Surviving Bedrest: The Week in Review Vol. 21

Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us during this past week.  

(In case you missed it, I was put on bedrest two weeks ago due to preterm labor).

It's been hard, but we have so much to be thankful for...

Role reversal!  First time going out in the wheelchair.

1. Our baby appears healthy and is nearly full-term.  I will be 36 weeks next Tuesday (37 is considered full-term).  According to ultrasound, our baby already weighs nearly 6 lbs, and the doctor seems confident that he will do just fine, even if he's born a little earlier than expected.

2. I get to go outside!  A friend lent us a wheelchair, and the doctor approved for me to take short trips outside each day (if someone is pushing me).  Getting some sunshine and fresh air feels so good!

3. We have amazing friends.  This past week, our church family started bringing us meals, which takes some of the cooking burden off Kalan.  Friends came to visit me almost every day, which was a huge encouragement.  Others have called or texted to check up on us.  And of course, Chelsea continues to bless us with all her help.

Five foreigners--two in a double stroller + one in a wheelchair + two pushing us all along--we're quite the sight for our neighbors!

Have a great weekend!

Kayt

Halloween, Bedrest, and the Best Sister-in-Law Ever

Happy belated Halloween!  We attended a Halloween party at the school where Kalan teaches English.  The kids got to join in the activities, including trick-or-treating at a few stores around the block.  (Halloween isn't celebrated in Taiwan, but English schools here often organize special activities.)

According to Keira, Halloween is the "best day ever" because she got to dress up like a princess and eat candy.

Halloween night took an unexpected turn, however, when I went into preterm labor.  No one saw that coming!  After a bunch of tests, my doctor prescribed medicine/bedrest and sent me home.  I'm 34 weeks along now, and we are hoping baby boy can wait at least three more before making his appearance.

That means I'm pretty limited in my activities for the next few weeks.  Providentially, Chelsea (my brother's fiancee) is here visiting until November 19.  She has been wonderful, jumping in to help watch the kids, wash the dishes, fold laundry, and do whatever else needs to be done.  We are so thankful for her cheerful, serving heart.

Movie night!

Kalan has also been awesome about cooking, cleaning, taking the kids out to play, and generally keeping our household running.  It's hasn't been easy while balancing work, Chinese class, and church commitments, but somehow he does it all.  

And so, even though this past week did not turn out as I expected, I'm incredibly grateful for how God provides, especially for things we don't even know to pray for.

"The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his sovereignty rules over all." Psalm 103:19