A Place for Kara...

"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

John 14: 2-3

Alone with my thoughts at 6 o'clock in the morning is not always a good thing... I started thinking about the fear I have. Yes, I am afraid. I have never come home from the hospital without a baby. Not only this, but I will probably never come home with Kara. I am trying to treasure the moments I have with Kara and focus on the good gifts from my Father above. I am afraid. Afraid that when I get home my arms will be empty and aching for my little girl. My heart will be at a loss. Will this crush me? I pray not. I fear the hormonal changes and the demands of my large family. I want to be a good mother to my children... Who will care for me during my recovery from major surgery? Who will help me care for my children? I have been told not to "borrow trouble" from the future. I am praying that God would order things in His way and that these concerns would be answered perfectly. Of this I am confident, that God is preparing a place for Kara and that in His timing she will be with Him. I will see her again some glorious day.

I contacted a photographer from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep foundation. I am hoping they can come do photos of me pregnant soon. Then maybe we can do another session closer to her birth, but sometimes these babies come early and I want to be prepared for that. Pray that Kara Faith would stay healthy in her secret place and that fluid levels would remain normal. Your prayers are what is holding me together. I know it!

Things New

Here Kara is showing off her profile. Her hand up there cast a shadow across the bottom of her little face.

Yes, we are sure she's a GIRL!

We met with our new OB, Dr. Duff, this past Tuesday. God has blessed us with a very kind man for a doctor. We went over our diagnosis and what we were want to do for Kara. Dr. Duff is going to take very good care of me and Kara Faith. I am sure. He will be seeing me every 2-3 weeks and then we'll go to every week near the end of December. We have a C Section tentatively scheduled for January 25th. It's a Monday... I am hoping maybe we can move it up a few days because it's easier to get someone to help with our 7 other children over a weekend. I'm trying not to borrow "trouble" from the future, but we are going to need a lot of help. I am praying that God will provide all the answers. I am thankful He has arranged everything perfectly so far!

I major concern I am having is my blood sugars. Dr. Duff added regular insulin to my regimen, but I am having a little trouble with that. I "crashed" yesterday morning, so we are going to have to play with the doses and times, most likely. Also, my fastings have not come down significantly. Please pray for this to all stabilize. I am taking the dose I took at the END of my last pregnancy.

Please pray for Kara Faith's health. She is looking good on ultrasound and her growth is right on for how far along I am. We got the best profile picture yet! I am at a point of peace in my pregnancy and enjoying it.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Seeing our new OB today

We are going in this afternoon to meet our new OB, Dr. Duff. Please pray for a good report and that things will go well with him. I am nervous because everything is new now. I think he is going to do another ultrasound, so I hope to have a picture or two to share. I have really been wanting a profile shot, but we haven't been able to get a good one. I'll be reporting back in...

He Answers Prayer: A Praise Report

This week has been a turning point. On Wednesday, Dr. Morse (a neonatologist with Shands) called me personally and spoke with me about Kara's care and my pregnancy. He agrees that it would be in her/our best interest to transfer my care to Shands where there is a NICU. The exciting news?!? Dr. Morse will be the Doctor who is attending/on call when Kara's delivery is planned in January!! Also, I was referred over to Dr. Duff who was highly recommended by my OB, my pediatrician, and several friends. Evidently, it is very difficult to get in to see him. My OB had to make a personal call. I have an appointment with him on October 13th!! God has seen fit to arrange my prenatal care with the best (Christian) doctors. I am so thankful! I have no doubt that the prayers lifted up for Kara and I are being heard by my Heavenly Father.

Kara is becoming more active and you can see little "kicks" from the outside now. I have been having lots of headaches (some are migraines) lately and have been very tired at times.

Pray for:
~my health--gestational diabetes stays in check and my insulin needs don't increase much more
that my headaches go away
that I would not let the enemy discourage me in ANY way
~Kara--that she would continue to grow
that she would be able to be delivered at full term (38-39 weeks)
that amniotic fluid levels would remain normal
Her life, that she would be with us at least several days...
~Our family--that they would be able to walk through this and see evidence of God's grace and
and feel his comfort. I pray this draws us closer to one another in His Name.

Psalm 86:1-7

"Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am godly;

save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,

abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.

In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me."