Bronchitis + 39 weeks pregnant = Exhausted. Sorry this post is so late, but technically this is my very last day of being 39 weeks pregnant. This past week has been terribly uneventful. It included me laying around in my pajamas for approximately one week while coughing up a lung and hoping my bladder doesn't give out in the process *sigh*.
Luckily after a lot of pampering and love (and strong antibiotics) I have recovered just in time to check into the hospital this morning for my cervical "ripening". The staff here at the hospital is so wonderful. The nurse and I just finished making a little bracelet for Elspeth together and the maternity coordinator and her secretary made a little hat just for Elspeth. I am so touched by their thoughtfulless.
I want to give a special thanks to so many of your emails, cards, letters, FB shout outs, etc from friends and so many of you that I have never even met. I have been touched deeply by your concern and love poured out to Ryan, Elspeth and I. There aren't words for the appreciation we feel for all of you.
I especially want to thank our families who have traveled many miles to be here with us tomorrow as Elspeth enters the world. To our parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews...we love you more than words.
Elspeth is still holding strong. On sonogram this morning she was looking beautiful, still head down with a heart rate in the 130's. The nurse tells me that labor will probably be between 12-18 hours because I am a first time momma. I am a little distressed by this news but still keeping my head up. Statistics show that Elspeth chances of making it out alive sharply decrease after 10 hours of labor. I am holding onto the fact that no matter what happens in the end, Elspeth will always be my daughter. She will be just as beautiful to me alive or passed. Her imprint on my heart is never-ending.
This is it. I am 40 weeks tomorrow. We made it! I promised Elsepth that she would get every single day of her gestation and I am so happy that I was able to keep that promise to her. I will update you all for one final post after her birth.
I love you all.
Meredith
thinking of you every second. you can do this.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
c
My heart and prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteAs a woman who carried my first child only 31 weeks, I am in awe that you kept your promise to your daughter. This post moved me to tears. God knew what he was doing when he sent this beautiful child to you and Ryan. Keeping you in my prayers as you ripen tonight.
ReplyDeleteSending big hugs your way as you head into tomorrow. I have been spreading your story and asking everyone I know to keep you in their thoughts and prayers. I hope you can feel the love sent your way from up north! XO
ReplyDeleteI Love you and Ryan so much and my thoughts are with you and I will carry a prayer in my heart all day that you will feel the Saviors Arms wrapped around all of you.
ReplyDeleteI am a complete stranger to you. A friend posted your blog on facebook and I decided to read it. I am now aware what you are probably going through at this moment while I am reading your story. I too am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For that reason, I know you will find comfort in knowing that you and Elspeth and Ryan will be together forever. I guess I wanted to tell you how admirable your strength is. The sorrow I feel for you is so minute to that sorrow you and your family will feel for your loss. I will be praying for you today, and not just for strength to endure but also for the blessing of life no matter how long. My prayers are for you to find peace in whatever blessings Heavenly Father gives you today and somehow I feel strongly that they will be plentiful. I also want to welcome you to motherhood! The biggest challenge of motherhood is finding the strength and patience to deal with whatever our children throw at us. Well, my dear, you have already proven to be an extrodinary mother! May God Bless you and your family! Casey
ReplyDeleteHappy wishes sent your way. Perhaps your labor won't be that long. My first baby was induced, and from start to finish labor was only 8 hours. I'll keep you, Ryan and Elspeth in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSweet Meredith, You and Ryan are Angels and so is your little Elsbeth.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet post brought me to tears. I am in awe.
God will bless you for all you have done for her and for those of us who have read your blog and inspired lives all over the world.
hugs to you.
~a
I don't reach out well, but wanted to let you know that I've been thinking of you and Ryan all week, and you are still in my prayers. You are such a good mamma. I don't know what else to say, other than we love you both, and Elspeth couldn't have gotten better parents.
ReplyDeleteI'm a stranger, also a mother, and so touched by the story you're sharing with us...
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you and your girl, and I know there will be many moments later in my day when I quietly think about what you're going through in your birthing journey, I will sip on tea and remind you quietly of how strong you are.
And lastly I wanted to thank you, a real deep big warm thank you, for sharing your thoughts on your faith and your family, I learnt something from your words.