Friday, April 25, 2008

Our week

Another week down! I can't believe it's already Friday! The weeks sure are going fast! We didn't have any doctor appointments this week, but I think this is probably our last week without one.

At work, on our floor, we rotate weekend's and holidays every 3rd. So we have "color" names for our weekend groups. Blue, green and red. I am part of the green "day" weekend. The same group of us work together every 3rd weekend and every 3rd holiday. So in essence, we become very close, a sort of second family; we spend a lot of time together, 12 hour shifts on our weekends and holidays. My weekend "girls" have a tradition of going out for pedicures and lunch when someone is going to have a baby, instead of having a shower, because all of us already have at least 2 children. It was my turn this time! They took me out to a wonderful place here in town called "Ambiance" for pedicures. We were spoiled rotten for over an hour with foot massages, mint "mud" treatments, and a hot rock leg massage, finalized by painting our piggies real pretty :). We then went for lunch at the Macaroni Grill. YUMMM! I felt thoroughly pampered! Here's a picture of us after eating!







Starting left and working clockwise: Elsa, Robin, Holly, Tracy, Britt, me, Sherrie and Vickie



Something very humbling happened to us this week also. God has given us a lot to deal with this uncertainty of our new baby; but he also promises he will never give us more than we can handle and that he will be with us and walk with us. I am seeing his care and provision for us throughout family and our friends that he has put in our lives.People have literally come out of the woodwork to say they will help us in any way from childcare to meals and everything in between. We have had such wonderful family and friends that are praying for us. My mom is planning to take her very coveted vacation time to spend with us and the kids after the baby is born. This week we found out that some of my friends from work have organized a silent auction and bake sale for our family to help with our medical bills and also for any expenses to get to Duke for the stem cell infusion. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I was a bit apprehensive at first, especially since I don't feel like we fit the typical "mold" for this. We have insurance and can pay our bills. The girls insisted though, that everyone wants to help us and this is the way they feel they can help us; to help take a little of the burden off. I was flabergasted! We are thanking God for everyone he has put in our lives, and that includes everyone who reads our blog. Because, somehow, you've impacted our lives and care about us, or you wouldn't take the time to read my nonsense ramblings :) Each one of you has blessed us in ways you can never imagine.



Our schedule for next week: I am planning on getting my bedroom rearranged this Sunday and dedicate a corner for the baby, since he'll be in our room ( our home is very small and cozy, no room for a baby anywhere else) and to finish up paperwork for Duke University and our stem cell infusion. We'll see Dr. Bonebrake on Friday. It's our last ultrasound before our c/section. I think I'll also do some nesting around the house to get ready for the baby and my mom coming. I'm really excited for my mom to be able to come down. I also need to order a battery for my laptop since it doesn't hold a charge. I want to keep everyone updated on the blog while we're in the hospital. I did get a new memory card for my camera, so that's off the checklist. We have just 2 weeks left of school so we'll be done the 9th and have a week off before the baby comes. That'll give us time to tie up any loose ends. And I think that's about it. That's enough for me, I'm starting to get real tired! I can't even bend over anymore. Laundry is even getting to be a feat. The kids carry it for me and I just have to load and fold. I do enjoy being pregnant but will be happy to be able to bend again.


I'm not ready for this special time to end yet though, because this is something I'll never get to experience again. I remember after delivering each of the kids, that I would miss them kicking inside of me. I feel so priviledged that God thinks enough of me to let me help him make a miracle. It's the only time having a big belly is considered beautiful. It's also the only time I can eat and people don't care how much I eat! ha!








3 comments:

Lisa Christine said...

My husbands work had a huge taco feed to raise money for Elisabeth's stem cell infusion. We were deeply touched. It's amazing how friends and family all come together to support you when you are going through tough times.
I am so excited that your son is coming so soon! I can't wait to see pictures!
I completely understand your feelings of being ready for the pregnancy to end, but being sad knowing that you'll never have it again. It is the most beautiful experience! Elisabeth was my final baby...permanent precautions were taken. It's a good thing because she will need more attention, care, and money for medical bills. But it is sad knowing that my childbearing days are over.

Sherri said...

Sounds like you work with a great group of ladies:) It has been amazing for us as well to see how much people care and how willing they are to help. We had meals for an entire month when we got home from the hospital! I can't believe only 20 more days and he'll be here! I'm so excited and I can't wait to meet you all in person eventually! Take time to relax and enjoy pregnancy these last days :) Can't wait to see him and hear which name you decided!

Kristen said...

I don't think I have ever commented on your blog. I can't remember right now if you have on mine. I'm Kristen, mother to Cayman that was born 7 weeks ago with Hydrocephalus. We did the stem cell infusion at Duke. I'm so excited to hear you are going to also!

How awesome that some money was raised for you and your family. That is such a blessing.

Well you take care and enjoy your last few days pregnant.