National Day of Prayer
Posted on 06. May, 2010 by Heather in News | 3 Comments
I’ve been reflecting on Eliana’s journey this past week and have once again been in awe of the amount of people praying for this beautiful little girl. I wanted to take a minute and share a few things with all of you that have been so wonderful and faithful in praying for her.
It was in July of last year that Jason and I sat down, talked and decided that the time was right to start thinking about having a baby. Due to our previous miscarriages early on in our marriage, we were very cautious about who to tell and when. Originally we weren’t going to share with anyone that we were going to start trying, but then decided that we wanted people praying for us.
We spoke to both of our parents to let them know and to request that they begin praying that we would not only get pregnant, but have a successful pregnancy. I joke with Jason that they must have immediately started praying because 5 weeks later we were back at their houses telling them that I was 5 weeks pregnant! Again, we requested more prayers from them – as they were the only ones that knew.
Once we made it past the point where I had miscarried before, we shared the news with family and then friends. Once more, we asked that they begin praying for us and our growing baby. What we didn’t know at this point was that our baby was already struggling to obtain nutrients due to a blood clot in my placenta.
It was around 18 weeks that obvious problems started to arise. We had some tests come back with abnormal results and Eliana began measuring three weeks behind. Our doctors expected that she would continue to drop-off in growth. It was at this point that prayer became even more crucial. The requests went out and the response was overwhelming.
From there, things began to look good. She maintained her weight, although she was still three weeks behind. All was well until we hit 30 weeks, which I don’t believe my doctor expected me to get that far. It was at this point that I was hospitalized and the journey really took off. She was then born at 32 weeks – a beautiful 2lbs, 6 oz little girl.
I am finding that we had no idea just how sick this little girl really was early on. However, sometimes, ignorance really is bliss. The prayers kept rolling in and the love was definitely felt.
Now, here we are on her original due date and she is doing so well. She is so close to coming home now! She is taking all 8 of her bottles now and her feeding tube has been removed. At this point it is all about growth and nothing more. She is so amazing! It looks like we will be rooming in this Friday and bringing her home on Saturday, if all goes as planned. She should be hitting the 4 lb. mark tonight (last night she was 3 lbs, 15.4 oz).
It occurred to me recently that her life has been all about prayer! Her name means ‘God answers our prayers’ and He certainly has! I think that it is only fitting and so perfect that her original due date – today – is the National Day of Prayer. Although, I have now changed that to the National Day of Praise!
What wonderful words! I am so thankful she is here. There have been alot of prayers lifted up for her, you and Jason. Praying for her as she takes her “field trip”.
Heather, I just wanted to wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day. How exciting that you will be able to bring her home for your special day.
Our lives have changed forever. Laus Deo!