Absent-Minded

My mind is definitely elsewhere...

First of all, this weekend was the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Fellowship... Can't believe that, really. I remember when we found the church when I was 17 years old. It was meeting in Oakdale Junior High at the time and when Mom, Dad and I walked in... it just felt like "home" to us--and has been ever since! In fact, just five years later, Tom proposed to me under the brand-new (at the time) streetlight when they were building the first Worship Center on the property on Pleasant Grove--it's now the Family Center. And then we were married in it (by Robert and Mickey) that same year (1992). Great memories...

And this weekend they had a worship service just celebrating all that God has done through the years... truly it has been a God-thing. I'm just grateful that we have gotten to ride along with Him! Wonderful people, wonderful worship, wonderful memories--truly Fellowship has been instrumental in my life in Christian growth as well as just bringing me to the foot of the cross!

Also, Dane and Ty had more baseball tournaments this weekend. Did I mention that my all-time passion is to be on the sidelines of the boys' and Tom's games? That is SO hard being away from them. But there are wonderful people out there that keep me posted via text... and Tom and Ty were here not too far from UAMS at a Maumelle tournament. So I got to see them in between games and in the evening. Ty's team won the tournament (yeah Dirtbags!) and Dane's team came in second in theirs (good job Redhawks!).

As for things here at the hospital--same song second verse... which is good! Adalynn is doing well, continuing to get good reports every four hours (checking her heart rate). We are coming up on 31 weeks! I do want to give kudos to the staff here... they are so nice and helpful. And they have to put up with me! We are very thankful.

This pic below is actually a phone picture of a picture. One of the moms on Ty's team took this and made a hard copy for us. Their son, Dillon, is chatting with Ty. I just LOVE it! Tom titled it, "This.... is...... baseball!" I'll try to get a scanned picture at some point so you can truly see it better...


And here's Ty after they won the championship game 16-15! He was so excited...and he left the trophy here for me to keep! Such a sweet boy!


The weekend flew by as it was filled with time with family, cherished moments and now with anticipation to see them again... Thank you, again, for the continued prayers for perseverance!

Relishing in the Moments

Well, it's day 10 of our incubation period... As one of the doctors said, "This is the part of the marathon where they are handing out the first round of water to the runners..." Great description. This is definitely a long-distance race of sorts--at least that is what we hope! You know, I've never been known for my endurance...I was more of a sprinter. :) It makes me think of this--I do desire "run to win and with purpose"!:

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. (I Cor. 9:24-26a NLT)

It was a wonderful day--got to hang with my family until they left for Ty's baseball tournament in Maumelle... Tom and I even got to venture out this morning! I was able to get outside (via wheelchair) for the first time since we arrived! Wow, was it great to breathe in the fresh air and sit in the sunshine for a little bit! They have limited our time out of the room to one hour, and I have to get permission before I go. I think as I progress more in weeks, I'll get to get out more and more. Mom, Dad and the boys met us and we sat there just visiting and enjoying the absolutely beautiful day. We had a nice view of War Memorial Stadium... I just marveled that it was about 20 years ago that I was in there cheering for the Hogs. Wow, there's been a lot that has happened since those days. Has it really been 20 years?

Here's a picture of when we were outside today... I sent this via email to several people saying that this is the real reason we are in Little Rock--it's not really about me. HA!


Reflecting on today... I realize that:
...this really is some kind of marathon in which God is building our endurance and I can't wait for the victory celebration when we cross that tape!
...there is something about being outdoors and filling lungs with God's fresh air
...Pandora.com has been a great source of relaxation
...it absolutely kills me to miss any of the boys' games
...I cry everytime the boys leave me
...absence DOES make the heart grow fonder, but I don't recommend it, and
...I think I appreciate my family more and more each day!

At Last!

This is what I've been waiting for ALL week! Well, it's only been since Tuesday, but it sure seems longer than that... I don't know if I can stand this much longer! This "being apart stuff" is a big time bummer!

From left: Grandpa, Ty, Crist, Dane and Tom--watching Laurel & Hardy again.


...and here they are laughing at Abbott & Costello...


Today was another day complete with our normal routine "nothingness"...which again is good! Adalynn still wiggles around in my belly and maintains a heartbeat of 145 to 150. She's a trooper! Mom and I just hung around the room waiting on all the boys to arrive... wow, was it good to see and hug them!

We did have a bright spot today as these flowers arrived... thank you Kate for REALLY lifting our spirits today! It says on the card that this is a Kalanchoe. Absolutely vivid pink... SO pretty!


Heading to bed (with Tom here with me tonight. YEAH!!)... the boys are with my parents at Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim's house... oh, life is good.

Thank you, friends, for continued support and prayer. We are humbly grateful!

About Hospitals...

Hello again from a hospital bed in Little Rock! I'm pleased to report that nothing is happening! Adalynn continues to get good check ups and so do I. They are very good to us here... I feel very spoiled. I mean... they bring me breakfast, lunch and dinner in bed! Although I'm a little disappointed... they keep coming in and asking me if I need anything. Well, this time, I told them I needed a Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen... they didn't seem to think they could do that! In fact, she just laughed.

I did ask one of the doctors (who came in around 5:15 this morning by the way) what would happen if I DID go into labor. Would they try to stop it, etc. He said he was sure they would try to keep her from coming (i.e. medication), but there is some point when she will just decide to come and there is nothing they can do! He again said that it would be ideal if we were 34 weeks. Soooooo... we hope to stick around here for 4 more weeks!

I ran across this list below that came from a friend, Beth Kenyon, when her husband was in the hospital for a length of time because of severe injuries after a fall from a scaffolding. Tim is still recovering from broken ribs, vertebrae, etc... Beth sent this out via email in the middle of this tough ordeal. I just loved her perspective. So I'm plagiarizing but adapting to where we are in our journey. I'm certainly not suffering like Tim (and their family for that matter), but I definitely have a new appreciation for things... Enjoy Beth's wisdom (in green)!

Things I am learning in the hospital:
...Hospitals are noisy (not too bad here...I have a private room)
...Nurses are underpaid (most definitely...I think they are angels in disguise)
...Hospital food does not equal good (I can't complain too much)
...Being able to scratch your own back is often taken for granted (as well as just being vertical)
...There are MANY reasons I majored in education (Comm.) and not medicine (Amen!)
...Cell phone batteries run out quicker (but I'm SO thankful for technology)
...Trauma & Drama have a lot in common (I mentioned I was high maintenance)
...Pain & sleeping meds are wonderful (for me, it's just Ambien...love it!)
...I can do more than I thought I could (for me, it's Tom...although I know how strong he really is)
...Sleep is overrated
...Love & prayer are tangible (AMEN!!)
...I am quicker to thank God for the good than the hard (unfortunately, yes)
...Friends & Family are a gift (DOUBLE AMEN!!)
...Laughter is important!
...Team ministry is the only way to go (so thankful for my work/church family!)
...I love my family and miss them desperately!

An Endorsement

I have to pause for a "commercial break"...

I cannot get enough Vitamin Water. I'm not hungry for really anything specific (well, maybe fresh fruit) during this pregnancy, but Vitamin Water seems to be my close friend these days! In fact, I've gotten quite the reputation... seems like when people walk through the hospital room door, there are new flavors in tow! Even the nurses are asking me if I need more ice for my VW!

When pregnant with Crist, I craved oranges and salsa/chips, with Dane it was Paydays and with Ty it was 7 Layer Burritos from Taco Bell (still crave those actually)... well, this time around... Vitamin Water. And it was BEFORE March Basketball Madness with their Vitamin Water craze... you think they will give me an endorsement? :)

This is my collection in the hospital window...


[back to the show]
Today was another day full of nurse visits, vitals checks, a NST (where they hook up the monitor and watch Adalynn's heartbeat and check if I'm contracting--they use lots of acronyms here!) and resident check-ins... in fact, the Resident Doctors here start their rounds about 5:30 to 6am and ask the same questions every day:
"How are you feeling? Are you bleeding? Any contractions? Any questions?"
So I've decided to make a sign and tape it on the door that says,
"Good. No. No. I promise I'll let you know if I have any concerns or questions." You think they will buy that? I mean, the Ambien hasn't worn off by 5:30 in the morning! :)

Other than that... I had wonderful visits with my Aunt and my cousin's wife, Jennifer. My mom came back into town for a couple of days... and my good friend and roommate from college (Brandi) stopped by! It was a fun-filled day with people and phone calls... and I'm getting the hang of working while "deployed."

I do think that God wanted me to meet him in Romans 5:3-5 today: "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by his Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Our good family friend, Darren, facebook-ed that to me this morning and I then had another reference to it today (from an old friend) on the blog! Thank you, friends, for once again listening to Holy Spirit in how to speak to ME today! Wow...you are the best messengers ever... thank you! I do cling to the hope that He provides... I have always quoted my friend, Kathy, who says that "God is in the ? (question mark)". I believe that the "question mark" is HOPE, faith and trust. And this whole journey leads me there! God knows when Adalynn's birthday will be... I rest in that.

In the meantime, back to the Vitamin Water.

An Emotional Day...

Today was certainly uneventful in the medical realm... I did have an entourage of doctors (remember that I'm at UAMS where resident doctors are everywhere) first thing this morning informing me that the MRI results showed "nothing"... That is great news! Basically, they were doing the MRI to determine delivery options and status of the placenta growth into the uterus. It wasn't but a week ago that my doctor in NWA informed me that she didn't think they would find anything in the MRI... the pregnancy had been going so well! She was right! Again, this is just another indication that this is a miracle pregnancy. There is no reason why I shouldn't be having difficulties, bleeding, etc. because I don't have any endometrial lining. The tests SHOULD have shown some growth into the uterine wall... unreal. I'm amazed, awed at what is going on, and certainly humbled that God would choose US to be a vehicle for this miracle! [What in the world has He got planned for this Adalynn Mirakel? hmmmm]

The hard part of today was watching all my four Olsen boys walk out the hospital room door and head back to NWA. Seriously, I felt like someone was ripping my heart out! Maybe it was because I had such an emotional "high" yesterday with all the visitors and overwhelming love and support, that today felt so hard... I think it was at that moment that I realized that I truly have put my identity in being Tom's wife and the boys' mom, that it's almost like I'm grieving when those roles are taken away temporarily. I know I'm still in those roles, but I can't DO anything about it! Remember, I think God's working on my Mary heart...

But I filled the day with "connecting" at work, catching up on emails, and just learning how to enjoy the quiet. I choose to be content in being Adalynn's incubator... that is my most important job right now!!

My good friend emailed this verse to me at JUST THE PERFECT TIME today. I'm so grateful that she listened to that still, small voice to encourage me with His Truth! (Thank you Jen! you truly did "lift my head" with this!):
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift my head." Psalm 3:3

Thank you, our support network, for all the concern, calls and encouragement. You, too, "lift our heads." Love to all of you!

WHAT.........A............DAY!

Overwhelmed, blessed, cup runneth over... how else can I describe these past 24 hours?

It began last night with a visit from Marcy Emerson and her daughter, Laurel (I hope I spelled that right!)... they were in town visiting Marcy's mom and they endured the rainy, yucky weather to come brighten my day! They left with a prayer over me...and I was touched. Thank you my friends!

Then around 10:30pm last night a whole crew of Olsen boys came lumbering into the hospital room! They were groggy and smiling...I think they were happy to see their mom. But they couldn't have been more grateful than me! We hadn't seen each other since I dropped them off at school Wednesday morning! So after a full weekend of tournaments, travel and a lot of victories...they decided to road trip to Little Rock to make their mom's day. Cannot express how good it was to hug their neck! Just doesn't feel right to not be around them 24/7. Again, this has been the hardest part of this whole journey.

From left: Tom, Crist, me, Dane and Ty.

The picture above is of Ty's 1st place tournament trophy from Kansas City! Super NIT Champs! Way to go Dirtbags! And the medal hanging around it is from Crist's basketball tournament...they got first place too! Great job boys!

Ty hung out with me last night--slept on the fold-out bed next to me. And Dane, Crist and Tom left to enjoy the hospitality of Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim. Aunt Pat was made to entertain...truly.

This morning was spent together as a family here in the hospital... it was non-stop giggles and smiles as they watched Laurel & Hardy and The Three Stooges on the laptop. Tom was laughing so hard his stomach was hurting! Fun to see my boys so relaxed and enjoying each other's company! And it made my day just to have them there.

This afternoon was a whirlwind of emotion and love abound as some DEAR, DEAR friends from NWA took a road-trip to see their high-maintenance friend! Tom whisked the boys to the movies while we sat and enjoyed each other's company [PAUSE] There is something about long-time friends and soul-mates that come bearing gifts, hugs and stories...true nourishment for my spirit. [PLAY] I relished in each and every moment as we ate chocolate-covered strawberries and toasted our Vitamin Water together. We truly partied! And then they showered me with sweet and oh-so-thoughtful tissue gifts. Everything from treats for Adalynn, yummy food for me and the boys and great trinkets to help commemorate this special time! (They even hand-delivered goodies from the Hill family, Carie Whitham and Kate Fisk) They are the most beautiful messenger pigeons I've ever seen! :)

Great story... Jen (one of the road trip friends) has some sweet memories of opening "tissue gifts" alongside her dad's bedside as he was ailing... she said that they opened one tissue gift a day and it was a highlight for them--one she still relishes today. She has since passed that tradition along to our Apples of Gold group (ladies Bible study) and we have embraced it! There has been many occasions where we have had tissue-gift moments as a member went through tough health times, needed a pick-me-up, or just for an excuse to shower presents on each other! Well, I was the recipient today... wow, was that a humbling moment that I wish I could just freeze in time. To my soul-mates... thank you for the most amazing "pick me up" I could have ever received. Thank you for the revitalizing afternoon (and it wasn't just the Vitamin Water!)... Thank you for spending time away from your family just to make this girl's day... I will NEVER forget...

After a sweet, sweet time of prayer and just filling me up all together, they left to return to NWA... I was wiped out. How can someone get so physically and emotionally exhausted when they are doing nothing but sit on their rear-end in a hospital bed all day?! But I slipped into a peaceful sleep...I'm sure I was still smiling and relishing in the moment...

My dear friends... from left: Kathy Rusch, me, Joy Primm, Jen Boyle and Sue Prude. See how much love and sunshine has just filled this room! LOVE you girls! You were Luke 6:38 to me today! "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Wow, what a day!!

Rainy Sunday

Well, it's been raining all day here in LR, but it's cozy inside. I still have the hospital window covered up by flowers, so it looks beautiful to me!

It's still (thankfully) pretty uneventful here. I do get to talk to the doctors periodically who check in to see that Adalynn and I are hanging in there. Tom has headed back to NWA to catch the last of the boys' games and then he will bring them down here. So it's quiet here, just sitting here listening to the "boot" thing around my legs contract to keep the blood clots away. I'm still very thankful for this peace--because in that I know that Adalynn is much better off. I do look forward to seeing my boys...truly explaining everything to them. I think they still are assuming that I'll be back home any day. It will be good for them to see the hospital, spend some time as a family and talk through everything that has happened and will happen. Oh, I miss them...

We did have some visits yesterday from Coach Cook and his wife Nancy as well as Coach Williams and his wife Darlene. Coach Cook brought a hand signed Get Well card from the Heritage Boys Basketball team. What an honor! It was so fun catching up with the Cooks and the Williams... and how nice that they took time out of their holiday weekend to check in on us! Very thoughtful...and great to see them.

Below is a picture of the wraps they put around my legs to chase away any blood clots. It's just a constant massage machine! I'm telling you... they are trying to keep me strapped in! I guess they know me too well. :)


I'll end with this... my sister-in-law, Cindy, texted me this verse yesterday morning to encourage me...and I'm so thankful. No wonder I feel so much peace and comfort... He was not only talking about (and to) Adalynn...he is talking to ME! ...and He promises me that he will gather my children too! Thank you, Cindy, for pointing me to this perfect passage... Not only is it a great reminder of his complete protection, it brought to mind one of my all-time favorite songs that is sung by Kelly Jones Parks. Wish I had that to listen to right now!

"But now, this is what the LORD says... "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior ... Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west." (Isa. 43:1-5)

Love you all. Thanks for letting me rattle on...

More flowers!

Once again we were pleasantly surprised by the Tipton Hurst man... I cannot tell you how something so beautiful can just brighten our day. Truly a lift to the spirits and makes our room look and smell so good!

These beautiful hydrangeas are from the Morgan family (Cindy, Steve, Amberle and Chelsea). Not only were they taking care of my boy all day, they were sending love down to us all the way from NWA! LOVE these!

...And these AMAZING flowers are from our Tucker Elementary family. They take care of our boys so well...we couldn't ask for a more caring group of people that truly have a heart for kids and their education. And then they bless us with this! Thank you friends! It smells as good as it looks!

Still Hanging In There

Well, it's Friday... and Adalynn is being a trooper. She's decided to stay content for awhile. She continues to get good heart rate check ins and hops around in my belly occasionally. She's a good girl already, I can tell!

The only medical news updates I have for today is that I got some blood test results back and my white blood cell count has gone down since I first came on Wednesday. So the antibiotics are working...and apparently there was a start to some kind of infection when we first arrived. Also, I did get to visit with another specialist and she has ordered for some "boots" of some sort to go on my legs to keep me from getting blood clots. I think these are the same kind of thing that people wear after surgery and they are not going to be very mobile. So... they are basically strapping me in my bed and MAKING me stay put!

We are making the best of it... Tom continues to be my rock through all of this. He was out doing laundry today (that's usually my job at 3 in the morning!) and we have stayed connected on our phones with all our boys games today. I'm just so grateful for my family and friends that help carry this "burden" of ours! They have some mighty big shoulders!

Here is something that Tom found yesterday out of Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest. It certainly spoke to us--that this whole experience is so that we can experience "oneness" with the Father. Wow, I'm humbled.

God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, "Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?" No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, "Your will be done" ( Matthew 26:42 ), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father.

Blessings to all and thank you for the continued prayer and support!

We are totally spoiled!

Below are some beautiful treats we got today... wow! What a fun surprise! Thank you friends!

The beautiful flowers above are from my dear friend Ellen. I told Ellen that the feeling I got when these were delivered was the same as when she entered a room... Sunshine just came into this place!

The gorgeous flowers are from my sweet East Wing family at Fellowship. You wouldn't believe how wonderful they smell! Just aromatherapy at its best! And the peach roses are just extraordinary--my favorite! Thank you my "family"... you are loved.

These roses are from my sweet cousins Ashley Reeves and Jennifer Jackson. What a beautiful sight in front of the construction that is normally seen out the hospital window!

This plant is also from my cousins. I can't remember the name, I'll have to find out from my Aunt Pat. But it's perfect and simply elegant. A great reminder of our sweet Adalynn to come! Both of these plants were hand delivered by Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim. I'm so grateful that I'm here so close to this family! They have been a godsend!


This is the amazing Edible Arrangement sent from the Phillips family (Don, Jan, Kim, Lindsey and Bradon). Words cannot express how good it is... notice the chocolate covered strawberries and pineapples. Uh...this is just amazing. Thank you my friends!

Yes, we are totally spoiled. I guess we have a lot of people fooled... :)

My MICU

More updates from Little Rock... It's a little gloomy outside, but my window has got some beautiful flowers that provide just the perfect scenery. Thanks to my cousins, Ashley and Jennifer, and the wonderful East Wing family at Fellowship...I now have a beautiful view and some aromatherapy to go with it! Got some great advice from a friend (thanks Shannon!) to have some wonderful smelling "somethings" to cover the inevitable hospital scent. Now I'm set! Thank you to all of you for this "therapy"! Can't tell you how much that means to me! And WOW... I just received the most BEAUTIFUL Edible Arrangement I've ever seen! Full of fruit and it just makes my mouth water. Aside from Vitamin Water, the only thing I crave is fresh fruit. Thank you to my other family...the Phillips! I still can't outdo you all! (I promise I'll get you back) :)

Last night was somewhat eventful, but we made it through okay. I have been having some antibiotics through IVs and one in particular started to burn and swell. I looked at my arm and it had a "balloon" sitting on it...it was fluid under my skin! I guess that is not good...so they had to put in a new port, etc. at around 1am in the morning. At the same time, I told her that I was having some pain in my back (like cramps)...I thought it had something to do with my IV issues. Turns out I was having contractions! So they said "that's a no-no" and gave me some medicine to stop the contractions. That knocked me out too! So between the Ambien to help me sleep and the percocet, or whatever...I slept great! I don't seem to be having any more cramps or contractions. Adalynn seems content at the moment...

The specialist came to see me mid-day and said "no news is good news", meaning that I haven't gone into labor. He said we want that baby to "cook as long as possible" and he hoped I had a very uneventful holiday weekend. She does seem to be doing well... they check my and her vitals every four hours and she is doing super! She likes it when I eat (especially chocolate chip cookies from Aunt Pat)...her heart rate goes up! I did decide after the statements from the nurse and doctor that the "MICU" (Momma's Intensive Care Unit) is much better than the NICU. So, I am working on contentment in being still. I've told everyone that I'm a much better Martha than Mary...God must be working on my Mary-skills. I've done more sitting in these last two and a half days than I've done in a LONG time! She's worth it. This is just a speck in time compared to the time after the delivery!

Tom and I just got back from touring the NICU here at UAMS. What a great facility! Now we know that if Adalynn comes early, she will be well-monitored, well-taken-care-of, and very much loved by those nurses. This hospital has been very much a proactive and peaceful place. We are very fortunate. Hate to be away from family and friends, but know we are in the best place for our scenario. But I did determine on our tour that my "MICU" is where Adalynn needs to be. I vow to be content plopped on my bottom in the hospital bed with a huge glass of lemon water on my left and Vitamin Water on my right. I'm truly blessed...

Thank you to all for the prayer and concern. You really learn how much you are loved when you go through some interesting times like this! Thank you "family!" I love you all dearly and thank God for you every day!

Until tomorrow...

P.S. We haven't gotten the MRI results as of this post time.

Checking in from LR

Well, I can say that the Olsen family has been on quite a ride these past 24+ hours... But thanks to Joy you all were able to know what we were up to! Thank you Joy for those sweet posts! You are a true "sister" and friend...I'm grateful!

Today was another whirlwind... they are still administering antibiotics to keep from any type of infection after the water broke. I will stay on those either intravenuously or orally until we leave. I did have another steroid shot this a.m. which should be the last one. Those will help develop Adalynn's lungs so that when she does decide to come, her lungs should be in good shape!

I got to see the specialist today too and he said that they had no explanation why my water broke. He didn't think it had anything to do with the ablation or any other reason. They just said that sometimes things like this happen! He did say that if we don't go into labor shortly after the second dose of steroids, then it will most likely be a week. But they have seen those that go much, much longer. Ideally, it would be best for Adalynn to reach 34 weeks (which is 5 weeks away--yikes). So.... we are remaining flexible! She'll come when she's good and ready. One of the nurses said that each day she stays in my belly is one less day in the NICU. I'm all for that! Definitely want what is best for our sweet little girl...even if it takes me being very still!

I feel great! The baby is doing great too! It seems very, very odd to be in a hospital when you feel so good. I have lost almost all the amniotic fluid. There is supposed to be 10 cubic centimeters of fluid and I measured at 3 this morning in the ultrasound. They said that she will keep producing the fluid, I just have to stay very still to keep the fluid in... the more I'm up and around, the more I leak. I'm gonna get bedsores and atrophy, I just know it!!!

I just got back from a MRI. I had never had one of those before...it was interesting. They should read the results tomorrow or the next day. The ordered one of these tests because they want to see how far the placenta has grown into the uterus or if it has detached at all. This will determine how and when to deliver. There is always a question mark... again, it's good to remain flexible.

The hardest part? I miss my boys terribly. That is the only thing that brings me to tears. But they are SO well taken care of by Betty & Jim (Tom's parents) as well as the wonderful "village" that is helping raise our kids. I have great peace with their care, I just selfishly miss them! Tom's plans are to go get them on Sunday and bring them down to see their mom on Memorial Day. Can't wait! In the meantime, they each have some kind of tournament they get to be a part of this weekend that will be super-fun for them. I'm just sad that I can't "beam myself in" to each of their games!

"Thank you" doesn't seem to cover or express how Tom and I feel with the outpouring of emails, texts, facebook posts, calls, etc... I know that the reason there is no anxiety is because of the prayer coverage. I'm an anxious person, naturally, and I haven't felt that way at ALL! Undeniable and overwhelming peace...that is all I feel. Thank you my friends and family...thank you! (Phil. 1:3)

I'll keep you updated! Little Rock is treating us very well...

Update

Joy here again...just got off the phone with a peaceful Karen - she really sounded great (and I know when she's trying to cover her anxiety - this was real peace!) She said they really are doing well emotionally - she said it must be because of the many prayers that you all are praying on their behalf!
Here are some more details:
She was on multiple drips earlier today...sugar water, magnesium (to stop any contractions, which she has not had any), and antibiotics to keep any infection away...and they have taken her off all of those at this point. She did get a steroid shot today to help develop Adalynn's lungs. They still have not seen the specialist at UAMS - she is expecting that they will see him tomorrow. The plan right now is for her to get another steroid shot for Adalynn's lungs tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 10:00, which will work for 24 hours. They will also do the MRI tomorrow to see if the placenta has grown into the uterus at all. Also, as of now Adalynn is breech. My understanding is that if they find from the MRI results that the placenta has grown into the uterus, they will do a c-section. Also, if Adalynn remains breech, they will do a c-section. They do not want to deliver Adalynn at this point - they'd really like to wait as long as possible. They're really going to shoot for a week to 2 weeks - ideally, they'd like for Karen to be 34 weeks, but Karen said they did not sound hopeful that that would be able to happen. They did another ultrasound today at UAMS and estimated Adalynn's weight at 3 pounds. Her heartbeat is great every time they check it, and she even had the hiccups today :) Karen has not dilated at all and is not in pain.
She couldn't stress to me enough how incredibly covered and loved they feel - it was so neat to hear it in her voice - it was true, humble gratitude for the incredible love they are being shown. They know our God has got this, and you can hear it in Karen's voice. They thank you, thank you, thank you for your love, support, and prayer...please keep it up! As you know, there is much to be prayed for. The Drs. are concerned for Karen because of her blood clotting issues, so along with a healthy Adalynn, please lift up Karen and her health as well.
She did also say that she will for sure have to stay at UAMS until Adalynn is delivered. It sounds like they (Drs. and nurses) don't even really know what the "next step" is...it sounds like it's a bit of a waiting game right now. So please pray for continued peace for them, and also please pray especially for Crist, Dane, and Ty - for them to really feel God's supernatural peace and comfort.
Thank you again for all your prayers...they are making a difference!!

Please Pray!!

Hello dear friends and family of Karen, Tom and their sweet crew~
This is Joy updating for Karen - it's been an eventful morning for the Olsens! This morning Karen suspected she was leaking amniotic fluid. She went to her Dr. to get checked out, and her suspicions were confirmed. Karen was given steroids to help Adalynn's lungs develop more quickly; she was also given medication to keep her from contracting and medication to keep any infection away. They are currently taking Karen by ambulance down to Little Rock, and Tom is following in their car. I do not know any further details of how much longer they suspect to keep Adalynn in her Mommy's belly, but Karen said she will probably come "sooner rather than later."
Please pray for the Olsen crew at this time!!! Health and strength for this precious miracle, sweet Adalynn Mirakel, and a special, God-given peace for Karen, Tom, Crist, Dane, Ty, and the rest of their family. Please also remember to pray for Karen's health during the delivery of Adalynn, whenever that may be! Thank you so much for interceding for this family - I know they covet your prayers during this time. We will continue to post more as things develop. Karen's words to me were "God is always in the '?' "

Adalynn - the Overachiever!

Adalynn, her daddy and I went to have another Level 2 utrasound this morning... and we found out that she is ahead of schedule! Way to go Adalynn! Way to be the overachiever! The due date has been moved up to July 28th! So I guess I'm 30 weeks now instead of 29! I can't believe how she is growing! What an amazing blessing... again, I just picture God hand-feeding her.

When we began this whole journey, we didn't have any "marker" or an indication of when Adalynn would be due. They usually determine the due date based on the last time there was a menstrual cycle...but since I haven't had one since January 2008, they had no clue! The doctors have just based the due date on all the ultrasounds we've had. So all along we have waited for the wonderful statement, "She's still tracking for that Aug. 5th date!" Well, now we have some new magic words! I'm truly in awe of how well she is doing and how much she is growing...

The doctor said she is approximately 3 lbs. and 4 oz. (this is +/- 6 oz.). Funny story... when Tom called his mom to update her on the appointment, she mentioned that Jim (Bumpa) was out fishing. I overheard Tom say to her that "Bumpa will have catch one mighty big crappie to outweigh Adalynn!" We are just so grateful that all continues to go so well... that she is growing so rapidly... that there are no concerns... that each day our Mirakel "beats all the odds."

We haven't seen our baby girl in awhile, so it was SO fun seeing her wiggle around in there. (Adalynn, we can't wait to see you face-to-face! I bet you will never sleep in your own crib...there are too many people that want to hold and hug you! It's amazing how we've only known about you for a short time, but we already love you with all of our hearts!)

Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers... we know that Adalynn is overachieving because she's in the Lord's care AND because of your intercession. We are EXTREMELY grateful and certainly humbled! (Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.)

Next appt.: tomorrow, May 20th - regular doctor appt.
MRI and Level 2 ultrasound: June 11th (in Little Rock)


Here is a great picture of Adalynn's leg and her foot on the top left... there is a tear in the paper right by her face (I'm sure she was smiling at us!), but you can see how flexible she is! I told Tom that she was working on her toe touches, and he said, "Absolutely not! She's stretching her hamstrings for those 3 pointers she's going to be shooting!" Poor girl... she's already has such high hopes set for her!

Your Prince Has Already Come...

This is another post for Adalynn...introducing her to her daddy!



This past weekend, we had a wonderful "shower" given to us (actually to your daddy) by Dane's Redhawk baseball team. We had such a great time of fellowship and wonderful food! The Redhawks have been together four years now, and this is the first time that we have gathered like this--just the adults! It was really neat to share in our special time of anticipation of our first baby girl with this great group of people--that we consider family!

Your dad got to open up all the presents (and he was a very good sport)... And he got lots of goodies for you--too many to name--but they were all "daddy oriented." One of the gifts we got was a pink wooden frame with the words, "My prince did come...his name is Daddy." I don't think you could describe your dad any better... he is a true noble and valiant Prince, ready for your arrival!

Your dad grew up in Wisconsin on a dairy farm that was his grandfather's and then his father's (your Bumpa). Daddy will tell you LOTS of tales of his farming days and having to milk twice a day which was especially hard during the long winters! But he has wonderful memories of his family and all their adventures... I don't know if I know of a more close-knit family than your dad's. I truly believe there is something about working side-by-side enduring all the ups and downs of farm-life. There is a certain closeness that is just admirable.

Your dad, your grandma and bumpa moved to Arkansas in 1982 (your dad was 12 years old) because your grandmother was suffering (and still does) from rheumatoid arthritis. The only way for her to get physically better was to move to a drier climate! It is amazing to hear the stories of how she suffered in the cold, damp weather and to see her now! This move was the perfect remedy for this physical illness, but you can imagine how emotional it was moving from all of their family (which a lot are still in Wisconsin and Michigan today!).

I will say that I'm thrilled that they moved south... because I came to Arkansas just three years later and met your dad in high school at the age of 15! I truly believe that God was leading us to Arkansas because he wanted us to live happily-ever-after! (He is most definitely a Prince, but I'll share him with you :))

To describe your daddy... he is godly, loyal, strong (in more ways than one), faithful, patient, hard-working, extremely humble, a servant-leader, has a very dry sense of humor, loves loves loves his boys and now loves loves loves YOU! In fact, I think your daddy has an overwhelming love for kids in general--I think that is a genetic trait! Your dad coaches boys basketball and is passionate about the game and those players. He truly feels that this is what God called him to do. I have a feeling that you will be a gym rat and will follow him around everywhere--which I can guarantee he will LOVE!

Your daddy keeps calling you "his little girl" (we kinda fight over that one!) and loves to rub my belly to check on you and prays for your development every day. He really is excited about our Mirakel (miracle) coming into our lives...
...and I can't think of a more perfect Prince for you.


The picture above is from one of our yearly trips to the Packer game in Green Bay. We have such a good time there with family...I think this year we'll take you with us!


This is a picture of your daddy and brothers feeding the fish at Roaring River State Park. I bet it won't be long and you'll be fishing right alongside all of them! I think there are even pink fishing poles!


This is a very special picture to me... this is when your daddy baptized Ty in Beaver Lake. It was such a wonderful celebration with our Community Group there and family. I was SO proud of both of them!

Another Great Check-up!

Adalynn and I had another doctor's appointment this morning... and she is continuing to grow and grow... as well as baffle the doctors!

Her heartbeat was 160 and she is "still tracking for that August 5th due date" (those awesome words we like to hear!). My glucose test came back fine and there are no other extra protein complications (which would indicate the beginning of preeclampsia), etc... truly great news all the way around! Thank you, Lord, for Adalynn--truly a Noble Miracle!

We have another ultrasound planned in two weeks. This is the Level 2 ultrasound in which the Little Rock office will "tune in" during the process. They should be able to monitor the placenta / uterus pretty well at that time... again, they are tracking to see how much the placenta will grow into the uterine wall. If (and I say that with confidence! It used to be "when") that happens, then most likely Adalynn will stop getting nourishment through the placenta. That is when they would determine to take her early. But everything looks so good...so NORMAL! This is truly a miracle pregnancy and baby... what a blessing to be a part of this whole journey!

The best statement that the doctor made today was when she was talking about the upcoming MRI scheduled for June 11th. She said, "You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't find anything wrong [meaning placenta grown into the uterus wall] during that MRI... the way that these checkups and ultrasounds are going, you are having a completely normal pregnancy!" An MRI is the best way to check this... ultrasounds can give indications, but MRIs are the only way to truly see the whole uterine wall vs. the placenta completely. You know how I feel about this because of the verse that spoke to me about this miracle (Mirakel)... "For nothing is impossible with God!" (Luke 1:37)

I was THRILLED to hear that news/prediction! The prayers are working! God has "hemmed Adalynn in" and has been hand feeding her as well. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the prayer support. We are incredibly grateful! Again, we know Who gets the glory in this!

May 19th - Level 2 ultrasound
May 20th - Regular doctor's appt. (she still wants to see us every 2 weeks)
June 11th - MRI

Our Ty Man

This is the last blog post introducing Adalynn to her big brothers...

Ty is the youngest big brother to introduce you to... And boy, is he a hard one to explain! :) Let's see... he is a perfect mix of Hammy from Over the Hedge, Happy from Snow White and the the Seven Dwarfs, and Dash from The Incredibles. He has endless energy (DON'T give him caffeine), he happily sings all the time and when he runs, you can't see his legs! We've decided that you and Ty are going to be big buds based on when you like to flop around in my belly--which is when Ty runs circles around all of us--nighttime! Both of you are certainly night owls!

Ty Franklin got his middle name from your grandfather and my dad, Lynn Franklin. As for the name "Ty"...we just liked it! No story behind that name. And now, I can't imagine a better name for him--it just fits! He does have a lot of nicknames Ty Man, Pookie Bear (that came when he was very young) or Pooks, BabyCakes, and most recently, Trash Truck (came from a baseball game in which he was getting a little "trash talk" from the catcher and a friend of ours told him to tell him that the "Trash Truck was about to deliver!").

Ty has the best freckles ever--or as I call them, angel kisses. I would love to see those on you too! He has one of those personalities that is somewhat magnetic. In fact, your daddy says, "How can you not have fun with Ty?" He loves life, has a super-quick wit, lots of wisdom in his young years and steadily stumps mom and dad with tough questions (especially biblical questions!). Ty likes to give you (in my belly) hugs each morning and night and constantly tries to feel you move. He is going to be a very special big brother and good friend to you!

Ty showing his personality at a young age. Funny story about the above picture... Ty told me that he thought that photo was "kinda embarrassing." He said, "I mean...I really don't like soccer anymore!" (...nothing about the look-at-me-the-bug-catcher moment)
The picture below is during a recent baseball tournament. See how he runs everywhere?!

The Big D

Another post introducing Adalynn to her older brothers...

Let me tell you about Dane, your second oldest brother... Dane got his name because of the heritage of the Olsen family... Your daddy grew up in Denmark, Wisconsin and his great, great grandfather (I believe) migrated to the US from Denmark the country. Denmark--Danish...so "Dane" it was! Perfect! And his middle name is Russell, named after your daddy's maternal grandfather. As you can see, your dad has great pride in his family and heritage!

Dane, Big D, DaneO, Great Dane is one special kiddo, if I do say so myself! He has a passion from within about so many things in life--it's hard to explain. There is something about his demeanor and eyes that just light up in the "heat of the battle." He is QUITE the competitor at all he does. His passion right now is for sports--ALL sports. He absolutely loves what ever is in season, and kinda gets stressed out when you ask him what sport is his favorite! He is also an extremely hard worker at school and other activities... now, if we could get him to work that hard at home!

I hope, Adalynn, that you have dimples like Dane... your daddy and I just LOVE trying to make Dane smile and laugh (since he was a baby!) just so we can see those dimples! Oh, and his belly laughter and giggles/chuckles are AWESOME! You can't help but laugh with Dane when he gets going... And under his big frame and tough exterior, he has a super tender heart. He, too, can't wait to see you and he prays for you every night before he goes to bed. See how much we all love you already!

I wonder what nicknames you'll have... Ada Baby, Ada Girl, Addy?... hmmmm

Here are some baseball pictures of Dane...you can see the love for sports started quite young! I have a feeling that you will be a sports nut too--unless you can overcome your genetics!

CristO

These next couple of posts are introducing Adalynn to her big brothers... She is so fortunate, I feel, to have this great entourage anxiously awaiting her arrival!

Precious Adalynn, I can't wait for you to meet your oldest brother, Crist. We named him after your daddy's late brother, Chris. The name "Christ" has been around the Olsen family for a long time... lots of family called your Uncle Chris, "Christ," because there were older relatives with that same name. Your daddy was very much led to call him Crist in honor of his family heritage as well as his brother, whom he looked up to and loved very much. We did take the "h" out because of the reason that people might pronounce it like Jesus Christ. Crist's middle name is Thomas, just like Daddy.

Crist is one great kid... he has a big heart for his entire family, loves life in general, has a very glass-half-full type of personality and is a magnet for young children. He absolutely LOVES being around younger kids and has unbelievable patience for them! In fact, when I'm at the ball fields or gyms, I constantly have young children come up to me and ask, "Where's Crist? I want to play with him!" He also has a love for basketball, just like his namesakes. "CristO" is a godly young man who loves the Lord too... I know he will be a great mentor and example for you!

Crist cannot wait to meet you... in fact, he was the first one to feel you kick while you were in my belly! His smile just lit up the room. He thinks that you might have blond curly hair...we'll see! I have a feeling that you will be a big cheerleader for your brother, and I can guarantee that Crist will be a HUGE fan of you...he already is! He prays for you every day... We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival, sweet Adalynn!

These pictures are from when Crist went to Washington DC and Maryland with Memaw and Grandpa. He had such a great time... and he got to meet his favorite historical figure in person (Abe Lincoln)!