Mason Memories: Bed Rest, Baby Boy, and Updates

I typically use this blog to document the happenings of our family, in particularly our sweet Lucy Mills. It captures the highlights, fun moments, and milestones that I know could all too quickly fade out of my memory. I also want to use it to remember this period in our family's story because I want to look back and see God's faithfulness.

Here is an email I sent to my closest girlfriends who I can count on to pray for me and Baby Boy:

Hi sweet friends,

First of all a huge thank you to all of you who have prayed for us, called, emailed, texted, visited, brought us meals, run errands and offered to be available during this time. I figured I would send an email out to update you all and ask for your continued prayers.

Two weeks ago (at 26 weeks pregnant) I went to the hospital and found out I have preeclampsia (again) and would need to be on bed rest. Well I probably did not take it as strictly as I should and last Wednesday night I was back in the hospital through Thursday with my blood pressure spiking the highest it's ever been. My doctor does not want to put me on medications because there could be complications with it and it would make me feel miserable. She thinks my BP will stay down if I stay on strict bed rest. On Thursday and Friday I was given steroid shots to speed up the development of Baby Boy's lungs. Saturday I did more monitoring and testing. I am 29 weeks pregnant this week and the goal is to get to at least 36 weeks. Given how I have been feeling the last few days it will be a miracle to make it that long. But we serve a God who is in the business of miracles and I am asking for your prayers in this area.

God has provided for our every need in this situation and I am confident that He will carry us through. I am praying specifically:

- that Baby Boy will be born as close to 36 weeks as possible - with mature lungs, a healthy weight, no complications

- that my BP can be controlled on bed rest - without meds and without being put in the hospital permanently

- my doctors will have wisdom on how to treat me

- that Lucy Mills (and Travis) will continue to adjust to life with Mommy in the bed (Maggie is the only happy one about this whole situation!)

Thank you sisters in Christ. Your friendship means the world to me right now.

Lil

**Update**

I went to the doctor this morning and had an ultrasound done. Baby Boy looked so sweet and cute in there! His little hands were tucked under his chin and his heart beat was steady and strong. The doctor said that even though he is wreaking havoc on my body, he is weathering the storm well. And praise God - he is measuring close to two weeks ahead of schedule! I was comforted by this in the event that he is born premature.

There was mixed news with me. My blood work and uric acid levels look great and have even come down some. However, my blood pressure remains high and I have also had dizziness and headaches which are worrisome. She wants to monitor me in the hospital for at least a 48 hour period of time. (boo!) She almost admitted me tonight but at the last minute said that I could stay home tonight unless my headache got worse. I think we are looking at extended hospital stay in the near future.

A day ago I would have balled my eyes out about being away from Travis and Lucy Mills.

But the Lord has filled me with a peace in a place where there was anxiety yesterday.

Where there were days of feeling like I can't make it,

I now feel like I am being carried through this.

After seeing my precious baby boy on the ultrasound I feel the desire to fight for everyday he can stay inside of me. I will do whatever it takes to protect his little life. I hope that one day he will read this blog and know that he was always meant to be a part of this family.