Some Good Ones

Here are a couple of our favorites. Check out the "Our Pictures" tab up yonder for more.

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So Why Dexter Eliot?

I know Dexter Eliot isn't the most common name around, and Whitney and I have gotten a few inquiries as to the source.

We're both big on names being very important, and we had just a few criteria for what would pass:

• unique but not weird (e.g. Sander)
• meaningful-respectable
• specific to this baby's traits, personality or events concerning his life thus far
• preferably after an author or musician
• doesn't sound like a hick when you pair it with our last name (e.g. Billy Ray)

So we hemmed ourselves in pretty tight. I read through a book 60,000 names and another with 100,000 names and we developed a relatively long "short list". None of them stuck out as a the obvious chioce, so we prayed that God would give us an overwhelming feeling of what the little guy's name was or better yet to show us in a vision or dream. None came for a long time, so we just figured we'd wait until we met him to name him.

Dexter was one of those names on the list. We first contemplated it pretty early on when we were laughing at how often he would pop out on the right side of Whitney's belly (Dexter is a form of the Latin word for "right"). It can also mean "skillful", "prosperous", "righteous", and "dyer of cloth"...and everyone needs colored cloth. Anyway, we figured he'd center up as he filled out the belly, but he didn't so we kept bringing it up and l. In the mean time, one of our friends had a dream about our son - that we had named him Dexter and that all of our friends were laughing at what a funny name that was but how well it fit the baby. Another pro is that Dexter Gordon was a renowned jazz saxophone player in the bebop era, which is my favorite era of jazz. Anyone who doesn't own his album, GO, needs to GO to the store right now and get it. So with all of that in its favor, Dexter was up there on the list.

Eliot was one of the other names on the list. We first thought of naming him this after T.S. Eliot (hence the spelling). Looking into it, I also really liked the origin - Elliott is an Old English form of Elijah, which means "The Lord is my God". Nothing could convey our deepest hope for him more than that.

When he was born, we got a good 2 hours to get to know him before they gave him the K-shot, eye drops, and all the other good stuff that makes babies groggy. And since Whitney did a natural birth without pain medication, he was wide-eyed and alert, showing of his funny little personality. After trying out our potential names on him, we agreed that this was, in fact, Dexter Eliot Ray.

So as we embark on the new stage of life leading a little boy into manhood, we pray that he will be a man who is righteous, skillful, and prosperous, and that the Lord Jesus Christ will be his God and the passion of his life. We ask that you'd pray that for him as well.

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Dexter pics are up!

Click the "Our pictures" tab above to see the two latest albums, complete with captions.

People have been asking, "where did you come up with his name." We'll answer this, and more, in the next posting. Off to soothe the baby man.

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My sister's pics of Baby Ray!

These were taken by my sister Meredith. We have lots more that we will arrange in a better way and more of just Dexter...were a little tired still, so it will have to wait a day or two. Enjoy!















Baby Dexter Eliot, born May 10, 2009 at 2:30pm.


The first grandparents to see him!













Tonya (Tootsie) and Sander with the baby man.













Rays!

Mom to be and nephew. (also the photographer - thanks for sharing!)

Andrews grandmother...grandmother name tbd














Soon to be dad with nephew

Carrie and I (looking hot after my surprise labor...no make up or shower for me Mother's day morning!) with our nephew/son!

The awesome Pregnancy Support Team and son.

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Babymoon!

Sander surprised me this weekend (yes, 12 days before my due date) with a little "Babymoon" here in Houston. For those of you who don't receive the babycenter.com propaganda on a weekly basis you may be asking...what is a babymoon? Well, according to babymoonguide.com, it is:

Babymoons are designed for optimum pampering and luxury. These “last hurrah” trips for parents-to-be provide the perfect setting to relax and reconnect as a couple before entering (or re-entering) parenthood. Pre-baby vacations are one of the hottest trends in travel today, and with good reason. Moms and dads-to-be know that luxury vacations without sippy cups and bibs may be out of reach for a while, so they’re seizing the opportunity for one last romantic getaway.

Sander planned it all and so out we headed, with our hospital bag in the trunk "just in case". We went for "drinks" at Empire Cafe, dinner at Barnaby's, then off to downtown to check into the Magnolia Hotel. For those of you that don't know, this is the best hotel in Houston. It is a boutique hotel downtown that is very affordable, has great decor, awesome staff, and free milk and cookies before bed. Milk and cookies before bed - um - YES! It was fantastic. After we checked in we walked a few blocks to the Alley Theatre where we saw Maritius. It was great to see a play that I was unfamiliar with and this one kept you on the edge of your seat.

It was super fun and a great time to chat through our thoughts about the past 3 3/4 years of marriage and the upcoming changes. On the one hand it feels like we were just married, but thining through the last few years we realized how long we really have been married. Looking back I'm glad we are having a baby now...if time goes by this quickly, we'd better get on this baby train now!

Here we are ouside our hotel - thanks Mr. Valet Parking guy!

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Things you never want to hear when your pregnant

Now that I'm 3 weeks away from my due date and actually out in public again I have begun to get lots more comments. Thankfully no one is touching the belly without asking (do I have a scary face?), but the looks and comments are increasing. A 7 or 8 year old girl at the post office kept staring at me with these big eyes, the meat counter guy at HEB had lots of questions, as did the check-out girl. They all seem to think my belly is their business. So, here is a post from my friend Christine's blog from her latest pregnancy. If you're pregnant or have ever been pregnant, you should enjoy this.

http://hooverhousehold.blogspot.com/2007/11/youre-fat.html

You're Fat


Why is it that when you're pregnant people make comments about your size as if you didn't know you were carrying around a watermelon in your midsection? Like, surprise, did you know you're fat? Or "Let me be the first to tell you that you're pregnant!" Who, may I ask, EVER wants to hear a comment about how big they are, even if they are in the final stages of pregnancy? I think people forget that they too were once the size of a whale, couldn't see anything below their belly button, and waddled like a duck. I'm not bitter or anything.....but I'm starting to get "the comments" and just thought I'd share a little of what pregnant women hear on a daily basis. These are at least the comments I've received over 3 pregnancies. Be wise and don't go this route:

• Are you sure you're not carrying twins? (I've heard this more times than I
  can count)
• My daughter (who was pregnant at the time) asked me the other day..."Did you
  see Christine? Am I going to get that big?"
• Is your husband close by? (implying that I would need to go to the hospital
  at any point)
• From a JCPenney's clerk in front of about 10 people at the top of her lungs:
  "Whoa, girl, you're about to pop!!"
• My brother-in-law upon seeing me pregnant for the first time: "Whoa!" (with
  a very long, drawn out, very surprised tone)
• Are you close to a hospital?
• From a college boy (of course): "Is it going to get any bigger?"
• Are you going to be able to fit through that door?
• When are you due? I answer. They say, "Oh" like I should be giving birth at
  any moment but actually have months to go.
• You're getting soooo big!
• Today, huh? (nope, 6 weeks away actually)
  

I could go on and on. But I tell you that I love those people who simply say "You look great" or "You do pregnancy well". Even if it's not true....because
No
One
Wants
to Hear
They
Look
Fat! (even
if it's true)

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37 Weeks = Full term

I am full term today!!!!!!!!!!

From Babycenter.com:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby
arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life
outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby
weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2
inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the
same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when
their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been
surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only
peach fuzz.

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Bumper Pad ties!

The bumper pad ties are on! Yea! I've ordered some sheets online as well, so in a few days the crib should be fully operational. I still have a few small things to buy to finish off the room, but we are almost there. We're hanging the valence and pictures this weekend. I'll post the pictures as soon as everything is set.

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36 Week Check Up

We just got home from my 36 week check up with the midwives (have I mentioned how much I love them?). We had yet another ultrasound just to make sure he was growing ok. My tummy barely measures 31 weeks, but the baby is right on target for weight (6lbs) and size. I was so relived as they mentioned my tummy was measuring small at the last appointment and I’ve had a week and a half to worry about growth restriction. Of course I was comparing my belly to everyone else’s too… All I can say is I am so glad these appointments have been churning out the good news recently!

On top of the above good news, my midwife thinks once I get going I won’t be in labor long! The baby is already well engaged (i.e. locked and loaded) so my labor should be intense, but hopefully short. Her prediction is less than 8 hours in active labor. Even if that isn’t true, it should help me relax and just go with whatever pain I experience knowing that it could be over in just a few short hours. I am so encouraged!

So, it’s about time to pack my bag for the hospital and be ready for this little guy to come out and meet the world. It is an overwhelming thought that in 4 days-4 weeks I will be a mom and responsible for caring for a new life…I know I’m not ready for it. But thankfully I don’t have to be right now. Instead I just need to focus on taking each day as it comes, spend lots of time praying, and then be ready to conquer each new obstacle – one at a time.

Today’s obstacle: sewing on the bumper pad ties.

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Baby Ray, the business

I've been thinking about my baby clothes line a lot recently. Baby Ray - where will this next year take us? With the recent legislation that has the potential for running all boutique business into the ground as of January 1, 2010, what should our next step be? (If you want to know more about this issue, check out the Handmade Toy Alliance)

Sander and I really want to abide by the laws, but its such a silly law! It will require us to test every garment/item made at a cost of $3,000 each, no matter if all we use are certified lead-free components! It seems like a ploy to use a good reason (I'm all for keeping kids safe from harmful chemicals - that's why I use organic fabric!) to get rid of competition. Sites like etsy.com and a growing number of small business owners are really taking a bite out of the children's' clothing and toy market and bigger companies don't seem pleased. Its like the hemp business...outlawed as it is from the same plant family as marijuana but really only because it was/is the only competitor for cotton. Ok - I'll calm down. You know how that hemp issue works me up!

I love making and designing retro baby clothes and would love to do it for a business, but perhaps it will just be a hobby as I dress this little boy we're about to have. I'd love to sit down at my juki, update my etsy site, and get going...but what will really happen January 1, 2010? As if starting a new business wasn't hard enough...

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Bumper pad - the process

Today I finally started on the bumper pad. I made the pattern, cut the fabric, and sewed it up today! All I need to do now is add the binding and ties - should finish that tomorrow if I decide to apply the binding by machine. I'm a selective perfectionist, so we'll see if I decide that I can sew it on straight enough that way.

Above you see the Juki in action...oh how I love my industrial machine. How did I live without it?

Here I am pin basting it together. Not as precise as hand basting, but it worked fine with this thick batting.

I still love this fabric!

Here is is...all quilted up and waiting for binding. Stay tuned!

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Family blows through

My family got to stop by Houston for about 18 hours this weekend. They arrived Friday night and were gone by Saturday at 4pm - off to Victoria's scholarship dinner where she gave the invocation (yea!). My parents are awesome commuters between DFW, College Station, and Houston. Seems like anytime we have anything going they have to hit each area in a 24 hour time slot. We need a high speed rail set up for thet route...

It was so nice to see my dad - the first time since Christmas due to all the bed rest stuff. My mom was super helpful too - helping me get all my things together for the weekend. We took the chance for a little photo op our our awesome porch glider (thanks Sir!). Can you believe the next time I see them there should be another little addition to our family? Man...9 months can fly by...

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34 weeks! What a milestone!

Babycenter.com says:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

What great news considering what they prepped us for 10 weeks ago at the hospital! 10 weeks ago they were giving me steroid shots to boost the babies lungs as they were concerned I was about to go into labor. It was a scary time and one of great uncertainty, but my how things have changed.

Through everyone’s prayers (probably more than I realize), I have slowly gotten better each week. I remember how excited I was to be able to sit up and eat! Of course I had to lie back down as soon as I was done, but it was such a relief. Then, I got to sit up at the table and eat and shuffle to the fridge and back. At that point I was so excited to refill my water bottle on my own. Week by week I was able to add a little more activity.

Bad days came and I felt like all my progress was for nothing and I was just right back where I started, but then the next week would be even better than the one before. Around 30-40 days on bed rest I began to get discouraged and thought it would never end and I wouldn’t ever get to be out around people again. Around that time the midwives released me to go to one outing a week – Sunday school – and almost immediately that need was met.

What has been hard and what has been easy about these past 10 weeks on bed rest really surprised me. Ever since that first day at the hospital I have been amazed at the unexplainable peace I have felt about the outcome of this little guy’s life. In the Bible it says: And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philipians 4:7). I’ve read that and “known” it in my head for awhile, but this is the first time I have really experienced it for a long period of time. For 10 weeks now I have felt like my heart has truly been guarded from fear. There are tons of times I would have freaked out and been consumed with all the “what if’s”…those who know me know I tend to do this anyway, let alone when a serious issue comes up. All I can say is the power we have through the Holy Spirit is bigger than what we realize…maybe we don’t ever realize it until we really need it. So, as weird as it may sound, I am glad in some ways that Sander and I have been forced to deal with bed rest and the fear of pre-term labor for as long as we have. We have learned that 1)we really aren’t in control of our bodies, 2)God is and will take care of us, 3)even if we have to deal with a “bad outcome,” our hearts have the capacity to be at peace.

I don’t say all this because in our situation we’ve had a “good outcome,” making it to 24 weeks. I really think I would be saying this even if our little guy was born 10 weeks ago. This peace that has guarded my heart isn’t a state of mind or a happy place I went to because I denied the reality of the situation. Each day I was aware of what could be wrong with my little baby boy should he be born that day. Each day I was aware of what I could be doing other than sitting on the couch all day. But each day I was given the peace that passes all understanding. Its real and I am incredibly thankful for it! Without it this would have been a really different 10 weeks. For one, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the time it allowed me to become better friends with my awesome visitors and meal-bringers. You guys who have called, visited, facebooked, and brought meals have meant so much to us. We love you!

So now Sander and I are looking to the future and we don’t have to look far. I am due in 6 weeks, so in 5-7 weeks we should be in normal labor. My nesting instinct has certainly set in and I am trying as hard as possible to not run us both ragged trying to finish all our unfinished house and baby projects. I can’t sleep some nights because I want to re-organize a closet – who does that? I never have before, that’s for sure!

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The exhaustion has returned

I am due in a little over 6 weeks - oh My GOODNESS! Seriously - the time has flown, even on bed rest. Maybe it feels like it is coming fast because I was on bed rest...there is still so much to do! We have moved in most of the furniture to the baby's room (just have to wait for the second coat of wax to dry on the dresser). I'm almost done with the baby bedding too, so that will be nice. Then all I have to do is hang the pictures, alter the curtains, make the valence, wash and organize the clothes and the room is done. And that is just to finish the nursery. We have also re-organized all the other rooms in the house so the new guest/study will need curtains made and the drum set needs to be set up in the front room. Then there are the closets that need to be re-organized and the baseboards that need to be cleaned...

That nesting instinct is real and is sending me into overdrive! I have to have Sander's help with pretty much everything too since I can't lift more than 5lbs at a time. I had him up past 10pm last night installing door knobs and moving boxes. The ironic this is my energy level is sapped. Thankfully I am not at the coma level I was during my first trimester, but the lack of exercise these past few months probably doesn't help anything either.

Here's a pic of the nursery - phase II:

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Care Package!

Yippie!

I just received a super sweet care package from one of my oldest friends. We met when we were 12 through our sisters who were friends at camp. Our moms thought a pen-pal would be good for us. What a dear friend Micah has become.

Just thought I would upload a pic of the items - she knows me so well! Cutesy shoes for the un-named boy baby, poetry for us (and the baby too), CDs of sermons, and relaxing tea (oh how I love tea!).

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Sander and I just ordered the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Mattress! I have been doing a lot of research on what organic items are worth it to buy, and which ones are just a way to spend extra money. After looking into it I realized we really wanted an organic mattress, or at least one without vinyl (PVC) and phthalates. Since the baby will spend at least half his day sleeping on this mattress, that seems like a good place to start cutting down on his harmful chemical exposure. I have been looking into this for awhile but just found out that the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission actually banned the use of some Phthalates found in crib mattresses and baby bedding as of Feb 10, 2009.

There are lots of mattresses on the market now that advertise organic liners, fillers, etc, but we decided on the Naturepedic. Here is a great info page if you want to know more: http://www.naturepedic.com/facts/


Amazon has it available with free shipping so it really isn't that much more than a regular crib mattress. You can see it here on our: Amazon Baby Registry.

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Update II

Here is the dresser we're using in the baby's room that will double as a changing table. We forgot to get better before pictures, so here are some "mid" pictures. It was white, teal, and natural wood with cigarette burns and various scratches.

We sanded it all down and began to paint over the teal frame.

The two top drawers are curved and really make the piece unique. It has a great shape and should look really cool in the end.

We're painting it light blue with a darker blue wash. Directions found here: Romantic Home

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UPDATE

Sander picked up our most recent Craigslist purchase this afternoon! I have been looking for a dresser for several months now and nothing seemed quite right. This came up, was close to our house, and was only $100! A few weekends ago we almost broke down and bought an Ikea dresser for $250...glad we waited. We bought it from a couple where the man just moved here from Australia, dresser in tow. Turns out it didn't go with any of the girl's furniture. Yea for us!

I love craigslist...

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Painting the Baby's Room

We finally decided what color to paint the baby's room and had the time and energy (me!) to do it! I edged sitting down and then took my time with the top sections. It took me about twice as long as it should have, but I was able to do it. YIPPIE! What a huge praise that I am doing so much better. The funny thing is it wasn't the contractions holding me back - I didn't have a single one (!!!) - it was the standing. Being on bed rest for over 2 months has really sapped me of any endurance. Even standing and painting was sapping my energy. Plus, the baby is encroaching on my lung space making breathing harder and harder...

But, I shouldn't complain. I am SO excited to have it done!!!!!

Stay tuned for a full view of the nursery in a week or so, complete with painted dresser, crib bedding, and curtains!

**Thanks Meredith for the color suggestion!**

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31 weeks

7 weeks ago I was admitted to the hospital and put on bed rest. I didn’t know at the time how long I would be down, or when this little baby would be born. Each week that has gone by though has been a better week than the one before! Today I have been able to make my own dinner, walk around the house, and even sew a curtain for the bathroom. There is still a lot I can’t do, like exercise, walk around a store, or take out the trash – but the great news is I am up and contracting less. The official test came back from the midwives this week as well and it too has confirmed I won’t deliver in the next two weeks.

YIPPIE!

The time at home has been hard at times, but looking back, I don’t feel as though I’ve been on bed rest too long. Perhaps that’s because I’ve been able to sit up to eat for a few weeks now. ; )

Last Friday I saw the first real jabs and punches everyone talks about. I was lying on my side watching Sander pack when I saw the arm/foot drag across my stomach. I yelled out for Sander to come watch and our little boy kept up the show for about 15min! He hasn’t been as visible since, but it has been fun to start to see him in action and not just feel him. And, after our early scare, it is such a comfort to know he is strong enough and big enough to make such ‘waves.’

In some ways I am grateful for the bed rest period. Overall it has made me so much more appreciative of this little life inside of me and makes the aches and pains that have begun minor in comparison to the alternative. The pain of a baby wedged under my ribs is nothing compared with the potential pain of seeing the same baby in NICU for months.

With the scary time behind me and the important benchmarks ahead (34 & 36 weeks), I have been able to start working on my registries. Could they make any more things for a baby?! I am talking to all my mom friends, but it still has been difficult to figure out what I really need v. what the world wants me to buy. Amazon has been my best friend though as they have a baby registry now and it lets me add lots of different items you can’t find at the typical baby stores. Yea internet shopping, I have always loved thee.

Onward and upward to week 34 – the week I am released from house arrest!

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Week 29

I was allowed off of "house arrest" for 2 hours today. The midwives have given me permission to start increasing my activity slowly and said one church event a week would be a good start. They want me to stay close to home the rest of the time so I can sit and lay down as needed. Since I was out and actually dressed up for once in 7 weeks, we thought it would be a great time to snag a pregnancy photo. Here I am at 29 weeks and 3 days pregant (a little over 7 months)...but who's counting?

*Note: we took a lot of pictures, but I like this one because Sander didn't make it in time and just stood there...off to the side. I was like, do you want to stand near me next time? Anyway, this one makes me laugh.

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Recovery Recovering Team

My mom and aunt came into town last week to help me with left over projects that have been impossible to complete while on bed rest. They swooped in and slipcovered two chairs and the frame of my couch. I am so excited to have them both done!

Now that the couch is done, the vibrant fabric looks even bolder than I first thought. Good thing I like it. Perhaps not what I would have done had I known what house I would have bought and where it would go, but hey - at least it's unique!

Thanks mom and Cindi!!!!!!!

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Bed Rest Update - day 34

The midwives today had more good news - I am not progressing!! If I am not having many contractions this week, they will allow me one activity outside the house and said Church would be a great option. So, if all goes well and the contractions stay low, then I should see many of you Sunday! They still want me to keep activity to a min and definitely no lifting, or bending. I have had a few rough days Since Sunday, but this weekend was glorious with hardly any contractions. They are definitely still here and come back at off times, but as long as I head to bed as soon as they act up, they think it will keep them from starting back again in a way that will land me in the hospital.

So, as of now one activity out of the house, if I feel good, is all I am allowed. By 32 weeks they will ween me off the meds, and by 34 they want me back to full activity. 34 weeks is so close now, I can make it! Thanks mainly to your visits, prayers, and help! These past 34 days would be much gloomier if it hadn't been for y'all!

Because of this good report Sander will be heading to the country of Georgia March 6-15. I am so excited for him and feel at complete peace with the timing. **We'll post more on this soon!**

Please keep the following in your prayers:

• That I would go to 40 weeks - FULL TERM
• That in labor I would be able to relax and wouldn't worry (in practicing my relaxation techniques I realize I am having a hard time to get my mind to be quiet)
• Safety for Sander

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To the Midwives…again!

I’m off to my weekly visit with the midwives. If all goes well though I won’t have to return for 2 whole weeks. Yippie! Who knew we would become such close, personal friends?

The great news is I am INCREDIBLY happy with the midwife group I am using, the Women’s Specialist of Houston.

The Women's Specialists of Houston consists of seven ob/gyn doctors and four
nurse midwives. The nurse midwives and doctors work together to provide the best
care for our clients. Together we develop a care plans for normal and
complicated pregnancies. If necessary, we will consult or co-manage your care
with one of our physicians. In some cases a woman may need to transfer to a
physicians care. The nurse midwives assist the physicians in gyn surgeries and
cesarean sections.

The nurses up front and the Certified Nurse Midwives themselves are all fantastic. They have spent so much time with me making sure I understand each stage of the pregnancy and letting me know why they are doing what they do. They have even drawn out pictures for me so I understand fully what is going on.

The question I have met from a lot of people is, “well, what if something goes wrong?” I knew the process they had in place, but wasn’t sure how seamlessly it would work until I was admitted to the hospital a few weeks ago. As they are located in the medical center, they just put me in a wheel chair at the midwive’s office and then wheeled across the sky bridge to St. Luke’s. There the midwife on call still attended to me until things progressed even further. Then they had the perinatalogist (beyond an OB) consult with me, but the midwives still came by during the day and followed up with my progress and had input into my care.

Now that I am out of the hospital I am back in the midwives care, but should any other serious issues come up they will consult with the OBs in their group (just down the hall) or I will go back under the perinatologist care if I am re-admitted to the hospital.

The personal attention I have received has been fantastic! They listen to me and then believe me when I share my symptoms and concerns. It is such a change from my previous OB where I felt like a number and if I asked a question I was treated like a moron.

So, even though bed rest and hospitalization hasn’t been fun or inexpensive, I am incredibly thankful for the fantastic care I have received! Hopefully this afternoon’s visit brings more good news.

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Bed rest, day 18.

It is getting harder and harder to stay down. The first week I couldn’t get up with the IV and constant ‘contraction monitor’ strapped to my abdomen. Then the 2nd week I had so many visitors I didn’t really have enough time to think about all the things I wanted to get up and do. But, week three has been a little bit more difficult.

Right now Sander and his mom are cleaning the house while I lie here trying to feel like I am ‘doing my part.’ I don’t know why, but I don’t want to look like I’m enjoying myself while others are working for me. I keep saying that I wish I felt sick or incapacitated in some way so that I felt more justified in receiving help. It is hard to just sit back and enjoy life when I feel physically fine.

Sander has been great though and given me the tough love I sometimes need. He will call from work and ask if I am still lying down. When I say yes, he’ll say, “your baby’s lungs and brain thank you.” I know that is what I am accomplishing by staying on bed rest, but it is hard to keep that picture in front of me all the time.

Oh – a big thanks to everyone who came by today with chocolate! I have been craving it every day this week and the spoons of Nutella just weren’t cutting it. Everyone came through – Janice, Victoria, Meredith’s awesome co-workers, and Tonya ALL brought me chocolate this week. Thanks guys!

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Bed Rest - Day 14

*I should have posted this on Tuesday...oh well. I've made it to 26 weeks and 2 days (& 18 days into my bed rest)!

I'm glad to report that it actually hasn't felt like I have been on bed rest 14 days. This means I am 25 weeks and 5 days along, getting closer and closer to those all important milestones of 28 and 32 weeks pregnant!

Since it has been about a week since I last emailed, I wanted to send a quick mass update. Yesterday I went for my follow appointment at the midwives and it was good news all around! Each day my contractions have gotten less, so that on Sunday I was even able to sit up and lie on my back for extended periods of time. The midwife confirmed that I haven't progressed any further than I was when they discharged me from the hospital, however, she seemed confused as to why they were getting better. I
suggested it could be because so many people have been praying for me! I truly believe they have helped me remain peaceful when I would normally be quite stressed, so I also believe they could be healing whatever is mysteriously "wrong" with me as well.

Today I have had more contractions that yesterday. I am not sure why as I am doing all the same things, but they are calmer than a few weeks ago.

So far I have had so many visitors I haven't been able to accomplish too much on my bed rest to-do list...what a shame = ). I have read Pride and Prejudice (I am ashamed to say this was my first time to read it) and have begun my Rosetta Stone Spanish
lessons once again. Thanks to friends I have a great stack of books to work through and crafts and food to keep me content for at least the next week. = )

Just wanted to pass on the good news from the midwife. I go back again in a week, but if things go well at that appointment, I will be able to wait 2 weeks for my next appointment. When I think of the possibilities we were facing in the hospital, compared to the good news we are now receiving, I am astounded. There has been such a change in tone from all the midwives and doctors! Praise the Lord!

Much love,

Whitney

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Baby Update

Hello! Here are the two updates just to fill everyone in...

From Sander on Thursay night:

Hi everyone,

I decided to just send a mass update. I know tons of you have called/texted to ask how she's doing - sorry we haven't been responding to many. The cell phone service isn't good in the room, and we've had doctors & nurses coming in and out all day. If this is the first time you've heard anything at all, we're also sorry - some of the texts wouldn't go through.

A bit more detail about the situation: Whitney's been having mild contractions for about a month. Unfortunately, some of her physical traits also make her at a slightly higher risk for pre-term labor. Our midwives & doctors have been aware the whole time and have been keeping pretty close tabs on her. Yesterday, she began having some more severe contractions. The midwives brought her in, and recommended that she be admitted to the hospital's antepartum (pre-delivery) department where a specialist could check her out and try to see what's going on. They were worried that she would go into labor, so they gave her some medication that was supposed to stop the contractions. That didn't work. So they've given her a stronger medicine that has helped but hasn't stopped everything. She also underwent tests that can effectively show whether or not she would give birth in the next two weeks. The good news is that she
came back negative on that tests, but since they can't figure out what's causing the contractions, they want to keep her in the hospital until Saturday. As far as we know right now, she could potentially give birth at any time, and any movement whatsoever seems to cause more contractions. If she gets to go home, she'll be on strict bed rest until the birth, and we need to do whatever we can to keep that from happening as long as we can. Even a week can make a huge difference in his chance for healthy survival.

Through it all, we've actually felt very much at peace. From the beginning of the pregnancy, we've been reminding each other how little control we have over the whole process. It's God, not us, who creates, sustains, and determines the fate of this little guy. It's so sad to have to experience this, but God's grace, comfort, and "coincidental" providence has already shone through in ways that would take way too long to detail out here. Your messages, texts, and emails have been so encouraging, and we're honored to have all of you asking God to heal Whitney and show Himself for all of His greatness. We know it's not some hocus-pocus that will convince Him to do what we want, but a way for us all to rally around a common cause and see what God's up to. Should our
situation take a turn for the worse, we know it's not because God's abandoned us, but because something much bigger is going on. Jesus was all about getting this message across, as with the blind guy in John 9 - the disciples are like "Hey Jesus, whose fault is it that this guy's blind? Did he sin or did his parents?" But Jesus goes, "neither - he was made blind so that the God's power could be shown through his life." And BAM, Jesus heals him, and tons of the people in the city turn back to God. The blind guy had to go through the pain and cultural shame of being blind his whole life so that God's power could be displayed. But it was amazing in the end, so keep your eyes peeled for whatever God's going to do in this situation. It's going to be sweet.

Again, we can't say enough how much we appreciate each of you and your care & concern for us. We're incredibly fortunate to have you all as friends and family, and don't take you for granted. We'll update again as we know more. Please feel free to forward this on if we've forgotten anyone (if you're one of the forgotten, we're sorry...).

Sander

Update from Whitney as of today, Sunday, January 25th:

I am still on side bed rest at the hospital, which means its somewhat hard for me to type. I have so much more to say of course, but just wanted to send a quick update. I am still at St Luke's, but hope to be out tomorrow. Everyone is really positive and think i am doing much better and not at risk for labor immediately (praise the Lord- such a turn around from Wed night!!). The perinatologist (specialist in antepardum issues) saw me again yesterday and thinks everything looks much better now that the contractions have
slowed down. Before he releases me though he wants to do anther test that is 99%
accurate for predicting whether I will go into labor in the next two weeks. He said my contractions are still too frequent and too early on in my pregnancy to not make him worried, so doesn't want to send me home without that test. You have to wait 48hr from his other exam or you will get a false positive, so here I am.

I already feel so much better as the IV is out (!!!) and I get to wear my own clothes now.

As far as they have told me I will definitely be on bed rest the next 10 weeks (I'm just 24 weeks along right now), but being through everything the last few days helps put it in perspective. 1) I talked to the neonatal doctors and DO NOT want to do anything to cause this little boy to have to face the world any earlier than need be, 2) just taking the IV out makes it all seem much more manageable, 3) being at home with my own things around me will be so much more relaxing than the hospital...I'll want to do whatever I can to stay home.

Amazingly enough I have been in pretty good spirits. I have been trying as much as possible to just keep my mind on today and not think of what I am missing. I found this quote yesterday on a bed rest website: "While on bed rest you have to develop the right state of mind. Be peaceful and calm and know life will be okay without you for a little while." Good advice as I probably tend to think I am more "needed" in life than I really am. I am also convinced everyone's prayers have made such a difference too. I am not usually this peaceful about anything, so I can definitely feel the Lord working. Its
actually pretty exhilarating, if that's the right way to say it. I am still thinking it out, but I really feel blessed to get this chance to sense the Lord so clearly and know He is here and at work!

Sander has been amazing and will be able to work from home somewhat, which will help so much. He wants to try and keep life fun and as normal as possible. I am so encouraged by him and he has really helped me feel so much better about the whole process. I'm so glad to have a friend like I do in Sander who is taking on this new challenge as something for us to take on together. That isn't something every husband is able to communicate, so I am incredibly thankful for it!

I certainly didn't think this would be me, other people go through these types of things... But, I am thankful the pregnancy has been uneventful to this point and that it could be much worse now.

I'll keep updating, but hopefully there won't be much to report anytime soon!

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Latest Project

I don't know if I'm "nesting" yet or not, but the last few days I have been fixated on finishing my to-do list. The latest project I completed can be seen below: our bedroom curtains. Now we finally have something to pull the room together. The fabric is my absolute favorite fabric in the house right now - brown linen with a metalic teal design.

Next project: recovering the kitchen chairs. Stay tuned!

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Yesterday

A note to take to heart as 2008 fades away and 2009 looms ahead...from the venerable Oswald Chambers:

You shall not go out with haste, . . . for the Lord will go before you, and
the God of Israel will be your rear guard —Isaiah 52:12

Security from Yesterday. ". . . God requires an account of what is past" (Ecclesiastes 3:15 ). At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise when we remember our yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.

Security for Tomorrow. ". . . the Lord will go before you . . . ." This is a gracious revelation— that God will send His forces out where we have failed to do so. He will keep watch so that we will not be tripped up again by the same failures, as would undoubtedly happen if He were not our "rear guard." And God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience.

Security for Today. "You shall not go out with haste . . . ." As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the
past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.

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Stuff Christians Like

My friend just passed on this website to me and, yes, I laughed till I cried.

http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/

Check it out and tell me what you think.

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We're having a baby boy!

Yippie! Sander and I are so excited and will now probably post much more on our blog. We weren't quite ready to post the news till now, and how could we blog without letting the news out? The baby looks healthy and the sonogram was so exciting. He was kicking, yawning, and refusing to move for the technician. Just what I expected from our offspring. = )

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