ASNN

the situation

Earlier today, I sent an email around to some friends:

I'd like to ask for your prayers for Vanessa and our as-of-yet unborn daughter, Abigail.

Vanessa went into the hospital this morning with pretty severe pains in her back and other discomfort. It turns out she was dialated 4cm and fully effaced. She was immediately given magnesium to stop the contractions, to which she has responded very favorably. She was also given steroids to attempt to stimulate Abigail's lung development. The doctors are wanting to get at least 48 hours before attempting to deliver Abigail, and they think we might be able to get as much as four days, based on how Vanessa's body has responded so far.

At this point, Abigail is around 32 weeks and 2 days, and weighs about four pounds. The nurses are optimistic in terms of her chances if she's born now, but nothing is ever a "given" in these cases. That's why we covet your prayers over the next little bit. To be honest, I'm not even sure what you can pray for. We ask God that He lead your prayers into His will and thank Him for listening and being faithful to answer.

We saw the neonatologist and NICU nurse this evening, and it sounds like Vanessa is in the hospital for the long haul. One or two signs indicate she might be okay at home, but numerous others (thus far) indicate that she could deliver at something just beyond a moment's notice. Abigail is about 4.5 pounds, according to the neonatologist, so that's awesome. (At her age, every eight ounces is precious!) In addition, her heart rate, movement and position are all perfect. She's very low, which is fantastic, but it's a big reason the doctors want Vanessa to remain at the hospital for now.

So everything has stabilized... and we're waiting. Vanessa is already restless, especially given that she had to drop everything at work to lie in a bed all day, and the initial rush of adrenaline has worn off. We want Abigail to keep "baking" until it's best for her to come out, but that doesn't make it any easier to sit around waiting for it to happen. All of the medications seem to be doing their part (not the least of which being the Young's Winter Warmer currently medicating me!) so it's just a matter of seeing how the two main players react to it all over time.

Thank you for your past and continuing prayers through this. I'll try to keep the blog up-to-date with information to help you know how to pray and where everything stands. For now... stay tuned (along with us)!