Hello everyone, this is Grace, aka Inkling's best-friend and mama to her Sara Orange Gang. She has asked me to give everyone an update for her, so here it goes...
On Monday when Inkling went into the ER for the procedure she mentioned below,she was met by some rather rude nurses that were not happy that her doc had sent her through the ER to get to her. Then after two hours of waiting, she was told that there would not be an OR available after all.
So on Wednesday, Inkling had an in-office procedure done by the OB that performed the emergency forceps delivery. For this procedure, she was given a local that did nothing for the pain, but she endured it with the hand of her mother squeezed tightly. This was supposed to have drained the abscess that has formed, but it only made it worse, and the abscess just filled back up causing her excrutiating pain.
On Thursday, her maternity doc examined her and decided that the OB's report was much different from what she was seeing and something needed to be done. She put her on antibiotics and told her to come in for a procedure to take care of it on Friday. Thursday evening, the abscess separated and necessitated a trip to the ER immediately. Thankfully her maternity doc was the one on call that evening and was able to call ahead to the ER to fill them in on what was going on.
Upon her arrival at the ER, she was immediately given care. Thankfully she had wonderful docs and nurses this time around, and she and Henry David were able to joke around with them and keep everything a little lighter. Her maternity doc and the other doc in the room are both Christians, and she was blessed to have them stop everything and pray over her before they moved on to what needed to be done. They sedated her right there in a trauma room and did the surgical procedure required to drain the abscess and packed it with gauze. After she woke-up, they sent her home to recover.
Currently she is on antibiotics, pain meds, high doses of vitamin C, and several other natural things. One of the pain meds she is currently taking means that Grasshopper cannot nurse for 6 hours after she takes it, so during that time, he is recieving formula. Yes, that's tough for her, but she knows that it's not forever and in order for her to heal, she has to let someone else care for him for now. She isn't taking that particular pain med around the clock though, so she is able to nurse him for several feedings in a row. He seems to be making the switch between formula and breast well.
One of the biggest things she needs now is sleep. Her body needs to rest so that it can begin to heal itself and allow the meds to do their jobs. She is working very hard at staying positive and looking for the good that's going to come out of all of these trials. God's going to use this time in her life for good in someone's life someday.
Please, as you leave comments for our friend, be encouraging. She's not a poor, pathetic soul that needs our pity. She's an amazingly strong and courageous woman who is going to see the other side of this challenge and be able to hold her head up and say "I did it with the dignity that only my Jesus can give me". Please hold her up. Hold her up as a woman. Hold her up as a wife. Hold her up as a new mom. Hold her up before God in your prayers.
Specific Prayer Requests
- Please pray for Grasshopper. Pray for his little mind. Pray that he notices none of the stress everyone is under and only feels the fact that there are extra people there who love him dearly. Pray that he knows he's loved. Pray for his comfort. He's having some serious gas issues. They aren't sure if it's normal baby gas, or if it's being caused by the antibiotic his mama's on.
- Please pray for Henry David. Pray for his endurance to see him through this time of their lives. Pray that he gets enough sleep, as I hear he needs his sleep. Pray that he is able to comfort his wife in the ways she needs him to.
- Pray for Inkling's dad. He's going to have to leave in a few days and that can't be easy. Pray for his safe journey home and for peace in his heart while he's away.
-Pray for Inkling's mom. She's caring for two of the people she loves the most around the clock right now. Pray for her energy levels to be where they need to be. Pray for her to stay positive in the midst of all this seemingly crazy stuff happening right now. Pray that she is able to serve Inkling in the way she needs right now.
-And of course, pray for Inkling. Pray for quick and complete healing. Pray that she is able to turn off her mind and get the sleep that she needs to get for that healing to take place. Pray for her emotional health. Pray for her "mama's heart" as it struggles with letting someone else care for her little guy much of the time. Pray for peace. Pray for encouragement. Pray for comfort. Pray for a pain free exsistence, so she can get on with her life as a new mama.
There's a children's song about a bear (or lion for some people) that I've always recited to myself when I've been going thru some of my own trials with something similar to what Inkling's dealing with now. It's always been one of my fav's during all my years teaching preschool children. To my knowledge, I've never mentioned this strange little recitation to anyone, but strangely enough, the other day, Inkling herself brought this song up in one of our conversations. Here's the lyrics...
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Mud!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Sticks!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Trees!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Gate!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
River!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Grass!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Goin' on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Cave!
Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
Feel yourself along the wall.
Oh, oh What's this?
Something funny.
With a long soft thing on it's end!
With two sharp things!
Two big gleaming sharp things!
A BEAR!!!
Run for your life!
Run out of the cave!
Crawl through the grass!
Swim across the river!
Run through the gate!
Run around the trees!
Jump over the sticks!
Slosh through the mud!
Run into the house!
Close the door!
Run up the front stairs!
Crawl under mom's bed!
This is a time in Inkling's life that she can't go over, she can't go under, and she can't go around. She has to walk straight through this thing. Thankfully she's not walking through it alone. Jesus is holding her hand the entire time. Actually there are times where she's being carried by His strong and enduring arms. For some reason, not known to her yet, she must walk through the mud, the sticks, the trees, the gate, the river, the grass, and the cave to get to the other side. All things are made beautiful by God, and sometime in the future this time in her life will be used as something beautiful for Him.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
To You Oh Lord, I Lift Up My Soul, I Trust In You....
So goes the Psalm. And so goes Inkling, though she is scared on the inside, hurting on the outside, and facing unknowns everywhere.
There have been some complications with my delivery and recovery due to a partial fourth degree tear and four hours of pushing before the emergency forceps delivery. I've courageously faced them one by one these past 12 days, but now am in need of extra help. I'll be heading to the hospital this afternoon to be sedated so they can take care of an abcess, some extensive bleeding from my stitching near the abcess, and perhaps some other things.
I pumped two ounces last night in my first ever pumping experience, and am trying to pump this morning. But my body isn't wanting to release the milk, most likely because I can now only lay in one position and it isn't ideal for pumping. But I'm still determined to try. We hope to only need enough for one feeding. If he has to temporarily go on formula, I will not die. But I will feel like dying. At least I've been able to watch him grow plump and big from my milk already. That is saying a lot because he has a partial tongue tie that they cannot repair (because there is nothing to cut), and that makes latching painful for me. So even though his latch isn't great and thus our time nursing takes a long time, I have been able to keep on providing for my son up until this moment. I pray I can continue to provide for him in that way.
I would ask you to pray for us. Thank you.
There have been some complications with my delivery and recovery due to a partial fourth degree tear and four hours of pushing before the emergency forceps delivery. I've courageously faced them one by one these past 12 days, but now am in need of extra help. I'll be heading to the hospital this afternoon to be sedated so they can take care of an abcess, some extensive bleeding from my stitching near the abcess, and perhaps some other things.
I pumped two ounces last night in my first ever pumping experience, and am trying to pump this morning. But my body isn't wanting to release the milk, most likely because I can now only lay in one position and it isn't ideal for pumping. But I'm still determined to try. We hope to only need enough for one feeding. If he has to temporarily go on formula, I will not die. But I will feel like dying. At least I've been able to watch him grow plump and big from my milk already. That is saying a lot because he has a partial tongue tie that they cannot repair (because there is nothing to cut), and that makes latching painful for me. So even though his latch isn't great and thus our time nursing takes a long time, I have been able to keep on providing for my son up until this moment. I pray I can continue to provide for him in that way.
I would ask you to pray for us. Thank you.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
On Flexibility
So having a baby means you make plans, change them, change them again, change them again, and then discover you can indeed be as flexible as a contortionist if you really find it necessary.
This is a life lesson you would be wise to remember for times, like say, when the boiler repair guys put your landlord off for the second week in a row and they are no shows to fix the boiler in the room your parents will be using in less than 24 hours. But you will still want to throw a fit, because you will find so many reasons why what is happening didn't have to happen. And it will seem like giving birth was rocket science, while this situation was Kindergartener's play. And you'll wonder why in the world everyone else isn't as intelligent and wise as you would have been were you the one administering the repair plans. But you would do well to be flexible anyway. Your blood pressure will stay low; you'll gain another step in maturity; and after all, this is not life or death. Childbirth is. Broken boilers are just a pain in the rear, but not life or death. (Granted, childbirth is a pain in the rear too, literally, but we're not going there.)
So the baby thing is real. I did it. Not at all like I planned, but that's okay. Why? Because I am discovering that I'm one courageous and strong woman, even if I still feel like a wimp who hates pain. But considering the recovery process and its very interesting complications (which I will not explain) and the fact that I'm being a good mama despite my own infirmities, I am a woman who is stronger and can go through more than she realized. "How did I do this," you ask? Well, behind every strong woman is a stronger God. And if she's really blessed, not only will she have a very big God giving her strength, but she will have a husband standing alongside her every step of the way giving her his strength. And those two persons will show her what is inside of her.....determination, guts, strength, the ability to be flexible, and courage.
If she can just remember that in relation to boiler repair issues, she will be set.
This is a life lesson you would be wise to remember for times, like say, when the boiler repair guys put your landlord off for the second week in a row and they are no shows to fix the boiler in the room your parents will be using in less than 24 hours. But you will still want to throw a fit, because you will find so many reasons why what is happening didn't have to happen. And it will seem like giving birth was rocket science, while this situation was Kindergartener's play. And you'll wonder why in the world everyone else isn't as intelligent and wise as you would have been were you the one administering the repair plans. But you would do well to be flexible anyway. Your blood pressure will stay low; you'll gain another step in maturity; and after all, this is not life or death. Childbirth is. Broken boilers are just a pain in the rear, but not life or death. (Granted, childbirth is a pain in the rear too, literally, but we're not going there.)
So the baby thing is real. I did it. Not at all like I planned, but that's okay. Why? Because I am discovering that I'm one courageous and strong woman, even if I still feel like a wimp who hates pain. But considering the recovery process and its very interesting complications (which I will not explain) and the fact that I'm being a good mama despite my own infirmities, I am a woman who is stronger and can go through more than she realized. "How did I do this," you ask? Well, behind every strong woman is a stronger God. And if she's really blessed, not only will she have a very big God giving her strength, but she will have a husband standing alongside her every step of the way giving her his strength. And those two persons will show her what is inside of her.....determination, guts, strength, the ability to be flexible, and courage.
If she can just remember that in relation to boiler repair issues, she will be set.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Missing The Point ***Updated
Sometimes humans miss the point of something.
This holiday season was another example of an entire group of folks missing a very large point. I just need to vent a tiny bit to process this, okay?
I participate in Freecycle, though I'm thinking that I'll soon withdraw my membership since it seems to have gone from something really cool and helpful to a way for people to be lazy about taking out their own garbage.
Over the holidays, I don't know how many "wanted" posts I saw for things like Wii systems, new games, and other things people wouldn't be tossing in the garbage. This confused me and irritated me. It confused me because Freecycle is helping people recycle things in the community while keeping usable items out of landfills. The Wii system seemed a little too new for anyone to be throwing it in the garbage. It irritated me because it seemed greedy to use a forum meant for one purpose for another purpose. The intended purpose is to be a responsible caretaker of this planet, not to save a person from having to shell out money for a gift.
The latest thing that broke this very pregnant camel's back was the offering of an expired carseat. The person offering it readily admitted it was expired, and then suggested using it at the grocery store or on public transportation. Hello. Illegal postings anyone?
I think my Freecycle days are seriously numbered. I'm tired of picking up dishes that need washing, baby items that need washing (after I pick out all the animal hairs), misadvertised items that really should be thrown away, getting boxes of miscellaneous junk thrown in with the one item I did agree to pick up, and having people respond to my offers of items but never picking them up. (Obviously, I'd wash any item I received, but these items have involved serious scrubbing and soaking. We're talking people donated them in a truly used and NEVER washed after usage condition. Eww.)
What started out as a good idea has quickly turned into a place for people to be lazy, greedy, break the law, and be generally unintelligent. Or maybe I'm just grumpy and passionate about complying with little things like doing what is right. Actually, a compelling argument that both sentences are true could easily be made right now.
I'm off to go watch more snow fall, and contemplate what it must be like to be a meteorologist who is rarely correct. I sure hope they don't gamble for a hobby.
***UPDATE
I have just requested the moderators remove me from the Freecycle community in my town. The response I just received from my letter to the moderator about the carseat was poorly thought out and clearly written from someone who is inexperienced with babies, car seat laws, and ICBC. At the same time that response came through, someone posted a "wanted" ad through Freecycle for a sectional couch and recliner. I'm done.
I'll continue to live responsibly by donating usable items to our thrift stores in town, recycling other things that are not usable, repurposing still more items, and composting what I can. But I'm done with Freecycle....if they comply and take me off the list. It will be a relief. I was getting dozens of emails a day from them, which ironically all went in the garbage. At least it was virtual garbage.
This holiday season was another example of an entire group of folks missing a very large point. I just need to vent a tiny bit to process this, okay?
I participate in Freecycle, though I'm thinking that I'll soon withdraw my membership since it seems to have gone from something really cool and helpful to a way for people to be lazy about taking out their own garbage.
Over the holidays, I don't know how many "wanted" posts I saw for things like Wii systems, new games, and other things people wouldn't be tossing in the garbage. This confused me and irritated me. It confused me because Freecycle is helping people recycle things in the community while keeping usable items out of landfills. The Wii system seemed a little too new for anyone to be throwing it in the garbage. It irritated me because it seemed greedy to use a forum meant for one purpose for another purpose. The intended purpose is to be a responsible caretaker of this planet, not to save a person from having to shell out money for a gift.
The latest thing that broke this very pregnant camel's back was the offering of an expired carseat. The person offering it readily admitted it was expired, and then suggested using it at the grocery store or on public transportation. Hello. Illegal postings anyone?
I think my Freecycle days are seriously numbered. I'm tired of picking up dishes that need washing, baby items that need washing (after I pick out all the animal hairs), misadvertised items that really should be thrown away, getting boxes of miscellaneous junk thrown in with the one item I did agree to pick up, and having people respond to my offers of items but never picking them up. (Obviously, I'd wash any item I received, but these items have involved serious scrubbing and soaking. We're talking people donated them in a truly used and NEVER washed after usage condition. Eww.)
What started out as a good idea has quickly turned into a place for people to be lazy, greedy, break the law, and be generally unintelligent. Or maybe I'm just grumpy and passionate about complying with little things like doing what is right. Actually, a compelling argument that both sentences are true could easily be made right now.
I'm off to go watch more snow fall, and contemplate what it must be like to be a meteorologist who is rarely correct. I sure hope they don't gamble for a hobby.
***UPDATE
I have just requested the moderators remove me from the Freecycle community in my town. The response I just received from my letter to the moderator about the carseat was poorly thought out and clearly written from someone who is inexperienced with babies, car seat laws, and ICBC. At the same time that response came through, someone posted a "wanted" ad through Freecycle for a sectional couch and recliner. I'm done.
I'll continue to live responsibly by donating usable items to our thrift stores in town, recycling other things that are not usable, repurposing still more items, and composting what I can. But I'm done with Freecycle....if they comply and take me off the list. It will be a relief. I was getting dozens of emails a day from them, which ironically all went in the garbage. At least it was virtual garbage.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Faithfulness
No, I'm not talking about any faithfulness I can muster of my own. I'm talking about the faithfulness of God despite all the crazy happenings around me and inside of me. He is faithful, even when it doesn't feel like it.
As we met last night with a woman who became our answer to prayer for help in childbirth instruction, I had a chance to recall so many Ebenezers from this past year. Ebenezers are just little moments where you realize that God has helped you, and you've made a marker there to remind you.
From a mysterious gift of money to an ivory sweater set, from a tough three months with an unfeeling midwife to a chance meeting with an incredible doctor in a park, from prayer times with some precious women to a three hour drive to a retreat with two strangers, from a broken freezer to a sudden cold snap enabling us to save most every piece of food, God has shown me that He is in the business of never leaving us or forsaking us.
I need that now, in these coming days full of uncertainty with battles to be fought against fear.
There may be snow piling up outside on our cars unequipped with winter tires or chains, and there may be no plows about town. There may be further boiler issues and other challenges yet to be faced with our living situation. There may be uncertainty with work, the economy, and our finances. There may be dozens of unknowns in the development of our wilderness ministry/business. But there is one thing that trumps all of that. The faithfulness of the One who loves me most rises above and beyond anything that could seek to destroy me.
And that faithfulness is what I'm going to cling to in these coming days full of mystery. I am not alone, and that is the most comforting thing ever.
As we met last night with a woman who became our answer to prayer for help in childbirth instruction, I had a chance to recall so many Ebenezers from this past year. Ebenezers are just little moments where you realize that God has helped you, and you've made a marker there to remind you.
From a mysterious gift of money to an ivory sweater set, from a tough three months with an unfeeling midwife to a chance meeting with an incredible doctor in a park, from prayer times with some precious women to a three hour drive to a retreat with two strangers, from a broken freezer to a sudden cold snap enabling us to save most every piece of food, God has shown me that He is in the business of never leaving us or forsaking us.
I need that now, in these coming days full of uncertainty with battles to be fought against fear.
There may be snow piling up outside on our cars unequipped with winter tires or chains, and there may be no plows about town. There may be further boiler issues and other challenges yet to be faced with our living situation. There may be uncertainty with work, the economy, and our finances. There may be dozens of unknowns in the development of our wilderness ministry/business. But there is one thing that trumps all of that. The faithfulness of the One who loves me most rises above and beyond anything that could seek to destroy me.
And that faithfulness is what I'm going to cling to in these coming days full of mystery. I am not alone, and that is the most comforting thing ever.
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