At 2:30pm yesterday, I sat straight up from a nap. It hurt. I was sleepy, so I couldn’t quite tell what I was feeling. I tried to walk around, drank a glass of water, and hoped it was just indigestion. I put a movie on for Riley and went upstairs to take a bath. I sat down slowly and realized it felt like contractions. I pulled over my phone and found a dry towel to rest it on. I started the timer.
45 seconds… 8 minutes later… 1 minute 10 seconds… 8 minutes later
It changed to six minutes apart and I called the doctor. If it happened for another hour, I was to go to the hospital immediately. Yes, especially due to my history. Yes, especially due to my age.
My history. It puts me in a different risk category. Words in black and white that sound so sterile. Words that leave me sobbing if I think too much about them.
Julia and Nate would be home from school soon.
I tried to talk myself into a diagnosis of indigestion. I had a slice of pizza at the mall for lunch. That had to be it, right?
Nope, every six minutes. The kids walked through the door. I heard the familiar rummaging through the pantry and the piano practice began.
I got out of the bathtub and slowly walked myself through the next steps. I called for Julia and explained as calmly as I could what was happening. She would take care of dinner, homework, and distractions until daddy could get home.
I called my mamma and she agreed. I needed to go immediately and just make sure everything was ok. She’d be praying and she’d call my grandma. My two prayer warriors stormed the gates of heaven.
I’d leave my cell phone on in case Julia needed anything. I texted Brian what was happening and felt terrible to be interrupting his team holiday party. I drove myself to the hospital and broke into tears at the registration desk.
I was met with absolute kindness, understanding, and urgency – just what my heart needed.
Forget the paperwork, let’s get you hooked up to the monitors. She found the heartbeat. I sobbed. Baby girl is still with us. Now, to stop these contractions.
I’ve never had so much water in my life. They turned on Food Network for me and I felt silly being comforted that there was Ree, Pioneer Woman, making dinner for her nieces and nephews. (Note to self: I do miss cable – the Food Network is the most brilliant channel in the history of the world.)
Julia texted me that daddy was home with them and they were starting a rosary.
Within the hour, they slowed to 12 minutes. Then, sometime when the Barefoot Contessa was explaining why butter needs to be room temperature, I had my last contraction of the night. I stayed another hour to wait for test results and to make sure they had really stopped.
Everything is fine. All tests had good results.
So now, I sit in tears of praise. It is surreal to think I was at the hospital last night, pretty sure I was having another miscarriage. But here I am.
They have no reason for the contractions – why they started or why they stopped. For now, I’m just to be careful and not lift or push anything over five pounds. For some, this never happens again. For others, it happens every week until they are able to deliver safely. For others…
Would you pray for this little one? Would you ask for health and full term delivery?
I know the answer is not always “yes”. I know that this baby is already His. I would just be honored for you to stand with me on the desire of my heart.
Praying for you mama! For full term healthy babies and their mamas, and for peace and God’s closeness for the duration!
Amen!!
Thinking of you, baby girl, and your other blessings today.
Thank you, Kelly!
Katie, I love you and I know that God is with you, and you with him. I have faith that everything will be alright! Take care of yourself. Prop your feet up, get a massage, eat some chocolate, you deserve it.
Hey – a massage sounds fantastic! I’ll tell Brian that I need to book an appointment and that it was all your idea 😉
Praying praying praying deeply for you and that baby girl.
Thank you, Jenna. I’m so glad our paths intersected. You are a treasure.
This little girl is your beauty for ashes. Been praying for you sister.
Thank you, Jeree. That is beautiful.
I am praying with you and for you.
I was watching those shows at the same time as you! I like to think that we were together during those moments! Love you Kate!
Oh Amy – I LOVE that! United in cyberspace (as always)! That cracks me up! One of these days we will meet in person. I have a feeling it will involve a lot of hugs and chocolate!
Praying for you!!! Hugs, Kate!!!
Thank you, Jennifer!
I’m so praying for your beautiful baby girl… Kate, I haven’t really known you long but I feel I know you so well. You are a wonderful woman, wife, mother and daughter. Feel the love, hugs and peace I’m sending. Take care of you and the little one.
Thank you, Vicki. That means a lot.
How scary. And I don’t say that lightly. I’m 19 weeks pregnant and only 2 weeks away from when I lost my first baby at 21 weeks. As time gets closer to that 21 weeks, every thing I feel I wonder if its preterm labor. I worry it’s my cervix opening up again. I worry its something else. I’m worried that it will happen again and I’m begging God that it is His will to have this pregnancy be full term. I’ll be praying for you and your baby because its a very scary road that we are walking. Stay prayful and stay faithful.
Oh Danielle, I will be praying for you, also. Thank you for writing.
You have my prayers. I’ve made it to 27 weeks and delivered a healthy baby girl who takes the world by storm right now at age 4. May Mary’s mantle guard and protect your heart and sweet baby girl in your womb and intercede for us.
Rita, thank you so much for the encouragement and for sharing your story with me. It brings much hope.
Oh Kate. I will pray for you and your precious baby girl. I’ll ask for the Blessed Mother’s intersession. And that God shows you His kindness and mercy.
Love you and your baby! Everything will be okay!
Last night we prayed and God answered. My heart is too full.