Musings from the Threshold

Monthly Archives: April 2010

Progress Reports

Note: I’m planning on posting updates within this blog post, so that folks with readers are not overwhelmed in case I post lots of updates today. I’ll just add the latest at the top of the post with the time, so things will be nice and backwards. Sweet.

Sunday 5/2 – 7.45pm
I’m so sorry for the delay in updating. I’ve been busy with a precious bundle of boy who was born last night at 10.40! One of his names is Andrew… we’re still pondering names. More info in another post.

Saturday 5/1 – 8.20pm
The castor oil seems to be working (but with only one of *those* trips to the bathroom so far). I’m having contrax one on top of the other right now, which is typical for the beginnings of the CO effect. Need to stop to breathe through them. Just had a yummy supper of high protein waffles with blueberries and yogurt on top. SO glad to be at home.

Saturday 5/1 – 4pm
Stalled. Cervix is still in a good position, but contrax have slowed way down. We’re going to do something we normally wouldn’t and try castor oil. As far as our normal philosophical hesitation with pushing labor along, my body obviously tried to go into labor and my cervix made those efforts ineffective. So it isn’t as if we’re trying to jump start things from scratch. Logistically, there are many reasons to see if the castor oil will work, so we’re going to give it a shot. Our prayer is that if the time is right, it will work, and if the time is not right, it won’t work. We’d love it if you’d pray that with us.

Saturday 5/1 – 11am (anatomical details)
I’ve definitely never had a labor quite like this before. Last night around 10, MW checked me internally and found that I had dilated very little over the course of the day, and that my cervix was in an awkward, extremely far forward (almost tucked up under the pubic bone) position. That meant that Baby’s head was not able to apply pressure properly to the cervix, hence the lack of dilation. As we discussed this dilemma, B got a call that a mom was in labor, so she headed out for her house.

Our wonderful chiropractor (Dr. Mary) was here last night and she and MW came up with a belt-like contraption to try to get things in a better position. We decided that it would be best for everyone to try to get a decent night’s sleep. So Sue and Dr. Mary headed for home, I went to bed, and MW and sis Liz settled down for the night in the living room. When Jonathan came to bed shortly thereafter, I mentioned, “Well, we made it to May Day… we’ll see what happens.”

I had lots of contractions through the night and in my sleepiness, it seemed that they felt different somehow, so I was hopeful the belt was helping. My 7.30’ish potty break showed signs of progress, so after a while, MW checked and found that it seemed my cervix had moved enough that contrax were indeed able to be more productive and I had made some progress (all the way to 3cm… better, but not was I was hoping for).

Things are progressing and contrax are continuing, though I must admit I’m struggling with being patient and fighting frustration/discouragement. I just need to remember that the Lord will bring this little forth in His time and in His way. MW and Liz are out running some errands right now, so J and I are going to try to relax and hope we make some more progress.

Please pray for our friends Eric and Jen. Their precious daughter Elisabeth was born around midnight last night… with spina bifida. She’s in NICU and it sounds like she and they have a rough road ahead. May God give comfort and grace.

Friday 4/30 – 7.30pm
Still waiting for MW to arrive, but she’s getting close. Contrax getting more intense. Played scrabble with J and B, ate sandwhiches for supper. Dear Sue is on her way over as well. There’s a storm coming in, so we’ll likely lose connection soon.

Friday 4/30 – about 2.30pm
Last night as midnight approached, I was having pretty steady contractions. Still ~20 minutes apart, but feeling a bit more serious. So I had a snack and headed for bed to see if things stopped, if I could sleep, etc. I snoozed between contrx, but was starting to wonder about my primary MW’s 3+ hour drive. I finally called her around 2am and reached her on the way to another client’s house! I called again at 2.30 after 3 more contrx that were 10 minutes apart and feeling more demanding. This other precious mom was at 6cm, so there was no way MW was leaving her for a while. We decided I’d go ahead and call B, MW’s assistant and a dear friend of mine, who got on the road shortly after I called. Then we called Dad and Mom Smith, who came to pick up the Blessings.

B drove in about the time that the Blessings pulled out of the drive, and I felt relieved to have her here. She found I hadn’t really started to dilate yet, but that baby was very low and everything was soft and ready to go. We decided to get some sleep if possible, both for the sake of rest and to give MW an opportunity to finish up and make the drive over.

Today has been spent mostly relaxing, because things really intensify whenever I’m up and around and I’d really like to give MW plenty of time to get here. The “other” baby was born around 10.30 this morning, and we’re guessing MW is on her way.

Slugs and Bugs

We first watched these videos a couple weeks ago and hadn’t watched them or sung the songs since. Tonight, I heard Stephen singing Tractor, Tractor in the living room. He remembered the tune and everything. So I pulled them back up and he was thrilled to watch them again. And now you get to share in the fun! That Andrew Peterson is such a multi-talented fellow. Enjoy.

In Baby news, I had an encouraging prenatal today. Baby is nice and low, in a good position, with good heartones. I’m enjoying getting to wait at home in my own space, and am looking forward to whatever timing God has for this little one.

Trying out Windows Live Writer

I read a recommendation recently for using Windows Live Writer for blogging, so I’m giving it a shot.  The part that interests me is being able to use it to insert photos using Picasa or Flickr. 

The above picture I inserted using the Picasa plugin.  I don’t know how to move it or resize it, but from what I read, once I figure that out, it will save my settings and insert photos accordingly each time.

And here I’ll try one using the Flickr plugin:Pond View

That was a bit more user friendly.  Easy to find how to put it in the middle, choose a size, etc.

I’m curious how the formatting works.

And I’m looking forward to playing with this more. 

Do any of you use WLW? 

Are there other blogging tools that you find helpful?

P.S. – No major labor progress yet.  We’re at Dad and Mom Smith’s right now.  They fed us a wonderful meal of chicken alfredo and we’ve had a nice visit.

A Lovely Day

I have had a wonderful day today, enjoying my freedom to do whatever I feel like doing.

Josiah and I did some weeding in the garden.

The boys and I strung yarn on tomato cages to make trellises for our peas (which are doing much better than last year, yay!).

I swept my own room! And was amazed at how much dirt had accumulated since Saturday.

I watched my man add some supports to the door of the chicken tractor, and took some pictures of the chicks and turkeys.

I went on a walk with my man and visited the pond for the first time this spring. Wow, I’ve missed it! We checked on the strawberry patch on the way, were caught up to by Stephen and Kate, and were eventually joined by most of the Blessings.


It’s been a lovely day, and with contractions getting closer together, we’ll see what else it has in store!

Getting Closer

I almost called my midwife in the night last night because my contractions were getting closer together and I was having a hard time sleeping. I’ve been pretty much laying low the last few days, despite the fact that I’d reached the 37 week milestone, because there is a dear mama in sw Missouri who was expected to have her little one any day. Well, I talked with my midwife (MW from here on out) this morning and it looks like the other mama’s dates were a bit off. MW encouraged me to do whatever I feel like doing today and not worry about the other mama. So, I’m feeling a bit giddy with excitement at the moment.

Yesterday, while Jonathan was working and the Blessings were at Good News Club, I did some last minute cleaning of the areas in our room that have been neglected as we’ve gotten our “birth space” ready. Namely, the desk and the buffet.

Here are some before and after shots of the areas I tackled (sitting down) yesterday, as well as a couple other shots of our room as it waits for labor to begin in earnest.




Spring Greens

Here are a couple of shots I took the other day during a break in the rain. I love the greens of spring!


And here’s Grace in the lovely green grass, carrying our rooster who formerly was the bully. He’s been knocked out of his “top spot” by a younger rooster and has become quite docile.

Peace

Last night, I felt like Much Afraid when her cottage was invaded by her Fearing relatives. I was suddenly overwhelmed by a multitude of “What Ifs” and crazy possible scenarios about the arrival of this little one. I knew on the one hand that I was not being logical, but my thoughts just seemed to be running out of control. One verse that helped me start to reign them in was Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” I then moved on to Philippians 4, but didn’t get very far before the Lord rocked me to sleep. Nonetheless, I’ll post those wonderful verses as well:

Do not be anxious [careful] about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phil. 4:6-8

This morning, we had a wonderful time of worship around the Lord’s table with the saints of Bible Truth Fellowship. The meeting was not in the usual place because there was a fellowship lunch planned, and let me tell you – the acoustics in a double car garage can be wonderful! Such focus on our Redeemer and His amazing love for us; my heart was stilled and filled with thankfulness.

One of the themes that emerged during the breaking of bread this morning was the “But God” statements in Scripture. Jonathan shared this passage from Ephesians:
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience– among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Eph. 2:1-7

We sang this hymn, which (among others) was a blessing to me (especially the bolded part).

A Mind at Perfect Peace with God
by Catesby Paget

A mind at “perfect peace” with God,
Oh, what a word is this!
A sinner reconciled through blood;
This, this, indeed is peace!

By nature and by practice far,
How very far from God!
Yet now by grace, brought nigh to Him,
Through faith in Jesus’ blood.

So near, so very near to God,
I cannot nearer be;
For in the person of His Son,
I am as near as He.

So dear, so very dear to God,
More dear I cannot be;
The love wherewith He loves the Son,
Such is His love to me.

Why should I ever careful be,
Since such a God is mine?

He watches o’er me night and day,
And tells me “Mine is thine.”

When I looked up the words to the hymn this evening, one of the websites mentioned this verse:
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4

What a faithful and loving Heavenly Father I have, Who is patient and gracious to me when I doubt Him. He provides abundant resources for re-focusing my mind on Him and reminds me of His love and care for me. I pray some of His reminders will be a blessing to you as well.

Blog Layout Switchup

I realized this morning that I had not updated my “Friends’ Blogs” or “Worth Reading” lists in my sidebar for quite some time. Honestly, I have so many blogs on my google reader that it would be silly for me to put them all over there. Yet, I do want folks to have a chance to see what blogs I read, both of my friends and of folks who bless me (and/or make me think!) with their blogs regularly. So I was in a quandry.

When I went to add blogs to the link lists, I realized that you can choose how many blogs show up at a time, as well as how they’re sorted. So I chose to show the five most recent posts in each list. Makes the page a bit shorter and should have some variety that way.

If you mostly read my blog on a reader, it won’t affect you much. But I thought I’d explain the change, because I’m an explainer. Jonathan is laughing by this point; I’d bet money on that if I ever bet money…

And a update

I seem to be in one of those seasons of life where there are so many thoughts and words in my head and heart that very few of them make it to the written word. I just checked and realized that I haven’t given a Mama/Baby update in almost a month. Yikes!

So… what’s been going on, pregnancy-wise?

Near the beginning of April, I started wearing my sacro-iliac support belt much less often, for three reasons. 1) Baby was not settling down like usual and I felt the belt was making things less than comfortable for Baby. 2) I was tired of feeling like an invalid and the belt was seriously restricting my movement ability. 3) I had gained enough strength in my SI joint and hips that my chiropractor was comfortable with me going without the belt more to see how things went.

The first week I just wore the belt less, but the past two weeks I haven’t worn it at all, haven’t missed it, and my appointments with my chiro have shown that I’m staying strong/gaining strength this way. The belt was extremely important and helpful in this pregnancy; I’m just beyond grateful that I don’t need it anymore.

I have been amazed at how much difference this change has made in my outlook and attitude. Not only am I more comfortable, I feel much more confident about labor and birth, about my health overall, and about my body’s ability to do what it needs to do. I once again really KNOW that my body was made for the task ahead, and that my Creator has equipped me and will walk with me through the journey.

Friday will mark the 37 week milestone. I am looking forward to passing that mark and being in the “comfort zone” as far as birthing at home is concerned. The last week or so has seen me restricting my activity level quite a bit, as I am feeling a good bit of pressure and tightness when I’m up and around very much. Once Friday arrives, I’ll feel more free to be up and around, taking care of things I’d like to have done before Baby arrives. I’d like to make it to 38 weeks, and think I will, but we’ll see.

Almost all of our “baby prep” is done. The birth pool is here (we still need to test for leaks), and all of the essential birth supplies are ready. I have about a dozen meals in the freezer; I would have liked to do more, but am happy with accomplishing what I have. There are several odds and ends that we need to take care of, but nothing that seems stressful or like things will fall apart without it.

And in non-pregnancy news…
We discovered last Friday that Davey has a very bad tooth. After several days of us researching options, he has a root canal scheduled for tomorrow morning at the dentistry school in St. Louis. We honestly don’t know how we’re going to pay for the whole process (the root canal is just the first step), but will take it one step at a time and watch to see how the Lord provides.

The garden is coming along. We’re a bit late on planting carrots and potatoes. Maybe we can get them in this week. Our seedlings are doing well and should be ready to plant next month when our planting guide says it’s time. We have peas, spinach, and onions coming up, and we need to replant the lettuce bed (my mulchers didn’t know that bed was already planted and didn’t need another layer of mulch).

We’re almost done with logging hours for this school year. We’ll stick with at least some math daily through the summer, and of course, reading. But it will be nice to have the hours recorded as required by our state.

Whew. That’s enough for today! Hope all is well with you!