WELL THAT CAN'T BE RIGHT...AND DID YOU JUST HANG UP ON ME?

It was thirteen years ago today.

I had gone to bed the night before at my regular time. I remember I had been really tired that night so my husband and I just hung out in our bedroom with our four-year old little boy, Parker. We watched TV and Parker busied himself with his Lincoln Log set, carefully constructing a beautiful little log home.

Just a month before we had moved back to my hometown and I had been busy getting our home in order...and preparing for baby number two.

I was 31 weeks and 5 days pregnant.

Eventually we tucked Parker into bed for the night, let the dog out one more time, and settled in for a well-deserved night's sleep.

At 4 am I woke up having to use the bathroom and feeling disgusted that I didn't make it in time.

Shoot.

I must have been sleeping really hard not to have woken up in time to go the bathroom!

A quick trip into the closet to change after using the bathroom, but then it happened again.

What the what?

Back into the bathroom.

By this time I was awake enough and aware enough to know that something wasn't right.

Oh...my...gosh...I think my water just broke!!!!

I remember trying to get myself calm and relaxed before calling for my husband who was gently snoring and hadn't been aware of my rusting about.

Okay...here goes...nice and calm...nice and calm...

"Scott."

Nothin'.

"Scott."

Rusting sounds coming from the bedroom.

"What?"

"Um...can you come here real quick, please?"

"Where are you?"

"In the bathroom. Be careful...don't step on Parker's Lincoln Log house.

More rustling.

Then my groggy husband appeared in the doorway to the bathroom, not exactly happy that I woke him up.

"What."

"Um...I think my water just broke."

Then as matter-of-factly and un-phased as can be, he said...

"Nope. That can't be. It's too soon."

Ya THINK?

"Well...whether it's too soon or not, something is leaking that shouldn't be leaking. I think we need to call my doctor's office."

After scrambling for the phone and the number we made the call. I was told I needed to go to the hospital. No...not first thing in the morning...NOW!

Oh, dear.

So we made the next call to my parents, who lived just a few miles away.

It was 4:40 am and my dad answered.

Again...trying to sound calm and relaxed, I said...

"Hi, dad. Sorry to call so early in the morning, but I think my water just broke."

The next part of the story makes me laugh...every.time...because my dad said...

"WHAT???  YOUR WATER BROKE????? HERE...TALK TO YOUR MOTHER!!!!!"

Then he inadvertently hung up on me.

I called back and mom answered this time. She would be right over to stay with Parker.

It seemed like she showed up at the door before I could even hang up the phone.

The hospital was at least 45 minutes away and Scott was tired...and I was quite nervous...as we made our way to the unexpected.

I honestly thought that when we got there they would give me something to...well...I don't know....plug the leak...and we'd be home in time to make Parker his breakfast.

Nope.

Turns out my water did not break, but my membranes had ruptured and the amniotic fluid was slowly leaking out. I needed to be on bed rest until I reached 34 weeks and then they would induce me...unless I went into full labor before that. I was going to be admitted to the hospital for the next two weeks and two days.

"Um...but why can't I be on bed rest at home?"

The answer was obvious...but I still had to ask in hopes I would get my way...

"Jeanine...you have a four-year old...and...we know you. You need to be in the hospital."

Fine.

So in the matter of a few hours our life felt like it was turned upside down.

I wanted to be at home with my little boy.

My husband had just started back to school for his Master's Degree...and within days of me being admitted and him caring for Parker...and working...and coming to the hospital every day...he quickly realized that a Master's Degree wasn't a priority at the time.

My mom became Parker's second care-giver during this time. While Scott both commuted to work and tried to work from home as much as possible...my mom took Parker to preschool, swimming lessons, took care of the house, did laundry (not to Scott's liking...so he and I had a "suck-it-up-buttercup" type of "discussion" about that), cooked meals, etc.

Meanwhile...I just propped myself at the suggested 45 degree angle in my hospital bed and got up to take a quick shower or use the bathroom. I watched boring daytime TV, napped, and experienced a baby who moved, and rolled, and kicked like I never thought possible. The movement of this little one could be compared to what happens to your stomach when you ride a roller coaster.

Every evening either my mom (if Scott was coming directly from work) or Scott (if he worked from home) would bring Parker to the hospital and then he, Scott and I would spend time together as our little family of three...waiting for this energetic and sooner-than-later little one to make us a family of four.

The baby's heartbeat needed to be monitored at least twice a day so we always saved one of those times for Parker. He would crawl into the bed, snuggle up next to me, and push the button for the nurse. When the nurse answered and asked what I needed, Parker would respond, "I want to hear my baby hearting now, please."

During the times I was alone in the room during the day while everyone was busy doing their own things, I would sometimes cry. I didn't like this at.all. I wanted to go home. I wanted to be with my little boy.

But I also wanted this baby to be healthy and ready for the world. It was my job to do everything I could to make sure I followed orders and did all I could for this energetic little one.

Eventually...those two weeks and two days came to an end and we reached the 34 week date. I was induced, bringing into the world an absolutely beautiful five pound, six ounce little girl named, Faith Marie. She was so tiny and perfect and she had these little rosebud lips and pink skin and we instantly fell in love with her.

There's definitely more to this story...but for now, let's just leave it at the JOY of that day.

In the midst of what seems like the hardest of things...God is creating a beautiful, JOY-filled story. He's disguising challenges as blessings.

He's working miracles.


Wishing you JOY in the JOurneY.

peace.
jeanine