We’re getting close!
Before I get into an update on little Miss Molly, I would like to offer a few praises. In my last post, I asked for prayer in a few specific areas and I wanted to share with you some really cool ways that God has been walking alongside us in the journey.
First, I asked for prayer looking for a doula who would work well not only with our unique situation but also have a faith background. I am thrilled that we have found someone as of today who is an amazing fit for our family.
I also asked for prayer in regards to our kids as they are walking this tough road alongside us. A few weeks ago, my mum flew down and has been staying with us. It has been a huge answer to this aspect that deeply concerns me as she is able to provide some consistency and care while we have a lot of appointments and other things going on. She has been amazing to have here and will be staying with us for an extended period of time.
Lastly, I asked for prayer as we work through our Birth Plan. At our last appointment as well as at our next upcoming appointment, we will be going things in more detail. Jay and I both have a sense of peace with the things we have deemed important to our family and what we would like to have happen depending on how Molly handles labor and birth.
Since our last update, we have had a couple of appointments where we met with a NICU doctor, mental health counselor, and OB and the list could go on for quite a ways. We still have more appointments with specialists coming up, but we have begun to plan and paint a picture for what could and we would like to have happen when Molly is born. It has been a lot of information to take in and we have had a lot to process and discuss. We talked a lot about comfort care (preparing for her to pass away) vs. possible interventions to help Molly be here as long as possible.
Our hearts have been so heavy as we’ve been processing everything and just giving space to feel and think through just how difficult the next several weeks are going to be.
In addition to making a lot of these decisions, we are also switching all care for both me and Molly to the U of M so that all our care is coordinated. We made this decision after we found out that we will be delivering around 37 weeks which is the week of July 13th- very soon!
I’m still being monitored for extremely high fluid levels as nothing has decreased and I am measuring at 41 weeks. I am uncomfortable but am trying to soak up as many moments of feeling Molly kick and wiggle as she still never stops moving. One very bright side of high fluid levels is that we have gotten some very clear photos of her (like the one above of her holding her toe). It’s been very fun to bring those home and share with the kids.
Moving forward into the next few weeks, we would love for you to continue praying for us. Here are a few ways that you can do that:
1. Peace. We have no idea how Molly will handle labor and birth. We would love for family to meet her, hold her and have the chance to be a part of her life. These unknowns are difficult as we move towards our delivery date. Please pray for peace for our household.
2. Comfort. I would love to have my fluid levels decrease so as to be able to soak up these last few weeks a bit more comfortably. If they do, it would also make labor easier and have a few less unknown variables.
3. Wisdom. We would love to think of creative and tangible ways that people can help us and when we need to be vocal about what we do need both physically, emotionally and spiritually. We also are going to need wisdom as we continue supporting our kids throughout this as well.
Thank you yet again for walking this road with us. We value community so dearly! I’ll sign off with a verse that has been on repeat on my heart:
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18