On Your Mark...

This weekend was beyond emotional.

My mother-in-law fell, ended up in the ER twice and while this was going on we got a call that our baby was quite conceivably on her way.  I was nothing short of incredulous.  Babies come early all the time, but I guess my mind didn't consider just how early ours might arrive.  It's certainly exciting to think of a Christmas gift like no other.  At the same time, we truly want our child to have as much time in utero as possible.  That world is safe, warm and nurturing for her still developing brain.  Women do safely deliver after 28 weeks, but before 37 is considered preterm and in a perfect world it's not the scenario you would choose.  As it turned out, baby was just giving us a reality check.  She and Holly are both safe and healthy.  We are tremendously thankful.  We are also grateful to know that when the call does come, we can race around our house like no one's business!  Everything was at the front door within minutes.  Bags, clothes, bottles, car seat, diapers, phone chargers, wallets, you name it.  We've got this.

Today there is an enormous sigh of relief.  My mother-in-law, someone who would give a stranger a kidney if they needed one, is doing much better after her fall.  She will heal in a few months time.  For me the hardest part wasn't a concern for her health - I knew she was going to be ok.  My concern was her fear and my husband's sadness.  He felt so completely vulnerable watching his mom go through this, not even two years after her last major injury, and it about wiped him out emotionally.  To know that in the midst of this our birth mother may suddenly be going into labor?  The look on his face was pure panic.  But God is good.  We gathered our wits and figured things out.  This morning mom is much better, more rested and more hydrated.  Our baby is still in the womb and her birth mother is healthy.  Two enormous blessings.

We are also very fortunate to have dear family and friends who will quite literally be at your side in a moments notice.  Something not everyone can say.

Last night I took the baby bags back to baby's room.  It's funny but I feel as though maybe I'm already acting like a mom.  Back in April when our adoption adventure first began, the thought of having an early delivery would have been thrilling.  I'm nothing if not impatient.  But last night, though we would have welcomed her with open arms, the practical side of me kicked in.  I knew that though most of her organs are fully formed, the extra time gaining weight and developing her brain would be truly beneficial.  So as much as we want her here, we'd rather have her here safe and sound.  A Christmas baby would be wonderful, but she is still a miracle to us...no matter her birthday.