One More Day?

We think Wednesday is the day!! The doctors and nurses seem very determined to get our family back together. And we are grateful...

The check list:
...Her billirubin level went down--she came out from under the lights. [check!]
...Adalynn has been eating 42 ml each feeding (veeerrrryyyy slowly, but she gets it done!). [check!]
...Her body temperature has been good because they wrap her up like a little papoose! [check!]
...And she is currently sitting in a car seat undergoing a "car seat test." The doctors have put her in there for 3 hours because that's how long our trip is back home. [almost a "check"!]

So we are hoping for another great night from Adalynn and we'll be discharged tomorrow! I can't tell you how much Tom and I pray for this to happen. We certainly want what is best for Adalynn...but we think Adalynn needs her "bubbas" and her brothers need her too! It will be six weeks tomorrow since we have all been together as a family at our home. Wow... I can't believe we made it.

More pictures of today:

Here is Adalynn when she first went down for the night. Notice how sprawled out she is under the lights.

This was funny... I woke up at around 2:30 and noticed Adalynn teetering on the edge of her little bed. She then plopped over on her back. She didn't seem to mind. I couldn't help but grab the camera. She is one wild sleeper!


I then put her back in the middle and she managed to push herself over to the side again. The night nurse said that she saw the porthole and was making her escape!


Here's Adalynn after the IVs are out, the lights gone and she has graduated to a crib (out of the incubator)! She's in real clothes!


Adalynn all snuggled up like a papoose to keep her body temperature regulated. Love this picture. She was looking at her daddy.


Daddy trying to mimic his little girl... or is it the other way around?


Aunt Cindy, Uncle Steve, Chelsea and Amberle stopped by on their way home from vacation. Their first time to see Adalynn! We then went out to a great lunch together at Terri Lynn's (restaurant recommended by Carie Whitham...it was her family's restaurant!). So yummy.


A picture of Adalynn in her crib. She is finally out of the incubator. Can't believe how far this little girl got in just one short week. We are so proud of you Adalynn! You are a true fighter!


It's unbelievable that this girl isn't even supposed to be born and yet her eyes are just so bright and her will is so strong. Truly I just gaze into the face of Adalynn and wonder what the Lord has in store for this miracle...for Adalynn Mirakel. She is a gift from Him and Him alone. I pray with all my heart that this mom doesn't get in the way of what He purposes to do in through Adalynn's life! Thank you, Lord, for letting be a part of this amazing journey.

A Feeder and a Grower

Another great day full of progress in Little Rock!

Last night, we were all (myself, Tom and the night nurse) up late just admiring little Adalynn. Tom just casually mentioned that he couldn't wait for that feeding tube to be off Adalynn's face... he said, "We haven't seen much of her since she's been born because of the tube and the bandage she has to wear for the billy lights." Well, apparently that is what the nurse wanted to hear! She started going on and on about the reason for the feeding tube was so that I could continue to nurse Adalynn while she continued to eat from another source--to avoid nipple confusion. We talked about it for awhile and we told her that we were more concerned about her getting the nourishment--we could work on breast feeding at home! So she said that she was going to do everything she could to get her eating from the bottle and get that feeding tube off by the morning! Adalynn has drained her bottles from that point on!

The doctor came by this morning and said the same thing... we want this little girl eating, growing and able to go home! In fact, we were talking about back-transporting Adalynn to a NICU in NWA and she said that I wouldn't be surprised if she does so well that we can discharge her to go home instead! UNREAL! Again, Adalynn is defying all the odds! This would obviously be our prayer... we'd love to have our new family of six together for the first time!

We just found out that she has gained her birth weight back... she's now 5'1" again! Wahoo! And she just ate a 42 ml bottle which translates to about 1 1/2 ounces (which she has for the last several bottles). That really is a lot of food for this little girl and she's so young! We are so proud of her...

So the checklist (and prayer requests) for Adalynn to go home is:

...Continue to eat on her own and maintain her weight

...Get off of the billy lights (get her billirubin level to stay low)

...Maintain her body temperature on her own--she has a heat controlled bed now. They plan to move her to a crib eventually.
...She has to sit in a car seat for a period of time and have her oxygen level checked.

More pictures from today:

This picture just cracks me up. This was one of the first times we saw her without anything on or attached to her face... look at this "little old lady" look! :)


Here is the first time that Tom has gotten to feed his little girl...


Don't know if you can see the "Popeye" expression on her face... she does that a lot!


Sleepy head. I just love this picture with sweet Adalynn and Tom feeding her. It gives you an idea how precious and little she is...


"I praise you because (Adalynn is) fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Freedom!!

Today... after 39 days in the hospital... on my rear end, eating from the same menu each day, staring out the window at construction, looking forward to work on the computer, mail, visitors and trips to the shower each day... I was discharged from the hospital!!! Never did I think that freedom felt so good! :) Tom and I cleaned out the room and then headed out of the hospital parking lot. I was in a car for the first time since May 20th. We picked up prescriptions and then ate at a real live restaurant! Can't tell you how wonderful that was...even though it's hot in Little Rock, I didn't care. We even went out again tonight to have a Toffee Coffee Twisted Frosty from Wendy's--wow! You come to appreciate the little things...

Meanwhile, we've moved into Adalynn's room. She has a nice big room with one bed, a bathroom and shower. I get to hang here tonight. And then there are sleep rooms down the hall for the dads. It really only has a bed and a lamp in it, but Tom doesn't plan to spend much time there. He wants to be with his girls! :)

To get caught up... Adalynn has been improving each day. She was on a breathing tube right away, but they steadily reduced the oxygen and took out the tube when she was just 24 hours old. She's breathing on her own no problem! She has had up and down billiruben levels (meaning she is somewhat jaundice). She was under the lights for awhile, had them off for awhile and is now back under them through the night tonight. Adalynn's weight went from 5'1'' (birth weight) to 4'13' to 4'11' and the latest reading was up to 4'15"! She's definitely getting some nutrition! And she is a fidgety one...I imagine she's burning those calories quickly too!

At this point, they are specifically working on her learning how to "suck, swallow and breathe." She's got the breathe part down, but is working on the others. I continue to pump so that she has breast milk...and we've been working on her learning to eat from me as well as a bottle. She is getting good, I tell you! Tonight we watched her suck a bottle almost dry! Tom and I felt like brand-new, first time parents again! The sooner she learns this, the sooner we take her home!

We also talked to the doctor today and he brought up the possibility of Adalynn back-transporting up to Northwest Arkansas (and to a NICU there)! Of course, we were THRILLED by this! He said there is a lot of merit of having the family unit all back together while Adalynn was continuing to grow and develop in a NICU. We wholeheartedly agree! UAMS and this NICU have been absolutely wonderful. The staff and the facilities here are amazing. We are thankful for everything they have done for us. And we've developed quite a relationship! But we are ready to be at home...with our family... healing isn't just physical in nature...we need emotional healing too!

In spite of the transport happening, we have heard conflicting reports as to how long Adalynn could be in the NICU. We've heard 2, 3 and even 5 weeks! I'm counting on this Noble Miracle to continue to defy all odds. She is one fighter!

Here are more pictures to document our days:

Adalynn was supposed to be lying vertically in this picture. You can see that she is quite the wiggle worm. She's just laid out everywhere. The big bandage on her foot is the IV site (which they change frequently), the wires to her chest is for her heart rate readings and the tape on her nose is holding the feeding tube.




Tom and I just can't get over how she's always so laid out... no fetal positioning with this kid!


When we came back from our Frosty time at Wendy's, Adalynn had her convertible top off the incubator! We got some close up pictures...


Another picture of Adalynn's hair. It's SO soft and she has quite a bit! Our friend, Buffy, was here and she said that this girl needed a bow already!


Adalynn drinking from her first bottle! She inhaled it!


Adalynn's first burping!


Thank you friends for the continued prayers and support! I'm healing more and more each day (certainly ready for the soreness to go away) and Adalynn, of course, is doing great!

Thank you Lord--Our Great Physician!

Under the Lights

Things have calmed down considerably today... so I thought I would spend a little time catching up.

The surgery... was unlike anything I've ever experienced. For all of those that have done C-sections, I have a new respect for you. Once done, I looked at Tom and said, "I don't EVER want to do that again." The whole morning was a "hurry up and wait" scenario so it felt as though we would never get it done. They transported, we waited, they prepped, we waited, they questioned, we waited, they prepped some more, we waited... FINALLY we got in the OR. I had a spinal block and it worked for the most part, but I began to feel quite a bit during the last part of the surgery. I'm not sure that was supposed to happen. The best part was when we heard two little cries... Adalynn was born! The pediatrician and nurses whisked her away to get assessed and cleaned up. Tom got to follow Adalynn pretty soon after and was told that they thought she would be a LOT sicker after being "PROM" for so long. The doctor and nurses were pleasantly surprised.

Back in the OR, the doctors started to review my situation to see how much placenta had adhered to the uterus. It was "unusually adherent" according to the specialist (we were very thankful that he was in the surgery the entire time). But fortunately, most of the placenta came out--a small part was left in. They had to determine at that very moment whether or not to do a hysterectomy. The doctor said it was truly a miracle that they didn't have to do one. Because of the ablation, the uterus wasn't vascular enough and there wasn't much bleeding. If we would not have done the ablation, a hysterectomy would have happened for sure. And with the blood clotting disorder that I have, that would have been quite risky. Soooooo... it was a big BLESSING to have the surgery go the way it did.

Following the surgery... the morphine pump apparently stopped working. I kept asking the nurse if the medicine should be taking the edge off the pain... I just didn't feel any relief! And it got worse and worse. She kept saying to just give it a chance to start working, etc. I WAS trying to be patient, but I was QUITE uncomfortable--rather, it down-right hurt!! Finally, Tom went out in the hall and found a different nurse and asked her to come in and see if there was a problem with the morphine pump. She came in, looked at it and said, "this pump is not even on!" UGH! I think it had been over an hour at this point PLUS the discomfort during the surgery... needless to say, I was pretty uncomfortable. So this wonderful, dear and very patient nurse reset the machine and got the drip to finally work. Relief came. Whew. I'm sure I wasn't very good company up to that point! :) I was only supposed to be in recovery for an hour and we ended up being there for three. Lots of ice chips were consumed...

They took me back to the room at this point and Adalynn had gone to the NICU. Tom, the boys, Mom and Dad all got to see her there. The doctors and nurses kept a close eye on her, she had a breathing tube and was hooked up to a billion things... She also showed signs of jaundice so they needed to stick her under the "lights" to get her billiruben level right. She looked like she was on a tropical vacation! And getting quite a tan...

Notice her sunglasses, the tropical lights and how she's reclining... :)


Adalynn's vital sign monitor. Top number is heart rate, next one is oxygen level and the bottom number is her respiration's per minute.


Adalynn's foot with a little oxygen sensor. I just love her toes and feet!


Tom and I finally got to hold Adalynn in the middle of the night (12 hours following surgery). That was a sweet, sweet moment getting to spend that time with our little girl...

We'll get caught up more tomorrow, but in the meantime, I wanted to say a special Happy Birthday to my oldest baby, Crist. He's a big 14 today! Can't believe our boy is 14 years older than his brand new baby sister. Crist is having a special day with his brothers, cousin Miranda and his grandparents--going to the lake, pontoon boat and Shogun tonight. I'm so thankful for Memaw and Grandpa making his day so special when Tom and I aren't able to be there. Once again, this is probably the hardest summer ever...being apart from family, missing events. Crist knows that we are planning a special birthday for him when we get home. I miss my boys.

Birthday cake hand delivered to the NICU by Lindsey Phillips on behalf of the entire Phillips family... what a treat! Thank you, once again, Phillips family!


Tomorrow I'll be checking out of my hospital room and checking into Adalynn's... I'll write more then...

Baby Pics!

Hello family... Well, it's been a roller coaster ride following the C-section. Medications didn't work following surgery, not sleeping much when they did, getting to see Adalynn around 1am, hearing that the surgery itself was a miracle and just short of a hysterectomy... But I wanted to include some pictures of our Mirakel. Elizabeth, thank you for your amazing words and wisdom. You should be writing for Southern Living, my friend... I have always admired how you express yourself in words! Thank you for helping us in sharing the joy of our little girl to the world... I'm just so thankful to you! (I'll always be indebted to Elizabeth as she helped me get into the "blog world." This has been such therapy for me, and hopefully a wonderful baby book for Adalynn!)

I know I'm super duper biased...but I think Adalynn is just beautiful. Her skin color, her eyes, her hair, her perfectly shaped head, her cute little lips... she's an angel! She was a little jaundice and they've had to keep her under a "sun lamp"...so her skin is a little red in these pictures. But I think you can tell that she's got a proud mom and dad!

Adalynn on her birthday... They have kept a breathing tube in her since she went into the incubator. But we hear that she is doing so well, she will be breathing on her own tonight (6-25)


Me getting to hold her for the first time (1:00 in the morning!). She never closed her eyes...her baby blues just locked with mine the entire time!



Everyone's been asking about her hair...what color?, how much? Here's a picture of the back of her head, and this was after she had a bath. I think she's got her momma's and her big brother Dane's hair!


Proud Daddy... this was his first time to hold his baby girl!




Adalynn, we are just so proud of you. The nurses in the NICU said that they NEVER thought you'd be doing this well after being in the womb for five weeks with very little amniotic fluid! You are such a fighter. And once again, you've overcome any kind of odds that were against you! You, our girl, are a Noble Miracle!

More News About Adalynn

Tom says, "All is well with both Adalynn and her mother. Karen is resting and is excited about visiting Adalynn in the NICU tonight around midnight. This will be her first time to see her since delivery. Adalynn is doing very well. All her vital signs are great. We should know more tomorrow about how long her stay will be. Thanks again to all of you for the prayers. They were most certainly answered today. God bless all of you." What great news!

Remember those first few hours after delivery? Everything's a blur. Nurses in and out constantly. Vital signs checked and checked. Privacy, limited. The recovery. Away from home. While exhausted, adrenaline flows through the veins because you've just given birth and in Karen's case, you're desperate to see your beautiful miracle and hold her close.

Now, think about Karen and all the stacks of science that said Adalynn shouldn't be born today. How big is our God? Thank Him for this and for being the God of details while forming Adalynn's every fiber, for Karen's health, for today and for the days to follow when the Olsen's transform into a family of six. Ask Him for moments of priceless alone time, where this event can sink in to Tom and Karen's hearts forever as they study their baby girl's fingers and toes, the curve of her lips, the way she draws her legs to her chest, her grunts. Tom and Karen, drink deeply these moments and may you love deeply, each other, Adalynn and your boys, like never before.

Olsen family, we love you, are celebrating with you and give thanks to God for this day.

Adalynn Mirakel Olsen is Here!

At 12:50 pm, Tom got the word out that Adalynn Mirakel Olsen has arrived at 5 lbs. 1 oz. and both she and Karen are doing well! Tom says, "Yeah, God!!!" I second that.

As soon as more details or photos come, they will be posted here. So, come on back, ya hear? In the mean time, pray for a steady and smooth recovery for Karen and strength for sweet little Adalynn. She's going to need it with all those strapping lads loving on her constantly! I guess that's what a mother's tender touch is for. Can't you just imagine how loved this little girl, this miracle, is going to be?

Thanks be to God! She is here!

Tomorrow!

Can't believe it... tomorrow's the day we meet our little miracle, our baby girl, our Adalynn Mirakel...our Noble Miracle. What a journey it's been. One marked with highs and lows, but I would say a lot more highs. We've learned so much... and we cannot wait to hold this bundle of joy in our arms...to welcome her into our family!

It looks like I'll be heading down to Labor & Delivery sometime in the morning...could be 6:30 to 8am. I told the night nurse to be sure and wake me up to take a shower! I won't get one for 24 hours... I'm pretty determined to get all cleaned up! :) Right now we're on the schedule for 9am. But I'm considered "stable" in preparation for delivery. If there were emergencies, they would go in ahead of me... so we could be sitting there awhile. But I believe they take me downstairs (just one floor below me), prep me for surgery and we wait. My nurse today said it will be a lot of "hurry up and wait!"

Following surgery, I assume I will see Adalynn and then they will take her to NICU pretty quickly. They then sew me back up and then to recovery for 1 hour. Then they will take me back up to the room (where I am now) to stay put for 12 hours. After that time period, I will get up and start walking! I'm hoping they will let me venture down to see Adalynn. It sounds as if it will be a normal recovery for a C-section--48 hours. Then I'll be "released" and can stay in Adalynn's room! There is a bed, refrigerator, shower, etc. in there... but our prayer is that Adalynn won't need to stay down here in LR very long. We hope and pray that she is SO healthy that they will let her go up to Fayetteville or Rogers NICU for the rest of the time! (Or, dare I ask, she could be released to go HOME!!)

Prayer Requests:
...peace
...successful surgery/delivery
...no blood clots!
...Adalynn's health--quick to breathe and eat and no infections
...wisdom for the nurses and doctors
...wonderful family memories

An overwhelming THANK YOU for all the intercession and prayers! We are so grateful for this support network! Only God knows how many "prayers of the saints" there really are... and we are so thankful for each and every whispered word. Thank you, our family... thank you! (Phil. 1:3)

And I wanted to finish with a little note to Adalynn...

To our Mirakel... we have so anticipated this event. I feel you wiggling in my belly and wonder what kind of dancer you will be. I hear your strong heartbeat and wonder kind of passions you will have that will fill your heart. I see the twinkle in your daddy's eyes and wonder how tightly you will have him wrapped around your little finger. I see the pride in your brothers' eyes and wonder how they will look when they see you cheering for them on the sidelines. I look forward to seeing you grow and play with your grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And I anxiously await our mother/daughter relationship that only God can orchestrate.

You are loved, you are cherished, you were placed in our lives with great purpose... you are one big beautifully wrapped polka-dotted package with a giant pink bow... and we can't wait to see what's inside.

We love you, our Adalynn... we anxiously wait to meet you face to face on your birthday!

With love,
Momma and all your family

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Eph. 3:20-21)

Thoughts on Prayer

I can't tell you how many times we've heard the words:
"...we're praying for you."
"...you're in our prayers."
"...praying for baby Adalynn and her momma"
"...we're thinking about and praying for you!"

And I can't tell you how many times we've received prayers:
...over the phone
...in person
...through emails
...in cards
...via facebook

And then there's the prayer warriors:
...our family
...my Apples of Gold group
...our Community Group
...Fellowship
...our family's churches
...the city of Rogers
...our basketball, baseball and football families
...people all over the nation--Arkansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, California and Florida
...and family in Germany

This whole miracle pregnancy with Adalynn Mirakel (our Noble Miracle) has been a life lesson for us. We have come to realize that the Body of Christ is real and very active. We've learned that "nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37). And we've learned about the power of prayer. Or should I say, I'VE seen how it really works...

On the eve's eve of welcoming Adalynn into this world, I find myself reflecting on this amazing journey. And I'm filled with gratitude, awe and love for the network of prayer support that has helped us shoulder this "burden"... the peace we have, Adalynn's progress and success, the endurance and perseverance...none of it could have happened without your "unceasing" prayers. Thank you, family. We will never ever forget. Some of the lessons that I feel God has taught us through this is patience, endurance, love and prayer. All of that comes from God himself.

Once again Tom directed me to Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, who had a great statement:
"...think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues 'without ceasing'; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops. And we are not always conscious of Jesus keeping us in perfect oneness with God, but if we are obeying Him, he always is. Prayer is not an exercise, it is the life of a saint." I love this... pray without ceasing, like breathing.

And I know what the Word says: (and these are just a few!)
"Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" Matt. 6:8 NLT
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16
"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 17:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thess. 5:16-18

And lastly, I've heard before that prayer not only changes things, but it changes the person who is doing the praying. I know this for a fact. And I do hope that I have learned that prayer is not just merely an excercise, that it is my life--like breathing. Thank you, friends and family, for being His vessel and for teaching me such a valuable lesson. You are loved...

Fathers and Blessings

It's Father Day! A great day to think about Dads and appreciate the ones that bless your lives... Can't imagine my life without my amazing dad, my father-in-law and my husband. I think I have the three best "Dads" EVER! My boys and Adalynn are SO fortunate to have these strong, godly men in their lives. What an example of true, Holy Spirit led servant-leadership!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in a hands of a warrior, are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalms 127:3-5a I think we are the ones that are truly blessed!

This morning it was just Tom and I here... it was very nice. We spent the morning by going to the cafe in the lobby, some time outside in the shade and then we took a tour of the hospital! When it got too warm outside, we began walking through the halls and noticed that there was actually a marked path that you could walk for exercise. Tom got a little workout while I just rode along in the wheelchair. And I think we were entertaining the staff here, as well. At one point a lady asked, "Haven't you delivered that baby yet?" Tom walked, pushing me, for 30+ minutes. It was nice to be out of the room...and I loved being with my husband!

Later, Kim Phillips brought Dane back to us and we've spent the rest of the day together. We're slowly getting our family back together after one BUSY weekend! Tom will meet my mom tomorrow to get Crist and Ty. And then we're all here ready for Adalynn to join us! It seems like it has taken forever for us to get to this special day...

This is pretty much what Dane did all day! :)


One special gift Adalynn received this weekend was from Grandma, Tom's mom. She lovingly crocheted a blanket, two hats and booties for Adalynn. This has a special meaning to me because her mother, Grandma Larsen, always made a blanket for each grand baby and great-grand baby that entered the family. Each of the boys have one from her. As I was cleaning out the baby's room getting it ready for Adalynn, I found the one that she made for Ty. It made me kinda sad knowing that she wasn't going to meet this great-granddaughter and that Adalynn wasn't going to be blessed with a special blanket from her! So when I opened the gift from Betty (Grandma), I knew that the tradition lived on. What a blessing for Adalynn to have this handmade and memorable treasure!



Well, we are counting down the days! Three more days until we meet this amazing little miracle...

Prayer Requests: (thank you for interceding!)
...safe surgery/delivery
...wisdom for the doctors
...that Adalynn would be SO healthy and SO big that she wouldn't have to be in the NICU very long!
...quick healing for Momma
...no blood clots
...more great family reunion memories!
...peace beyond understanding

Like Mother Like Daughter and Daughter

It was another family reunion day! We had such a wonderful time just being together. I feel so sorry for all of them because they were stuck in a hospital room with me. But, boy, did we laugh and laugh! In fact, I learned that when I did laugh so hard, my water kept leaking... so I kept telling Mark to quit! Oh, it felt good to be all together again and just reminisce. I sure wish we all lived closer...

Dave, Mark and Dad working on Mark's fantasy baseball roster


Dad, Dave, me, Mark and Mom in a rare family photo.


These are two of my favorite ladies... and boy have they gone to the moon and back for our family during this whole Adalynn journey. I really don't know what I'd do without them!
(Aunt Pat and Mom)


Aunt Pat and Mom are the daughters of Adaline (my grandmother, and the one we are naming Adalynn after). I think that these two are more than just sisters...they are best friends! You won't find anyone more hospitable, self-less, loving, nurturing, servant-hearted and family-oriented. They are the best examples of a Mother and Aunt than you could ever have... I count myself VERY fortunate to have these two angels in my life!

During this whole "incubation period," Aunt Pat and Mom have been taxis, laundry fairies, cooks, personal shoppers, entertainment providers, swimming pool buddies, countless other things... and never once have they been without a smile. They are looking so forward to Adalynn being here--and I think it means so much to them to have this little girl named after their mother!

So... like Mother (Grandma Adaline) like daughter (Aunt Pat) and daughter (Mom)... and hopefully like great granddaughter (Adalynn) too! What an amazing legacy! Adalynn, I hope and pray you are just like your Memaw and Great Aunt!

"...her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29

Family Reunion

So I guess it takes me having a baby to get our whole family together! :)

Today was super fun in that I got to be with my brothers, mom and dad... first time in a long time. Mark, Miranda, Mom and Dad all drove down from NWA today (Miranda drove part of the way with her new driving permit!). Dave, Jennifer and Elliot came over from Memphis and we all "reunion-ed" here in the hospital room! Boy, it's good to see everyone!

I thought I would use this opportunity to introduce Adalynn to her uncles...

Mark is four years older than me and was always someone that I looked up to... he went to the Air Force Academy and now has been in the Air Force for more than 20 years. Mark is trying to decide whether to retire or stay in--he is a Lt. Colonel and would be up for Colonel. He and his wife, Cynthia, had five children together (Miranda, Kaila, Alec, Destin and Steth). Cynthia has since passed away--over five years ago--and Mark has remarried (Karen). They are currently stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Has it really been two years since I've seen them? Wow! That's just not right...

Mark has the best sense of humor... we always end of laughing when we are all together. And he is just a joyful person--seriously, you can't help but smile and have a good time when you around him. I have always loved when Mark and Tom are together, because they are so similar--right down to the quick humor and lots of laughs. Tonight, we were going through Steven Wright jokes. I think Mark knows them all... Too funny. Wonder what Adalynn thought of all that laughing! :) I hope it doesn't put me in labor!

David is three years older than me, is married to Jennifer and currently lives in Memphis. Their son, Elliot, was here with us today, or should I say "entertaining us today." I think Elliot was sad that Crist, Dane and Ty weren't here to play with! Dave is my St. Louis Cardinal buddy--I think David could quote every statistic of the Cards as well as the Memphis Redbirds. We definitely share a love for baseball--but I'm not near as good as he is at remembering all the details! It's fun to have that in common.

Some of the best memories I have of Dave is when we were living in Russellville... I was working at Wal-Mart, Tom was finishing school and coaching at Ark. Tech and Tom and Dave had a blast together. I remember MANY times coming home late from work to find Dave and Tom sitting in the living room just laughing (usually watching Looney Toons). They, too, have a very similar sense of humor. In fact, both of them can quote Monty Python movies almost verbatim... and when I saw one of those movies for the first time, it wasn't NEAR as funny as Dave and Tom. Those were good times... and Dave STILL makes the best chicken wings ever.

They all were only here a couple of hours tonight, but I do look forward to them coming back tomorrow! I have come to cherish our times together so much more... Since I've become a mom and have watched the interaction of my boys together and how they anticipate a little sister, I can see the importance and uniqueness of family. There is no other relationship like it, and I know that I, too often, take it for granted. Adalynn, I can't wait for you to meet your uncles and their families. I know you will love them just like I do!

Dave, Mark and I in a rare reunion!


Mark and Miranda... I told Mark I couldn't believe that he had an 18 year old daughter! I remember when she was born and I was in college. I'll never forget that feeling of being a first time aunt!


Elliot, Dave and Jennifer... so good to see them. I'm just so thankful they made the trip from Memphis to be here!

Picture Journal

What a fun and full day...

It started about 6am this morning when I kept waking up with pains... called my nurse and told her what they felt like. Wasn't sure if it was contractions or not. Again, it's been so long...I don't remember! They put me on a monitor and I was contracting every 3 to 4 minutes! So they gave me some more percocet (pain medicine) to see if that would slow things down... I told them I was most concerned about Tom not being here. I felt better and the contractions died down...

This weekend is quite possibly the busiest of the summer. Dane and the Redhawks have their state tournament in Paragould, Ty and the Dirtbags have their state tournament in Rogers, Crist has a basketball tournament in Fayetteville, Tom is at team camp (with all Heritage Basketball Players) in Tulsa at ORU, my brother and niece are in town from Germany AND it's Father's Day Weekend! I was telling my nurse last night about all of this and kinda joked that this is probably when we'll have the baby! And then I woke up with contractions! Yikes! It was either what I said, or the fact that the Hogs went 12 innings last night in a very dramatic and intense baseball game and won against Virginia. (I think it was the Hogs!)

But today was super fun with all the visitors I had today... thought I would record it in pictures!

The Barclay family stopped through to see me on their way to Nashville and then the beach... SO nice of them! I wouldn't think that a hospital would be a fun way to start their vacation. What a great family picture!! (John, Sherri, Lexie, Jackson, and Kate)


Dear friends, Michelle Gaffney and Lisa Hummel, had a girls' day...and they chose to come see me! Boy that means a lot... SO thankful for these ladies, SO thankful for the goodies they brought, and SO thankful for the love that just filled this room!!!

Then Sara and David Jensen stopped by on their way to the beach too! Boy it meant a lot to me that they went out of their way to come brighten my day! (I forgot to get a picture of them, though...bummer.)

Kim Phillips and Paige Sultemeier brought some of my favorite boys to see me on their way to the State Tournament in Paragould (they knew I needed my "fix"!). These guys get along so well...and it seems like they are always smiling! Made my day to have all of them around! Don't know if you can tell, but they were shoving and elbowing each other around during the taking of this picture. (Bradon Mabry, DaneO, Joseph Sultemeier)

And here are some pictures taken at Heritage Basketball Camp that was held this week: (these were all taken by Tom's phone)

Ty working on his shooting form


Ty in the defense denial position

Crist in a obstacle course

As Tom says, "Crist with his 'handles'." Whatever that means

Dane in the dribble obstacle course

Dane on defense... look at that intense face!

I love how a picture can paint a thousand words...and fill a picture journal (blog)!

Let's Review...

Timeline Review:

Feb. 18, 2009 - Life changing OB appointment. Doctor informed us that we were 16 weeks pregnant (and this was 13 months after a procedure that took out all endometrial lining in the uterus)

Feb. 21, 2009 - Holy Moment. God got a hold of my heart, gave me an attitude adjustment and informed me that it wasn't about me. :)

Mar. 2, 2009 - Specialist appt. in Little Rock. And in so many words, let us know this pregnancy was a miracle. He said, "There are some things that medicine can't explain!"

Mar. 4, 2009 - started Adalynn's blog/baby book. What a source of therapy!

~**~ 11 weeks go by~**~

May 19, 2009 - notice water was leaking

May 20, 2009 - ambulance trip to Little Rock, UAMS hospital to remain until baby is born

~**~ 4 weeks go by ~**~

June 16, 2009 - find out Adalynn's birthday will be June 24th

What a ride! Soooo... we've known for 17 weeks we were expecting Adalynn. Wow, that's the fastest pregnancy I've ever had! And four of those weeks were sitting here in the hospital just being an incubator!! (It just occurred to me... all my deliveries were planned. The three boys were overdue and induced and now we have a planned C-section. Interesting.)

Well, we are on the last lap of this race... but I feel like it's kinda like those last 20 minutes of a road trip... you're antsy, a little claustrophobic and anxious for the trip to be over (with occasional road rage :)) . I guess I'm starting to feel all those feelings. But excitement is just around the corner too!

...if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24)

Thank you all for all the prayers in and through this whole journey. Truly, there was/is such great peace...and I know where that comes from. The Olsen family cannot tell you how grateful and humbled we are by all of you... really. Words just don't do it justice.

A Date's Been Set!

I can't believe that we know when Adalynn's birthday will be...that is, if she doesn't decide to come between now and then!

The doctor stopped by this afternoon and I asked him if he had an idea which day next week the C-section would be scheduled. He said rule of thumb is that they would take her right when I turn 34 weeks (which is next Wednesday), but they were flexible based on when family could get here, etc. I asked him if it was possible to have her on that day, June 24th, because my brother (Mark) and niece (Miranda) are in town from Germany. Mark is scheduled to leave the next day--this would ensure that he would be here for her birth! The doctor agreed... Sooooo.... Adalynn's birthday will be June 24th, 2009!

We don't know any more details than that, but it sounded as if there will be a slew of doctors in the operating room. They will be monitoring the baby, the surgery and my blood clotting issues, looking to see how much the placenta has grown into the uterus as well as tying tubes. (I feel well taken care of!) He obviously advised against us having any more children with my health concerns--a great threat to the baby as well as to me. (Remember that I signed a waiver when we had the procedure saying we were okay with the fact we wouldn't have any more children) With that said, this whole pregnancy has put an exclamation point on that fact that Adalynn Mirakel is a downright, awe-inspiring, God-purposed MIRACLE! Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.

I also asked the doctor how long Adalynn would possibly be in the NICU. He said that normally they stay at least until she would have been 36 to 37 weeks (so another 2 to 3 weeks). But he did say that if she is doing well here, they would possibly transfer her up to the NICU in Fayetteville for the rest of her stay!!! That is HUGE!! It's not quite "home", but yet it would feel like home--if you know what I mean.

This actually puts us in view of the finish line and I'm starting to get my second wind! I will say that little fears are starting to creep in... I worry about Adalynn being in the womb so long after the water has broken, I've never had a C-section before and there is obvious concern with blood clots (especially because of my Protein S Deficiency) whenever you have surgery. So I have to remember to physically lay this at His feet...I'm trying not to play tug-of-war. Again, God is in this completely--He has carried Adalynn and I both SO far and so faithfully! I know we are in His Mighty Hands! But I think sitting here by myself amidst my thoughts, it's easy to let those doubts wander in...

Prayer Requests: (Thank you ahead of time for interceding for us!)
...overwhelming and complete peace
...Adalynn's growth and safety overall
...successful surgery and wisdom for the doctors
...Tom's endurance
...safe travels for all family
...for God to chase away all those doubts and fears!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Lifters of My Head...

Day 26, I believe, in LR. It's hard to recollect the journey so far. I don't necessarily fight boredom, but I will say that loneliness can creep in... But that's when something amazing happens--when I receive "lifter of my head" moments.

"But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head." Psalm 3:3

Here are a bunch of those moments from today:

~ A card from "my Kathy" today saying this: The wise and gentle Shepherd greets your day with His goodness and mercy, guarding faithfully in sunshine or rain, on mountain or in valley, He not only walks with you, He stays with you...all the days of your life. LOVE this!

~ And another card from Kathryn & John McLelland that was so intentional--I believe it was handmade! She quoted Phil. 3:12-14 encouraging us to press on toward the prize... and as usual, her words brought so much joy, love and hope!

~ An absolutely exquisite book sent by good friend, Kate Fisk. It has amazing floral pictures and scriptures. It makes me think of her--she's known for her green thumb and the exotic flowers that come from her garden! (She's even had a wedding there!)

~ A friend, we met a long time ago when our children were in pre-school together, stopped by today. Andrea Burris came with her son, Kye, just to check in. So intentional, thank you sweet friend.

~ Two more postcards from Dan Morrissey covered with encouragement and scriptures. He reminded me to hold onto My Rock and Refuge and I'll never be shaken. Dan, you are so faithful!

~ Jennifer Mitchael pointing me to Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." So timely and needed...and right where we are at this moment! Thank you Jen!

~ Another card from friends and prayer warriors, Patsy & Lewis Clark that said the the Lord "blesses with peace and holds us in His arms as we are held in prayer." Such a great word picture!

~ Word from home that we had a Laundry Fairy miraculously have all the clothes washed and folded... unreal. I have ALWAYS dreamed of having a laundry fairy... really! I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude.

~ This picture album below from Starla Turner. This actually came over the weekend... I just love it! Great scripture and a perfect brag book for our Mirakel--and she is certainly a gift!!


~ This aromatherapy in my hospital room. I received this awhile ago from good friend, Marque Babyar. I can't tell you how many comments I get about how GOOD my room smells! This really does "lift my head" in so many ways... and apparently every one else that enters this room! This is just wonderful, Marque!


These moments are what carry our family through this journey. Thank you dear ones. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate you shouldering this "burden" with us! We truly are witness to the Body of Christ!

Winter vs. Spring

As we are getting ready to watch Adalynn begin her life in this world, I've been thinking a lot about my grandmother whose journey is slowing down rapidly. So I wanted to spend this time introducing Adalynn to a great-grandmother she will never know...

My grandmother (now 79) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's several years ago and we have watched this disease truly consume her life. Grandma is my dad's mom... well not his biological mother, but the only mother he has ever known. His real mother died when he was just 6 years old. He doesn't remember anything before that time. I really didn't get to know her and my grandfather until we moved to Arkansas when I was 15. It was at that time that a relationship began... they lived in Bella Vista and we saw them frequently.

Grandma married my grandfather when she was just 17 and he was 28. So she really wasn't that much older than my dad. She was a socialite of her time, very outgoing, classy, motivated and had a passion like none other... Since she's been diagnosed with this disease, we have watched all those qualities slowly fade (except the passion--she's quite something in those nursing homes). I have come to realize that this disease is just plain cruel. It gradually creeps in and just eats away at who you are... you begin to lose decades of memories in your life and just live in the past. Grandma is certainly not the one that I came to know as a teenager, she is a child in an adult's body with a memory of less than 30 seconds. It's just sad.

But throughout this whole journey, struggle and grieving, I have watched my parents stay by her side with such fierce loyalty. Grandma experiences a whole slew of emotions, and Mom and Dad are usually the recipients of the frustrations and outright anger. But they are the ultimate troopers... I can honestly say that they have lived out the verse, "Honor your father and your mother just as the Lord your God commanded you to." (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16) What an example to all of us, really. Mom and Dad could have given up a long time ago...

So as we watch Grandma fade into the winter season, we see Adalynn starting to bloom into a beautiful "spring." I'm sad that these two ladies won't get to know each other... but I hold onto this:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot ... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." (Ecc. 3:1 - 2, 4)

Okay... kind of a melancholy post today, but I felt led to put this into Adalynn's baby blog-book. I believe it's important that she knows her heritage. Thanks for letting me rattle on once again!

The picture below is from today as we finally had some time together as a whole family! Haven't seen DaneO in two weeks practically! It felt good to be all together... we really didn't do much, but my absolute favorite time was when we were all getting Dane to share his dimples with us. :) Tom was pushing that "dimple button." Dane could never hold in a smile...