Day 40: What a Relief!

One of the things doctors keep telling me because I've been experiencing preterm labor is to avoid stress which can trigger early contractions.  However, avoiding stress is easier said than done, even while I've been on bed rest.  I lay here and stress about a variety of things, including the baby and pains that could be labor-causing (lately I've been experiencing round ligament pain, which can be pretty debilitating).  I stress about the well-being of our five year old son and not overburdening my husband and mother-in-law who have been taking on my slack.  I  worry about how we're going to get our next meal on the table when I'm down and out, and so much more.  Another HUGE stress that's been looming over us is J's state boards.  I didn't realize how stressed I was about his exam until I heard the results today, and what a relief I felt.  I am happy to report that he did it! J passed his state nursing boards with flying colors and now is a RN! We are so proud!  No more purple student scrubs and no more stressing out about this test!

Day 38: Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3

Last Wednesday I posted about stability, and now a week later, I'm posting about uncertainty. It's funny how often we vacillate between these two in our lives, but testing is what life is all about. We're trying to be positive, but waiting for J's nursing board results after he takes his test today is nerve-wracking. We won't know whether or not he passed until Saturday at the earliest. Add that on to the complications I've had in this pregnancy and laying on bed rest when I have all the time in the world to think about a million worst case scenarios for me and Baby, I'm a mess today. I'm also worried about B's emotional health. He's been acting out (throwing things and hitting) and saying things (like "I don't like you" or "No, I won't do it, EVER.") that he never said or did a few weeks ago, all because he's frustrated by the loss of control and routine that bed rest has caused. We calm him down and it lasts a day or two, but then he has another even bigger meltdown the next time. I hate how difficult this is for B and how stressed J has been because of his test and his increased responsibility. Right now we're a little nervous with all the uncertainty that life has thrown at us, but we'll continue to do our best and proceed with faith and prayer as we have always done. We honestly thank you for all the prayers said in our behalf. We know prayers are answered.

In other news, B and I will be returning home today after nearly two weeks at my in-laws so that J could work and study without interruptions. It's been nice for me to have a change of scenery and for J not to have to worry about taking care of me and B while he's been making plans for his exam and career (though he did come over and visit frequently). I appreciate all the help my mother-in-law has given us. She's been wonderful the last few weeks making meals, taking care of B, doing laundry and housework for us, and providing other much-needed help. As nice as it's been here, I am glad to be going home and to be under the same roof as a family again. We need it so we can weather these difficult times. We're hanging in there and once again, we appreciate all the prayers and encouragement. We'll let you know as soon as we know anything regarding J's test.

Playing his great grandma's auto harp (I'm so glad he found something to do that calmed him and made him happy).