Happy 28 Weeks!

Happy 28 weeks to our little miracle Asher!! What a blessin from God you are! We love you so much and can't wait to meet you! You make your mommy and daddy strong and bring excitement and joy to your big brother! We love you, our little warrior!

Yesterday evening before James and Easton came back, I began feeling some slight contractions. The thought crossed my mind if I should eat supper or not, wondering if I would be experiencing them through the night. As I slowly began to eat my oriental chicken salad, a knock came to my door. Our next-door neighbors Abbie and Wayne came in to visit. It made me smile to know that they went out of their way to spend some time with me. I had no idea they were coming, so that's what made it even more special. They were honestly an answer to my prayer as I was having a rougher day than normal and sort of down as I sat alone in my room. God knew I needed company to uplift my spirit and keep me strong, so He worked through them. They coming not only got my last days off my mind, but also made me feel confident that I would be just fine and to not worry, so I went ahead and ate my salad. It's such a blessing how God always knows what you need at each moment. He knew I wasn't giving up, He knew my full trust is in Him, and He knew I was doing my best to stay calm and strong. But He knew I needed company to brighten my day. So thank you Abbie and Wayne for stopping in last night. I hope You know God was truly working through You as you brought me brightness and confidence that I can stay strong and fight. We couldn't be blessed with greater neighbors! 😊

After Abbie and Wayne visited. James, his brother Adam, and Easton returned. They had brought in pizza to eat. It was very tempting, but I reminded myself that for one it wasnt the right food for me to eat, and that before I know it I can order a pizza again. It is again those things like ordering a pizza I took for granted.

As they ate, I began having strong contractions. They weren't as consistent, but when some came, they brought me to tears. However, I remained calm and did my best to breathe. I buzzed my night nurse to tell her I was in a lot of pain
 So she came in and got me on IV fluids again to see if they would subside. God blessed me as they did subside and I was able to sleep pretty good throughout the night. I still felt some, but they were mild and every 10 minutes or so. By the morning they slowed down a lot, and only felt them here and there.

My nurse woke me up, freed me of my IV fluid and monitors, and I ordered breakfast. I was finally more confident about eating as my contractions were pretty much gone. I then put on cream as my lower stomach has broke out in red welts. They said it is because my skin is irritated from having monitors with gel on for past 6 weeks daily. The moisture has caused it. So in between sessions, I place the cream on.
 However, they probably won't fully go away until the monitoring ends. But I am just glad they don't burn or itch.

As James, Easton , and I watched cartoons, my high risk nurse entered. She made me smile when she walked in as she said she felt we should be having a party as Asher has made it to his 28 week milestone! This milestone is extra special to us because this was our major goal at 22 weeks when this journey began. At that time it seemed weeks away, but now here we are!! He has now grown from 2% survival to 95%! He has also entered the third trimester. We can't be more blessed! God is miraculous, and without Him and your prayers, we wouldn't be standing strong at week 28! Nothing is impossible with God! Asher is a true miracle and a forever strong fighter all because of God's beautiful grace!

My high risk nurse checked my stomach for any tenderness and observed my bumpy rash. I told her I was still having contractions here and there and that it was tender down low where I feel my contractions. I then asked her how many days of contractions they would let me go. I told her that they have been painful and I don't know how much more my body can take. I want Asher to stay in me as long as possible, but I don't want to wait too long either where the risk of infection sets in. As Dr. Pyle told me, it is much better to deliver an early baby than an early baby with an infection. My nurse agreed and understood where I was coming from. She told me that if I begin experiencing strong ones again, the nurse will be told to call the doctor on call so he can check me out. As of this weekend, regular obs are on call as Dr. Fitzpatrick won't return until Monday. If God wills Asher to come early, I know God will guide the doctors, just as He always does. I was grateful that my high risk nurse understood where I was coming from, and we have a plan in place next time they come. No matter what, I know God won't give Asher and me more than we can handle and will guide us to His perfect timing and plan.

As James and Easton are at home playing and catching up on laundry, I am doing my best to stay strong and keep myself occupied. I look forward to having Easton here again tonight as he always shows his love and wants to play cars with me. He truly helps me get my mind off things and stay strong. I know he is keeping Asher strong too through all his kisses and I love yous! I am currently not experiencing contractions, so we will see what the night holds. No matter what I know God is holding Asher's and my hand through this, and I will get to be with three people  who I  love so much.... James, Easton, and Asher. And most importantly we will all be surrounded by God's loving arms, Josh, and all the Angels and Saints!

Dear God, Thank You for holding Asher and me extra close these past few days. Even through the days that seem more of a struggle, You carry us through. It is these times we even grow closer to You as You give us all the love, hope, care, and strength we need. This fight is worth everything to us and we can't be more blessed! You have given us a miracle who continues to grow stronger each day and has made it to 28 weeks! How amazing is Your love and mercy! We love You above all things! Amen.

As we celebrate these amazing milestone, we along with our little warrior Asher want to tell all of you what angels you are to us. We are here today with God's beautiful grace and all the prayers you continue to say each day. Thank you for never ceasing to pray. God does wonders and hears all of your prayers. We trust fully in Him as He guides us through this miraculous fight. Let us continue to join hands in prayer with God, Josh, and all the Angels and Saints! How great God is!!