Surprise!

Our latest news, which we have been a little slow in sharing, just because we have 2 active little boys...is that we are expecting again. Our due date is December 21st, though since I have a history of huge babies that have a tendency to get tangled in their cords, my doctors had suggested the week of 12/7 for a scheduled c-section.

So, breaking news as of yesterday at 10:30 when we went in for our standard 21 week ultrasound, is that the baby looks wonderful and healthy but my cervix was undetectable. I was sent directly across the street to Northside Hospital for evaluation by a Maternal/Fetal specialist who confirmed that my cervix was indeed completely thinned and also that I was actually dialated to 1.5cm. Basically what this means is complete bedrest, in the hospital, until P3 (what the boys have named the baby) joins us. Obviously, we are stunned especially since part of the reason both boys were sections was because my cervix refused to dialate! After another eval. by the M/F specialist today, it was suggested that I undergo a procedure called a cerclage...which is basically where the surgeon stitches my cervix closed in an effort to slow or stop dialation, therefore buying us more precious time for our little one to continue growing. There are some risks to this procedure including infection and rupture of membranes, but after many conversations and much prayer, Greg and I decided that I would go through with the procedure tomorrow (Wed) morning. We would so appreciate your prayers for a successful outcome...steady hands for the surgeon, no ruptures and no infection...and several more weeks of a safe, secure home for P3!

We have been so overwhelmed by the sweet messages and calls and so appreciate your prayers! Of course our first and foremost prayer is that P3 will sit tight and we can meet him/her (yes...it's a surprise) sometime in November! Please also pray for the boys...they are having a grand adventure staying with Grandmommy and Grandy for several days, but I'm sure the next few months will be hard on them. Tanner, for the most part seems blissfully unaware, but Landon seems to have grown up overnight...comforting me and reminding me that "sitting up is not bedrest!" And please pray for Greg who has the daunting task of doing his job and trying to care for the boys too. Thankfully, his new boss has been totally understanding and supportive and has offered the option of a shortened work week or teleworking to help us get situated...We are trying to work out the logistics of it all and are so blessed to have both his mother and my parents that are able to help for these first two weeks while we all settle in to our "new life". After that we are trying to figure out what will work best for the long term. They both start "school" the last week of August so that will be a new fun experience. And we have been pleasantly suprised by the options God has provided in the way of additional help. Please pray that we make wise decisions that will be the best for the boys and Greg and that will provide them with some semblance of normalcy during this time.

Our boys are wonderful!! Tanner just celebrated his 2nd birthday and is a joy! He thinks he is as big as his brother and can do the same things....and most of the time he can...although we have had our share of urgent care visits with destructo boy! He is a love and is always ready to "nuggle mommy", which I love!! Landon is 3 and looking forward to his 4th birthday in September. He is (usually) so loving and patient with Tanner and I am amazed by his level of understanding...he is very intuitive and sensitive and such an encourager! and thankfully, he still enjoys coming to snuggle with me too.

While it is easy to get overwhelmed, and I admit to my share of tears and felling sorry for myself and the boys...Greg and I firmly believe the God will be glorified in this situation. We are trusing in his provision and protection and look forward to the day we can hold our healthy baby...but we'll be patient and wait on His timing...It is amazing and overwhelming to consider that as much as we love our boys and this new baby...that God loves them even more and is holding them, and us, in His hands. He still does miracles even today and we fully expect to be sharing one with you all! God is good...all the time!

We love and appreciate you!
love, Greg, Kristen, Landon, Tanner and P3

PS...so if you happen to be in the perimeter area and stuck in traffic or something, feel free to drop in...I'm on the High Risk Perinatal floor at the Nothside Woman's Pavillion, room 101...though I have heard that since I'm going to be here for a while I'll soon be moved to a room with a view! My direct line is 404-459-1101.