Grace Upon Grace

Today marks Day 11 of my hospital stay. I can't believe I've been here this long. Truth be told, I haven't been as bored as I thought I would be. It's amazing how much time you can kill surfing the web. I miss Allison terribly and had hoped that I could spend lots of quality time with her while it was JUST her. Life will soon change as we become a family of five. So, instead, I'm trying to use my time in the hospital getting to know these two tiny babies growing inside of me. Every kick, every ultrasound, I get to see a little bit of what their personalities are going to be like.

Today I am feeling overwhelmingly grateful. Actually, that is how I have felt every day since being put on bedrest. So many people have stepped up and cared for me, Phil, and Allison--through providing meals, sending cards/emails, calling, and praying. I have had friends visit me in the hospital and bring delicious food from the "outside" as well as homebaked sweets. My room is filled with bright flowers. Yesterday, a dear friend drove all the way from College Station to visit, and she brought me a huge box of boy clothes (Thanks, Andrea!)

From Christ's fullness, we have received grace upon grace--one blessing piled upon another (John 1:16). So thank you to everyone who has drenched me with grace.

There are three people, though, that I want to particularly acknowledge. First is my wonderful husband Phil. Even with the stress of medical school, he has joyfully prioritized his responsibility as a Dad. Though he may not always dress Allison in the most coordinated outfits, he is taking great care of her in my absence! Feeding, bathing, putting to sleep, playing, caring for her while she's been sick, doing laundry--it's a huge job being a single parent. Thank you honey for all that you're doing. You are an awesome father! I love you.

Second, our friends, Russell and Laura. Russell is the music minister at our church and he has been driving Allison to (and sometimes from) her preschool, three days a week. Laura has been watching Allison all day on Mondays and Russell has been watching her all day on Fridays (his day off). Phil has been dropping Allison off at their house at 7 a.m. every day, and he picks her up again around 5:30 when he's done with school. When I was on bedrest at home, Laura drove me to my doctor's appointments in Dallas. She was with me when I was admitted to the hospital. Russell brought Allison and his one-year-old son up to the hospital to visit because he knew I had not seen Allison. And this past Friday, they discovered that Allison had an ear infection, so Russell drove her all the way to Dallas to her pediatrician (at least 30-45 minutes away) and then brought her to the hospital again since I had not seen her all week. Such amazing friends! I am so much more at ease knowing there are great people taking care of my little girl. Thanks, Russell and Laura. You know there are no words to express our gratitude to you for loving Allison like your own!

And finally, my sister. There is too much to list that Sarah has done for us. She has come over to our house to clear out the twins' room and set up their cribs (which she and Jun bought for us). She cleaned and organized our house. She and Jun have taken care of Allison on the weekends so Phil can have time to study. Allison LOVES her Aunt "Ssssss". Sarah has spoiled me rotten--Not only has she come most often to the hospital to visit (always with goodies in hand, like Starbucks!), she sent over someone to give me a massage and then yesterday, another person to give me a manicure and pedicure!! Sarah, you are the best friend and sister a girl could ask for. I cannot thank you enough for everything you do for me. I pray Allison and her little sister will have the bond that you and I have, and I am so SO overjoyed that you are their precious Aunt.

Thursday's sonogram showed that my cervix was about the same--it had not shortened, but it didn't lengthen significantly either. At least I'm stable, but they're not releasing me to go home. So I guess I'll hunker down and get cozy in my new home, Hoblitzelle 304. I will choose each day to be grateful because it means it's one more day that I'm pregnant. And I will praise God that he is piling on me, grace upon abundant grace. I am beyond blessed.