Quick Update…Both Brian and I weigh in today and some more “good news” from the doctor.
BY BRIAN
Words can barely describe some of the emotions that Carie Anne and I are going through. The news that we received on day 18 of this journey was outstanding. But we also know that we are still in a high risk situation. Carie and I are holding on to hope as strong as we can. With every passing day, we know that God has granted us another day to be with baby Wittenberg and we are so lucky. I can’t wait to that day when I can shower this baby with kisses, no matter when I get to see him or her.
Yesterday, Carie went to go see her regular doctor. We are still waiting to see the results of her blood tests. If her white blood cell count is the normal range, it is continual sign that things are going in the right direction.
I have had the privilege of taking extra care of Carie this week. I have taken some extra time off of work to set her up for her day and then going to work. Even though I still can’t figure out how to use our toaster oven without burning at least one piece of toast, I can make a mean batch of scrambled eggs. I am trying to learn how to conquer the art of making a fried egg and pancakes. When I leave for work, we have an extra set of angels coming to spend time with my wife. I am truly thankful for those people. Thank you Brandi, Kim, Kerri, Nancy and Jamie.
As Carie noted in the blog earlier, my mom has been in the hospital for over 2 weeks. Because of the risk of infection to Carie and the baby, I haven’t been able to go visit her. The good news is that my mom is expected to be moved to a rehabilitation unit real soon and this will allow me to visit her.
Throughout this week, I am in constant amazement of the strength that Carie is showing through this situation. First of all, never once has she complained about my burnt toast. She has shown tremendous faith and courage.
BY CARIE ANNE
Forgive me if I ramble a bit today…I seem to have a harder and harder time putting together a coherent thought.
After two weeks without any leaking, my OB and perinatalogist are on board to transition me from strict bed rest to “home rest” if my blood work comes back OK this week. Basically, this means that I can be up on my feet for short periods during the day, but avoid stairs. And I can transition from a 45 degree laying position to a 90 degree sitting position most of the day. No cooking, cleaning, lifting, squatting, etc., but I can get up off the couch to grab my own piece of fruit or refill my drink.
While definitely appealing, I must admit I’m not as enthusiastic as I expected. After all, the doctors still cannot tell me what is going to happen next, because they cannot explain why I seem to have sealed over. The last thing I want is to begin to semi resume “normal” activities and then…oops…sorry…my water breaks again – and it is still too early for baby to survive.
OK, maybe I’m paranoid, but I cannot imagine starting again from square one.
Yesterday, I read through dozens of prayers sent to us from people around the world. The outpouring of support and love from both friends and strangers alike has been amazing and humbling. I feel so undeserving. Despite encouragement from friends who have lauded our faith, I feel right now as I am broken as ever – struggling between faith and unbelief – grateful that God’s grace is not earned but rather a gift.
I rely on the prayers of others, because I still cannot manage to put words to my feelings - grief, hope, faith, etc. Broken before Him, I have hoped He has heard the deep cries of my heart. And so, I have struggled feeling guilty because while I can express the facts – I cannot manage a coherent spoken prayer to my God who has done so much to sustain our family.
And then, a friend sent me these words of encouragement:
“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. - Romans 8:26”
Thank each of you who have been used by our Father to provide wisdom, comfort and encouragement to us daily.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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1 comment:
I am totally inspired by the strength you both have. I can only imagine how hard it is. We are praying for you --and have put you on our prayer list at church, which means a whole lotta folks in Nashville are sending thoughts and prayers your way. We will add Sharon to the list, too. I had no idea she was so ill.
Hugs to you all.
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