm). That little nose and those cheeks! Both girls take after their brother in that department!

It was so neat and comforting to see them in 4D this week. As my mother would say "they are so real!" Well thank goodness I've been growing real babies versus fake ones for the past 6 months!

P.S. I love you, mom ;)

We got some good news this week regarding my cervix - thank you, Jesus! All my measurements were between 2.5 cm and 3.0 cm, which is improvement from last week. I'm not sure what to attribute to that other than the Lord's goodness and maybe the rest I've been getting. Praying this improvement continues, as having it fluctuate from week to week is rather taxing on this hormonal momma! This also means they're holding off on the steroid shots - that will be revisited again next week if my numbers get smaller again.

Needless to say, I'm in a good mood today. No tears on the drive home - hooray! Instead I was imagining holding them in my arms at 36 weeks old (at least) and kissing those chubby cheeks. I want so badly to provide them a comfortable environment in my body so they will continue to grow and thrive before greeting us in person. Hold on, girls, just a little bit longer!

I've been trying to rest as much as possible and to know when I need to stop or when something is too much. I'm kind of a bad gauge at this because I'm so type A and like to take care of things. I've been a tad more emotional the past few days as a result - I hate feeling like a lazy mom and wife. I know I'm not. Really, I do know this. It can just be hard for me to give up control in certain areas, especially when it involves taking care of my family - my job; my life; my loves. I think having felt so uncomfortable this past weekend was a good thing for me. It forced me to freely say "no, I'm going to sit on the couch and do nothing the majority of the day" and BE OKAY WITH IT. God knows me. He knows I can't control this and he knows I hate that I can't control this. He also knows that's when I open my eyes and realize (yet again. sigh.) who I need to be relying on. Funny how he tends to teach me to same lesson over and over through various journey's...you'd think I'd get it by now. But I know I've grown in relationship with Him, in hope, at least a little bit each time. He's always there. So grateful for that love.

Some days, watching J is a breeze and others can be a bit more challenging - as is with any toddler! I love that my husband works from home. It's rather comforting knowing he's right there if I ever need him for anything. J and I have been getting a little stir crazy lately though. Tired of being on the couch, in the living room, watching tv, and playing with low key toys. So, yesterday I asked hubby to get his water table out of the shed. J and I filled it up. Mommy sat in a chair on the patio and enjoyed the beautiful weather and sounds of a happy, almost naked little boy splashing in the water. It may not be much, but it was enough. For both of us.

Before the clothes came off...

I purposely don't plan a whole lot during the week anymore - it's all in an effort to try not to over-schedule my life when I should be taking it easy. Random play dates here and there I can totally handle, but my normal "to-do" lists have gone bye-bye for the time being. This coming weekend I'm hoping to get decor up on the walls in the nursery and have the hubby finish putting together some furniture...then hopefully I can post some pictures! We're also planning a date night. We haven't been out on a date in a couple months. Definitely going to keep it simple and probably just go see a movie and grab a bite to eat somewhere. We just need time together. So looking forward to it!

Week 25

"Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord." - Psalm 31:24

"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield." - Psalm 33:20

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God, my hope comes from him." - Psalm 62:5

I love the Psalms. I love that he is hope enough.

Here we are at 25 weeks and I find myself desperately clinging to hope still. There are days it's hard to fall on His truth and His word. Then there are days I am quickly reminded of his word. I had my weekly MFM appointment this morning to check cervical length again. I measured at about 2.1cm - down several millimeters from last week. Despite the minor/mm difference in length, the doctors say it is stabilizing. I tend to look at those small numbers with my emotions. I see some negativity rather than what it is - stability and stability is good. It's discouraging to hear. I want those numbers to be going up! It's a little scary to imagine all the possibilities of what can happen if things don't improve. I remember crying when I got in the car to head home and praying that the Lord would hear my heart; that I want so desperately to cling to him through my emotions rather than dwell on the what ifs and the fear. He's got this. This is true. His hands are all over this journey. I just kept thinking "hope, hope enough."

What does this mean medically? I continue to go weekly to monitor the length. If it shortens to below 2cm they will then give me steroid shots to help the babies lungs develop sooner as a precaution to preterm labor and needing to survive outside the womb. I am thankful that we are at a viable stage (24 weeks the babies become viable outside the womb). Am I still prayerful that we make it to at least 36 weeks? YES. This would be ideal. There's not much else I can do myself other than continue to take it easy. I'm going to try to limit my activity even more than I already have. It will be hard, but I know over the past week I've done more than usual because family was in town visiting. I'm a doer, especially as a mom, so it has been hard at times to not be able to go and do with my 3 year old as much as I'd like to. I'm doing the best I can and trying to let help in, but I do miss my little boy and my role as mom at times. It's just a season. He still loves his mommy, but man, it hurts my heart a little.

In other news, the girls are doing well. Great heartbeats, cute little faces and profiles, and baby B moved positions again! Last week both babies were head down. Now baby A is still head down, but B has moved back to her original transverse spot - laying across the top/belly button. My ligament pain in my left leg/hip has started acting up again, which I attribute to the change in B's position. Sleep has been a bit challenging. I'm most comfortable on my left side, but because of the ligament pain, it has become more painful. Especially when I have to get up in the middle of the night - I've lost count how many times my hip/joint has popped as I've sat up to get out of bed. My right ankle/foot has started swelling more this week as well. Awesome.

Last week I forgot to mention the results of my glucose test from a few weeks back. No diabetes for us! They did discover that I'm mildly anemic. I've already been taking an iron supplement, so I don't have to up the dose on that, but they've added some vitamin C to my lovely list of meds I take each day - I swear, I'm taking a pill for something at almost every point in each and every day. It's only for a season ;)

Nursery update: Richard got the cribs put together as well as the second dresser we bought. We've got the major furniture pieces arranged how we want them, so I started going through all the baby shower gifts and clothes. Their closet is filling up! You can barely see my childhood dresser among all the hangers and things.

I ran out of hangers, so I still have some clothes to hang up and put away, but they will be dressed well thanks to all the new, some borrowed, and of course, some matching outfits!

Last week, I got together with a friend to work on wall decor for our baby's nurseries.

I love her scripture art and will be making a smaller version to put on the shelf in our girls' room. I enjoyed making the girl's initial art too. Super easy and inexpensive! The fabric I used actually matches the baby blankets a friend of mine made for them - too perfect since we're not buying bedding (just keeping it simple with fitted sheets and breathable bumper pads). I'll post pictures once the nursery is all together...for now, you just get the sneak peak of the closet and some of the decor.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." - Hebrews 6:19

Week 24: Baby Shower and Family Visit

 

Here we are at 24 weeks! At the end of last week I was feeling some abnormal discomfort and to say that I was worried would be an understatement. I was having some cramping and a dull pain in my lower back - some symptoms of preterm labor. So, I called my OB's office to find out if I should be concerned. I was told it was most likely my hips spreading and my body stretching to make room for the girls. I took some Tylenol and that seemed to ease the pain. I was so very thankful! But let me tell you, I've been feeling much more pregnant with twins now more than ever! I found out on Monday at my OB appointment that they have changed positions. Baby A (on my right) has always been head down and Baby B (on my left) has always been laying across my belly button. On the ultrasound A was breach and B was head down. We figured that's what caused the discomfort a few days prior - it takes a lot of work for two babies to work together to change positions like that. The next day I had my MFM appointment and actually discovered both babies are now head down. Baby A is pretty low in there, but the doctor didn't seem concerned. Heart beats were good as usual and my blood pressure was good. They checked my cervix and it was measuring about 2.4cm (last week was 2.1cm). Minor progress is great progress to me! The good news is it has stabilized since I started the progesterone and taking it easy. We'll check back in a week and keep monitoring it. We're continuing to pray the progress continues and they stay in there awhile longer. The goal is to reach 36 weeks!

Family arrived late Saturday evening after a long few days of driving from Oregon. A car full of women and a toddler - a bunch of crazies that love us! Sunday was an exciting day - baby shower day! I have loved having my family be able to be here to celebrate our babies - they got a two-for-one deal with this trip!

My lovely small group friends did a wonderful job hosting a beautiful shower for our girls. Tea for Two - seriously, so adorable. We are so very grateful for the amazing friends we have who came and showered us with clothes and all things baby girl! So thankful to the Lord for a good support system here who love us well, serve, and pray for us. A huge a THANK YOU to you all!

Tea for TWO delicious treats!

Sweet notes to Ellie and Nora

Me and cousin Kori (one of the twins in my family - we have several)

The car load - Aunt, mom, grandma, Kori, and niece Kinsley

Precious friends and hostesses! Love you all!

We had a full, fun outing to Waco before family left Wednesday. Richard tagged along and volunteered to squeeze in the very back between the two toddler car seats - his thinking was "if it's not me then it'd be your grandma and she shouldn't have to do that - she's old." I just love him.

hehehe!

My aunt had a request to stop at the show "Fixer Upper" shop, Magnolia. Fun little shop, some stuff I would have loved to get, but a little spendy for my wallet.

We grabbed lunch then headed over to the Dr. Pepper Museum for a treat.

Dr. Pepper float

My favorite person :)

Such a ham!

It was a fun day, but I was definitely feeling uncomfortable. Sitting upright in the car and at the restaurant was a bit rough - the girls were moving A LOT because their space was limited in that position. My feet started swelling as well. Oh the fun stuff of being pregnant. Had a nice long nap with my feet up once we got home.

We spend this morning at home and visiting with my family one last time before they headed out to drive home - they wanted to take a little more time heading back to Oregon so they could be better rested and also see some sights on the way. I'm so thankful they could come out and visit and celebrate with us - it's always hard to say goodbye. I wish we all lived closer, but this is where the Lord has us and we love it.

The nursery was painted while they were here - yay! So the next task up is to start getting the cribs and room together and decorating - the fun stuff! Can't wait to post pictures when it's all finished!

Week 23

Week 23 - made it to church Sunday!

Y'all. I'm already feeling large. I think it's because I feel so heavy carrying two littles instead of one because I don't feel I look too huge...yet. I feel them moving a lot, which is fun! They give me cravings for chocolate in the form of ice cream, which has become a staple (shhh! Some days I only have a little!). I still have some ligament pain on my left side, so sleeping has become a bit uncomfortable already and if I've been sitting for a longer period of time and then stand up - putting weight on that side is killer! My clothes are fitting ok. Certain things make feel bigger than I am, which is no fun for an emotional lady such as myself, but I have scored some great deals on clothes recently that will hopefully get me through a little while longer. The dress in the above picture - only $8 at a resale store! I went to the Just Between Friends consignment sale this past week with the hope of stocking up on some stuff for the babies and me. Walked away with a pretty good haul and little disappointment!

I found a few maternity items (for $5 each), an outfit for Josiah, a play mat for the girls ($12), a Boppy lounger, and twin breastfeeding pillow for a whopping $8! I definitely couldn't walk away without a few things for the girls either, so I found some super adorable dresses and jumpers for a great price! I'm a happy camper.

Since last week's MFM appointment I've been trying to take it easy. I've spent more time on the couch this past week than what I'm used to. Some days I have to work really hard to do nothing and other days it's easy to ask for help and not push myself. It's getting a little easier for me to ask the hubby for help with things - I know, it shouldn't be that difficult, but I'm very independent and feel bad asking for others to do things for me when I feel I should be capable of it myself. I'm working through it :) Thankful for a 3 year old that plays independently - oh how I would love to go outside with him or get on the floor and build tall towers too!

Yesterday a friend of mine insisted I come over with J so I could sit in their recliner and do nothing while she managed the kids (she has 3 of her own). I'll be honest, at first it was a little odd for me to let someone else do my job as a mom while I did nothing, but the Lord hushed my need for control and independence to help me see what blessings I have in my life and that though it looks like I'm doing nothing, I'm actually doing what is necessary and good for these littles growing inside me. I have so many friends here in Texas that would do whatever they can to help during this time of uncertainty and stress and worry. Without them I'd be a mess, I'm sure.

So that brings me to latest update after today's MFM appointment. Currently, my cervix has stabalized! Meaning, last week it was 2.0cm and today it measured at 2.1cm. It's moving up, which is what we want! Praying for that lengthening to continue as the weeks go on! I will continue taking the progesterone daily and taking it easy. I asked a ton of questions today - I see several different doctors, I needed some reassurance from a medical perspective. In regards to the surgical cerclage that was mentioned at my last appointment, this is not something they will do nor advise for my current situation. They will not do one after 24 weeks and since I'm almost there it's not really an option for me anymore. I was also informed that if they were to have had done one it would have been done earlier and only if my cervix was extremely short (less than 1.5cm). It was good to hear the doctor's thoughts on this as it was something that made me kind of nervous. So needless to say, I felt some relief when I was told they wouldn't do one. I also asked what would be done if I were to go into preterm labor. All the information they gave me today kind of put things into perspective for me. Yes, it's still worrisome, but I'm a bit more hopeful that the Lord will keep these babies inside awhile longer. The babies by they way, looked great as usual and my blood pressure was awesome today (she checked it twice to make sure since it had been higher in the past)! Woo-hoo!

So the rest and progesterone is still advised. I will continue to go in weekly to monitor my cervix. If there continues to be stability and/or length added then I'll go every other week, but for now we take it one day and one week at a time.

I felt good leaving the doctor today. For the first time in the past month, I haven't cried on my way home from my MFM appointment. The Lord knew I needed this. I've been struggling with clinging to him for hope in these times of worry, but oh how gracious he is and how he uses doctors and friends and family to remind you of his goodness and strength and remind you to pray. Though there are worries there are also blessings to be praising him for - these girls have always had a good report. Their heartbeats were great today. They are now over 1lb each. Their profiles are precious and I even got to see one of them having the hiccups today. He is creator and he is healer. He is almighty God. How can I not cling to that? I know I've said this a million times, but I am so very grateful for the people in our lives who are praying with us and for us! One of the biggest reasons I wanted to blog through this journey was not to have something to brag about or share just to share, but to keep the important people to us a part of the journey. You've prayed for us before it was public knowledge that were even trying to conceive and you've continued to pray through each milestone and that is amazing to me! So I share this so I can not only look back and see God move through his people and through the power of prayer, but also so YOU may see his power; that YOU may be used by him. So, thank you thank you thank you!