not to us

Well, I suppose it's only natural that once I actually said, "We're beating the odds!", things would start to happen.  Please don't panic.  Everything is alright, we've just hit a little snag in the road.

This morning, when I woke up, I noticed that Burke kept getting into a position that made my whole stomach feel tight.  At first, I thought, "Wow!  He's really getting big!"  Then, I realized that I was probably actually feeling contractions.  By 11:00 a.m., I had felt about 10 tightenings, so I decided to call Dr. Harrison.  She agreed that what I was describing were contractions.  

She prescribed a medication that is often used to stave off preterm labor.  It's called Brethine, or oral terbutaline.  Quite a bit of speculation and disagreement exists around the subject of using this medicine for preterm labor.  It's only labeled, FDA-approved use is for the treatment of asthma.  However, it has been widely used for PTL, as well.  The side effects for this drug can be quite unpleasant.  Many women report feeling incredibly anxious, with a racing heartrate.  

I'm extremely nervous and anxious to be on this drug, but I whole-heartedly trust Dr. Harrison and her treatment.  She was on this drug with her own pregnancy, and I will be seeing her on Tuesday, so we can discuss any side-effects or problems at that time.  Right now, I simply want to follow all the rules and do whatever I can to keep this little guy cooking for as absolutely long as possible.

Needless to say, there will be no more "small outings" for anything other than a dr's appointment.  Stupid haircut...

Specific prayer requests:

1.  Pray against the side effects of this drug.  I have been on the medicine for two hours now, and I feel fine.  Praise God!  Pray that I continue to feel calm with a steady heartrate.

2.  Pray that God is working all around Burke and me.  Burke is being good to move for me every once in a while and let me know that he's okay.  

3.  Pray for wisdom for Dr. Harrison and humility for me. 

4.  Pray for two more weeks at least.  AT LEAST.  We need those lung steroids.  

5.  As always, above all, pray for God's Will in this situation.  Pray that He's continually preparing all of us for what's in the future.  

Like I said, there is no reason for added worry or panic.  Things are under control.  God didn't all of a sudden take his eyes and hands off of this situation this morning.  I haven't had any tightening in over three hours.  I'm just asking for continued prayer.  :)  Have a good evening!  I promise I will post an update if anything else begins to happen.  If you don't see another update this evening, you can be sure that everything is fine.  We have friends coming over for dinner, so I may not get a chance to post an update.  :)  In that case, no news is very good news!  We'll make sure you know immediately if something starts to happen.

Thanks, everyone!