Thursday Update

1. We started the morning at my OB. I had my biggest weight gain so far - 3 lbs in two weeks (17 so far total). In talking to the doctor she wasn't mad because it's obvious I have started swelling a little bit (and the fact that I snuck a chick-fil-a biscuit right before I got there I'm sure added at least a pound, ha-ha). Things are still looking well. Dr H said that we've made it to 32 weeks, let's make it to 34, then 36, then everything else is gravy after that. So pray that I make it to the gravy part of this pregnancy. Big positive - no protein in my urine which means the preecclampsia has not reared it's ugly head yet.
2. Then we headed to Ella's dermatology visit. The doctor we saw was reassuring. She explained there are 3 treatments we can take - beetle juice and liquid nitrogen (to burn them off) and one she doesn't want to do - a cream they use on chemo patients that can be toxic. So since I refuse the burning treatments, and she doesn't suggest the chemo cream that brings us back to square one. On a great note though, the big outbreak she had two weeks ago is showing signs that her body is recognizing the infection. The doctor said that with each outbreak that heals Ella's body is building up an immunity that will one day allow her to not break out at all. For the record, if you take care of my children this summer - it's best not to expose the spots to sunlight so we will be even more sunscreen/hat/tshirt-ed up in the sun for both the kids. Continue to pray that scarring will be minimal on her chest and legs.
3. My heart is heavy for a little girl on the safety patrol. She's got to be about 12 and in 6th grade. I've watched as I've dropped off and picked up Noah from school all year as she has changed. She has gone from a child to a want to be woman. She is wearing full makeup and eyeliner, tight clothes, and today had on a low cut shirt that showed off too much. I wanted to kidnap her and take her home. To tell her that she is fine just the way she is. That she is walking down a path of attracting the wrong kind of attention. That there is someone who loves her unconditionally just the way she is, who she can turn to when she is scaired and feeling insecure. And it made pray even harder today for the a hedge of protection around my sweet Ella, knowing she will face the same peer pressure one day.
4. Africa. It's amazing how since we found out my sister and Will are adopting that my ears hear about that place more and more (their blog is www.yestoadoption.blogspot.com). Currently Marianna Dollyhigh is there picking up her daughter right now. My sis and Will are still waiting for a refferal, and today I found out that someone I consider a friend is heading there on Saturday for her courtdate. This friend received her referral for a baby girl who is currently six months old last November. I got to see her picture today and man is she beautiful - you should see this baby's big eyes! Because of some changes there is a strong chance she will not be able to bring home her daughter until much later than expected. Please pray alongside of me for these moms as they journey to bring home their babies and the road they are on. I know that Luke's going to be here in the next 48 days or less. My sis and friend don't have a "due date" and I can't imagine being in their shoes. I saw the longing in her heart today and I am praying for both her and Bekah that God will throw a door wide open to bring home their babies sooner.
5. We are eating hotdogs again for supper. Never again will I buy those bad boys in bulk. Yuck.