There was this day in mid April. A day that was ordinary enough in my world. I’d been working on a tutorial that was just barely going to make it’s deadline for another blog. I’d finished the dress, put the little one down for her nap and was about to yank the dress onto the kid and run outside to bribe and photograph, when the phone rang. One of those calls you don’t expect.
It was my friend Katie, or at least that’s what the caller ID said. She’s in her much-celebrated first pregnancy. Katie’s husband is away on a work trip, and I thought she’d be calling to talk about the 19-week ultrasound I was planning to attend with her that Friday. The voice began with “You don’t know me, but I’m Katie’s doctor. She needs someone calm with her. Can you come to my office?” Big, big, big deep breath. I asked a few questions, and there were no real answers, just directions to reach her. As far as my escape, the timing was good. My good friend Sylvie who would have normally been at work was at home and could come right over. I ran out in a jacket with only my ID and my phone. Note: a phone charger would have been a good idea.
I cut off a whole lot of people in traffic (sorry, people) and got there in under an hour. Considering the time of day and DC beltway traffic, that was nothing short of amazing. I wound my way through the doctor’s office to find Katie. She had only just that week had her first encounter with a stranger who had asked “When are you due?” Her baby bump was still compact, and her membranes had ruptured for no apparent reason at 19 weeks. From there we were to go over to the hospital to check in, without much idea of what might come, and with a boatload of anxiety.
The first few hours of being there was a blur of check-in, sign-in, procedural things that weren’t informative or reassuring and a few people that were either decidedly unhelpful or looked at us blankly. Katie and I have joked about my mental list of people I plan to go back and kick when this is all over. Now that we know more about “preterm PROM” we know that she and the baby were so very, very lucky in those first few days. The IV antibiotics that were administered initially slowly wiped out the low fever that was trying to creep up. The directions from the doctor were simple. Lay down, relax, and wait. And if things go well, you’ll be waiting a very long time– because whatever happens, you’re in this hospital until you deliver. Of all of the impossible assignments- relax? Really?
If you were to ask any mother in this situation to relax, there would be problems. But Katie is the most flexible, patient and let-go-and-let-God woman I know. I knew this already, but her strength in the face of this is downright staggering. We found out at the first ultrasound the day after checkin that this baby is a boy. A little, tiny, perfect, finger-waving little boy. You’re ready for the good news update, aren’t you? I have one.
A lot of folks are shocked at first to realize that this is good news, but it is. She has been in the hospital, lying down except to eat, shower, and use the restroom, since April 13. That’s almost 3 months now. She has left her room four times for ultrasounds. She has windows with a view of trees and sky, thankfully, and even though she’s been in 24/7 temperature control for 12 weeks, at least she can see what’s happening outside. The longer she’s there, the bigger her baby grows. The ultrasounds have confirmed his expansion– first just 10 ounces, then 1 lb 3 oz, then 1 lb 15 oz, and most recently 2 lb 14 oz.
So it’s been in the last few weeks that the “normal” pregnancy things are starting to pick up again. We’ve taken some belly pictures, worked on her registries, started assembling a few post-delivery essentials, and, most happily in my crafty world, we’re beginning to work on her nursery.
I hope you don’t mind me sharing the context of the crafting that’s to come. It’s not nearly as light as most things are around here, and it’s a strange follow-up to yesterday’s alien hot dogs, for sure. I can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on. And in the meantime, your prayers for this little guy’s safe delivery sure are welcomed.
What and amazing story and so thankful that God has special plans for this sweet baby boy. What a wonderful friend you are.
Blessings, Lori
Praying for Katie and Baby Boy right now. May they be wrapped in the arms of a mighty and loving God.
Katie, you are amazing. A strong Momma and a very strong baby boy. You fully and perfectly represent the patient and unending love of a Mother. God bless and payers for a safe delivery.
A little intake of breath as I read this. I also had preterm PROM and could only keep my legs crossed for a week – luckily I was at 27 weeks when it happened and our little impatient person arrived weighing a respectable 2 lb 12 oz. That was nearly 5 years ago. My heart goes out to your friend – and to you! Thanks for sharing.
Every time my little boy kicks inside me I’ll say a prayer for this lady and her little boy! Congrats, Katie!! And what a good friend you are, Susan.
I have the biggest lump in my throat and feel like crying for you both… I’ll be sending lots of prayers for your friend and her amazing little guy!! Please keep us up to date on his arrival!! :)
Hallie
http://www.ourbrokenroad.blogspot.com
Love & prayers for his safe arrival, and very gentle hugs to Katie
love from over the pond
Camilla
Very gentle hugs to Katie, lots of love & prayers from over the pond.
Camilla
Poor thing!!! I’ll pray for your friend, what a blessing she has such great doctors to take care of her! And a great friend to rush to her side!
Oh wow, thanks for sharing. I hope Katie & baby continue to do well! I’m 34 weeks now, and I can’t even imagine going through that, or needing to be in the hospital for the last half of my pregnancy.
Praying for your friend… sounds like she is getting to the home stretch, though. I had a similar scare but I was allowed to wait it out in my bed at home for 3 months. Please post a photo of the little one when he makes his debut!
All I can say is wow! Isn’t God good! I will keep praying that this little man stays a while longer so he can be born healthy and happy. Thank you for sharing, and no we won’t mind “sharing” all this with you!
What a beautiful post, and a beautiful, lucky friend! I can’t wait to see what amazing things you’re cooking up for a truly special recipient. Thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness, I’m so glad the baby’s still in there. She (and he!) will be in my prayers!
AWESOME. I hope to hear more.
she will be in my prayers. keep us updated.
I’m so glad to hear that Katie’s little guy is still inside where he belongs, growing bigger and stronger. Sending many good thoughts from one Katie to another.
This was such a great, heart-wrenching story. I am definitely looking forward to more posts about this amazing lady and her story. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Good luck to your sweet friend. When I was 18 I spent 15 days in the hospital and I wanted nothing more than to breathe fresh air. Good for her for staying positive.
Keep working to keep that little guy safe. Prayers and hugs coming your way.
(And I’ve been on DC’s freeways before, it was a miracle you got there so fast.)
You have my prayers. I was in the hospital laying on my right side for two months, given shots etc. Not fun,but very worth it. God bless you .
Best,
elise
Wow, what a harrowing day. It’s really great you were able to be there for her as a friend and a calming presence. Thoughts and prayers for Katie and her little one!
You are a fabulous friend. As a mom of two preemies, congratulations and continued luck to your friend!!
Wow! She’s amazing! Sending prayers and happy thoughts for her that her little boy will keep growing strong and healthy.
Praying for Katie and her family…I can’t imagine how frustrating laying still all day must be, knowing you HAVE to for the sake of your unborn child. Keep growing from the inside, little guy!!
Absolutely amazing story. I’m 38 weeks and feeling more thankful than ever after reading this. Sending good thoughts and vibes to your friend and her baby. Thank you very much for sharing her story.
WOW!! Thanks for sharing this with us. I’ll pray for her and her little baby (and you too). I can’t imagine what it’s like to go through it, but I’ll be praying extra hard that that one stays put a little while longer!
I can’t even imagine having to lie in a hospital bed for that long; a baby is definitely the only thing I’d do it for, hands down. I hope and pray that everything goes as well as can be hoped for and that soon this is just a story she tells to her little man!
Thanks for sharing the Summertime and the Living is Thrifty button on the sidebar, by the way! You rock!
Oh my, what an amazing story. I’m glad things are going so well and she’s hanging in there. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
What an incredible story. Keep us posted on this little one and his mama.
Can’t wait to see the projects!
Praying for your precious friend and praising God for His goodness even in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
What a huge blessing that mama is still pregnant and baby boy is growing stronger everyday! I’ll be praying for Katie and her little one as she gets closer and closer to her due date. I can’t wait to see what you’re creating!
I’ve been wondering how she was doing, I’m so glad to hear it’s positive! I hope and pray the rest of her pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible!
She’ll be in my thoughts.
Prayers being said.
Please keep us updated. This brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing story. I hope she isn’t struggling too much with being couped up. Prayers definitely being sent her way.
Michelle
Bok Bok B’Gerk
Prayers; you got it.
Definitely praying for this precious momma and her little boy. This is dear to my heart for so many reasons…will be watching for updates and so grateful they are doing so well.