Of Mice and Men

my first room
Originally uploaded by telfandrea.

This won't be too long or too eloquent but all of the sudden I felt like maybe I could post on the blog and so I just grabbed the laptop.

Telfer and Cate and Henry and Elizabeth all flew to Seattle and then drove to Olympia yesterday as planned. Without me. Where am I? Well. It looks like I'll be here in the hospital in New York until Jane is born.

I was diagnosed with complete placenta previa at twenty weeks (the placenta covers the cervix instead of attaching itself on the side of the uterus). All last week I had a little spotting but nothing major until Sunday morning when I woke to a lot of bleeding. We called an ambulance and I have been at Columbia Presbyterian (Telfer's former place of employment) since then.

For the most part, I am pretty stable at this point. Not quite 27 weeks. We got three physician opinions on Monday and they all said the same thing: do not travel. That advice was difficult to take at first but Telfer and I are both at peace with this decision. One of the doctors said to imagine the history of our family and three months and a healthy baby will seem like a small investment.

There are so many things to be thankful for though. Most importantly, we have such supportive, loving families. Telfer's parents and my parents and Elizabeth are all in Olympia at the moment helping Telfer with our new old house and with Cate. Elizabeth was planning to stay with us this summer and is now obviously really planning to stay. Mendy is also available. Eleanor is here in New York. I have other friends, including Telfer's former colleagues, checking in with me. God continues to be gracious and good.

We covet your prayers. Pray for a smooth transition to Olympia for my little family. Pray for our families, specifically Mendy and Elizabeth as they take care of Cate. Pray for baby Jane that she makes it until at least 34 weeks. I am emotionally better today than I have been since Sunday. It's difficult to make the mental transition from moving and motherhood and house renovating to bedrest for three months. But here I am. 

On a lighter note, I really want a private room. And a different nurse than I had today. And better food. I know I am a little bit of a food snob but oh my goodness. I should take some pictures of this food. You really cannot fathom how bad it is. Thankfully, I have some suppliers on the outside. More later.

Comments

[Marbs]

Dear Andrea -- my prayers are with you! And Telfer, Cate, Jane and the rest of the family. What a frustrating situation, but the doctor is right ... months from now it will be worth it! I'll be praying for a new nurse, better food and the all important private room.

[Vickie]

Praying, Andrea, for you all. Will add better food and a different, kind nurse, too! Blessings, Vickie

[Becky]

We have been and continue to pray for all of you.

[Chris n griffith]

Delightful post. You are an amazing woman.

Cng

[Kathie]

Had lunch earlier in the week with Mendy and we prayed specifically for you! I'm looking forward to meeting you when you and Jane arrive. I've followed your blog for a while, at first because of your book reviews and then I became intrigued with Cate! ha! She is a strong child! Take this time to cuddle baby Jane and keep her safe. Bribe Eleanor for decent food and those of us who live in your new hometown will help your family and pray you through this time! Bless you! Kathie

[Becca Henrickson]

I ache for you, Andrea! How curious it is to see how God teaches patience (which is something I have to learn over and over) especially when expectations don't get met and everything goes in the opposite direction. Imagine how God can use you there and probably already has in ways you may not know or see. You are in my prayers: Your health, your spirit, and specifically your body, and Baby Jane's health, spirit, and body. From the tops of your heads to the bottoms of your feet!

Sending floods of love your way.

[RaChelle]

Hi BF. One more reason why you are moving to Olympia...all these amazing people praying for you and taking care of your little family. God is good. Love you. Praying for you. Talk to you soon.

[Rose]

Hi Honey!! As I read your blog, I was moved by your strength and reserve. God is equipping you to handle this situation and for that I'm grateful!
The wall colors you picked for the house are beautiful! Dad and I enjoyed painting today and it will look even better when we are able to do the moulding tomorrow! Will send you pix for sure! Telf got a good start on the kitchen cabinets....we all worked hard today and the reward each evening is to spend time with Cate! We are serving with joy!

[Leslie]

Hi Andrea... this is a lot to handle and I can't imagine bed rest for 3 months when you had imagined something so much different. Thank you for sharing on your blog and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and all of your family too. Your life touches many people with the gracious and lovely person you are.

[J.R. Caines]

Wow, We are praying for you guys.