Sigh of Relief

Sunday was a bit scary.

We basically had a normal day, went to church, came out, out to lunch with friends, and then when we were on our way to a birthday party, I started having contractions. I was driving and didn't realize they were contractions at first. I just knew that I was in pain. You would think I would remember what contractions feel like, having gone through them before with Sahara, but I didn't. I thought maybe Ry had just gotten herself in a strange position that made her put pressure on something that wasn't supposed to feel pressure had she any amniotic fluid. After driving a little while longer, I couldn't take it anymore and pulled over. We decided it was best to go home and lay down instead of going to the party. Ja and I switched places and started driving home thinking that if I maybe moved differently, she would move and the pain would go away. But, after trying this for a while in the car, Ja said we needed to go to the hospital. This is when I started to freak out a little. I kept telling him that I didn't want or need to go and to just take me home. He was adamant, though, saying that it would be good just to check out what was going on. He was really sweet through the whole thing and started asking me questions about things that would take my mind off of the situation. We made it to the ER and were escorted up to the labor and delivery room. I had finally calmed down and was able to answer every question, smile and laugh again. I was hooked up to a NST machine. We got there around six in the evening, and sure enough I was having contractions every one to three minutes. My family was nearby at church and came over to keep Sahara busy. At around nine, the nurse came in and did a swab test that is supposed to tell the doctor if I was going into preterm labor that night or in the next two weeks. She also checked my cervix and said it was still closed. We had to wait an hour for the test results to come back. I had been praying the whole time, probably why I was so relaxed, but there were a few times when I thought, "what if tonight is the last night I have both of my girls with me?"
I never actually thought I would go into labor before thirty weeks. That might sound foolish, or hopeful, but I just had that feeling. I wasn't ready. At times, it was really hard to breath thinking that I might have to face everything that night. I hadn't packed any bags or had anything for Ry. I was really unprepared. And, even as I write this, I have yet to get any of these things together.
The test came back negative, meaning that I wasn't in labor, especially with my cervix closed, but also that I shouldn't go into labor for at least another two weeks! Thank you Lord! The nurse said that most of the time, the test is pretty right on, so that was really great to hear.
We were finally released around ten, and by then I was ready to just flop in bed. The nurse said to come back if the contractions became worse, since I was still contracting when we left, but they ended up calming down. I had a few Monday, but not nearly as intense as they were Sunday.
I woke up on Tuesday with a heart full of hope. I'm tired of everyone, including myself, counting her as dead. She isn't dead. She is alive, and kicking! And, so, our new game plan is to get ready to bring her home. God can do a miracle, and I know it. I want everything ready for a miracle. When I told Ja this, I was thinking, "oh man, he is going to think I'm crazy and try to talk me out of this," but instead he said, "ok, let's go buy some clothes!" I love that man!! We have a lot to do before we bring her home and not much time to do it all in, but we are certainly going to try! Ja reminded me of Moses' mom and how she got everything ready for Moses and left the rest in God's hands, and so that's what we are doing. And, also still a TON of praying!!
Thank you for your continued prayer, I'm sure that's why I was able to go home from the hospital.