Olsen Crew News

A Load of "Firsts"

2009-10-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I will say that we have had super fun at Adalynn's expense... I think we were cooped up so long in Little Rock, and the fact that we didn't get a real vacation this past summer, we decided to make up for lost time!

So the adventures began... we decided to treat Adalynn like "Flat Stanley". Quick synopsis: (from Wikipedia)

"The Flat Stanley Project started in 1995 by a teacher in Canada. It was meant to facilitate letter-writing by schoolchildren to each other as they document what Flat Stanley has done with them. The Flat Stanley Project provides an opportunity for students to make connections with students of other member schools who've signed up with the project. Students begin by reading the book and becoming acquainted with the story. Then they make paper 'Flat Stanleys' (or pictures of the Stanley Lambchop character) and keep a journal for a few days, documenting the places and activities in which Flat Stanley is involved. The Flat Stanley and the journal are mailed to other people who are asked to treat the figure as a visiting guest and add to his journal, then return them both after a period of time."

We have had many Flat Stanley moments at the expense of Adalynn... But it has come to be an adventure with our family. I'm not sure if Adalynn will love these moments someday, or just want to strangle her momma!

Here is Adalynn on some of her Firsts (and Flat Stanley moments):

Adalynn's first basketball game, and it's her big brother's!

Adalynn's first Heritage basketball game!

Adalynn's first time bowling!

Adalynn's first Cherry Limeade from Sonic!

Adalynn's first time at a ballpark!

Adalynn at a Natural's game!

Adalynn's first time at Aunt Cindy's pool!

Adalynn's trip to the St. Louis Zoo!

Adalynn's first time ordering from a menu... (at Old Chicago's)

Adalynn's first time texting...

Adalynn's first Packer game!

Adalynn's first Redhawk game!

Adalynn's first Razorback Game Day!

Adalynn's watching her first Hog football game!

Adalynn's first time at Swim Ranch!

Adalynn's first family walk!

Adalynn's first time at Tucker School (where Ty goes)

Adalynn's first Packer Party!

Adalynn's first Chick-fil-a!

Adalynn's first prayer

Adalynn's first visit with her great grandma!

Adalynn's first day of school!

A Memorable Day

2009-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

This past Friday was a special day in several ways... It was my grandmother's 80th birthday and it was Adalynn's first time to meet her great grandma!

I think I would describe it as a "bittersweet" time visiting Grandma. She was in great spirits, absolutely LOVED seeing Adalynn, but she didn't know who we (Addy and I) were. I think she recognized Mom and Dad (her son), but I'm not positive. She certainly seemed glad to see us, though. Lots of smiles and lots of attention toward Adalynn. There was a time when Grandma and Adalynn were deep in conversation. Adalynn was just squealing and Grandma was completely entertained saying, "Is that right?" "Oh yes!" and "Is that so?" Grandma seemed very happy and content.

During the visit, there were moments of laughter when Grandma's sense of humor emerged. And there was great joy watching her play the piano. I completely believe that she has a musical gift, because she was able to play many songs when Dad prompted her (without watching her hands) and yet she wouldn't have remembered them if she ever "learned" them. I don't think she ever had piano lessons. And then she sang to us with her memorably smooth, alto voice... It was very sweet to walk back in time like that and reminisce about how we used to sit around her piano and sing. She would always ask me to come and play with her, and we'd sing... but most of all, we just admired how talented and naturally gifted she was at the piano. Grandma has many gifts like that...

Another sweet time was when Mom and Dad gave her a birthday present of a baby doll. At this stage of Alzheimers, we think that Grandma is reverting back to when she was a child. That or her nurturing instinct is strong and she has a desire to care for this baby. She absolutely loved it! She sat there and admired both Adalynn and her new doll--and she thought her doll was real. It was a very tender time watching her talk to, kiss and hug her new baby. When Adalynn got a little fussy, she told her doll, "Don't listen to her" and she smiled.

I don't think I'll ever forget that day... sweet memories. Adalynn may never really "know" her great grandma, but she did get to meet her, she heard her sing, play the piano and Grandma got to hold her. Very, very sweet...

Adalynn and her great grandma having a talk...

Grandma and her new "baby"

4 generations

PRAISE!

2009-09-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Adalynn doesn't have hip dysplasia!!!

Thank you to all the prayer warriors out there... He totally answered this prayer! The doctor that was doing the ultrasound went through the whole procedure like last time. And then he kind of mumbled, "Looks good. What I saw last time isn't there." And then he and the nurse left.

Just like that. A few words, a few seconds...and an answered prayer! Wahoo! Once again, Adalynn keeps defying the odds. I'm guessing that Someone has a hand in that. :)

The procedure wasn't as bad as I was anticipating... you know how you work yourself up into a whirlwind of worry, and then it turns out to be not-so-bad? Adalynn did cry when he was pressing on her (trying to pop her hip out), but she was a trooper through it all and we had a bottle waiting for her when she was all done. (Mom came with me for moral support...thanks Memaw!!)

Whew... another hurdle cleared. Thank you again for all the support and encouragement. I truly believe that this Mirakel little girl is the toughest member in our family already!

Blessings, Karen

Adalynn gazing into her big brother's (BubbaC) eyes. Isn't this adorable?! I have a feeling that this is not the last time Adalynn will look up to her brother!

Ughs! and Hips!

2009-09-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

UGH!

That's the word that perfectly describes the feelings I've been experiencing lately...

~ I have major guilt about not being on the blog more... ugh! (it's funny how I had so much time to do this in Little Rock but little-to-none now!)

~ I can't seem to maintain balance in our new life... our old life PLUS a newborn... ugh!

~ I seem to be on a roller coaster of emotions--highs and lows--so much so that I feel as though my stomach is constantly flipping and there is a continuous blur on either side of me... ugh!

~ I've learned that everything is magnified through the lens of sleep deprivation... ugh!

~ Our life seems to be a state of "fast-forward" again. I want to slow down, push 'pause' and enjoy every moment!... ugh!

Adalynn is doing SUPER over all, but we have an ultrasound on Thursday to determine if she has hip dysplasia... This one is a SUPER "UGH!" because I found out that they are trying to pop her hip out of the socket during the ultrasound itself to see if there is a concern for her hip development... OUCH!, UGH! and I HATE SEEING MY LITTLE GIRL HURT!!!

The doctors said that it's fairly normal for breech babies to be checked for hip dysplasia because of their positioning in-vitro. And because Adalynn was without water for 5 weeks, it was even harder for her hip to develop without the fluidity. She already had one ultrasound at 6 weeks, and then they told me we needed to come back when she was 3 months to check it again. If they do find that there is a problem, she would need to see an orthopedic doctor. The doctor said it is better to have her hip corrected at this age than to wait until she's older. So we have peace in that if Adalynn needs a hip brace, she will be just fine... but I guess my mind keeps going to the fact that this is our miracle baby, this little girl had all the odds against her from the very beginning and she has passed every test up to this point with flying colors!

While pondering all of this, my mind went to the story in Genesis (chapter 32) about Jacob--when he wrestled with the angel. They wrestled all night and when the angel saw that when "he could not overcome Jacob, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched". Basically, Jacob kept battling and battling that the angel finally had to do something to get him to stop! And at daybreak, the angel said "let me go." Jacob wouldn't until the angel blessed him...

So I'm thinking that Adalynn was in a (9 month) wrestling match, that her hip was "touched", she overcame and was blessed! Again, she has battled everything that was against her--odds that she shouldn't have been conceived, odds that she wouldn't make it through the pregnancy and would miscarry, odds that she wouldn't be born without any problems, odds that she would be in NICU much longer than she actually was, odds that she wouldn't develop properly because she was a "preemie"... so I guess her battle scar is on her hip?! Oh, and she has a little angel kiss in between her eyebrows. I touch it all the time thinking that I'm kissing her along with an angel!

And then I think of all the prayer warriors that were out there "battling" for Adalynn and myself as well... We had so many people shooting up prayer-arrows for us that there is no doubt she'd (we'd) be victorious is this battle! Thank you O Mighty Warriors!

So I guess if Adalynn does indeed have hip dysplasia, it speaks more of what she has battled than what she will go through. This battle and its scar was meant to bring her a blessing... and yet, I think I'm the one most blessed of all. This little girl has brought so much to our lives through the joys and continued AHA moments. It seems as though God had a message to send the world through this Mirakel... hmmmm.

Through all of this... through the highs and lows... through the question mark on Adalynn's hip... I have learned that in every "ugh"--there's God. And in every battle, there's purpose...and a blessing. And like what was said just recently in our Draw Near study... "don't waste your pain"!

So Lord, we give Adalynn's hip to you... we know that you are in this and your will is perfect. I pray for little to no pain for her during her ultrasound... I pray for healing of her hip! But I know You can overcome anything that would "touch" her life. Thank you, Lord, for the battles (the "ughs"), thank you for the reminders of your love and blessings during our wrestling matches. Thank you for our Mirakel that has spoken your wisdom to me in so many ways already... I'm truly grateful.
...and Adalynn says, "Amen"!

Smiles

2009-09-05T12:06:00.001-07:00

Where do smiles come from?

Adalynn at 2 1/2 months

I mean, really... we didn't push up the corners of Adalynn's mouth, poke in her dimple, pull down her bottom lip and say, "that's how you smile, Adalynn!" We didn't teach her how to get her eyes to light up and write joy all over her face...

So how does one learn how to smile?

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

Joy must be placed in our hearts by God while we are being formed in our mother's womb--which makes sense because God, himself, is love and joy. And how much pride He must feel when all that joy, which is much deeper than mere happiness, overflows and just bubbles out of us...whether in laughter, happiness or in a smile. A smile must be a RESULT or REACTION of what you feel inside, as is laughter and happiness. And I believe that God continually puts joy in our hearts... our hearts are cups that overflow with His goodness and JOY!

Adalynn is 2 1/2 months now and it has been our family's MISSION to draw out her smiles. I forgot how fun that was...and how much joy a baby's smile can bring! It's what brings our house to a complete stop, it's what makes the boys bounce up the stairs to catch a glimpse, it's what we are all about right now. Adalynn's smile just fills up our hearts to the point of explosion! When you can get her eyes to focus on your eyes, when there is a look of true recognition on her face and then a smile just pops out along with her little chin... oh, that is a true HOLY MOMENT! And the fact that she has a crooked little grin with huge dimples... that's icing on the cake!

So as I was playing with Addy and letting her gift us with her grins and squeals... I was truly thinking about how that little crooked, dimpled smile came about. Where that joy truly comes from... What a true gift. What a blessing that we are created with such emotions and a smile is a way that we can let His joy leak out to the world.

Thank you, Lord, for this gift of Adalynn that has reminded us about the joy that You have placed in our hearts in so many ways. Thank you for her smile, squeals and the look of love in her eyes. Thank you for our Mirakel that came directly from You! Our cup overflows... :)

Love at First Sight...

2009-09-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Do you believe at love at first sight?

Adalynn on Aug. 12, 2009 (1 1/2 months old)

You know, I have never really given this much thought until lately... I was marveling at the fact that it wasn't just six months ago that we didn't even know we were pregnant and now we have a two month old! Tom and I talk frequently about this...

How is it that we didn't even know she existed such a short time ago and we are SOOO in love with her?

How is it that we think she is the most beautiful little girl in the whole, wide world and we never even thought we would have a daughter "grace" our boy-infested home until our boys were married!

How is it that a heart can get SOOO full when just looking at a sweet little baby while they are sleeping, or kicking, or pooping, or bathing, or smiling...?

How is it that the world just stops when you hear the sound of a baby's voice?

Unreal. This is all just unreal. Yes, I most definitely believe in "love at first sight."

Adalynn has been swept into our crazy lives with such excitement and love. She truly has taken over everything--our time, our house, our hearts! I forgot how much a newborn needs in terms of equipment! We are inundated with car seats, high chairs, bouncy seats and rockers, swings, blankets, playards, tummy mats, bottles, bottles and bottles! Oh, and I TOTALLY forgot how many diapers you go through a day! (Did I mention that the cost of diapers have gone up dramatically in ten years?) But all the poopy diapers, horrible diaper rash, spit-up on blankets, uncomfortable pumping experiences and endless bottle washings are a distant memory when I take a look into the baby blue eyes of this little girl. And did I mention she has a crooked dimpled grin? I LOVE it!!!

I don't think I knew that I had more room in my heart to love someone this much... and the pride I feel when I see her daddy and "bubbas" love on and play with her too. I think it was love at first sight for them too!

To think that from the very first moment in time, God knew about Adalynn and loved her then... to think about the pride He had when creating her in my womb... to think about He purposely picked our little family, our little hearts, our little home to welcome this baby girl... to think about the joy He must feel! It's incomprehensible to me (and very overwhelming).

Thank you, Lord, for your gifts, your blessings... thank you for thinking to place Adalynn in our lives. In spite of us, help her become a godly girl-young lady-woman that purposes to serve you!

Of the Light

2009-08-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was thinking about the fact that newborn babies seem to get their nights and days confused... They "sleep like a baby" all during the day, but then seem so anxious to wake up the household in the middle of the night!

We went on an overnight trip to St. Louis to have our lone vacation (well, aside from our time in Little Rock, but I don't consider that much of a vacation!) at the end of July. Tom had the idea of catching a Cardinal game and take in the zoo, or something like that. It was a lot of fun... I grew up going to Cards games and I think I would hit every game if we lived closer. The night after the game, Adalynn stayed up quite a bit. She was so bright-eyed--not fussy--but certainly not sleepy. We stayed up awhile with her and then Tom told me to go to sleep, he would try to feed her and see if he could get her settled. All the while, we were keeping the room dark and trying to be quiet so we didn't bother the boys. He ended up taking her over near the bathroom, flipped on the light and began to give her a bottle. She immediately relaxed and went limp...falling fast asleep. Tom came to the conclusion that she's much more comfortable, and sleeps better, when it's light! The hotel room was probably the darkest room she'd ever been in since she was born...

It all suddenly made sense! She spent the first days of her life in the bright hospital, then under the billy lights because of the jaundice and we keep a lamp on in her room through the night... of course she'd be more comfortable in the light! And I personally believe she came from being in the presence of the Lord where it (I would imagine) is SUPER DUPER bright and beautiful. She's our miracle of God--He hand delivered her to us!

And on that note, I have a friend that told me once that she feels that babies come to earth just filled with secrets of heaven. But they can't speak and tell us these treasures... and by the time they are able to talk their mind, they've forgotten. We spend the rest of our lives just searching to know all the mysteries of God... if only we could read the minds of babies! So to me, it gives more meaning to the little giggles, dimpled smiles, and whimpers Adalynn makes while she's sleeping. I think she's dreaming about God Himself... I think she's remembering Him in all His splendor and I just know that He's whispering loving things to her. Oh... if only we could have those ears to hear... No wonder Jesus said, "let the little children come to me." It's a reunion for them!

So back to my original thought--babies get their nights and days confused because they are more comfortable and relaxed when it's daytime. We were born to be in the light! All the more reason to pray for Adalynn to continue to be a light in this dark world!

[Here are some more pictures from the week Adalynn came home from the hospital]

Adalynn bundled up and sleeping in her crib, in the daylight of course.

One of my favorite pictures... Grandpa holding Adalynn and proud big brother, Dane, looking on...

The doting "Bubbas"

Adalynn finally with her eyes open!

"Sleeping like a baby"

... on the eve of returning to work after this long/short but wonderful journey to meet Adalynn... (I truly can't believe it's been 8 weeks!) I'm remembering how hard it is to be a working mom. My heart is certainly divided. I love my "work" at Fellowship, love my church family and love my ministry there... But my mom-longings are strong. I forgot how much a baby can steal every portion of your heart. I just ache to think I could miss a smile, a cuddle or any milestone. Adalynn has just rocked my world.

I'm just SO thankful that she will be lovingly cared for by her memaw and grandma while I'm at work. Adalynn is so fortunate to have such wonderful women and amazing legacies in her life. What a blessing that she gets this window of time with them! I know there is purpose in that...

Back in Blog!

2009-08-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it really been that long since I've updated this blog! But it feels like yesterday we took our new bundle of joy home from Little Rock ... Okay, where do I start?

Our homecoming with our new baby girl has been a whirlwind of fun, emotion, busyness and adjustment. Adalynn is a wonder. I spend a lot of my time just staring at her pondering what in the world has happened to our "normal" life! :) And I wonder what in the world the Lord wants to do with this little miracle.

Adalynn has blessed our socks off... she has this entire house wrapped around her tiny little fingers. Her brothers and dad are so in love with her they can't see straight! I will forever have this moment etched in my memory...

Adalynn doesn't cry very much at all. She probably doesn't have time to because she has five people flocking to her every need! :) But one of the first times we actually heard Adalynn cry was when we were on our way home from St. Louis. We had just stopped at a rest stop to feed her, have a picnic lunch lovingly packed by Memaw and let the boys run off some steam... After we got in the car, Adalynn started to voice her discomfort/displeasure. I looked back and Ty had the biggest crocodile tears I ever saw! His face was a picture of true fear and sadness... he absolutely HATES to hear his baby sister cry! We had a great teaching moment of "...this is how she's communicating to us... we just need to figure out how we can help her, etc...", but Ty was miserable. So we put together a bottle and let him feed her. It wasn't too long and he was smiling again and the fear was gone. What a blessing that Adalynn has this much love and concern that surrounds her... what's going to happen when she goes out on her first date! (ha!)

I'll try to start catching up with the next several blogs... we have had some wonderful adventures. Adalynn is a "Flat Stanley" of sorts showing up at all kinds of fun places. I will say that the time cooped up in LR stirred up a need to get out and about and see the world--to enjoy things like never before. And it's been a fun time learning how to be a family of 6!

Some pictures of our sweet Mirakel...

Crist snapped this picture and posted to facebook. Adalynn's getting started on her own blog at an early age!

I love this picture. We posted this to facebook with the caption, "Adalynn's got a question!" I think this image perfectly portrays the phrase, "Sleep like a baby."

Adalynn requesting a serenade from her daddy... who's got who wrapped around whose finger?

Adalynn in her first baby swing! This swing was given to us by my mom's Bible Study group. What a sweet group of ladies and what a blessing! Thank you dear ones!

Another picture taken by Crist... LOVE this! And I think this is the first of MANY trips to Chick-fil-A by this little chickie!

More pictures to come... and more about our baby girl. Oh, it feels good to be back!

Homecoming!

2009-07-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hello from Northwest Arkansas!!!

Never, ever did I think it would feel so good to get back home... and what a homecoming it was! We had family waiting, a new nursery (!!) and our family of six was together, at home, for the first time since Adalynn was born. Wow, did it feel good.. Here's a journal of pictures:

Adalynn in her coming home outfit... fits her, fits this Mirakel of life!

Adalynn in the car on the way home! (3 hour drive)

Addy and her "bubbas"... first family picture!

Can I just say that I have the best friends ever?! This nursery was waiting on Adalynn when we came home from Little Rock. Extreme Nursery Makeover at its best! We/I was overwhelmed with this gesture... with this true example of servant-LOVE! Adalynn has the best digs in the house, that's for sure!

Valance and bedding all handmade! (by Sue Prude!)

Daddy and his "Chickie Monkey" or "Pumpkin" or "Munchkin"!

Adalynn in her brand new hat made lovingly by her Grandma Betty... Heritage Orange!

Addy and her Grandma

More pictures and thoughts to come... waiting anxiously on wireless to update more often. Thank you family and friends for welcoming this baby girl into your life as well as ours! We are overwhelmingly grateful and thankful for each and every thought and prayer!

Love to you... Karen

We're HOME!!!

2009-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Olsens, family of 6, are together and home!!!

While they're working on getting wireless access at their house, Karen asked me to post this sweet picture of their miracle girl and covey to you all a few words. Karen says, "We are working on our new "normal". We're just so thankful for everyone and all the prayers." She is looking forward to posting pictures of their homecoming and Adalynn's nursery!

Welcome home, Karen & Adalynn, and Congratulations on your

family of 6 being together again!!!

Emotional Roller Coaster Highs and Lows

2009-07-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we thought today was the day... unfortunately the doctors did another billirubin test and it revealed that Adalynn's count had gone up to 13.3. That's the highest it's been since we've been here! Needless to say, they had to put her back under the lights. That was super hard news to take today.

We woke up this morning with such anticipation. We had everything packed, Adalynn had passed her car seat test... we thought for sure that today was our last day at UAMS. And believe me, the nurses and doctors were hoping to send us home (can't you just imagine how tired they are of us!?). We had a meeting of the minds this afternoon trying to lay out all the options of getting her home, etc. The best case scenario is to keep her under the lights, lower her billy count and then we'd be released tomorrow. We MIGHT have been able to go home tonight, but we would have been out really late and we would have had to arrange for a Home Therapy Treatment to be set up for us upon our arrival. Tomorrow we could have such a good report from Adalynn's count that there might not even be a need for therapy treatment upon arrival home. But regardless, we will have to get Adalynn some follow up checks to make sure that her counts don't creep back up again.

When the doctor mentioned how dangerous it was for an infant, especially a premature baby, to have jaundice. He said that there could be brain damage. Of course, that got our attention. As much as we NEED to be home, we NEED to take care of this little girl too. I will say that I had such an emotional low, I spent my time just crying in the middle of Jason's Deli (normally one of my favs). I think how Adalynn could be in such a critical condition, but she's not... We really don't have much to worry about. But I had just talked with Dane and he was asking in his sweet, trying-not-to-be-emotional-voice when Adalynn was coming home. That just broke my heart. And Crist called earlier and asked if we could possibly pick him up from Swim Ranch on our way through--he's working there this week. We all are just ACHING to be back together as a family. It's been 6 weeks today since I rode down here in an ambulance. I think this has been the longest, most heart breaking, emotional and physically strapping trips I have ever been on... Ready for this emotional roller coaster to come back into it's starting gate.

Tom and I got a final chance to have a dinner out tonight (Italian Chicken Nachos and Tiramasu at Johnny Carinno's--oh yeah!). We spent the time just reflecting on this whole "ride." As hard as it was, we have learned SO much. It's like the analogy that Max Lucado talked about us being "On the Anvil." We are always on the anvil getting hit and shaped into a tool that can be used only by the Lord Himself. It hurts, but it's all for His good! This journey has had lots of highs and lows... but in our heart of hearts, we know that we are changed. That we have a new and different perspective on parenting that could only come from this--watching Adalynn come into this world. She changed us... God through Adalynn changed us forever.

And when I reflect on the very beginning, I remember God was completely directing my heart to our home... My "ministry" in these next years were to have a focus on our home--our children and the atmosphere within. He wasn't directing me to another ministry focus, he was preparing for my heart and home to make room for another child, another Olsen!

More that we have taken from our LR excursion:
... the Lord through Adalynn gave some precious time to Tom and I. Time for me to physically heal with him by my side every step of the way. I cannot tell you how much I love my husband, but the gratitude for this best friend will forever be altered by our time together here.
...that our whole family just yearns to be together again as a unit. We need each other...we function better together. We, I pray, never ever take that time for granted that we have together.
...that God places people in your lives for a reason. The nurses and staff here at UAMS have been god-sent-amazing. Yes, there is still good in this world! These people are truly angels among us.
...that grandparents are huge blessings... that they shoulder more of a family's burden than anyone will ever know. Grandparents are tangible expressions of God's holy hand in our children's (and our) lives.
...that God still does miracles today. (Luke 1:37) That if we would get outside our finite minds, we would see how active and strong He is in this fallen world. The Lord is faithful to complete his work within each and every one of us! He has not left us and will NEVER forsake us.
...that roller coaster rides are still exciting, full of highs and lows, but it's always nice to get through with the ride and get back to the starting point. (...just to get off and get on another one!)

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

More pictures from yesterday and today. This was Adalynn when she was out of her isolette and in her crib. Aren't you just curious what is going thru her mind as she gazes up at her daddy? This should be a "crazy caption contest" picture!

More of Adalynn in her crib. This is when "sleep like a baby" is an accurate saying.

We took this today after finding out we were here for one more night. Adalynn is holding a bat that the Morgans brought from their trip to a Baltimore Oriole game. We think this photo should be titled, "Adalynn getting ready to bust this joint!"

One More Day?

2009-06-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-06-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T18:55:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

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...

In Another World

2009-06-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking about the movie, Good Morning Vietnam... there's a scene in the movie where Robin Williams is talking with a higher ranking soldier (who's known for his lack of sense of humor and is not extremely well-liked). Robin, as Adrian Cronauer, says this: (and you can picture Robin just rattling this off)

[Lt. Steven Hauk uses army jargon to refer to a press conference to be given by former Vice President Nixon]
Adrian Cronauer: "Excuse me sir, seeing that the V.P. is such a V.I.P, shouldn't we keep the P.C. on the Q.T.? 'Cause if it leaks to the V.C he could end up M.I.A., and then we'd all be put on K.P."
here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UqqjEeWP9Y

I have always loved that scene... it left the other guy speechless and everyone else laughing.

Well, I kinda feel like I've been living in the acronym world... many times nurse and doctors will refer to something with initials and I'm extremely puzzled. So I jotted a few down (these are just a few):

UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (that one wasn't hard)
NST - Non-Stress Test (the monitor they hook up 2x a week for about 30 minutes to track Adalynn's heartbeat and to see if I'm contracting)
COWs - Computer on Wheels (the nurse told me they had to be careful how they said this one! :))
LOF - Leakage of Fluid
VB - Vaginal Bleeding
HA - Headache (now that's funny...and not usually a laughing matter)
CONTX - Contractions
Q - Every (like Qday is everyday)
SCD - Sequential Compression Devices (the leg wraps that chase blood clots away)
PROM - Pre-mature Rupture of Membranes (this is when the water breaks)

I was very confused on this last one... they talked several days about my PROM. I kept thinking they were talking about some local kids going to a dance! I finally asked someone... :) I've come to realize that the medical world is an amazing place... so much so that they create their own language! I suppose that it would take forever to write reports or talk to each other if they didn't have intials for everything. Now, if I just had an interpreter!

Today was a pretty low key day, medically. They did do another NST (see above) and Adalynn tracked great! Her heartrate stays in the low 140's. She still gets the hiccups occasionally and likes to dance in my belly after I drink apple juice. Some doctors came in and reported that I'm on my 25th day. That hit me like a ton of bricks. Has it really been that long? Unreal.

I do get a lot of questions asking if I'm "bored" or "stir crazy." Which, remarkably, I can honestly answer "no"! I try so hard to keep my mind pre-occupied--computer stuff, reading, baseball on TV or computer, quick trips outside, thank you cards, lots of phone calls, emails, texts and facebook stuff. It doesn't sound like much, but it really does fill the day! Reflecting on this... I think if I was in the hospital for just me, I would probably would go nuts. But knowing that this is for the good of our little girl... it's all worth it. I can sit on my rear end and behave for that "precious prize"! I have the rest of my life to go back to my Martha tendencies... but I DO think the Lord did this to show me how to be a Mary. ("I am the Lord's servant," Mary said, "may it be as you said." Luke 1:38)

A big event today... the Hog baseball team won their first game against Cal-State Fullerton in the College World Series! Mom and I had a lot of fun to watching that--knowing that my dad as well as Cindy & Steve Morgan were there. And I remembered something... the last time the Hogs were in the World Series, was when I was in the hospital for a P.E. (more acronyms) or pulmonary embolism/blood clot in 2004. I remember distinctly asking the nurse if she could bring my sleeping pill in another couple of hours because I needed to see the end of the game! Hmmmm... don't think I'd like to be hospitalized again, but would sure love to see the Hogs victorious!

SLFN (So Long For Now), TTFN (Ta Ta For Now), LYD (Love You Dearly), UT (Until Tomorrow) and WPS (WOO PIG SOOIE!)

K.L.O. and A.M.O.

The big and little joys...

2009-06-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

While sitting here incubating in Little Rock, "being still and knowing he's God," AND trying to keep my mind occupied at all times... I have come to appreciate a bunch of little (and not so little joys). Some examples:

I have come to appreciate...
... the first sip of coffee in the morning
... watching baseball on the computer (Hogs and Cardinals)
... Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies
... hugs from my four boys
... "snail mail" love
... holding my husband's hand
... check up texts/emails/facebook posts from friends and family
... fun gifts and treats to brighten the day
... aromatherapy within a hospital room
... Redhawk/Dirtbag baseball and Crist's basketball updates via text
... the fact that my family is being WELL fed at home (thank you so much Apples & Community Group!)
... mysterious house cleaners
... my Aunt Pat--her gift of hospitality and being a great laundry fairy
... scriptures that truly are the living Word and just come alive!
... my mom and dad
... my mother and father-in-law
... calls from Germany
... feeling Adalynn do her dances in my belly
... feeling Adalynn's hiccups
... great check-ups
... the fact that we will meet Adalynn within 2 weeks!

These are just a selection... you really have time to think and learn to appreciate all those things that were once taken for granted. I pray this time changes me forever. I have certainly learned a lot.

On another note, Mom, Crist and Ty are here in Little Rock this weekend (YEAH!). They drove down in a HUGE storm all the way from NWA--like the bright red kind on weather.com. Mom said it was certainly "white knuckle" driving! Dane and Tom are in Branson at a Redhawk baseball tournament. Their first game was at 12noon and they won! Following the game, they had a lot of time to relax. (Next game is tomorrow at 8am) So they went fishing with the Heffley family on Table Rock Lake. It just pleases me to no end to know that Tom got this time of relaxation. He has been so burdened for the last 3+ weeks. What a blessing that Kyle invited him to do one of Tom's all time favorite things... I just got a text around 8pm and they were still out on the lake! A vacation of sorts... and it's a good thing, because all the Olsen summer vacations were called off on account of Adalynn!

Here's Dane with a 2 1/2 lb hybrid bass he caught today. Look at the dimples on Dane's face. I would say he's having a great time!

And here is Tom with a Smallmouth Bass. He estimates that it was 18 inches long and 2 1/2 lbs. Tom sent this via text and said, "Thanks Kyle for taking us fishing!" (I second that!)

Camera Shy

2009-06-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we found out today that Adalynn does not take after her big brother Ty...

We had an ultrasound this morning and I got to see Adalynn for the first time in three weeks! When we were trying to get a view of her face, her arm was in the way the whole time. The Ultrasound Tech said, "She must be camera shy!" It was at that point that I thought that she wasn't anything like her big brother who seems to love the limelight. If it was Ty in that situation, he'd probably be grinning and winking at the camera!

Adalynn weighed in at 4 lbs. 6 oz.!! I can't believe she has grown that much in this short amount of time (She was a little over 3 lbs 3 weeks ago)! It must be the Vitamin Water (I'm still working on an endorsement). And the amniotic fluid was around 5 to 6 cubic centimeters! The last time we had an ultrasound, it was at 3, and average is from 10 to 12 cubic centimeters! I'm just thrilled that there is that much fluid in there! I'm assuming that it helps with keeping infection away. The doctor said after the water broke, that Adalynn would continue producing amniotic fluid by (this is kinda gross) going to the bathroom. She must be getting plenty of fluids.

Adalynn's heartbeat was at 142 and she had the hiccups the entire time we were in there! Oh, and they confirmed that she is a "she." :) I'm just amazed at how well Adalynn is doing. I wonder how much she will weigh in just two more weeks... I'm sure the bigger the better when she is actually born. Maybe she'll be released more quickly! I'm in awe of this little girl and how much she is already fighting!

When remembering the analogy of the marathon, I think we would be at the 15 to 16 mile mark. We're on the home stretch! But I can totally feel that this is the hardest part of this race, that's for sure. The newness has worn off and the finish line still seems so far away. A dear friend gave me some timely wisdom today (I couldn't sleep and she brought me to tears quite early this morning) that fits right into this marathon analogy. She pointed me to this scripture that just spoke to the very place that I'm at:

"For you are in need of ENDURANCE, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:36 (NAS)

Again, endurance and perseverance is needed--and I can't produce that myself. She went on to encourage me with this:

This where the endurance kicks in! And guess what? you DO NOT have to muster it up yourself, b/c Romans 15:5 clearly says that God Himself gives ENDURANCE and encouragement!!! Whoohoo! You WILL receive your precious "prize" and you WILL also receive what you need to endure the last half of the "sit"! He promises!

I can't tell you how this just spoke so CLEARLY to me! Thank you Buffy. Your timing was perfect, your wisdom spot on, and the love spoken through your words is very apparent. I'm truly, truly thankful. I hope you don't mind that I shared this wisdom in Adalynn's baby-blog-book. Thank you, my friend. This marathon is truly worth that "precious prize" at the finish line...

3 WEEKS?!

2009-06-10T19:38:00.001-07:00

3 weeks today Adalynn and I have been at UAMS! AND I'm 32 weeks now! Can't believe it. Again, it's gone by fast and slow all at the same time. Today was kind of a melancholy day, for whatever reason. I wonder if strength just runs out after time... all the more reason to lean on Him, I know. But I think this emotional roller coaster was at a low point today...

But it all picked up when I had some visitors today! (Amazing how smiling and familiar faces can truly pick you up when you're down.) Aunt Pat (a.k.a. The Laundry Lady) came and sat with me for awhile. And then tonight, Cindy and Steve Morgan came by! It was SO nice to see them, and it gave me something to look forward to all day! This is a good segway to introduce Adalynn to her Aunt and Uncle.

Aunt Cindy is Tom's sister and I feel is the sister that I never had! She is probably one of the most godly, amazing women I've ever known. In fact, there are many times that I will get in a situation and ask myself, "What would Cindy do if this was happening to her?" You can't out-give Cindy... she will beat you to the punch. And you can ALWAYS count on her! Very, very loyal and very, very loving. If Cindy had a choice, she would be at every one of Crist, Dane and Ty's games--she is a sports nut AND she's crazy about her nephews! Cindy and Tom have had a special relationship since Tom came into this world. Cindy is (I think) 11 years older than Tom and was instrumental in helping out when he was born. Betty had health problems and needed lots of assistance. Cindy, of course, was there to help. I think Tom and Cindy have been close ever since. It's such a blessing that they live nearby (Farmington)!

Uncle Steve has been a part of Tom's life since he was a teenager. He is truly a BROTHER to him. Steve is another solid figure in all of our lives... He is a man of conviction, purpose and has such a presence in any room. He is a wonderful brother-in-law to both of us and an amazing Uncle to our boys. And like Cindy, you can always count on Steve. He works hard and plays just as hard...and he's the best to have around when you go on vacation! You can plan on a good time--in fact, we call him our CD or Camp Director.

Steve and Cindy have two beautiful daughters (Amberle & Chelsea). And they turned 21 years old today! Truly that is amazing--time has gone by so fast! I have so many fond memories of them growing up... Amberle & Chelsea are kinda surreal--like perfect in every way. (Adalynn, I hope you grow up to be JUST like them!!!)

Adalynn, I can't wait for you to meet your aunt, uncle and cousins. They are going to spoil you rotten, I'm afraid... but I can't think of a more loving environment to place you in! I guarantee they will be at every softball or volleyball game, dance recital or whatever you choose to do. They will be some of your biggest fans, I can promise you! You truly are SO blessed...

Here is a fun, red tin that Cindy & Steve brought... filled with everything I love and Cindy KNOWS how much I love red! What a treat!

We're Putting Out an APB!!!

2009-06-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Tom's planning to file a "police report" because we've had a break in! Well... the intruders didn't necessarily take anything, but they did happen to leave conspicuous notes (hand-written scriptures) and the house is mysteriously clean (and we certainly know that is not the norm).

So if anyone has any information regarding this break-in, we'd like to handle it accordingly.

(You guys are amazing... when are you going to figure out that we truly don't deserve all this "good will")

Please refer to previous post for scripture reference...

Closer to Knowing...

2009-06-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well... Adalynn will be 32 weeks tonight at midnight. That is just plain hard to believe... Let's see, we've known we are pregnant for 16 weeks now! It really has gone by so fast and yet it seems like we've always known about Adalynn. Now I can't even imagine life without her...and I haven't even seen her face!

Our doctor came in bright and early this morning...and thankfully Tom was still here. Tom has a steel trap when it comes to listening to things... I forget every other word, it seems, but Tom can take it all in and actually understand it all! In fact, that's what he usually does... translates everything to English for me!

The doctor said that because now I'm at 32 weeks, they will deliver Adalynn if 1 of 3 things happen: 1. I get an infection or fever; 2. I go into labor; or 3. I start bleeding. If one of those happen, they will take Adalynn via C-section right away. Otherwise, they will wait two more weeks and then schedule a C-section (we are having a C-section because she is breech). He said that if they waited beyond 34 weeks, there is more of a risk of her getting an infection than if they went ahead a took her. In other words, without any amniotic fluid, momma can only really protect her up to that point.

It felt so good to talk to him. I think we had a good idea what would happen, but it was nice to have a concrete time frame. And to think that we will get to meet Adalynn in 2 weeks or so (or less)! Wow... is this really happening?! I do hope that she continues to incubate for another couple of weeks. Again, I would much rather her be in the "MICU" instead of the NICU!

Before the doctor left, he started talking with Crist and Ty and he warned/teased them that their lives were getting ready to change dramatically! (He has four boys and then a girl) He said that we'll be at the store and the boys will ask for something and Mom and Dad will say no. And then when Adalynn asks for something we'll say, "Sure! How many do you want?" Crist and Ty just sat there smiling...

The rest of today was pretty uneventful...until some friends from home/church visited! Laurie and Bill Nystrom stopped by, and of course had some more treats for us. One of the gifts was a super cute musical pillow that played "Jesus Loves Me." I put it up to my belly and Adalynn just hopped! It was good to see them and how nice that they would take time out of their busy schedule for ME!! (Thank you friends!)

You know... looking back, this whole journey has been so amazing... we are completely covered in prayer by so many (I can't even imagine that). We are completely taken care of here in Little Rock as well as at home! To think that at the very beginning I was upset that we were "inconvenienced" by this pregnancy... Now I KNOW that the Lord knew what He was doing by placing Adalynn in the midst of all this love. Thank you, Body of Christ!

"...God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corin. 12: 24b-27)

Cookies and Cards

2009-06-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Okay... I believe that Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (found in Fellowship's first cookbook) has to be a recipe made in heaven. And when you put it with a cup of coffee or milk, it makes a GREAT breakfast! (Oh yeah, we totally justify that--I mean it has protein and oatmeal!) Nobody makes these cookies better than our friend, Beth Menne... She and her sister-in-law, Vonda, came ALL the way to Little Rock just to hand deliver these to us! Well, we did have a nice visit too... thank you ladies for bringing a little bit of heaven to us! Tom and I have had maybe 20 already today. :)

Vonda, me and Beth... fun time, good laughs and GREAT cookies!

This morning was another 4am-5am-6am-7am-8am day... Lots of nurse and doctor visits. But I did get to see our specialist today (he was the 8am visit). He clarified a little more about the MRI saying that the results didn't show anything, but that doesn't rule out that we might still have some placenta growth into the uterus. He said we won't know for sure until we go into surgery. I love how he tells me things plainly... the MRI results were good, but we do need to anticipate this type of placenta growth (due to the fact that there is not any endometrial lining in the uterus because of the ablation procedure). He reiterated that he still wants Adalynn and I to "hang out" until 34 weeks--that's a little over two more weeks!

Tom, Crist and Ty were here today. We didn't do much (there isn't much to do), but just knowing they were here with me, made it feel so much more like home. DaneO is at a Heritage football camp this week--I miss that boy, but am so happy he's getting to take part in that!

You know, I've mentioned all the goodies that come my way, and even try to include pictures... but I haven't yet shared about all the wonderfully beautiful cards, postcards and letters that are sent here! I forgot how much fun it was getting "snail mail" in this age of technology. How thoughtful, truly. Thank you, friends, for putting your heart on paper... for penning the well wishes and wonderful scriptures... Here are some of the encouraging words: (this is only a selection)

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11 (on a postcard from Dan Morrissey--yes, Dan, you picked some dandy postcards! :))

"His compasssions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lam. 3:22, 23 (from a card from Suzy Bell--thank you sweet Suzy for this reminder!)

"May God cheer your heart and lift your spirit and may he shower rainbows and blessings upon you." (in a card from a wonderful Apples of Gold sister, Michelle Roberts)

"Father, thank You for protecting me and my baby and for our good health. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Amen" (a personal prayer from another Apples of Gold sister, Pam Long)

"He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers His lambs in His arms; and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11 (from Ellen Alexander, another Apples of Gold friend and sister--oh what a comforting image!)

"It's the moments that seem the darkest when the light of God's love shines the brightest--The moments we feel furthest away, we are wrapped in His arms the tightest..." (in a card from Adalynn's grandparents and my wonderful mother and father-in-law)

These intentional thoughts and actions are MUCH appreciated. I can't even begin to describe how this blanket of love feels wrapped around our family...

Home Away From Home

2009-06-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday... and we (Mom, Dad, Ty and I) began the day by having our own church service. It was really nice--and special because they brought "worship" here! We talked about miracles... appropriate topic. You know, I tried to convince Russell Dorch that he needed to minister to this "shut in" down here in Little Rock... he asked me if I was drugged up or something. :) I do miss corporate worship... I think I will appreciate it more than ever when our lives get back to normal!

I got some pictures of our hospital room a.k.a. home away from home. Thanks to Ty, Lindsey and Kim, my room is so cheery and fun. And there is a LOT of comments from the nurses here!

Here's Ty posing proudly next to his decorated wall (this is located directly across from my bed).

Smiley faces are everywhere

Here's the word that keeps coming up in conversations or in my readings... :)

An acrostic poem that Ty did for Adalynn (he already calls her Addie) and I.

Ty holding the Magic Eight Ball while looking through the door into the hospital room.

An appropriate reminder...

Hanging on the door... great story: a nutrition staff person came in here and told me that is what she needed to have..."faith." She said she was 38 and still trying to have a baby. This led me to tell my story and HOPEFULLY encourage her! Thanks to Lindsey, Kim and Ty, this sign prompted some great conversation!

This is the pink punching bag given to me to help release any frustrations I might have. There are several signs in it to rotate around... this one says "missing ball games" which is appropriate because Dane's team, the Redhawks, were playing this weekend. They won their tournament! Yeah Redhawks!!

This one is hard to see, but it's a picture of a sign that Ty made that said, "Ask questions to the Eight Ball." This is for those 4, 5 and 6am repetitive questions I get each day... apparently it worked! Today I slept from 4am to 7:30am straight!!

This last one is very meaningful... from Kim and Lindsey. Obviously it's someone expecting... and the card with it said, "Cherish. Awaiting a Miracle." This present brought tears to my eyes as it serves as a reminder to cherish this journey as we are awaiting our Mirakel! It's located right next to the TV in the room. SO thoughtful!!

After Mom and Dad left (Ty's staying here with me tonight because Tom's coming tomorrow!), my good friend, Mary Margaret Hall came to visit... She and her mom stayed and visited for awhile, and if you know Mary Margaret, the room just lit up with sunshine! She is a treasure to me in so many ways... What a treat for Ty and I!

Thanks for reading our "picture journal." These little touches just warm my heart and, I think, truly speak to those that walk into this room! I do pray that His Mighty presence is in this place...that people feel something different in here. Again, this is all about Him and what He purposes to do in this journey.

Blessings to you, K

Queen for the Day

2009-06-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

You know, this whole journey shouldn't be about me... it's about Adalynn making a GRAND entrance into the world! But people seem to think that I need some special attention or something... or maybe it's just plain pity!

Today was another fun, fun day... Mom, Dad and Ty were here--you can imagine how Ty entertained all of us... Kim and Lindsey Phillips came back to the hospital bearing tons and tons and TONS of gifts. Lindsey even asked me what came before "Part B"? ... answer: "Part A" as in ParTAY! [That was what they were planning to bring to UAMS] She was right...we did have a blast. They were determined to brighten up my hospital space...and Ty helped them do it! I'll post pictures on that later...

Then Emerson and Elana Goodwin drove ALL the way from NWA just to brighten my day, Emerson cracking tons of jokes, just spending time together, and they brought gifts for Adalynn and her momma too! Can't tell you what that means to me... to have such good friends go out of their way and then just turn around and drive right back home! [Hopefully they got to eat out at Corky's first!]

It was beautiful day--we all got to stay outside for awhile... and had a great time filled with lots of laughter and sunshine. What a fun outing! And I'm just so grateful for Kim & Lindsey and Elana & Emerson making the trip just to make me Queen for the Day! This just warms my heart to have this much attention poured on me... it brings me to tears thinking of the thoughtfulness... thank you, my friends. You were Jesus with flesh on to me... I will never forget this day!

I read this in one of the magazines that Lindsey and Kim brought...I think it sums it all up quite well:

As (people) of faith we should draw near to each other as we draw near to God. Sincere friendships aren't based on appearances, street addresses, occupations, titles, or church attendance. We're called to minister to one another...
A friend loves at all times... (Proverbs 17:17a) from Today's Christian Woman magazine

And I TOTALLY feel ministered to and loved on! This is the Body of Christ in action! From friends and family here to all the support and encouragement at home... Wow, this is just humbling. Thank you.

Some pictures from today... here is the whole crew (with the exception of Mom and Dad). We are hanging out at our regular outdoor spot... Hard to see, but notice the pink crown on my head, a Magic Eight Ball held by Ty and the pink punching bag that Emerson is holding. (more on those later)

Here's Emerson trying his hardest to get into this Institute... I think he's got a shot, don't you? [That's the pink punching bag on his head... Kim and Lindsey gave that to me to use as a frustration release... It was a "hit"! :)]

Ty and Lindsey working on projects for my hospital room--more pictures will come on that later... [That Ty and Lindsey...they have a special bond!]

Ty Man and his mom.

Wow, what a day... great friends and family, lots of laughter, beautiful weather, fun presents, ParTAYs, Hog Baseball Team beating FSU to head to Omaha for the World Series (!), Chili's for dinner, two Redhawk baseball wins at home in Rogers and friends loading up Tom with dinner and breakfast... my cup is overflowing!

Those "Somethings" and "Someones" I Look Forward To...

2009-06-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Friday...heading into a weekend, but I will say that weekends don't feel much different than any other day of the week. But today I had some great "somethings" and "someones" to look forward to! So fun...

Mom, Dad and Ty came with Olive Garden--salad and bread sticks! YUM! So good to see and have them here for the weekend... and SO thankful they brought one of my all time favorite dinners!

Good friend, Kim Purdy, came to visit... her son, Spanky, was playing baseball here in Little Rock. We spent the time chatting and watching the Hog baseball team win over FSU! (we had to watch it on GameTracker on the computer). I'm so thankful she came to see me!

Kim also came bearing a special gift... she made this "picture" on her computer. It says Adalynn's name in the middle, Psalm 139 in the background, and then below her name it says "Noble Miracle." (This picture doesn't do it justice) Oh Mrs. Kim... this has to be one of the most thoughtful and intentional gifts ever! Thank you so much!!

Then Lindsay Phillips and Kim Phillips road tripped down to see me tonight... We just laughed the whole time I think.

...And OH....MY.....GOODNESS they brought some big time treats... A thoughtful journal, fun magazines and then petit fores (don't know how to spell that...those really yummy little cakes from Rick's bakery!) and chocolate covered strawberries! Did I mention that I was totally spoiled... wow.

Oh these "somethings" and "someones" totally made my day... what a blessing.

I Choose Joy!

2009-06-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Day 15! We are 31 weeks and 1 day today! Each day is a victory... Adalynn continues to check in great. I believe we will have another ultrasound next week and they will be able to tell how much she weighs as well as how much amniotic fluid is in the placenta. The last report showed 3 cubic centimeters of fluid (I believe), but she keeps reproducing more and more each day and I keep drinking more and more water! I do continue to leak each day, not gushes...just a little at a time. That is expected, they said... really, this MICU seems to be operating just fine under the circumstances!

Tom and the boys were here for a short time this morning... I have begun to treasure what ever joy comes my way--whether a visit that lasts 2/3 days or less than 24 hours! I have also come to the conclusion that if Mom is upset when they leave then that translates to all the boys. So I told myself and them that I won't be sad when they leave... that I will just focus on when they are coming back! And, you know, there were dry eyes, smiles and a lot less anxiousness or sadness in the room. I remember hearing Robert Cupp talk about how the woman/wife/mom sets the atmosphere in the home... I truly believe that. I can help with the family's emotional state with this intentionality! So, with God's help... I vow to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong!

Before they left, Tom was reading Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest online... and he found this--more wisdom that just hit us between the eyes!

We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing— that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life. (focus verse: Heb. 13:5)

And several days ago, I found this in my Life Application Bible... it was an outline/highlight of Mary, mother of Jesus, and it said this:

Lessons from her (Mary's) life:
...God's best servants are often ordinary people available to Him.
...God's plans involve extraordinary events in ordinary people's lives.
...A person's character is revealed by his or her response to the unexpected.

I have said from the beginning that I pray to have a heart like Mary. That is truly my desire in and through this whole journey. I have to lay it as His feet each day... I know that His purpose is much greater than mine. And I know that His strength CAN become mine and that HE will be glorified in this ... if I just get out of His way! :)

Love and blessings to you today... Karen

It's Summer!

2009-06-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's the first official day of summer for Tom and the boys... and they made a road trip to Little Rock! It will be short but sweet visit because they have tons of things going on Thursday through the rest of the weekend... but BOY is it good to see them!

This makes this mom VERY happy...

As for Adalynn and I, another day full of nurse visits and heartbeat checks. They did do a NST (which, by the way, I found out stands for Non Stress Test) and Adalynn checked out great! They hooked me up to a monitor and they watched for her heartbeat and if I was contracting. Adalynn seemed as though she was resting, and then I had some apple juice--she LOVED that! She started moving and flipping and wiggling... she likes that food and drink intake!

Other than that, I got a bunch of work done and counted the hours to when the boys came to visit... I've discovered that it always helps to have something and someone to look forward to!

Tom did bring something from home that truly brightened my day... It is a basket of "My Favorite Things" filled with things like homemade cookies (to DIE for!), Crystal Light Peach Tea (another favorite), M&Ms, Twix, fun notecards, a novel... and more wonderful stuff! Oh Kathy (Shassere)...you know me too well... Thank you for this very thoughtful and intentional basket of goodies!

Also, Tom and the boys are getting meals brought to them at home to help alleviate just one of the many things that Tom needs to do each day. Wow, what a blessing! It brings this wife and mom GREAT peace to know that my family is being loved on and fed so well while I'm "deployed"!
[I'm telling you... we are very, very spoiled by everyone. Can't believe how much we are LOVED on! Thank you friends and family! I hope you don't figure out that we REALLY don't deserve all this attention! :)]

Blessings to all... until tomorrow.

More from Little Rock

2009-06-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Day 13... wow, I can't believe it's been just about two weeks! It's gone really, really fast and terribly, terribly slow...all at the same time.

Today was another normal "It's Groundhog Day" type of day. No new medical news. Still incubating! I do get chances to talk at length with some nurses--did I mention that I think they are angels among us? I found out today that if we make it to 34 weeks, Adalynn could be in the NICU up to the time that she was originally due (Aug. 5th). Woah...that was a blow. She told me that all premature babies have to learn how to eat, breathe,and get medication for being in the womb so long after the water was broken... Again, woah. I don't know what I really thought, but I certainly didn't think this journey would last the ENTIRE summer!

Sooooo... I've resolved not to think about that. Taking one day at a time. We still don't know when she will come, and we certainly don't know how long she will need to be hospitalized. With all my heart I believe that God is truly in the "?" (question mark). He's already there... He knows... I rest in that Truth!

*In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Prov. 16:9)
*Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Prov. 19:21)
*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. (Jer. 29:11)
----------------------------------------------------------------

This picture below is of the boys by The Little Rock Nine statues here in Little Rock... When my parents were here over the weekend, they took them by to see them. Great story, and worthy of repeating for Adalynn's sake as well as anyone who cares to read it!...

In 1957 President Eisenhower mandated integration into schools--that white and black students would go to school together. I guess Gov. Faubus didn't want that to happen here, but the President intervened. He sent down 10,000 Federal troops to come and stand elbow to elbow around Central High School (a very, very big campus) while 9 black students began in the fall of '57. Well, you can imagine the outrage by the students and community... these Nine were treated SO badly--there was so much racism!

Well, my dad, my Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim all attended Central High School at that time...they were in the midst of all that! Definitely a part of history unfolding... The part I remember most was upon graduation (Dad, Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim all graduated that year). There were death threats on Ernest Green, the very first black person to graduate from Central. No one wanted to sit next to him for fear of their life. Well, I'm proud to say that Dad offered to sit next to him... (they both had a last name that started with "G"). He has a picture of that exact moment. In fact, Ernest signed Dad's yearbook! I will say... that selflessness that Dad portrayed and the fact that he saw/sees everyone beyond their color of skin has had a big impact on my life.

Thanks for letting me rattle on. I do feel that this story is worthy of Adalynn's baby blog/book!

I do have a prayer request... as you can imagine, this whole journey has been quite a struggle for Tom and the boys, but especially Tom. Please whisper up a prayer for him, if you don't mind. He's one mighty strong man, but he is human. He's super duper tired. Thank you for interceding for him and us at this time!

Blessings, K

Is it Groundhog Day?

2009-06-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Okay... I feel like I'm living alongside Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. Remember that movie? When he keeps waking up and it's still Groundhog Day? Well, I feel as if I keep living the same day over and over again... here's the routine:

4am - Vitals check (they check my temperature and blood pressure and they check Adalynn's heartbeat) This has become a competition between Tom and I...in fact the nurses are in on it too. We listen to her heart beat and see who can guess the right number (Tom's really good at it!)

5am - Residents walk in and ask me the same questions every morning: "How are you feeling? Are you bleeding? Any contractions? Any questions?" Then they listen to my breathing through a stethoscope.

5:30 - 6am - A doctor will walk in and ask the same questions each morning: "How are you feeling? Are you bleeding? Any contractions? Any questions?" (they need to work on variety)

7 - 8am - New nurse on duty comes to introduce herself (I'm getting to know them pretty well now). She listens to my breathing, asks me tons of questions, checks my reflexes and looks for swelling in my legs. I ask for a cup of coffee at this point...

8am - Vitals check by a Tech (they are usually nursing students working their way through college...very sweet and helpful!)

8 - 8:30am - Breakfast comes. Food's not too bad. Second cup of coffee at this point (they are small)

9am - Nurse brings pills to take. At first it was antibiotics, now it's just prenatal vitamin and stool softener.

9:30 - 10am - Heparin shot. They used to do Lovonox once a day, but they've changed to heparin.

10:30am - I try to sneak into the shower for a wonderful refresher! Tech comes and makes my bed (did I mention I was spoiled?)

12noon - Vitals check

12:30 - 1pm - Lunch comes. I usually pre-order soup and salad.

(2 - 2:30pm - NST check on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This is where they hook me up to the monitor and watch Adalynn's heartbeat and check to see that I'm not contracting. I don't remember what NST stands for...they have lots of acronyms here!)

4pm - Vitals check

5:30 - 6pm - Dinner is served.

6:30pm - Nurse comes to say goodbye--that she is ending her shift.

7:30 - 8:30pm - New nurse on duty comes to introduce herself (she works the night shift). She listens to my breathing, asks me tons of questions, checks my reflexes and looks for swelling in my legs.

8pm - Vitals Check

9:30pm - Another Heparin Shot

10:30pm - Nurse brings Ambien to help me sleep

12 midnight - Vitals check

In between all those times, I have some time with God, get to work remotely from a laptop, drink Vitamin Water, receive fun emails, calls and/or visits from concerned friends and family... and occasionally get to escape outside!

AND IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN THE NEXT DAY! So, is it Groundhog Day?

Absent-Minded

2009-05-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-05-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-05-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-23T18:36:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-05-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-05-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T14:12:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

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)!

Some thoughts about Miracles...

2009-04-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about miracles...
...in part because I'm reading through the gospels and all of Jesus' miracles, but also because I'm still trying to comprehend the miracle (Mirakel) forming inside of me.

This morning I was reading (in Mark 6:30-52) about Jesus feeding the 5 thousand with just 5 loaves of bread and a couple of fish. And then He was walking on the raging water to the boat where his disciples were. In all of this the disciples hearts were "hardened" meaning that they JUST DIDN'T GET IT! They could not comprehend the miracles they were seeing before their very eyes... Jesus told them to "take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." But "...they were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened."

I'm just truly amazed that these men could witness SO much, be physically next to our Savior while he is driving out evil spirits, healing the lame, blind, sick, raising the dead and even be given the power to do some miracles themselves... and they still didn't get it! Unbelievable.

I guess I say all this in that... aren't we still like that today? How many miracles are occuring all around us and we don't see them? How many angels walk among us and we are so focused on our own troubles and concerns that we don't even notice the holiness that is within our presence? How many times do we take for granted that in each time a baby born, it is a true, un-humanly-explainable, God-knit miracle?

I'm guilty. I know that I fall into the I'm-always-oblivious category... But I think that the Lord is truly trying to change my "vision", open my eyes to His miracles... I really do. In an earlier post, I talked about how He wants us to lift our eyes above the dashboard and truly look out onto the horizon--to see the bigger picture. Well, this has been my prayer... I am intentionally asking Him to open my ignorant eyes to see His miracles unfolding, to see His works... I just marvel at those that can "see" better than me. I covet that Holy Vision!

Truly I can say that I'm grateful for Adalynn entering our lives... a new perspective on miracles has been given to our family through this pregnancy. When I think about all the unbelievable facts:

...we had a 0.7% chance following the Endometrial Ablation to get pregnant. (I mean, I signed a waiver saying I was okay in NOT having any more children!) And most of those that do get pregnant miscarry by 12 weeks! I haven't done any more research to see what the actually precentage is of someone successfully carrying and delivering a healthy baby following an ablation. I can't imagine that it would be very high. Adalynn is most definitely a God-thing (well, to be honest, aren't all babies?).

...the only other lady in Arkansas that the specialist worked with had a horrible pregnancy. She had blood transfusions and had to be airflighted to Little Rock several times. She had difficulties throughout. She ended up delivering at 32 weeks, but I believe the baby and mom are fine (thankfully). We, on the other hand, have had NO difficulties, NO bleeding, NO pain...Adalynn just keeps growing and growing! We are mystifying the doctors. Again, Adalynn is most definitely a miracle.

There are facts and there is faith. It's easy to see (but hard to understand) how the disciples had such a simple mindset in that their eyes truly did not see the Miracle in front of them and all the things He was doing for God's glory. But I wonder... maybe God didn't want to reveal it to the disciples at that time. Maybe He had a greater plan and purpose for their "revelation." And so with me... maybe Adalynn is my reminder and "revelation" that God is working miracles each and every day in spite of my human ignorance. Some day... we'll all have AHA moments. We will get to actually see ALL the mighty things that God did for us and for His glory.

But until then, I pray that, just as Elisha prayed for his servant as they faced an insurmountable battle... "O LORD, open (my) eyes so (I) may see." (2 Kings 6:17a) and "Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders." (Psalm 119:18)

Thank you, warriors, for continuing to "battle" for us and Adalynn! As the rest of the verse says in 2 Kings 6:17... "Then the LORD opened (Karen's) eyes, and (she) looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around..." Those horses and chariots are all of you! "Thank you" seems to be so simple and trite. (I type this part with tears in my eyes) I know that we are completely surrounded with horses and chariots, that our Noble Miracle is covered because of your prayers for her and on our behalf... We are eternally grateful! To God be the Glory!

She's a'growin'!

2009-04-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Adalynn and I just got back from the doctor (and Mom was with me)... and she has grown so much! She is right on track where she needs to be. I will be 25 weeks tomorrow! Wow...has this pregnancy gone FAST! (Of course it helps when you find out at 16 weeks :))

The most wonderful news the doctor gave us was that if something would happen right now, the baby would be okay... that is, if we would happen to deliver early, Adalynn would be just fine! What a blessing! But the pregnancy is going really, really well. Thank you for all the prayers. Truly they are working! The doctor even said that she's almost treating me like a regular pregnancy now! Isn't it fun to overcome the "odds"? (Thank you God for this miracle)

Also, the sugar junk test went just fine! It really HAS gotten better over the last 10 years (you were right Shannon and Michelle!) and it was like I was drinking an Orange Crush (although very, very concentrated). I only gagged once while drinking it! I still do feel like I have a sock on my tongue (coating of sugar). But I drowned it out with a wonderful lunch at Crumpet! Thanks Mom! Also, my good friend, Beth, advised me to indulge in some Bunny Tracks ice cream (Heaven on earth--truly) and have a scoop each night to prep me for the sugar overload. It worked! And I assure you, Tom is thrilled to suffer through the extra helpings of Bunny Tracks alongside me!

Thank you for all the prayers and comments. I feel like this is a journey that we truly could not make without all of you... really. Thank you for everything. We are eternally grateful! (Philippians 1:3 - I thank my God every time I remember you.)

Here is a picture, that came in my email, of how big Adalynn is! Truly amazing that our little girl--our Noble Miracle--is this far along!

Next appt.: May 6th
Next ultrasound (Level 2): May 19th
MRI: second week of June

Sweet Moment

2009-04-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

There was a very sweet moment last night as we were preparing for bedtime...

Ty looked up at me with his big, brown eyes and his forehead wrinkled--he had a look of genuine concern. He asked, "What if Adalynn is not a Christian when she's born? How do we help her come to know Him? Does baptism help with that when babies are born?"

What a great picture of a heart of a child with genuine concern for another's well-being...for another's salvation! I love the pure and sincere thoughts, and I love seeing Him through the eyes of a child. Isn't that how God called us to be? Like a child?

(Jesus was asked by his disciples) "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He (Jesus) called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:1-5

Ty, Tom and I talked for awhile about his questions and took on the challenge of knowing that Adalynn is being placed in our care--we (our whole family) are to help lead her to Him. We are to "welcome this little child." We are to love her as the Lord would want us to, and encourage her to follow Him for the rest of her life.

...And I silently thanked God for Ty who loves his sister so much already that he's concerned for her "entering the kingdom of heaven." What an awesome picture of his faith!

(Thank you Lord for helping me see You through the eyes of my child! I pray for Adalynn and her growth in and out of the womb--physically and spiritually. I pray for her to know You with all of her heart! And I pray for her relationship with her brothers. That they mentor, love, cherish and protect her with Your guidance. This family is such a blessing...thank You!)

He Loves to Laugh

2009-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

What do you think God's laugh sounds like?

When I was in college, I had a ton of papers to write (I was in the College of Arts at UofA which seemed to STRETCH my creativity in writing). One random paper I wrote was about all the different ways that people laughed... My inspiration came from Mary Poppins and the song "I Love to Laugh"--you know, where they are having tea on the ceiling? So I'm curious...what do you think God's laugh sounds like?

Lately I have been pondering this as I thought of all the now-seemingly-crazy-and-naive statements that I have made throughout the last ten years...

Karen: "God TOTALLY knew what He was doing when He gave me all boys...I wouldn't know WHAT to do with a girl!"
God: [chuckle chuckle] "Just you wait..."

Karen: "Good thing God didn't give me any girls, I have a hair-fixing-disability... what do you do with all that hair?"
God: [...more chuckles...] "I guess you'd better 'brush' up!"

Karen: "If I had a girl, I'm sure she would be a cheerleader, and God wouldn't want me to be a Cheer Mom...I'm sure of that! I'd be the one with glitter on her face, fake hair extensions and doing the entire routine along with the cheer squad...yikes!"
God: [...snicker...] "Isn't that what you do already on the sidelines for the boys--all four of them?"

Karen: "Girls scare me... how do you deal with the drama, pettiness, insecurities and all the self-image issues?"
God: [...sigh...and a slight smile] "And what do I do to help YOU with those same problems?"

Karen: "If I had a girl, she would be just like ME probably--she'd give me tons of attitude and we'd butt heads all the time!"
God: [...belly laughter...] "Uhhhh...weren't you like that with YOUR OWN mother? And now isn't she one of your best friends?"

Karen: "I'm just not a huge pink fan... I couldn't have a girl!"
God: [...sympathy laughter...] "I did make other colors, too, you know..." (I'm sure Razorback Red is one of His favorites!)

Karen [while signing the waiver that she wouldn't have any more children]: "I'm totally fine with having just three boys... I don't think God intended for me to have a little girl anyway!"
God: [slap-His-knee laughter] "Let's see how you feel in just 13 months from now!"

I believe that God has an amazing sense of humor. I think of all these statements--along with the many others--and just know He was sitting on His throne chuckling to himself. He knew even before I was born that we were going to have a little princess "grace" our home some day. I guess He knows what's best, right?

My hope and prayer... that she loves it all--playing sports and dressing up, getting dirty and twirling, playing an instrument plus calling the Hogs, yelling at refs :) and then cuddling with her family, Bugs Bunny cartoons and messed up hair, Razorback Red, Green Bay Packer Green and Heritage Orange, Cherry Diet Cokes from Sonic as well as hot cups of coffee with her momma... But most of all, I pray that she learns to know the Lord better than I do and that she impacts the world with her testimony and love for the Word. I pray this "Mirakel" is an authentic and life-giving miracle!

"God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6
"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

Amen!

With this ring...

2009-04-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

With all my pregnancies, I have a tendency to swell. My feet, legs and especially hands. Around the 5 month mark, I have to take off my wedding ring because it's just too tight! But I do get the privilege of replacing it with a very special ring--my grandmommy Adaline's engagement ring.

This is very significant to me... My grandmommy was truly an amazing lady. I didn't get to know her near as well as I would have liked--she lived in Little Rock and I was in Missouri most of the time. But we did get to be with her at least two to three times a year around holidays. She was a very hard-working woman with the biggest heart of anyone I knew! (And her two daughters are JUST like her! I'm privileged to be a part of a wonderful legacy with my mother, Aunt Pat and my grandmother) She worked full time for Winthrop Rockefeller as his personal administrative assistant, but ALWAYS had time for her family. She displayed loyalty unlike any other. I think she spent her entire wages on buying gifts for her family and all of her grandchildren. Grandmommy was definitely generous and self-sacrificing.

The ring that my grandfather gave grandmommy is absolutely beautiful and unique. It is an exact (but smaller) replica of my grandfather's Naval Academy graduation ring. I guess that was a Naval Academy tradition because my mother's engagement ring was just like that--a miniature replica of my dad's Academy graduation ring. Grandmommy's ring (Adalynn's namesake) has her name inscribed on the inside--very, very cool.

I'll never forget when my grandmother had her first stroke... it was while I was trying out for Razorback cheerleader. I was devastated and was ready to leave to go with my mom to Little Rock. But Mom talked me out of it saying, "You know that Grandmommy would rather you stay and finish tryouts...that would mean more to her!" She's right... Grandmommy ALWAYS put everyone before herself. I think I worked even harder with this kind of incentive. I did end up making cheerleader and I got to share that news with her over the phone. It was a very meaningful time.

Grandmommy ending up living for another 8 years in a nursing home in Little Rock. As a result of the stroke, she had limited speech and abilities. I remember her always wanting to know how we were doing… She would wave her one good hand in a circle and say “…and?” She just wanted to hear us talk about ourselves.

To her dying day she put everyone else’s needs before her own. She had plenty to complain or grumble about, but she chose to focus on everyone else. Her optimism was (and still is) inspiring. She passed away in '98 with her family surrounding her—just like she would have wanted it.

So with this ring, I get a reminder of a very special lady. I get a reminder of an amazing legacy that I long to leave for future generations… And with this ring, I get to share this story with Adaline’s namesake—Adalynn. I can’t wait to give this to her some day. What a meaningful symbol for such an amazing legacy and incredible woman.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

She's still tracking!

2009-04-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the doctor for another check up and follow up to the ultrasound we had last week. Adalynn is just doing WONDERFUL! The magic words we like to hear is "she's tracking for that August 5th due date"... that means she hasn't slowed in her growth--that she's healthy as a horse. We love when they say that! Again, there was an expectation that she would eventually slow down in her growth rate because of the not-so-optimal environment within the uterus. That is why they continue to see us every two weeks and have frequent ultrasounds.

Her heart rate is at 140 (which is very good) and she measured my belly which, again, is "tracking for the August 5th due date." Even the doctor said that she is just amazed at how things are progressing. She is one healthy (and God-fed) baby girl! PRAISE!!! No doubt God has "hemmed her in"! YEAH!!

I head back to the doctor in two weeks. I do have a prayer request... this is the glucose testing appointment where they make you drink NASTY sugar juice/water. I have always struggled with this testing. Each time I have to drink the juice, I just gag the entire time on the verge of throwing up. I don't eat or drink very much sugar. And when I do, I feel like it's just coating my tongue. And this drink feels like straight sugar in sugar syrup and topped with sugar! I just have a hard time mentally and physically with this test! My doctor assured my that it is "much better" than when I took it 10 years ago. I'm counting on that! I do selfishly ask for prayer for my stomach during that time--crazy, I know, but it is just SO uncomfortable!

Thank you to all for praying for Adalynn (our Noble Miracle). OBVIOUSLY the prayers are being answered--she is just thriving! And she continues to "mystify" the doctors...what a complete miracle (Mirakel) and blessing! I absolutely love being a part of this story unfolding... (thank you, God)

Next appt.: April 21st - glucose testing and checkup
Next Level 2 ultrasound: May 19th
MRI appt.: second week in June (approx.)

Am I a Slug or a Sloth?

2009-04-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Reality has hit!
...I'm 39 now
...I'm a mostly frantic mother of three (soon to be four)
...I'm a wife of a very devoted but busy husband/basketball coach
...I stay up too late
...I wake up too early
...I have sporadic sleep cycles
...I have a BIG TIME slow down ...uh...crash... at 1pm to 2pm each day
...My back hurts (groans, complains, yells at me) frequently
...I miss my Cherry Diet Cokes from Sonic desperately
...I fall asleep in the middle of praying OR
...My mind gets distracted and my prayers are frequently interrupted with "tasking" thoughts

Let's compare the definitions:

slug -n.
1. Any of various small, snaillike, chiefly terrestrial gastropod mollusks of the genus Limax and related genera, having a slow-moving elongated body with no shell or only a flat rudimentary shell on or under the skin.
2. The smooth soft larva of certain insects, such as the sawfly.
3. A slimy mass of aggregated amoeboid cells from which the sporophore of a cellular slime mold develops.
4. Informal A sluggard. (We're on to something here)

sloth - n.
1. Aversion to work or exertion; laziness; indolence. (this is sporadic)
2. Any of various slow-moving, arboreal, edentate mammals of the family Bradypodidae of South and Central America, having long hooklike claws by which they hang upside down from tree branches and feeding on leaves, buds, and fruits. (oh yeah... salad with fruit! yum!)
3. A company of bears. (I'm a Packer fan and have a dislike of bears)

Well... based on findings:
I'm like a slug in that I definitely have a "slow moving elongated body"--although it is strangely being disfigured out of that elongated state with this basketball shaped (and wonderful) lump that has suddenly appeared in my mid-section. And I most definitely feel like a sluggard around 1 to 2pm each day.
I'm certainly sloth-like because of the laziness trap I fall into, but I wouldn't say have a problem with indolence (inactivity resulting from a dislike of work)--I LOVE my work! All of it! But I have a strange desire for the wonderful salads at Mimi's and O'Charley's, which would explain my sloth-like eating habits. Although, I don't THINK I like to eat the salad hanging upside down from a tree--I don't mind trying though. Sounds intriguing...

I think I'm a slothful slug with an aversion to bears that could possibly develop a cellular slime mold in my wake... hmmmm. Reality has most definitely hit--but I'm accepting it with vengence and facing it with force! Bring it on!

By view of this blog, does it sound like I get enough sleep?

Adalynn Update!

2009-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Tom, Adalynn and I just got back from our Level 2 utrasound--with UAMS Little Rock looking in... Adalynn is REALLY growing! She is now 1 lb. 1 oz. and still tracking for the August 5th due date! I think the reason that we are seeing the doctor so much, and that they are doing quite a few ultrasounds, is to track the baby's size and ensure that her growth isn't slowing. So far so good! They are very pleased with how she is doing. Thank you for all the prayers that you lift up for her and myself! They are working! God is COMPLETELY hand feeding baby Adalynn! We are grateful!

Here are a couple of ultrasound pics:

Here is her profile. Tom figured that her head has a six inch circumference... that's like taking a dollar bill and putting it in a circle. Wow! She's getting big!

This picture is Adalynn's "upside down catcher's stance"--as Tom calls it. Her foot is in the top right, her knee is in the middle left and her booty is the bottom right. Looks like the pitcher is going to pitch "low and inside"!

Tom, myself, Adalynn and family are VERY GRATEFUL for all the prayer support and constant encouragement from all of you! Thank you for your intentionality! And thank you for being our WARRIORS in and through this journey! We know Who gets the glory in the end!

Next appointment: April 7th
Next Level 2 ultrasound: May 19th
MRI: @32 weeks (not sure on date--probably middle of June)

More Spring Break Pics

2009-03-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

A few more pictures of our "low-key" Spring Break week!

Third Day / Brandon Heath Concert! This is a picture of Mac Powell (lead singer) beginning "God of Wonders" (I think). Soon Brandon Heath and the lead singer for Revive will come out to join him. This was REALLY a good concert...very worshipful! My favorite part was when Mac was praying. He prayed for our generation to "step up" and break the cultural norm for addictions, divorces, etc. It was very powerful. We stood a lot (caused LOTS of soreness the next day), but it was SO worth it! I'm just so thankful for the opportunity to witness this talent and to worship with my family (Cindy and Amberle Morgan, (Amberle's friend) Denton, Tom, Dane and Ty)!

Dane, (cousin) Chelsea Morgan and (her friend) Corey at a very cold and rainy Razorback baseball game. We were winning 10-3 in the 5th inning when the rain chased us all away!

Ty and Daddy on the front row at Razorback baseball... Thanks Robert for the awesome seats! We only got scared by one foul ball that came our way.

Just to pass along (and something to pray for), Adalynn absolutely LOVED the Hog Call! Everytime she heard that Woo Pig Sooie...she was just flipping around in my belly! Yikes! Is there another cheerleader in our future? :)

Spring Break!

2009-03-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of the Olsen crew on Break. I've been "grounded" by my doctor, so we didn't go anywhere. But Crist got to head out on a special, memory-making adventure with his grandparents! (Their goal is to take each grandchild on a special trip when they turn 13) They went to Baltimore and then into DC. Within the first 24 hours, they went to the ESPN zone, a White House tour, the Smithsonian and the capitol! Later that week they were visiting museums, memorials and the Naval Academy, where my dad went to college. He really had a lot of fun! Thanks Memaw and Grandpa!

Between projects around the house, our house getting struck by lightning and killing our TV and dog electric fence (and having to get new ones), a few hours for fishing, Third Day/Brandon Heath Concert, Razorback Baseball AND Crist's Amazing DC adventures... we had a great week!

Ty fishing - apparently they couldn't leave the house until they found his hat!

The Big D (Dane) stops for a photo opp!

Is this Ty or Gilligan?

In Tom's words..."Dad can still catch 'em!"

Crist in Abe's shadow at the Smithsonian

Hopefully more pictures to come!!!

Would you like a glass of tea?

2009-03-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

You know when something changes in your life that causes EVERYTHING to shift... it causes you to sit back and evaluate... to slow down... to Be Still and Know...?

It seems like everything has bigger and deeper meaning since we heard about Adalynn. I guess I've had slam-on-your-brakes-whoa-nelly moments... It's like you are seeing things for the very first time. Things take on a new perspective when your eyes actually rise above the dashboard and look out onto the horizon. It's like you take your foot off the accelerator and start to coast ... noticing the world around you ... very cool place to be.

I also finished reading Same Kind of Different As Me a couple of weeks ago--which I highly recommend. Wow, did that bring some great perspective! It made me realize that God truly has purpose in and through everything He puts in our lives. That it's about our response to Him and His call that can cause His Kingdom to thrive. It's about widening our horizons and thinking outside of our comfortable, manmade and tiny "box." It's about making lemonade when life gives you lemons. It's feeling a genuine peace that God has you right where He wants you to be--and you have the wisdom to know the difference.

Another great "perspective" came across my path in form of a heartfelt card that my parents gave to me for my birthday with this great saying:

"Some people view their water glass as half empty,
Some people view the same glass as half full...
And some people take the glass, add a tea bag, crushed ice, sugar, lemon, a sprig of mint
and say, 'Here, would you like a glass of tea?'"

Along with that it had this comment and verse:
...I pray the blessings you've given are multiplied back to you in lots of fun and surprising ways. (I would say that Adalynn is definitely fun and surprising. Thank you God!)

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.
(Luke 6:38)

I guess my desire is to be a be-still-and-know-eyes-above-the-dashboard-same-kind-of-different-here-would-you-like-a-glass-of-tea person. And I pray with all my heart that my family, friends and sweet Adalynn can say that about me some day... because I know that He has given me lots of "good measure." And it's time to make some sweet tea!

Thank you again for continuing to pray for our baby girl! Our next appointment is on Tuesday, March 31st.

It's a Miracle!

2009-03-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Just have to share... A dear friend gave me some verses that just touched my heart. As you know, we are planning for the baby's middle name to be "miracle" in Danish, which is Mirakel. So Kathy took it upon herself to look up all the verses in the Bible with the word "miracle" in them and printed off a selection. What a heartfelt and meaningful gift! Wow, am I grateful to see how God used this special word in His Word!

Hope you enjoy! (I believe these are from the Message)

We'll never comprehend all the great things he does; his miracle-surprises can't be counted. (Job 9:10)

What a miracle of skin and bone, muscle and brain! (Job 10:11) - this one is very cool! :)

How he piles up the cumulus clouds--all these miracle-wonders of a perfect Mind... (Job 37:16)

So thank God for His marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children He loves. (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)

Oh God, my Lord, step in; work a miracle for me--you can do it! (Psalm 109:21)

Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. (Psalm 119:18) LOVE this!

Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders. (Psalm 119:27) This is my prayer!

Thank the miracle-working God, His love never quits. (Psalm 136:4) Amen!

God you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You've done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure. (Isaiah 25:1)

Later a few religion scholars and Pharisees got on him. "Teacher, we want to see your credentials. Give us some hard evidence that God is in this. How about a miracle?" :)

These are just so REAL! I love the meaning behind all of them, I love how He works His miracles today JUST as much as He did when He walked the earth... and I love how dear friends speak to me as the Holy Spirit spoke to them. Thank you, Kathy, for the continued reminder that God's hand is completely in this "Mirakel" of life! Amen!

The Olsen world

2009-03-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

Just thought you'd like to see the "world" that Adalynn will be coming into... NOW you know how to pray! :)

There are times that we grow our hair out so that we can look like a famous person... Ty was dressed up for the 3rd grade program at his school--"What I want to be when I grow up." Ty obviously would like to be a professional basketball player--afro and all!

A new puppy has entered our lives (...not by choice). Snickers has grown fond of us...and we kinda like him too!

There is a common "orange" theme around the home... Poor girl, she'll probably have to have an orange outfit to come home from the hospital!

Thank you all for continuing to pray for our sweet Miracle. We are grateful for your continued prayers.

Have a wonderful first day of spring!!

Great image

2009-03-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share this with you. I have a friend that pointed me to some great images of a baby during pregnancy... very cool.

This is a picture of a baby at 20 weeks and how "old" Adalynn is right now... this isn't an actual picture of her, but a great representation of how she might look!

Isn't it amazing to see how someone so precious is being "knit in their mother's womb"?

What an awesome thought. A true miracle of life!

More facts that came with this picture:
By the fifth month: Babies born prematurely at 21 weeks regularly survive but are prone to certain physical setbacks. As science and medicine advance, the age of viability moves closer to conception and the ability of neonatal specialists to address preemies health complications are improving.
(I can see that God is moving...)

Good Reports!

2009-03-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

We (Adalynn and I) just got back from the doctor, and my, has she grown! My mom came with me this time and just had a blast watching Adalynn up on the big screen. She was wiggling a little... I think we might have woke her from a nap.

After this past weekend, I called the doctor Monday to voice a few concerns... I had mentioned in my last post that I was feeling kinda rough over the weekend. I was having quite a bit of unexplainable pain. She reassured that I wasn't a high maintenance patient...it was just my situation that was high maintenance! She did want to see me that day.

So I went in both Monday and Tuesday of this week. I have a feeling that I will be on a first name basis with everyone down there before long! Both checkups were great. Monday, she listened to the heart beat--healthy and strong! And we talked through some of the symptons. Looks like it was a combination of cramps, gastro stuff, a little bit of bloody mucous that wasn't concerning, and the fact that I'm 38 pushing 39 years old! She also scolded me for pushing it too hard. She said I wasn't being put on bed rest, but I had to slow down. (I still haven't quite figured out what "slow down" means).

Today, we got to see the baby in action and measured everything. She is 11 ounces! She's grown 4 ounces in just two weeks! That is phenomenol! Remember that they are really tracking her progress because of the not-so-optimal environment that she is in. But her quote was that I was progressing like a normal pregnancy of a 25-year-old! Ugh, that made me feel a little old...but I didn't care! I'm just SO happy that this baby is getting enough nourishment!

Thank you to all for praying for the growth of this baby! Prayers are being answered! Our Noble Miracle is mighty and strong. In fact, my doctor said she's a little "porker"! Love that...

Next appointments:
March 31st - Level 2 ultrasound (live look-in with specialist in Little Rock)
April 7th - follow up appt. with my doctor in NWA

Prayer requests:
...that Adalynn keeps growing and growing and growing
...that Momma slows down (kinda hard with 3 active boys and a full time job!)

I cannot tell you how much we appreciate all of you... we really, really do!

Tug of War

2009-03-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

You remember the game of tug-of-war?...the battle of will and might, but mostly it was who had the best "anchor" at the end of the rope. Undoubtedly, it was the side with the biggest, sturdiest and most anchor-like person at the end of the rope that won the game. Well... I feel like I've been in a Tug-of-War with God lately. (wanna guess who wins? :))

This past weekend we had a great time in Muskogee, OK watching Dane's baseball team, the Rogers Redhawks, play in a tournament. It was perfect weather--mostly warm during the day and cover-up-with-a-blanket cool at night. We took the whole family and spent the night and just enjoyed some time relaxing at the hotel, swimming in the pool, eating out with friends. It was really nice... and to top it off, the Redhawks won the tournament!

But I was really battling inside... I was physically hurting throughout the weekend which forced my mind into the worry-mode. I heard every little voice of doubt and concern that came into my head. Am I feeling the baby? Am I going into early labor? Was that a contraction? I don't remember what they feel like... And I tried to battle it with the Truth. I read Psalm 139 over and over. Tom was a source of comfort and strength as usual, always pointing me to Him.

It really was a Tug-of-War battle! Seems like I always want to take things over and just worry... no, God, really...I love worrying, I'll just take this back from you...(tug, tug) ...it's okay, I can handle it, you don't need to do this all by yourself... (tug, tug). But God is a much better "anchor" than I am...thank goodness.

On Sunday morning, we all went down to breakfast they offered at the hotel. My mind was spinning with concern and I was weary from little sleep. As we began to eat, a young mom and a little girl came past us to sit at the next table. We heard her say, "Hurry up Adalynn" or something like that... all I heard was her name. And each one of us in our family's ears just perked up! We couldn't believe that this little girl's name was Adalynn! The same as our new baby girl (which is somewhat rare)! Then we heard Adalynn say later, as she was getting sad, "I need my bubbas!" And her older brothers ran to her side. Tom looked at me directly in the eye and said, "I don't think this is an accident that we were here to witness that!" He went on to say, "God has you and this little one--Adalynn--in His [mighty, capable and anchor-like] hands." (underlying message...quit playing Tug-of-War!!)

Easier said than done! :) But my hands are definitely starting to slip...

What's in a name?

2009-03-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have to admit... I have asked several people if I should really "post" the name of this sweet baby girl we are so anxious to meet. I've heard it's taboo to do such a thing. But the response I got from one friend is, "You are such an open book... why DON'T you tell us her name so we know who to specifically pray for!" Great idea. And yes, there is meaning behind a name.

We plan to name her Adalynn which is after my grandmother (my mom's mom). Her name was actually spelled Adaline, but pronounced Ada-lynn. And my dad's name and my middle name is Lynn... therefore, Adalynn it is! I did look up the meaning of the name and it actually comes from Adelaide, which means "noble kind." I love that! What a noble thing she is already to go through so much in just 19 weeks of existence!

Her middle name is another story...

After Tom and I came out from the specialist's office, we were both just teary-eyed. We were in awe of this little girl. How she has overcome any "odds" that were against her. That God would place someone so special in our lives... that we are getting to witness a miracle in the making! Tom looked at me and said, "I don't think there is any doubt what the middle name of this baby girl should be..."

Prior to that, he had taken it upon himself to look up the word "miracle" in Danish. Olsen is Danish descent. In fact, his great great grandfather (Hans) came from Denmark, the country. The word he found was "Mirakel." He loved it...and I loved it. And after the visit and seeing that little girl just wiggling around in my belly, we knew that we were seeing a "Mirakel." So... Adalynn Mirakel Olsen. Noble Miracle (perfect).

On the drive home, Tom and I were just reflecting, daydreaming, planning... He pointed me to some scriptures that a new friend had led me to during our last Community Group. [Side note - this lady just HAPPENED to be at our Community Group for the very first time, and on the night we shared our new baby story, and she just HAPPENS to be a neo-natal nurse who just HAPPENS to know the specialist we saw in Little Rock. Cool, huh? I don't believe in coincidence.] She told me to claim these verses: (Psalm 139:5, 13-16)

You hem (Adalynn) in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon (her) ... For you created (her) inmost being; you knit (her) together in (her) mother's womb. I praise you because (Adalynn is) fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Her) frame was not hidden from you when (she) was made in the secret place. When (she) was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw (her) unformed body. All the days ordained for (her) were written in your book before one of them came to be.

What a great picture! Seeing her in that ultrasound and hearing the doctor say what a perfect placenta she had and how she looked so healthy and beautiful... all I could picture was God's hands "hemming her in." Thank you, Buffy, for sharing that scripture with us. I can't tell you how much that means to us!

And thank you to all of you for continuing to pray for our sweet Adalynn Mirakel! We are gratefully humbled and humbly grateful!

Road Trip to LR - March 2, 2009

2009-03-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Little Rock in March - WAHOO! And what a beautiful day it was to take a road trip with my hubby! I'm amazed at how much greener everything is down there--spring hits much earlier!

After a couple of initial visits with our doctor in NWA, she felt that we needed to see a specialist in Little Rock. This doctor is the one she had interned under and felt that he would be the perfect person to evaluate and partner with on this "case." He had seen one other woman who had a pregnancy after an ablation like this in Arkansas and was definitely the one with wisdom and experience.

We had a great visit. He told us everything that could happen during the pregnancy, which I really appreciated. I don't like things to be "sugar-coated"... I need to know! He said that with the procedure I had (endometrial ablation), there was not any endometrial lining left in my uterus. He didn't have an explanation of how the embryo implanted itself! He used the example of golf. In a normal pregnancy, it's like the golf ball landing in the rough. In my situation, it's like the golf ball somehow and miraculously landing on a very slick green! He said that "sometimes in medicine, there are things you just cannot explain!" (Obviously there is purpose in this! :))

The doctor then proceeded to talk through the concerns. There will most likely be a point where the baby will not get any more nourishment from the uterine wall through the placenta. The placenta "roots" itself into the wall during the pregnancy, and it will (again, most likely) come to a point where it can't root any more. At that point, the decision needs to be made whether to take the baby early. He did say that he would like to do an MRI at 32 weeks to determine the placenta/uterine wall position...and then possibly do a stress test on the baby.

To complicate things a little more... I have a blood clotting disorder, which can cause problems at delivery. We did talk through delivery options. Personally, I'm taking one day at a time. I'm not concerned about that at this point. I'm just concerned about this baby growing!

He did tell me the warning signs: bleeding (go to hospital immediately and prepare for transfusions) and preeclampsia. I have such a peace about all of this... I really wasn't too concerned when he talked about it, but I was glad to know!

We then went into a very in-depth ultrasound. He wanted to see the condition of baby among other things. He was very impressed and we ended the visit on a very positive note! He did say that he would like to me to go thru a "live-look-in ultrasound" in which he would be monitoring/viewing the ultrasound at the same time I was having it done in NWA. Very cool! Let me just say, I'm very grateful for how proactive my doctors are being! I feel WELL taken care of!

Here are some of the ultrasound pictures that we had in Little Rock. This is our baby girl at 17.5 weeks. They say she weighs 7 ounces right now!

This is a profile picture. Her head is on the left and she's curled up in a little ball. Isn't she precious?!

This is a front view picture. She's staring at us! Notice her big belly...she's definitely getting nourishment from somewhere! :)

Next appt.: March 17th - 20 week check up!
Tele-communication Ultrasound: March 31st

Prayer requests:
...Baby to keep growing and growing!
...the placenta to NOT root into the uterine wall
...Momma's inability to sleep!

A Holy Moment - February 28, 2009

2009-03-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

You know those moments in life--during Worship, in a quiet time, watching a breath-taking sunset, sharing joys with your children, etc.--that bring you a certain joy that is beyond description? It's like you are feeling what Heaven might be like ... it's like seeing just a glimpse of Glory for one millisecond...

I absolutely, positively LOVE those moments! I call those my "holy moments." And I especially love it when the Lord reveals something to me within those times that my normally finite and exceptionally distracted mind didn't recognize until that very moment... That exact thing happened on Saturday morning, February 28 at about 5:30am.

I wasn't able to sleep much during those few days after finding out I was pregnant... My planner-mind was busy tasking and worrying. I was fretting about not having a crib, high chair, baby or maternity clothes, etc. And I was stressed about when I was going to paint my house, fix the staircase and rearrange rooms to create a nursery! I was still in the "I, I, I" phase...very selfish and not seeing the bigger picture.

I started with a pot of coffee and a quiet time and had begun to work on my Apples of Gold Bible study. We are doing the "Life Development Planner" and were putting our lives into a timeline, of sorts ... and my timeline (life) had certainly had some big changes! I kept feeling the urge to read the passage of scripture where Mary had responded upon hearing that she was pregnant with Jesus. I just wanted my heart to be like her heart--a servant's heart, moldable and ready & willing to be a part of God's plan no matter what. It says in Luke 1:30-38:

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you ... For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

At that moment...the Word became ALIVE to me! In the first hours of knowing of this pregnancy, I had been joking about how the verse "Nothing is impossible with God" had a WHOLE new meaning to me... but I don't think I EVER realized that it (that verse) came from the angel in response to Mary's question of "how can this be?" (AHA & HOLY MOMENT) It was at that moment that I asked, "So this isn't about me, is it God?" I realized that He was doing something in and through this "miracle" pregnancy and baby that had great purpose. His power is made perfect in my weakness...His grace is sufficient...He alone is worthy... Who am I to get in the way of His amazing Plan?

I was crying pretty hard at this time... accepting reality, but most of all with relief that this "burden" wasn't a burden at all. Before this I was worried about my feelings, my comfort, my future, my...my...my... But this was a BLESSING. This was ordained. This was a God-thing! This was a holy moment of revelation unlike anything I had ever had before. (Thank you God for that!)

And then there was an amazing peace and acceptance that came over me... "may it be to me as you said, Lord."

Our Three Sons

2009-03-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that I'm truly in love with our three boys. I love their individuality. I love their different passions, pursuits, dreams, loves, personalities, gifts... I love that they are uniquely designed in a way that only God intended. In fact, Tom and I pray all the time that in spite of their parenting, they grow up to be strong, passionate men of God. A good friend of mine (Kathy Rusch) encouraged me to pray for my boys out of this verse:

Eph. 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen (Crist, Dane and Ty) with power through his Spirit in (their) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (their) hearts through faith. And I pray that (Crist, Dane and Ty), being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that (they) may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

When we told the boys the news of a new baby coming into the Olsen home...they responded JUST like we thought they would:

Crist couldn't believe it and then couldn't stop smiling. He is so tender hearted anyway, but he has a certain love for young children. He has such patience with them, never tires of playing with them... Crist was made to be a big brother to this little one and I know that eventually he'll be a WONDERFUL dad himself! He texts me all the time to check on me and see how I'm feeling. And he is an AMAZING helper around the home already!

Dane's first reaction was genuine shock...and then he went to concern. He started asking, "Why don't you look happy mom?" (that's when it was still sinking in for me) "What does 'risk' mean?" and then I overheard him ask Crist later, "Aren't you worried about Mom?" Dane takes after me, unfortunately, in that he can tend to worry about a lot of things. But he has slowly come out of that and now seems to be excited. The only thing he says now is that he doesn't want to have to drive his sister to Ballet lessons or anything like that!

Ty responded just like we thought he would... he instantly said, "Wahoo! I'm not the youngest anymore!" And then he started making out a list of names for the baby including: Trogdor the Burninator and then Po (from Kung Fu Panda). He then proceeded to say that we will FORCE the baby to play football, we will FORCE the baby to play basketball, we will FORCE the baby to play baseball, but they will have an option to play soccer. He has it all planned out, obviously. Ty definitely lightens the environment with his joyful spirit and is just plain fun to be around. Can't wait to see him interact with his new sister!

What a wonderfully unique family we have. I truly cannot wait to see how God has wired and gifted this little baby girl... we believe that this miracle child has got something special planned for her!

Tom - my rock

2009-03-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

I just have to say that Tom is a rock to me. Not the Rock (Jesus), but a rock in my life. In fact his middle name, Peter, means "rock"--fittingly. Tom has been absolutely amazing throughout this journey of finding out we are pregnant, learning he is to be a dad again, and being a source of strength for our family.

On the day of the big news, Tom had been texting me asking me how the doctor's appt. had gone. At one point, I texted back saying, "I'm heading into ultrasound. Yikes". He then texted back but I was already being whisked away and didn't get to see it until after the pregnancy was confirmed. His response was, "I wish I could be there." And I TOTALLY needed him!

I called Tom once I got into my car to leave. Naturally he was shocked, perplexed...and any other emotion you would want to insert here (not anger!). But his concern instantly went to me (of course--our amazing servant leader). We chose to meet over lunch and talk everything out. He immediately got someone to cover his classes. We did meet, but never ate--both of us didn't really have an appetite. We had a lot to think about! And one of the first things he (jokingly) said to me was, "I'm sorry I did this to you!" :)

We then called our parents. I can't even begin to explain how EXCITED they were! You could just see my Dad's smile over the phone and Tom's mom just screamed! Truly this is a picture of the amazing family that this baby is being born into--welcome arms and hearts--lots of room for a new little Olsen.

I didn't get to talk to my mom right away because she was at a bible study, but when we did talk, I was on the computer and had begun to look up the chances that someone could get pregnant after having an ablation... I saw that it was 0.7%. And most of those end in miscarriages. (Wow, was this REALLY happening?) I then realized that my fears could escalate dramatically if I stayed online and read everyone's experiences. So from that point on, I haven't researched anymore. You know, if we DID know about the pregnancy during the first trimester, we would have been very concerned... what a blessing that we didn't find out until almost half way through!

All I know is that "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" and I'm just SO incredibly grateful to have Tom--my husband and rock--to share this journey and joy. I am blessed.

This is a picture that a friend of ours (Nita Moix) sent. It is a baby (not our baby though) at 16 weeks. What an amazing picture!!!

February 18, 2009 - Surprise, surprise, surprise!

2009-03-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

It began as a bright and normal Wednesday around the Olsen household on the day of my doctor's appt. And after I was through, I was planning to drop in and see a good friend of ours, Don Phillips, who was getting ready to have triple bypass surgery (BTW, I never did get to go see him at the hospital, but he came through surgery great!).

While at the doctor, we talked through the symptons and concerns... I had none, I felt GREAT! I just had a weird hardness in my abdomen area. I again confirmed with her that "I couldn't be pregnant, right?" She said, "I really don't see how you could be. You haven't had a cycle since the procedure, which would indicate that the lining was regenerating."

She then proceeded to do an initial exam ... [pause] ... I wish I could show you a picture of her (surprised-this-can't-be) face! ... [play] ... She then said incredulously, "You can't be pregnant! ... We're going to ultrasound."

[Pause again] ... At this point, tears started to come. Everything was flying through my mind (selfish thoughts)--I'm 38 years old...I already have three incredible kids...this messes up all my "plans"... this cuts 9 years into time with just Tom...how am I going to tell Tom? (selfish, selfish, selfish). By the way, Tom wasn't with me at the time, we had no reason to think he needed to be at this OB appointment, obviously.

[Play] ... We then went into ultrasound. It was confirmed! Not only was I pregnant, but I was already 16 weeks! Yikes! How could this happen?! (well, I KNOW how this could happen, but how could GOD let this happen?) Again, this wasn't at all what I pictured my future to look like!

Questions started rolling out to my doctor... "How is the baby being fed? I mean, there is no endometrial lining ... Does everything look okay?" ... and then, "I just feel so STUPID that I didn't recognize this before now!" All this while tears are rolling down my face.

My doctor was amazing--a calm in the midst of my storm. She told me that she could not medically explain how I got pregnant because the environment for the baby was certainly not optimal, but she then said, "...but I know you are a Christian, and I know that YOU know that God wants this baby in your family right now." Wow, she gave me a great dose of wisdom and reality--I mean TRUE reality. She knew how to get past my selfish heart.

Then while trying to process, I started reasoning out loud, "You know, I have a great and healthy marriage, I have three incredible kids at home that will be wonderful big brothers, I have two sets of amazing grandparents that will be HUGE in this baby's life, I have a wonderful support group through the rest of my family, church, bible studies, employment... why WOULDN'T God want to put a baby in this environment?"

It was beginning to sink in... and my life was now going into [fast forward].

A little background information

2009-03-05T07:53:00.000-08:00

To begin this journey, I need to get caught up...

About one year ago, I had a procedure called "hydrothermal endometrial ablation" as a result of excessive menstrual bleeding. It was the perfect procedure to have done because of another condition I have called "Protein S Deficiency" (which causes my blood to clot too much). The ablation was a great way to cure the bleeding without having to do surgery. And it worked! And it was wonderful!

I didn't have a problem at all until I noticed that I had some hardness in my stomach area. My mind went to scar tissue, hernia, colon problems, even cancer...but NEVER did I think (or really think) that I could be pregnant! After all, my doctor told me that with the ablation, it took out all my endometrial lining which wouldn't allow for an embryo to implant itself into the uterine wall...unless the lining grew back.

Well, after a long cheer judging weekend with my good friend, Cindra, and telling her about my weird "hardness", she made me promise that I would call the doctor. So when I returned to NWA, I got an appt. for Wednesday, 2/18.

We did it!

2009-03-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

Okay... I broke down. I started a blog! A very good friend who will remain nameless (Elizabeth Vaught) convinced me that a blog would be a great way to record thoughts, solicit prayer requests and just stay connected. But most of all, we have wonderful news of a new baby entering our Olsen Crew! I can't wait to print all these amazing stories for her (yes, it's a GIRL!) baby book! Thank you in advance for letting me journal my thoughts and prayers. I do hope that you find some encouragement through these words. And I do hope and pray that I'm nothing but a vessel of what the Lord is doing in and through my life! The journey begins...