And we WAIT...

 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, 

we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:25

We had great doctor’s appointments and test results this morning…so we WAIT…go figure! :)  I think all of us had prepared to head to the hospital tomorrow to have little Kaol arrive – even my OB seemed a bit surprised at her own decision – but she and the perinatologist who performed my growth scan both agreed that waiting another week to induce was worth it, so little Koalton can “cook” a bit longer and be safe and sound while he grows a bit more.  There were quite a few options to weigh, but with perfect tests, a good blood pressure for me, no concerns with weight gain, swelling or any pre-eclamptic  signs, AND a growth scan on Mr. Koal that shows him big, but not GI-NORMOUS or abnormally concerning, all docs involved feel like waiting is our best option to ensure lung development, and to torture me…OH WAIT…just kidding :)  I definitely feel HUGE…and sleeping comfortably is getting harder and harder, but that’s really my only complaint, as I’ve actually felt VERY good these past few weeks of this pregnancy. 

The house is clean…the bags are packed…the ‘to do’ list is finished (MOSTLY!)…and now more waiting. Adam has helped get SO much done in the past few days (you’re AMAZING, love!)…and now he reminds me that the kids and I have a week to “mess it all up” again! Haha! Sounds about right :) I promised him I would do my best to stay on top of the laundry, dishes and dog hair (oh, a shedding Newfoundland in spring…clumps of black hair abound!!). We know God’s timing is perfect when it comes to Koal’s entrance into the world, and we are thankful that he remains safe and secure where he is.  We will continue to update as needed, and unless he (or HE) decides differently, Koal will arrive next Wednesday, May 4^th.

But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…they shall run, and not grow weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

The Plan…

The plan is…there is no real plan...  :)  At my OB visit this past week we discussed options for delivery.  She does still plan to induce – no C-section needed (HOPEFULLY!) – the question is just WHEN.  Little Koal measures big (~75% ), which is actually a blessing.  While we don’t want to even have to THINK about any delivery complications that might come with a babe that is TOO big, I HAVE delivered a 10+ pounder with only three little pushes in the past, so all of the docs involved are not terribly concerned about his larger size being an issue.  PLUS, once delivery is over, the bigger the better when it comes to working with his little heart and making sure he’s stable enough for surgery within a reasonable time frame.  At the same time, we all want the little man to ‘cook’ as long as possible to ensure proper lung development and growth.  My blood pressure has been slightly elevated two of the past four visits, so that is something the doc is weighing as well.   This Tuesday I see her again, along with having my weekly tests (NST and Sono) and a growth scan.  Based on how big they believe Koalton is via growth scan, how my blood pressure looks and how far along I am with dilation and effacement, they will make a decision as to if I will be induced the very next day, Wednesday, April 27^th, or if we will wait and take it day by day, up to another week – with the latest possible induction on Wednesday, May 4^th.  We’re preparing for this Wednesday, and if we’re given a few more days, perhaps the house will be a bit cleaner before we head to the hospital. (I’m sure my parents will appreciate THAT!) HA!  :)

It is definitely hard to believe the time is almost upon us…we are so excited to meet our little man:  count his tiny fingers and tiny toes, see if he looks like his brother and sister, kiss his little nose. At the same time, we know the minute he is born our life changes drastically.  We know God goes before us as we transition to a new leg of this journey, and we are so grateful for His blessings each and every day.  We prayerfully attempt to “prepare” ourselves for what the next two months will look like, but we don’t REALLY know – and clearly there is no way to actually plan for what’s to come.  SO, we cling to our Father’s eternal promises, leave our worries and anxiousness at His feet, and have peace and comfort that comes only from Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

As we near d-day, please continue to pray for us, if you will. 

*Pray for an easy and uncomplicated delivery. 

*Pray for the multiple teams of doctors and nurses who will be standing by waiting for Koal’s arrival, prepared to do whatever he needs to be stabilized and kept from harm. 

*Pray for our families and friends who will be traveling, supporting and helping us with Kade and Adry, coming along beside us as we watch God work in Koal’s life, and just being there for us as needed.  We are so blessed already by continued thoughts and prayers, offers of help, cards, gifts, encouragement, support, hugs and overwhelming love.  

*Please pray also for little Koalton to be strong and spirited…that he, too, would feel God’s healing hand, and His comfort and love, even if actual human touch is limited.  

Thank you, friends…we appreciate your prayers more than we can express!

May God be glorified in every way, and praised continually as we journey on…

Anticipation

With less than a month to go, we are definitely beginning to feel the intense anticipation of Koal’s arrival and all that will come along with it. While times can still be difficult, we are SO VERY excited to meet our little man and continue to see how God will work through and in our lives daily once He arrives.  Along with the excitement and anticipation, fear and uncertainty are familiar company as well, but we continue to have such overwhelming peace and comfort – feeling so very blessed and confident that God is good all the time, and will be glorified in and through this.  The reality is, never before has pregnancy “felt” this way – anticipation with hesitation…concern often overriding joy…a desire to let this stage last as long as possible (what pregnant woman wants being 8+ months pregnant to LAST?!?!?!?!? Ha!). We know Koal is safe where he is.  We know he is in no pain.  We know he longs for and lacks nothing.  And all that changes the minute he is born. Talk about a completely different perspective on pregnancy and the arrival of the babe.  But God gently and continuously reminds us:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you…” Joshua 1:9

What an amazing source of comfort and encouragement. We are SO VERY blessed.