This morning was supposed to be a typical Saturday morning: Daniel out the door for men's prayer, then to his cell group meeting in Potsdam followed by meeting with a couple students before coming back here. I planned on doing the usual things: laundry, bathroom-cleaning, baths for kids, Sunday morning clothing preparation, etc. I'd also hoped to get Easter decorations out, in spite of the outdoors looking more like a winter-wonderland than spring.

Instead, Daniel and I made an emergency trip to the hospital and had an ultrasound done. Last night I had more bleeding exactly like Wednesday night. Upon speaking with my doctor this morning, a decision to get an ultrasound done-- especially in light of a hoped-for trip out of town next week to visit family and friends in Pittsburgh-- seemed like a good idea.

The ultrasound confirmed what the doctor surmised the situation to have been when I was seen at the office on Thursday: subchorionic bleeding. This is not altogether uncommon and typically not a need for concern, except that my ultrasound showed that there's been quite a bit of bleeding. I do appreciate having a doctor who is ever-optimistic while still speaking plainly; she is hopeful, but honestly could see this pregnancy "going either way."

I'm now under orders for restricted activity. This mostly means I shouldn't lift a lot. The need is to give the placenta as optimal an environment for healing as possible.

I know, though, that the real key is prayer.

Having seen a healthy baby twice now this week, it is perhaps even more painful to realize that his natural source of nutrients and life is at risk. Once again, I am reminded that the womb is not mine, but God's domain-- He is the true Author and Source of life. I am grateful that even as I'm reminded of how not in control I am, I have the assurance of a good and faithful God Who is in control.

Please pray for my baby.

And please pray for me. I know what response the Lord is looking for in me and I want to be faithful:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; (Psalm 103:1-4)