Pregnancy Update: Any Day Now

Now we're at 39 weeks gestation and it could be any day now that a new little one will grace us with her presence! Physically and mentally, I'm more than ready. There are one or two things that need to get done, but if they don't, it's not a big deal. I'm content with that.

I do covet your prayers though. Being this big and uncomfortable makes me more prone to being grumpy. Please pray that God would give me grace to show grace to my husband and little girls.

Last week I only went to the gym once. That particular day I was worn out by dinner time and had no desire to be on my feet at all. I think my gym days are over until the baby comes. When I go, I don't have enough energy to serve my family - which is more necessary by far. I've gained 30 pounds so far. I don't know how much of that is water weight from swelling, but I suppose it doesn't really matter at this point. I'm pleased with the amount of discipline during this pregnancy

Wednesday I go for my OB check-up and find out what, if anything, is going on. I sure hope so. I'm praying that God will be merciful and allow the baby to come early and that labor will start with the breaking of my water. I'm getting a lot of *reminders* (read "nagging") about when to head to the hospital. I trust that God will take care of that. It's too much stress for me to count the minutes between every Braxton-Hicks contraction. Even if I don't make it to the hospital for the birth, there's always an EMT and ambulance that can come catch the baby, right?! I'll just fill the tub with water and let her go. :-)

Prayer Request: Surgery

Tomorrow my Mom, Wanda, is scheduled for a trigger thumb release surgery. It is minimally invasive and she will be conscious during the procedure. It is very similar to the carpal tunnel surgery I had in February except on the thumb. She will wear her dressing for 10 to 12 days and be unable to use her right hand during that time. She is widowed and lives alone. We would appreciate your prayers for a successful procedure and somewhat ease of recovery. Thanks.

On The Road, Again

Last Thursday, G'Wanda, the girls and I left for Northern VA for a brief visit. What is normally an 8 to 10 hour drive took about 12 hours. :-P I'm very pleased with how the girls behaved during the drive and the trip in general. Moriah didn't wear any diapers in the car and had no accidents! Lily didn't cry for hours on end and probably not even an hour total!

The girls were very well behaved in the home of our host (which has lots of expensive stuff everywhere within reach) and they didn't break anything or touch anything that would otherwise cause heart attacks. :-D They played well with Lenore, possibly the sweetest 7 year old in VA. The girls complained very little and slept as well as they do at home. I didn't take any pictures.

Tomorrow Jeramy and I head out for Louisville, KY back to our old stomping ground, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Friday morning Jeramy has a field essay as the final part of the application process for a PhD in Worldview Apologetics. Jeramy has had to read about 1300 pages of material over the past two weeks to prepare and he's completed it all! Wow.

The girls will be staying home with Grandma Jane and G'Wanda. I'm looking forward to this visit very much and especially the shorter drive. It's still about 8 to 10 hours driving, I think, but we won't have to stop near as often (Lord willing I don't get nauseous) and we will leave much earlier. We appreciate any prayers for our traveling safety as well as the success of Jeramy's essay.

Update: Hand & Girls

Everything was going very well with my hand - only a little pain when I tried something, of which I would stop. I was finding that I could do more things without pain and discomfort. Yesterday My hand and fingers had become swollen again and even now. I hadn't had any swelling since the day of the surgery until yesterday. It's not painful or uncomfortable, but it's a little difficult locating my knuckles. :-)

My Mother-in-Law returned home Thursday after giving SO much help! My Mom has been coming over while Jeramy's been at work to help change diapers and help clean, which is still too painful to execute. :-D Meals are coming and I'm so thankful to everyone for all of the help! I'll go back to the doctor March 11 to remove the stitches.

There are new pictures of the girls from February in the right sidebar.

A Cause for Concern

The results from the first routine blood work for this pregnancy indicated that there was a weak antibody reaction in my blood. The doctor said that they would repeat the test and he believed that since it was weak that it wouldn't show up again. I asked him why this was a cause for alarm and he explained it to me, but I still left the office puzzled.

When the test was repeated, the weak antibody response was still present. When the nurse called to tell me this information, I asked her the significance of this response. She told me that it could interfere with future pregnancies, but that since I was so far along in this one, that there was no cause for alarm and it would not cause a miscarriage. She also told me that I would be tested again 2 or 3 times more during this pregnancy for the reaction.

After the prompting of a friend who always prefers to be informed, I did a little research on WebMD and found this informative article. It turns out that the cause could be that the baby's blood has mixed with my own outside of the uterus. This is an excerpt of what alarmed me most:

If a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood has a baby (fetus) with Rh-positive blood, Rh sensitization may occur. The baby may have Rh-positive blood if the father has Rh-positive blood. Rh sensitization happens when the baby's blood mixes with the mother's blood during pregnancy or delivery. This causes the mother's immune system to make antibodies against the baby's red blood cells in future pregnancies. This antibody response is called Rh sensitization and, depending on when it happens, can destroy the red blood cells of the baby before or after it is born. If sensitization happens, a fetus or newborn can develop mild to severe problems (called Rh disease or erythroblastosis fetalis). In rare cases, if Rh disease is not treated, the fetus or newborn may die.

Jeramy and I have the same blood type and we are not Rh negative. I will do my best not to get anxious about the possibility of losing this child, but I pray that this will in no way affect the his or her birth. Currently I'm 14 weeks. My carpal tunnel surgery is still a go.

Lots of News

Toilet Training: Day 2

Moriah slept well only wearing the underwear and no other protection. She held her bladder all night long without any accidents! Jeramy reported to me that she did have an accident later in the morning after her bath. Sometime after or during her nap she peed in the bed. Then she went the rest of the day without any major problems. Yay!

Toilet Training: Day 3 in progress

This morning Jeramy got up early to take Moriah to the potty, about 6:45 a.m. and she successfully made it through the night without an accident! So far no accidents yet. We've been taking her about every hour or less to the potty.

Slowly But Surely

Lily is gradually walking. She tends to get more courageous with trying on her own once she has some guided practice. She might be fully walking by the time she turns 13 months. We'll see.

Jeramy has been battling a migraine the past couple of days and he would really appreciate your prayers for relief and grace.

Carpal Tunnel Confirmed

Tuesday afternoon I had an appointment with a Neurologist who shocked me quite a bit, some was not painful, some was a little less than tolerable and others were unbearable. As she was conducting the test, she confirmed that I do have carpal tunnel in my right hand. The positive news is that there is nothing wrong with my left hand and the CTS in my right has not yet affected my muscles. I'll have a follow-up appointment with the hand surgeon on Tuesday for his recommendations for treatment. Hopefully it won't be surgery.

First OB Check

Yesterday the new baby had his or her first check up. So far everything looks great. The ultrasound looked great and I could easily see the heart beating! I'll post more on this visit later with pictures. :-)

New Gym Membership

As a cheaper alternative to purchasing a treadmill that would need regular maintenance, Jeramy and I decided that I could join a gym! At Just Fitness 4U we paid $99 for Enrollment and just $10 a month! I joined yesterday and ran early this morning at 6 a.m. I'm so excited! Lord wiling I'll be able to remain disciplined and keep my pregnancy goals a reality.

Toilet Training in Full Force

Please pray for us, Jeramy, Moriah and me. This is the first time I've ever encountered this and I definitely covet some wisdom and patience. With new milestones always come new temptations: please pray for open and clear communication between Jeramy and myself and we wouldn't make it any more difficult than it might be. He will tend to be more patient than I would, I suppose, but I'm sure Satan will look for the opportunity to create a discord between us.

Tomorrow Moriah will be wearing real underwear with the opportunity to get messy. I pray that once she has her first accident she will really see how unpleasant it is to be dirty. She's been wearing pull-ups for the past several days (having shown many signs of readiness), but tomorrow is the big day! My main goals are to keep her off of the furniture and keep her drinking all day.

Any encouragement, advice, story experiences are welcome! I've gotten some experience training from wonderful friends, but there's always room for more. Thanks. It might be silly to pray for such a thing, but I'm already anxious about it so, I take it to the Lord in prayer.

Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7

In Today's News . . .

Calcium protrusions continue to develop in Lily's mouth. Yesterday a new tooth broke through the surface of the lower gum on the left side. Soon there will be a total of seven teeth in the youngest Anderson's mouth. Her parents are generally excited.

Moriah astounded her Father today by consuming an entire 1/3 pound grilled hamburger single-handedly. Said burger was chopped and served with ketchup and spicy original barbeque sauce. Afterwards toddler was rewarded with several pieces of Hershey's chocolate. However rebellious acts continued as she was subjected to disciplinary measures after keeping her feet on the dining table and disobeying other obvious commands from her Father. Currently the near two year old is taking a nap.

After several calls to the Loan Officer, Realtor and Mother, Jeramy has come to his wit's end regarding the acquisition of a new home for his family. The 31 year old reserve Air Force Captain has bought and sold a house in the past with less trouble than he is currently receiving. The closing for the Lawrenceville house was scheduled to occur this past Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. However after paperwork delays from the Appraiser and subsequent Underwriting, the conclusion has been made to blame the Appraiser for faulty reporting. Investigations are currently underway with said Appraiser and the representing company. Plans are continuing to change with no certainty as of yet where the family will be residing over the next few weeks. The street is not a possibility at this point.

And while the stay-at-home mother of two faces joys and trials of her own separate from any current circumstances, Meggan, Jeramy's wife, continues to find it difficult staring at boxes for the third straight day with the house a tornado path of mess. Likewise she has come to her wit's end and hears the song, "Tell me something good . . . " though no actual music plays in the background. While a brief nap has improved her spirits somewhat, dense clouds of disappointment loom heavy in the heart of the Anderson household. Prayers and encouragement are appreciated.

Prayer Request: ESL Ministry

Today, rather unexpectedly, we learned that the Northchase Apartment complex has been placed under new ownership and management. As a result they have closed down the community building that Jeramy has been using for the ESL ministry. They will be renovating it for office space and there will only be one room open for the community to use. Also, the illegals who may be living there will be evicted. It is heartbreaking and disappointing to say the least because we have no idea when it will re-open or how many people we know will be kicked out.

This raises a lot of questions about vision and God's leading for this ministry and various logistical/financial issues also. (Since being approved for the 501c3, non-profit status recognized by the IRS, there have been no contributions to the ministry -- should we need to utilize an available apartment space to continue the work there.) Through this opportunity we have been able to meet a real need of the people, build relationships with them and share the Gospel with them almost every week for the past 8 months (with a short break). Many of the Hindu people have no American friends and have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ before. We covet your prayers for wisdom, discernment and direction.

Thank you.

House Hunting

After the exciting events at the bank last week, Jeramy and I have been looking at houses that we could call our own! Sunday after church Mike Robinson, Jeramy and I went looking at our top three homes to consider. We're looking in the Norcross/Duluth area square (Buford Hwy, Beaver Ruin, Satellite and Pleasant Hill) it will keep for a brief commute to Jeramy's work and to our church home and church family.

The first home had A LOT of potential! There are four large bedrooms upstairs, dining room, living room, decent sized kitchen and den. The basement was finished with two more bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen and exterior door! The yard is large and would look very lovely and inviting after a good weekend's worth of work. There are some major issues, but A LOT of potential -- I can see it now: it would look great after A LOT of work. (Did I mention how much work? A LOT! Mainly cleaning.)

The second home we were not very interested in after walking inside. The exterior is very, very nice - brick front. The interior is okay. Just okay. There's no basement, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. There is less square footage in this house than in the others we viewed. There is not near as much work to do to be ready to move in. The seller's asking price is too high for too little of house, so we moved on and wrote this one off our list.

The third house was very promising. It has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and very clean inside. There wasn't even so much as a cobweb or dead bug anywhere! The yard is kind of small, but very pretty with rose bushes in the front. There were two staircases to the upstairs and a vaulted ceiling in the foyer. Originally the house was purchased for $165,000 but is foreclosed. The basement is unfinished, already framed and is the full size of the house. The foundation is poured concrete and very dry with no cracks, leaks, cobwebs, bugs, etc. The house sits on a hill and the basement has two full-sized windows and a separate entry door. This is a very good house that Jeramy's craftsmanship over time could turn into a GREAT house.

So, the third house was our favorite and the first house is our backup. We put an official bid in to the bank this morning on the third house, but we will have to compete with another bid which price will not be disclosed. So, in order to guard my heart, I have already set myself up mentally that our bid will not be accepted and we will get the first house. Because of the exterior condition of the first house, we know that it's not as hot as the third one - it's been available for some time. But, regardless, the Lord is in control and He knows all things. He is sovereign. Whatever His will be, I will accept it or be bitter. My goal is to be content with whatever happens. I'm just so thankful that we can qualify to own our own home! Yay! We are in a time crunch though, because we've already notified our rental property that we will vacate by Sept. 30, the date our lease expires and are aiming for a closing date of Sept 15 to avoid double payments (on our townhouse and our new home). So, Lord willing, everything will go smoothly. Prayers are much appreciated.

Two Things, Real Quick

First, Jeramy has been working at his new job for a full two weeks now and he enjoys it.  He says it reminds him of being in the military, there's a similar mindset with the people he works with.  He's been able to have several conversations about spiritual things with his co-workers and he's busy memorizing signals, 10-codes and other codes for the job - there's 200 total.  He also says that there is a measure of peace involved because he knows that he's got a two-year commitment after the probationary period.  So, that relieves a bit of stress.  :-)

Second, my Mom has had a contract on her house for about 2 weeks and she'll be moving down to GA in June.  On Easter Sunday she told the family of how God had answered her prayers for a relatively quick, easy sale and He listened.  Of course there is excitement and added stress.  But one Scripture passage in particular comes to my mind when I think of the close vicinity in which my mother and I will live:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  

James 1:2-4

Pray for me, please.

Answered Prayer: Lily's Well

I just came back from the pediatrician's office for a follow-up visit after the ER.  After listening to her lungs, checking her ears, color, breathing, smiles and kicks, the Dr. gave Lily a clean bill of health.  I will continue her breathing medicine until Saturday, but everything with her checks out okay.  Last night she slept 7 hours.  Praise the Lord!!!

Moriah still has nasal congestion with a nasty cough and some occasional fits of coughing.  But she does not have a fever and her color, appetite, disposition remain normal.  She'll be given a little Delsym and should fully recover soon.

Jeramy is still cold-free!  Praise God!!  Although he is fighting a migraine; it's not contagious but can be terrible.

My throat is no longer sore, but sinus congestion with cough and sneezing remain.  I have no fever and I think my disposition is normal, though I still, on occasion, nag my husband.  I'm allowed to take a few medications moderately while breast feeding.  I should be better in a day or two.

Thanks for praying.

Update: A Little Improvement

Lily does not cough as often as she did, however when she does it's still pretty scary.  The cough is the only real indicator of her condition.  Her ears are healed and she'll finish out the antibiotic as prescribed.  She is still just as sweet and active.  I could just put her on a stick and lick her off!  :-)  Her appetite is normal and she maintains a normal body temperature.  The ER discharge papers indicated that the bronchiolitis virus could last up to a month!  I continue to pray for God's grace and healing.  

Moriah is coughing pretty scarily also and her nose runs off her face.  She no longer has a fever and has maintained a normal body temp for about two days.  She is just as active and her appetite is normal.  She is sleeping well, besides the nighttime coughing.

So far as I can tell, Jeramy does not have any hint of sickness.  Praise the Lord!  

As for myself, I have had a sore throat since Saturday and today I've started coughing and sneezing.  All else - sleeping, eating, etc. - is normal.  Sunday I was blessed with about 3 and 1/2 hours of afternoon nap time!  Praise God!! :-)  I understand that Lily's (and possibly Moriah's) condition will last a while and I'm in it for the long haul.

We really appreciate your prayers.  Thank you.

Off to the ER

After 48 hours, Lily's cough was still scary.  So I called the office, as instructed, to schedule a recheck.  However, upon speaking with the nurse on call, she directed me to take Lily to the Emergency Room.  Off we go, wildly driving to the ER at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.  Once the nurses and doctors check her, they tell me to continue caring for her as I have and there is nothing more that could be done unless her condition worsens.  She does, in fact, have bronchiolitis, which in older children simply acts as a cold (which is what Moriah now has).  Her sickness, I'm told, will just have to improve with the passing of time - her body will have to fight it.  I'm thankful that breastfeeding has gone well so that her immune system might combat it more effectively, compounded with the prayers of the saints, by the grace of God. 

After our brief visit, I calmly and carefully drive back home, somewhat relieved, but not totally.  I feel so out of control.  I can't do anything more than what I've done to make her better.  There's so much stress on my shoulders it is overwhelming.  Jeramy feels a little overcome also.  Read his blog post for today.  I have no idea how parents with more children handle it when all their kids are sick.  Please continue praying for us - for the healing of little bodies; wisdom to care for them; the trust, faith, and encouragement in the sovereignty of Christ and the strength of His arm.

Update: Success!

Lily has just taken her entire dose of antibiotic for the night!  Praise the Lord!!!  Laying down on her back on the sofa, I squeezed a drop at a time into her cheek with a medicine dropper.  I'm so thankful!  Lily remains smiling and pleasant.  Her cough is still scary and she still maintains somewhat of a temperature but she is eating and sleeping very well.

Moriah was seen by the pediatrician who thoroughly examined her and was not alarmed by her condition.  Her disposition, color, appetite, excretion are all normal.  Her ears and her lungs are both clear and healthy.  The Dr. said that her cough is probably just contained in her throat and gave us some suggestions, such as popsicles - courtesy of Kelly Carter.  She will be taking Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours and we will be watching for any major changes.  Thank you so much for your prayers.  This was Moriah's first time eating a whole popsicle by herself!

I really want to thank Kelly for taking her time and resources to drive us all to the doctor's office this afternoon.  Today was Jeramy's second day at his new job, Dispatch Officer for the Norcross City Police Dept, and we were unable to make it to the pediatrician without assistance.  I don't take lightly the sacrifices she's made today to help us out in Christian love.  It is a wonderful thing when the church body can take care of each other - the joy of Christ spreads.  Thank you so much again, Kelly.  I enjoyed all our conversation today.

Lily Update

Today Lily's appetite has returned and she's resumed her normal sweetness.  The morning was a bit difficult for her, but the majority of the day has been pleasant, considering.  She is avoiding her antibiotic for her ear infection like the plague.  Her coughs are still scary and she has a fever.  She takes her inhalant very well as she's not afraid of breathing in a mask.

Moriah has begun to experience more of the barking, wet, wheezing cough and tonight she had a fever.  I gave her some Tylenol and her fever was reduced, though not completely broken.  Her disposition is normal - jolly troublemaker.

At our church, the nursery volunteers always comment that Moriah is so well behaved.  I'm so glad - because she's not at home.  If anyone denies the Doctrine of Original Sin, let them keep a toddler for a day!  If you tell her, "No!" she will reach for it again, watching you to see your reaction.  She does this over and over and over again.  I think God gave us this beautiful little girl for the purpose of my sanctification, particularly in the areas of consistent discipline, patience and forbearance.

Sick Little Lily

Please pray for our little Lily.  Last night she was really congested and this morning her disposition was definitely opposite her normal sweetness.  The pediatrician checked her out and she has been diagnosed with an ear infection in both ears and possible RSV or bronchiolitis.  (Click to view info.)  After a few hours of her initial dose of medication she seems to be recovering a bit.  She has returned to smiling and talking, but her cough and congestion still give us a little scare sometimes.  We have specific orders from the doctor and she should show marked improvement within 48 hours.  I'll keep you posted.  Please pray also that this virus would not spread to anyone else.  We really appreciate your prayers.

Prayer Update

Praise the Lord!  Jeramy had a very good job interview today with the Chief of the Norcross City Police Department and was offered a conditional job offer granted that he passes a series of examinations over the next few weeks, beginning tomorrow morning.  We continue to pray that all of his examinations/evaluations go successfully, but of course, that God's will be done.  We rejoice now, but with caution because we don't want to get ahead of ourselves if it's truly not God's will.  

Prayer Request

Jeramy has a job interview Monday morning (tomorrow) at 10 a.m. We're praying that he might get this job. However, there may be someone who needs it more, since God knows all things, we pray for His will to be done. If it should happen that he does not get this job, we pray for God to provide another direction/opportunity to pursue. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Here's a better photo of him, since he looks a little goofy in the previous one.