I started this update late on Saturday, August 10th (you can see the importance of that date in the next update). We had moved to the final stretch before Adam came and I finally had some mojo to write for the first time in months. Although work seemed impossible, I found great joy in this new life coming into the world. Just like Julie, Adam stood apart from other problems and issues. Having spent most of life as a bachelor who remained indifferent to the option of having children, this attitude surprised me. I still have this joy whenever I think of my children (which is one reason I have spent weeks posting these updates to this website).
I tried to summarize the previous few months (which I moved to the July 2013 update) and then added this information…
Sarah’s pregnancy has progressed to the 39th week. She has endured her share of issues (recurring bleeding, C-section threats, high blood pressure, etc) but each one has resolved itself without endangering the baby. Her morning sickness remains constant, but more tolerable than last time. At every examination, this baby has proved healthy, average and
undeterred in his development.
Sarah elected to go into the hospital a couple days before her due date. This allowed her to choose her doctor and gives us a date (August 21st) to plan around. Accordingly, the clock says “T minus 10 days and counting” until Adam Christopher arrives. The hospital told her to arrive at 5:30 AM. I plan to show up after noon.
Since Julie came so early and quick, Sarah experienced “natural” childbirth – vaginal delivery without any drugs. Once Julie arrived, the staff had time to start an IV and give Sarah some pain killers. Even so, the doctor finished the postpartum procedures before those drugs took effect. This time, Sarah looks forward to a normal delivery supplemented by the entire pharmacy. I will have to bring my own drugs.
I will cover Sarah’s bleeding issues in another update, but realize that we both dealt with this issue throughout most of her pregnancy while retaining our trust in God to bring Adam through.
Sarah’s doctors wanted her to pick a date to induce Adam (assuming he didn’t pull a fast one on us and come a little early). After considering several options, she settled on Wednesday, August 21st. This had the advantage of being just before his due date, working well into my school/work/vacation schedule, and matching with the doctor she preferred.
Sarah had everything setup: baby sitting for Julie and a helper for delivery. Our church group gave us a shower for Adam inviting both men and women to a local restaurant. Some of the men had never attended a baby shower and enjoyed themselves immensely. It helped that we avoided the silly games and embarrassing fashion shows.
I had spent all summer hard at work and studying hard for my 3rd Greek class which I anticipated to start in August after Adam came. Some last minute issues had cut into my progress, but I still had hopes of being ready for a competency test on the Monday after Labor Day (according to the syllabus).
Sarah and I had our first night out together for a date in several months. We had left Julie with our friends from church in previous nights, but we ended up taking classes at the hospital rather than going on a date. So, after a quiet meal, we shopped for some needed baby items. We stayed up late making plans for Adam’s arrival in ten days.
Sarah remained healthy. Adam showed no sign of problems. We had time to prepare. For the first time in many months, we had a plan – a good plan. Then…