The Mercy That Covers Me

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu Twenty two weeks 4 days. Yesterday was Brooke's appointment for the echo's. Both girls weigh 1 pound 1 ounce! (Pics soon to come.) The levels on the echos were a little elevated which can be attributed to the procedure last Monday. Since they are elevated on both babies, its not as concerning. Brooke is officially released to return to her OB in Louisville. She will continue to be on bedrest and weekly doctor visits for the duration of the pregnancy. Ray and I picked up Oliver today and took him to the park. Rebecca, Luke and some of their friends were there. We played football, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and talked. It was simple and it was fun. I watch Oliver and can't remember when he wasn't in our lives. He is such a blessing. I can't wait until Coeur d'Lane and Lennon are in our lives that way!

In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back. ~Charlie Brown Today was really a day of reflection. I left Kentucky this morning about 8:00 and started the 12 hour drive home - alone. Two hours into the drive I got a call from Chris. Brooke had a smal l concern a nd went to the hospital. Everything is fine and while she was there they went ahead and did the ultrasound that she had scheduled for tomorrow. The echo and consult will still be tomorrow. Hopefully, after tomorrow, she will not have to return to Cincinnati other than to visit Ikea with the girls. While driving it occurred to me that I have been somewhat sheltered in "my" little world and that there were a lot of things going on in the "bigger" world. It's called life. By the time I got to Ringgold, Georgia traffic was backed up and going about 10 mile s an hour. Ugh! Why here? My first thought was "I need to get home, it's been a long week". I had the radio on and ...

Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them. Ralph Waldo Emerson I took this picture today when Chris and I were out driving around Cincinnati. The rain stopped for a couple of hours and we went to Urban Outfitters to return some shoes and spent more money. Shopping can be therapeutic. Well, it will be for Josh R. and Luke P. - I bought them a little gift. Chris also humored me by stopping at various buildings and interesting sites of photographic interest to me. These steps remind me of life. You can see the first step clearly but if you look too far ahead it can be deceiving. Almost like the steps become more narrow. They don't. ...

Today the sky was blue, and so was I. Sharon Schmidt Twenty two weeks and one day. Chris, Sue, Morgan and I got up early to get breakfast and get to the hospital. Brooke slept well last night, thanks to Dr. "Ambien". Connie, the sonographer, came in to take Brooke to get the ultrasound. As expected, Emerson's heart wasn't beating. As I was reminded today, her spirit and a good friends' recent loss, are playing together on the other side. Coeur d'Lane and Lennon are doing well. They were so busy in there, moving, sucking on their hands - so sweet. Their heart rates are in a good range and their fluid levels remain in a good range. The average delivery occurs about 10 weeks after this procedure. We want Coeur d'Lane and Lennon to get big and stay in as long as possible! We won't have to worry about Emerson now. We focus our attention on the future. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. Corrie Ten Boom

I do believe that if you haven't learnt about sadness, you can't appreciate happiness. Nana Mouskouri It's been a long day. We've laughed, we've cried and we've laughed again. Brooke is staying at the hospital tonight. She started having contractions before noon but they gave her medicine to stop them. It has worked. Her back hurts but she is doing well. We need to be back at the hospital tomorrow morning by 7:00. They are going to do another ultrasound to check the babies' heartbeats. We are prepared for Emerson to be gone but it's going to be emotional. . Prayers for Chris and Brooke, for Coeur d'Lane and Lennon,. I'm not sure who all sees this blog but I want to thank you for being there for us.

weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 Emerson had a 5% share of the placenta, leaving Lennon with 95% of the placenta. They did share a couple of large vessels, which would have caused significant neurological damage, if not death to Lennon, when Emerson passed. After they were separated Emerson's heart rate went down to the 50's and 60's. They don't expect she will be here tomorrow when they check on the baby's again. I am asking that no one share any of this information on Facebook, please. Do not write on my wall giving any hint to this, please. I want to respect Brooke and Chris. Give them time. While they have two healthy babies right now they are experiencing grief and need space. PLEASE be sensitive. Don't stop praying for us.

We just met with the surgeon, Dr. Crombleholme. Brooke did well during the surgery. Will give an update on the outcome in a little bit. Please continue to pray for us.