Closer

Since the last time I posted, Amanda has had 2 more hospital visits. One for the stomach flu, and another just last weekend for dizziness and a severe headache, and possible problems with her blood pressure. Ezekiel is always perfect, even though Amanda suffers in one form or another. Dana says it's because she is in such a state of panic about what she is going to have to do soon. I guess her parents are having a hard time with it too. Robyn wrote Amanda and her parents very nice emails at Dana's suggestion, to help to give them encouragement. Amanda is off bedrest and the Trebutaline now. Her doctor said last week that she didn't expect him until after Thanksgiving, though. That was good news for me, at least. I feel like the more days I have prior to him getting here, the more I can accomplish. It's crazy how crazy I am about getting stuff done. Every little thing I get done, I think, "oh, good. One more thing I don't have to do after he gets here". But at the same time, I am so excited to see him! But I know that he will get here inevitably, and I'll start really wanting him to come soon when Dec 1st rolls around, so we can make it home in time to go up to Washington for Christmas.

I know that plans are underway for my baby shower. I am excited about it. I like some of Val's ideas that she has told me about.

We have secured a place to stay in Houston. Yay! I finally worked up the courage to call Dana's mom, since she had offered for us to stay with them. She was very gracious, and said we could stay at their house, and then Amanda told me this week that Denise's father in law Les has a big house not far from Denise's, and we could stay there as well. It's times like this that it is so great being a member of God's church. He provides for us so expertly.

Other great news! Nathanael's boss offered his Southwest vouchers to us for our trips to Houston and back. We are so thankful. Again, God is blessing us and taking care of us each day. He will help us get through the financial burdens of the adoption.

I'm anxious about seeing Amanda in the hospital. I'm afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, or not meeting her expectations. I know she will be watching our every move once we have Ezekiel in our arms, and I don't want to disappoint her. I pray about that a lot. That the hospital time will go smoothly, as well as the legal stuff. Nathanael talked to his aunt Kelly about that, and she shared her stories about her time with both of her kid's birth moms. She had a very interesting perspective on that time. It was very precious to her, and she wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. It's helping me to change my perspective on that time as well, and maybe look forward to it a little, instead of being anxious about it. After all, Dana will be there the whole time, and she will take care of anything that I cannot.

On a more selfish note, I'm really hoping he doesn't decide to come on any of Southwest's blackout days. Today is one of them. The day is almost over, so we're off to a good start. Here's hoping he doesn't come tomorrow either, since that is a blackout day too!