Well, here we are, last night, heading to the hospital after being told to come on in. We got there around 6:30 and were told to head to the waiting room. I knew things were busy because of how crowded it was. Lots of people, lots of noise, lots of waiting. Not exactly how I’d envisioned starting off Elizabeth’s induction. I was called back after about an hour and checked in, given a wrist band, told I’d be in room 308, but that I’d need to head back to the waiting room for a bit. After another hour of waiting, the charge nurse came and got me. She informed me that since we’d been called to come in, there had been a rush of women in active labor who had also come in. Every room had been taken, and she had a couple other ladies on their way who were pretty sure their water had broken. She said I was welcomed to stay in the waiting room, but with no end in sight, it would probably be better to just go home. She would call me as soon as a room became available and she was so very sorry that this was happening. I told her that I understood, this was labor and delivery, these things happen, right? Right. So, off we went, back home.

We left our hospital bags in the car, came in and enjoyed some time with our family (my parents and in laws are here, along with my sis and nephew!)and went to bed. At 5:30 am, the charge nurse called me to say that they were still packed and suggested that they put me on the list to be induced tonight. So, same drill as last night, call at 5:30 to make sure a bed is available, go in if so, and start the induction tonight.

So, yeah. Kind of an emotional roller coaster, but through all of this the Lord has been faithful to remind me that He is sovereign over all things, even when they seem messy and chaotic. His plan, His timing, they are perfect. I got to sleep in this morning and am now enjoying these scenes:

(My dad with my kids. Nothing better!)

(Mom and Sophia)

(Kisses for Grandma)

(play-dough time!)

(Maria in the kitchen, of course!)

(My sis and nephew!)

Not too shabby, and much more fun than the hospital waiting room. 🙂 Not to mention, this is one more day that I get to keep Elizabeth safe inside. She’s kicking and wiggling and hiccuping as usual, and I am once again so thankful for this time that I have with her.

I know that I keep saying this, but I am profoundly humbled by the prayers going up by so many. Truly, it’s overwhelming and “thank you” seems like too trite a thing to say. But we are grateful. Deeply grateful for your love, prayers, support and encouragement. We feel it and we ask you to please continue, knowing that you will. Thank you.

Elizabeth Grace is due today, but I’m thinking she didn’t get that memo, which is more than fine with me. I am thrilled to get to keep her in for as long as possible, although I’m not sure how much longer that will be. I’ve been dilated to 1 and a half centimeters for at least two weeks now, and Braxton Hicks have been occurring more and more frequently. I have an OB appointment on Monday (if I make it till then), at which point I suspect an induction will be scheduled for some time next week.

So many of you have reached out lately to let me know you are thinking of us and praying. Some have asked for specific needs to lift up, so I thought I’d share some here, as I greatly appreciate the intercession.

~ Strength—spiritual, physical and emotional. I’ve been battling a nasty head cold for the last few days and honestly it’s left me feeling quite weary in each of these areas. I’m claiming 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. His power is made perfect in weakness.

~ Peace—facing so many unknowns and having never charted such territory before, there are many things that I’m simply fearful about right now. Please pray that the Lord would increase mine and Onan’s faith and that we would rely on the peace that only He can give. Pray that we will rest in His plan.

~ For God’s name to be glorified. No matter what the outcome, this needs to be the end result. If Elizabeth experiences a miraculous healing after she is born, then we want the explanation to be God’s supernatural touch and for His name to be made famous. If she experiences ultimate healing by being taken to Heaven, then we want to point to Christ in our grieving and let others know of the hope we have because of Jesus. Either way, His name must be glorified.

Thank you again for praying with us and for us through this time. We are so humbled and so grateful.

Last weekend my wonderful friends gave me and Elizabeth Grace a beautiful and meaningful “blessing brunch.” I was so honored and so humbled by their generosity and sincerity.

Everything was gorgeous!

And delicious…

But the best part was the company! My mom and sis got to be there:

And so did my Mother-in-love:

My highschool BFFs made an 8 hour drive from TN and suprised me!

(that’s my side profile “surprised face”)

And we cried, of course.

But we laughed too!

We also had a time of prayer (which I SO wish had been photographed, but…I guess we were all praying, ha!). Anyway, it was beautiful and profound and something I will never forget.

I also received many, many incredible gifts.

This might be my favorite. It’s a box filled with letters from friends and family. Touching and heartfelt thoughts, prayers, scriptures, songs and poems. I know people must have just poured themselves into it. A treausure.

Some beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry:

Some incredibly special handmade presents…

And Elizabeth received some absolutely gorgeous hand made clothing and blankets as well!

I’m not sure I can express how overwhelmingly loved and cared for that I felt, or how much I felt like Elizabeth was loved and cared for. I have been praising God for the friends that he’s placed around me at this time in my life and never before have I been more grateful. Each prayer that you lift up, each encouraging word that you speak to me, every tear that you shed on my behalf–it’s all so very deeply appreciated. Thank you, thank you.

This morning marked what should be the last appointment with my high risk OB before I deliver. I didn’t realize this beforehand, otherwise I probably would have tried to savor the ultrasound even more than I did. The news was all good. The first thing I was told was that she is in the head down position. I practically let out a “whoop!” and definitely exclaimed, “Good girl, Elizabeth!” I had a feeling she had moved from breech, to transverse then finally to head down just last week. And by “feeling” I mean hard and swift kicks to the ribs as she got herself that way. I was having coffee with a friend when it all went down (pun intended!). I could barely stay in my seat and nearly spilled my peppermint mocha all over the place. Totally worth it. I know I’d been told by all the medical professionals I’m seeing that I would and should be able to deliver her breech, but the thought always made me uneasy. Labor and delivery make me nervous enough–especially this one–so, this news was a relief…and an answer to prayer.

More good news: she’s estimated to weigh four pounds, right on track for a 33 week old baby. At my regular OB appointment last week I was measuring four weeks behind, so it was nice to find out that she’s where she’s supposed to be and it’s simply due to how I carry (read: my freakishly long torso). She’s still swallowing well and my amniotic fluid was in the average range, another big praise. My doctor noted that she was “very active”–something I could have told him months ago. I’m not sure if she really does move a lot more than my other kids did, or if I just notice it more with her, but this baby never stops. And I love it. In the picture I got today, she has her little hand up by her face, a favorite move of hers.

Since she’s head down and “thriving” according to my doctor, he won’t need to see me again before delivery unless a problem arises. He made sure I still have support in place and asked me to call him after Elizabeth is born so that he can come visit us in the hospital. What a blessing my high risk doctor has been throughout this pregnancy.

Still coveting your prayers, friends. We’re in the homestretch now and I’m feeling many emotions as Elizabeth’s due date draws closer. I’m truly excited to meet her, still praying for a miraculous healing, all while preparing for the worst. I’m constantly claiming Romans 8:28, constantly having to relinquish control and trust God with all of this. He has been so gracious and He is so faithful.