Be Still

Miranda called yesterday morning to say she was on her way to the hospital. The NST (non-stress test) done at the office showed evidence for concern. Baby Emory's heart rate was fluctuating wildly and dropping to dangerous lows. At the same time there were some contractions, but nothing regular enough to be called labor.

On arriving at the hospital the nurse said Miranda would probably be out in about 20 minutes. We looked at each other knowingly and waited for her tune to change. After she saw the strip coming off the monitor and got the orders which had been faxed by the doctor's office the nurse had to acknowledge that Miranda would be there a while. They drew blood and encouraged Miranda to get as comfortable as possible.

We prayed together and began to flip through the magazines I had taken from the hospital lobby. An amazing thing started to happen. After about an hour Emory's heart rate leveled out and the contractions stopped. All that was really needed was for Miranda to be quiet and resting, and Emory was no longer distressed.

Miranda was released from the hospital with strict admonition that she is to be laying down whenever possible. She can shower, use the bathroom, and that's about it. That's a tall order for anyone, but having a toddler makes that extremely difficult. She and Easton have relocated to our house, for the time being. Adam goes to work at 4 a.m. so getting Easton to daycare becomes a challenge. That's where we come in. We will get him to daycare in the morning so Miranda can spend the day resting, taking her blood pressure, and counting baby kicks.

Thank you for praying for Miranda and Emory. She'll be here soon enough, just not yet. At 36 weeks, praying for 38.