23 Weeks and 1 Day

Its taken us several days to write this blog post. We wanted to get to a place that wasn't too emotional or negative before we shared. 

On Thursday May 4th at 22 weeks and 4 days Abby went in for a routine doctor's appointment. She actually went to school before the doctor's appointment feeling completely fine. Our friend Morgan went with Abby to the appointment which ended up being the best person to be with her because she happens to be a midwife. We received the news that Abby's cervix had shortened more than 3 centimeters in a 2 week time span. Baby A was also already head down. The Specialist then delivered the news that Abby would be going to the hospital right away until the babies are born. After Abby got to the hospital and started to be monitored it became clear that she was having contractions and that her uterus was irritable. The doctor started her on medication to calm down contractions. The scary part was Abby had no idea that she was contracting. 

The past 5 days have been filled with small victories, but also small set backs. The past 5 days have also been filled with a lot of hard news to hear from doctor's about viability. Doctors consider week 24 the first sign of viability. Everyday at this point counts. The doctors have assured us that we are in good hands and that they still have a lot of "tricks" up their sleeves. We are encouraged by each passing day but also filled with anxiety about the road ahead. Trying not to share too much of the harder news we have received, but please know that everyday, every prayer and encouraging word helps us get a little farther. 

As of today, we have decided to start steroid shots to help increase lung development and the chance of resuscitation if the babies are born in the next week. However, the doctors are hopeful that their arrival is still weeks away if nothing drastically changes. 

Everyday the babies's heart tones are checked and Wednesdays are days to be updated on Abby's cervical length. We are sure that Wednesdays will be filled with anxiety as we wait for good news. If you think about us on Wednesdays please pray that our thoughts will be filled with truth and not fear. 

I have decided to finish out the year teaching with 12 days left in the school year. I am asking for prayers that when I am at work  I am present and for energy after nights spent in the hospital with Abby. Both of us have no idea what the journey ahead of us holds, but trying to not get caught up in little set backs and not to get ahead of ourselves with little wins. The doctors are right, each day is truly important. Not only for the growth of babies but us learning to trust in a way we have never had to before. 

Our prayer and truth we are grasping to in these days and weeks to come is below. Please join with us in prayer that these words will be true and be in our minds and hearts.

Philippians 4:

" 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!... 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brother and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever i lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 11 I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength...19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." 

Prayer Request:

Pray for week 24, viability  (Mother's Day)

Pray for the steroid shots and development of babies lungs and immune system.

Pray for the doctors and staff that are making tough decision.

Pray for Ryan's energy to finish out the year at school.

Pray for Abby's mind and thoughts as she is at the hospital daily.

Pray that we give God control and praise no matter what the outcome.

-Ryan and Abby

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