A date
We have a date. A date for induction, that is. Whether I make it to that date or not is still in question. But we're at least planning in that direction right now.
Part of me is dying to tell you, the other part of me wants to keep it a secret for a little while longer since it seems it would ruin the fun for everyone to know in advance exactly when I'm going into labor. I mean, isn't not knowing part of the surprise and the suspense and the excitement?! It seems very strange to plan these things out and I can definitely say it would not be my choice, but this is God's choice for me this time, and I'm resting in that. Plus, things can always change at the drop of a hat (er, the drop of my platelet count, I guess that would be!), so we'll see what the end result ends up being.
However, I doubt I'll be able to keep the date a secret much longer - especially since it is coming up very quickly and also because I know I will appreciate all the prayer I can get when the time comes. For those of you who hate to be kept in suspense, I will tell you this much - no one guessed the correct date on the baby poll. [Update: Nix that last sentence - someone has now guessed it.] And my guess is that most of the guesses on the baby poll will be way off. Hmm, maybe I should make a new poll and let you all try again! At least some of you know you will be right on the gender. :)
We've been chipping away at my rather long must-do-before-the-baby-comes list the past few days. I'm happy to report the baby now has a bed to sleep in and clean clothes to wear. Whether those clothes will fit he or she is still in question, though, since we're expecting Baby probably isn't going to be any mammoth size at birth. We even bought some preemie diapers and preemie onesies with that in mind. I had to take the preemie diapers out just to see how tiny they were - wow! It looks like they should be doll diapers, not my child's diapers!
It is truly amazing how each pregnancy is so different, isn't it? Now I'm just curious to see how different this birth is. I admit to being a little apprehensive about it, and sometimes a lot more than a little apprehensive. Just trying to walk up the stairs exhausts me right now, so the thought of going through labor and delivery when I'm this weak seems overwhelming. However, I keep reminding myself of all the people who have done so many harder things before me. In comparison to what many have been through, my giving birth seems like a walk in the park. And so, I am collecting verses on "Fearing not" and trying to focus on mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically preparing myself for what's ahead. As I repeated so many times during my last birth, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth me." He gives power to the faint and to them who have no might, He increases strength. His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Part of me is dying to tell you, the other part of me wants to keep it a secret for a little while longer since it seems it would ruin the fun for everyone to know in advance exactly when I'm going into labor. I mean, isn't not knowing part of the surprise and the suspense and the excitement?! It seems very strange to plan these things out and I can definitely say it would not be my choice, but this is God's choice for me this time, and I'm resting in that. Plus, things can always change at the drop of a hat (er, the drop of my platelet count, I guess that would be!), so we'll see what the end result ends up being.
However, I doubt I'll be able to keep the date a secret much longer - especially since it is coming up very quickly and also because I know I will appreciate all the prayer I can get when the time comes. For those of you who hate to be kept in suspense, I will tell you this much - no one guessed the correct date on the baby poll. [Update: Nix that last sentence - someone has now guessed it.] And my guess is that most of the guesses on the baby poll will be way off. Hmm, maybe I should make a new poll and let you all try again! At least some of you know you will be right on the gender. :)
We've been chipping away at my rather long must-do-before-the-baby-comes list the past few days. I'm happy to report the baby now has a bed to sleep in and clean clothes to wear. Whether those clothes will fit he or she is still in question, though, since we're expecting Baby probably isn't going to be any mammoth size at birth. We even bought some preemie diapers and preemie onesies with that in mind. I had to take the preemie diapers out just to see how tiny they were - wow! It looks like they should be doll diapers, not my child's diapers!
It is truly amazing how each pregnancy is so different, isn't it? Now I'm just curious to see how different this birth is. I admit to being a little apprehensive about it, and sometimes a lot more than a little apprehensive. Just trying to walk up the stairs exhausts me right now, so the thought of going through labor and delivery when I'm this weak seems overwhelming. However, I keep reminding myself of all the people who have done so many harder things before me. In comparison to what many have been through, my giving birth seems like a walk in the park. And so, I am collecting verses on "Fearing not" and trying to focus on mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically preparing myself for what's ahead. As I repeated so many times during my last birth, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth me." He gives power to the faint and to them who have no might, He increases strength. His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
posted by Crystal Paine at 2:02 PM
30 Comments:
You are so right: His power is perfected in weakness.
Well, whatever the date is, we're praying for you daily-- for strength, for health, for peace.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
You will do great and I am glad that things are coming together for you even if it isn't wuite how you thought it would turn out. I love the scripture prep. I am planning to do that for my c-section. For I am nervoussssssss!
Chrissy T
Crystal, you are still being prayed for my dear sister in the Lord! I'm trusting our Heavenly Father with you and know his grace is sufficient for you too... And, you have made all of us pretty curious about your induction date. We can't wait to hear your precious baby news!
I highly recommend reading some of Amy Carmichael's works-- or A Chance to Die if you're a quick reader!-- as she is such an inspiration to me in the area of strength, fortitude, and willingness to endure for the sake of others. I think there are few things that fall so much in all those categories as childbirth!!
Also, I have been on an alternating strict/modified bedrest for the past 12+ weeks of my current pregnancy. One passage that has been such comfort to me during this time of challenge is Isaiah 40. When I consider His greatness, my trials, tribulations, and needs seem so small and manageable. I am reminded that He is able.
He is able for you!
Can you share an updated pregnancy picture of yourself Crystal? We'd love to see you and your beautiful pregnant tummy! :o)
Blessings~
Denise
Just entered another guess. I'm Lorna. Am I right? :)
You are such a trooper!
God is good!
I continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
This is the deal in a nutshell: IT IS ALL WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT!
If you go into this thinking it is awful because you have to be induced, have the baby in a hospital, etc. it will be. If you go into it with the mindset that this will be a blessed day to welcome a healthy baby it will be...
Mind over matter :)
Someone above already quoted Isaiah 41:10, and I suggest repeating it to yourself often.
You will be fine. Look at it this way, having the date in your mind ahead of time will allow you to do some planning for your other little one, plan meals, and get things in order! Find the silver lining in every cloud.
Crystal, do you have a plan in place for after the birth? For increasing your iron count and platelet count? I hope there are some natural things that you can do. I know that I was the onld child my mother didn't nurse because she was too anemic. I am sure things have come a long way since then though. Good luck with everything!
Jennifer
Hi Crystal,
As a mom who has had five inductions thus far, focus on the benefits of knowing ahead of time... you can plan, your hair can be 'just so', your family can make arrangements to be there, and you don't get phone calls asking, "Have you had that baby yet?" :-)
Seriously, I'm praying for your labor and delivery. I pray that your labor will progress very similar to a natural labor (since I've never had a natural labor, I can't offer a comparison) and that it will be very bearable for you in your physical fatigue.
And, I will pray for that sweet baby and I look forward to hearing when 'the date' is! But, not as much as I'm looking forward to pictures!!
Will keep praying here!
That was one of the verses I repeated during my labor with Katherine as well. God is so good to meet us at our point of personal weakness and lift us up with His strength.
Crystal,
We are continuing to pray for you and will be over the next few weeks. It is such a joy to hear that you are remaining so positive and using your time in the effective way you are. :o)
Preemie diapers are sooo very tiny. My daughter was in them for a few weeks, as well as preemie clothes. She was fairly big for being early (6 lb, 30z & 21 inches), so the size of an early babe can be a pleasant surprise. We will be praying that y'all receive a similar size surprise!
Philippians 4:13 has always been one of my favorite verses, particularly when going through some of my tougher parenting moments thus far.
God bless!
Just wanted to encourage you. I went through labor and delivery while my husband and I both had Influenza A. I was miraculously able to avoid a C-section and my daughter never got the flu from us. God is faithful and He's holding all of you in the palm of His hands.
Many blessings~
Can't wait until the big day comes! I will be praying for you in the coming days.
Oh, and by the way, you're having a girl.
:)
During my C-section I had my husband read aloud Psalm 23. It really calmed me down. I like Psalm 121 " where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.' I didn't want a section, I wanted a natural, drug-free, home labor/ birth but for whatever reason, God allowed me to have the c-section I had and that verse really helped me stay calm....blessings in Christ,
Grace
All 4 of our kids have been early, all 6 lbs - 6 lb 11 oz. I don't think any of them would fit into preemie clothes because our babies were too long so don't be surprised if you need regular newborn clothes. We love the gowns! My husband said just yesterday, "These gowns make diaper changes so much easier!".
May God bless the rest of your pregnancy, induction & delivery. Just concentrate on getting that baby out! (that's the theory I think anyway, I've had 4 c-sections)
Jennifer
Continuing to pray for you, that God will give you the extra energy and stamina you need for labor!! I am very excited for you as you anticipate the birth of your new little one. Seems like not that long ago that you announced your pregnancy!
I didn't get a chance to comment on your earlier post about preparing for having 2 kids, but I just wanted to share this idea: I have heard of some people giving the older sibling a gift "from" the new baby. We personally haven't tried it--we never heard of it till after we had our second, but I did think it was a neat idea.
Our firstborn didn't really have much trouble adjusting to having a new little sister. He wasn't sure what to think of her at first, but it seemed to only take him a few days to adjust to her presence, and now that she is a year old, they have so much fun playing together (though there is still plenty of sibling rivalry, LOL). :)
And as a mom, it didn't take to long to adjust to having two kids, either. Mostly I just had to learn to allow even more time for going places, because it takes longer to get two kids ready to go, and someone is sure to need a diaper change right as you're going out the door. :D Also, I think it helps that new babies sleep a lot during the day. It gave me more one-on-one time with my oldest in those early weeks, so we all got to adjust gradually to the changes.
I'm praying for you, Crystal. I hope you have an easy enough labor (as easy as can be, at least...) and a wonderful, healthy baby.
Reading through the book of Psalms always helps me in times of hardships! Psalm 27 is especially comforting: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
I just had a baby 8 weeks ago, and this was one of my verses for childbirth preparation:
Isaiah 43:2-3
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God.
The key word is "through". If you are His, God will see you through your trials.
I'm sure you'll do brilliantly Crystal at this exciting yet nerve-wracking time!
May I share with you a verse someone drew my attention to when I was having a difficult time? It's now one of my favourites. I'm sure you're familiar with it:
"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, NIV.
Anyway, still praying for you and yours!
Don't tell the date, Crystal...at least NOT YET!!! :) c'mon....We have to keep it at least somewhat of a surprise. :)
Praying for you,
love you lots,
Gretchen
Praying for you Crystal!
Don't tell us the date!!:D
~Sarah:)
Crystal,
Hold the preemie diapers up to your stomach; then they seem big! Our little girl was just over 4 pounds when she came home; it was so much fun to have a little wonder to dress in all those little clothes!
We will be praying!
~Jennifer
Please hurry and post a final preggy picture before you deliver--I'm sure you look great! :-)
I wouldn't stock up on too many preemie clothes yet. Even if this baby is small weight wise, the length probably won't be too much smaller, since you would only be a couple weeks early. Alot of the newborn size clothes only go up to eight or ten pounds anyway and those are outgrown quickly as it is. My babies always were swimming in those sizes for a couple weeks, and then before I knew it, they were too short for them.
I'm excited for you and will be anxious to hear your news in the near future.
You know, I was completely exhausted when I started labor last time (via induction) and actually it didn't seem to affect anything. Once the pains start and you are in active labor, it's like all you think about is getting that baby out, whether you are already tired or not! I'm sure you'll do fine. Keep reminding yourself that you have one birth under your belt. Let's hope this one is a good experience, albeit different than you had planned.
My baby was 5 weeks early (for real!) and weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces. I'm certain though that they've given you a good estimate on how big or little he or she is!
Remember to drink lots of Chlorophyll(Nature's Sunshine is my favorite). It will work wonders for you blood! Builds it sooo fast!
Praying for you!! I have been through many deliveries that were not as I would have planned! But He knew just what I needed each time to make me more like Himself! I will be anxiously awaiting baby news when you share in your time!
And I too would love to see a pregnancy picture!
Praying for you,
Amy
It's getting close now! I'm excited for you all and hoping everything goes well. I'm actually relieved to hear that with the various complications arising you have opted for a hospital birth. I know most midwives have alot of experience and are well trained, but in a case such as yours I really think it's better to be monitored by medical staff who are used to dealing with such issues frequently.
My births have been different than I thought they would be, but once the baby was delivered and it was all behind me, I quickly forgot the pain and discomfort. It's nice to not be pregnant after so many months of ailments and difficulties and just get to enjoy your new baby (I keep thinking it's a GIRL! :-) ). It sounds like you will have some supportive coaches, too, which makes such a difference. Congratulations and best wishes.
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