The Back-Story

When Jake and I found out we would have the joy of bringing another child into this world we were over the moon and both had a sense that there was something bigger going on.

At our first ultrasound we found out that two eggs were released and both fertilized! Something bigger indeed, two babies! However, one had stopped growing a little after 7 weeks and had passed. At 9 weeks I safely passed "Baby B" naturally. However, my bleeding did not stop. After more testing, poking and prodding, we found that there were three babies in there.  "Baby A" had spilt into two embryos (identical twins). "Baby C" never grew past a fetal pole. However, when "Baby C" passed it killed some of the shared placenta with "Baby A" causing a hemorrhage on the back side of the placenta.

I was closely monitored every week. Every week there was a new and different complication, but baby was still growing inside, overcoming ever obstacle. Jake and I have had so many deep conversations in this pregnancy bringing us closer than anytime before. With every complication came new fears, known and unknown. We had to learn and live the talk that we so often claim. We claim that God is sovereign, COMPLETE CONTROL OVER EVERYTHING! Not just some things, but ALL things. He is orchestrating everything perfectly for the purpose of His kingdom. Let me tell you something, it is A LOT harder living this truth day in and day out in a circumstance like this. We had to let go of the idea that this was our baby. This baby has not and will never belong to us. This baby belongs to the Lord, we are just given the opportunity and privilege to raise it, just like Mason. 

At week 21 my exam showed slow growth and no measurable amniotic fluid. There are two common reasons as to why there is no fluid;  1. Either the water broke early, in which case as long as the baby keeps growing it can stay in there for months after an eruption. OR 2. The placenta is damaged to the point of not being able to adequately provide enough nutrition and fluids to the baby to allow the baby to produce any fluid on their own. 

I am learning that my body loves to live outside the norm of most women. We were sent home after the week 21 appointment with this prognosis; Come back in two weeks. If your baby is still growing(even if it may be at a slower progression) and still alive, then we will admit you to the hospital at 24 weeks. 24 weeks is the magic number around here for viability outside the womb. 

So here we are: checked in to our home for the next however long. Along this ride, Jake or I will update using this blog. We'll share little tidbits of information that we get and some truths that fill us with comfort. 

From the very beginning of this pregnancy I had been praying Psalms 1 over this precious baby. Specifically verse 3. It says "He is like a tree planted by a stream of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he propers."

We find so much rest in knowing that the verse is a much larger truth, claimed for this sweet baby,  long before we knew it would be fighting to live without fluid. He or She, whom loves the Lord and is forever changed by living in a relationship with Him is like a tree planted by a stream of water... This baby is a miracle to us so far. Who is already learning to depend on the stream of living water for the purpose of our Lord's kingdom. Whether that is played out with us here on earth or not. 

For now, 
Amy Joy

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