test 4 transfer: Baby Didyk #2 On the Way

Dear Friends and Family,

Just a quick note to let you know that Andy and I came to the hospital yesterday evening (thursday) because I was having contractions again every 4-5 min. apart. My doctor met me there to check me out and admitted me because I was 2 cm dilated and still contracting. My cervix was starting to efface as well...so he decided to start my steroid shots to help the baby's lungs produce surfactant. If my contractions stopped, I could go home after the two shots (48 hours).

Then: an ultrasound revealed the baby had dropped and was descending into the birth canal. A section of my uterus is also so thinned out that's it's only 4mm thick!! Though there aren't statistics/research to show this might cause preterm labor, if that section stretched much more it could rupture - not good! So...God knows what He's doing and we're just trusting Him.

This morning I had progressed to 3cm and 70% effaced and the head had dropped another 1 1/2 - 2". I don't think we're going to be going home any time soon! =) My doctor started me on procardia to try to stop the contractions long enough to give the steroids...which seems to be working as long as I'm lying on my left side. If I roll over, get up, etc, the contractions start up again. Yeah left side! Good thing that's how I like to lie down anyway.

My next steroid shot is at 10pm tonight, then we're hoping to at LEAST make it to Sat at 10 pm b/c that's 48 hours. Each hour is a blessing. We're either at 27 weeks 4 days (says first ultrasound) or 28 weeks 4 days (says logic when Andy and I calculate what's "possible"). =) That's either 1 or 2 weeks before Christopher was born, though this baby is weighing in via the ultrasound at 2lb 7 oz, 1 oz less than Christopher weighed. With all the latest technology, we're looking at a healthy survival rate of 80%. We've seen tremendous miracles already in Christopher's life, and are looking forward to the blessing of experiencing many more. Though emotionally challenging at times, it's always amazing and such a blessing to see how God works and how much He loves and cares for us. Each moment of keeping this baby safe is a blessing that we're constantly thanking the Lord for.

Andy and I are doing fine emotionally - there are moments of - "Oh, Dear Lord, help us!!!!" but really we're more upset for the baby - not wanting it to have to suffer, and for Christopher, who has no idea what's coming or why Daddy and Mommy are gone. Though PTL for wonderful friends and family who are already pitching in to help out. Christopher has been having fun with Sho Sho and Aunt Anna. He probably doesn't even notice we're gone in truth! =)

From here on out we will be posting updates on the blog for any/all to view. Please feel free to call/email us, though we don't promise any rapid responses depending on what's going on. We covet your prayer support, and are so thankful to know that we have so many wonderful friends who we can count on to lift us up at a time like this.

We love you all.

Resting in His Arms and Trusting in Him,

Rachel, Andy, Christopher and Baby Didyk

Rachel and Andy at the start of Round 2 of Early Didyk Births

Christopher sitting with Mommy. His first comment when Mama brought him to see us this morning was to look around and say "What is it?" at all the machines. Cute. Then he walked over to where the monitor was displaying the baby's heartbeat and started dancing to the "beats." I love our son! =)