Gratitude

I've spent the last two weeks taking up residence on my couch.  Despite how luxurious that may sound, it's been really hard.  As the person who runs the house and is a little bit of a neat freak, it's difficult to take a step back. I often have a headache at the end of the day from lack of physical activity.   More difficult is trying to meet the needs of two young children while trying not to carry them or move around much.  I have succumbed to my worst nightmare as a stay at home mom.  I live in yoga pants and a sweatshirt.

assuming the position

During this time I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who have offered to help and come to our aid.  Numerous family and friends have come for playdates to keep the kids occupied.  My mother stayed with us for four days.  I am blessed to be part of a wonderful school/faith community.  The parents of Linus' preschool class have been truly amazing.  They arranged pick ups and drop offs for school as well as providing dinners for our family.  Their efforts have really helped relieve some of the stress from the situation.  Our tummies are very happy as well.

Everyone asks how I've been feeling and my answer has generally been, "okay."  I haven't been in any physical pain.  It's just scary and anxiety inducing.  I lay awake at night unable to sleep.  What's helped me stay is focused is knowing how many people are praying for us.  Talking with other women who have had subchorionic hemmorhages has been helpful as well.  I decided to start seeing my acupuncturist again so she could work her magic.  I'm willing to do just about anything in my power to help my body heal.

The kids have been as understanding as much as they are able.  They love seeing so many friends and family.  I've been keeping myself busy by writing thank you notes and practicing my algebra and geometry skills.  What's more fun that reviewing factoring polynomials?

Today I got to have another ultrasound to check the progress.  I was hoping that it would not have grown and might have even shrunk a little.  The baby still looked very cute if not a little skeletor-esque.  It's really amazing how much they grow into just two weeks.  The ultrasound tech said it looked like the hemorrhage had gotten smaller, but we would have to wait for the radiologist and doctor for the final word.

After waiting all afternoon I finally got the call from my doctor, which of course also meant Linus just needed to talk to me and be as loud as possible to get his point across.  Good news!!! Miracles of miracles not only did the hemorrhage get smaller, it shrank to half its original size.  Because the baby has grown as well, the hemorrhage is no longer classified as large.  It's still there so I have to exercise some caution.  The doctor gave me the okay to leave the couch.  I'll still take it fairly easy the rest of the week. I will also let the house cleaners come at least one more time :)  I will see the doctor next week at 15 weeks.  If everything looks good, he promised to give me the all clear.  Amen! Hallelujah!  In the meantime he has made me promise that I won't lift any pianos or refrigerators.  Done.

We are so grateful for all the prayers, positive thoughts, playdates, meals, and general help.  I know it made all the difference in the world.  We are blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.  I try not to get too religious on people, but this is one time where I know God was watching out for my family and listening to prayers.