What Today Would Have Been

Waking up this morning is a little bit different than what I originally thought it would be. Today was  scheduled to be my sister's baby shower and the last two months had been full of fun preparation for this exciting event!  My sister lives in Texas

and we generally see her twice a year maybe and we had looked forward to this weekend for quite some time. I know she couldn't wait to be back here and see some of her close friends from out of town, many that she has known for the past 20+ years.

Last night it was funny that not only my mom and sister were thinking it, but we all were apparently in different places in the U.S. with the thought, "She was supposed to be arriving at the airport right now for the weekend". However, today was not meant to be.

Earlier this week my sister started having complications with her pregnancy and though she isn't due until June 7th, the doctor started to have great concerns over a few things and began testing her and watching her elevated blood pressure levels very carefully. It was then that they discovered that she had developed preeclampsia, which can be both a serious danger to the mother and baby. Earlier this week I know was very difficult and frightening for her, as this is her first little one and her world suddenly, in just a few moments, slightly turned upside down as various conversations started to ensue. I can only imagine all that my sister thought in that 24 hour span as doctors talked and she began wondering if she would carry him to full term? Would they take him early? Will he be born in April or May and not June? Thankfully her liver tests came back good this week and they will continue to monitor her closely these next two months. As we talked the following day, we all agreed there was absolutely no reason she should take any risks and despite what doctors may decide was ok, we did not want her traveling. She did find out that they would not allow her to fly without her husband; however, in light of even that we didn't feel it was a good idea to take any risks at this time.  So with that, we called off today's big event.

I know this was very hard for her to be far away from part of her family as she had looked forward to this day so much. We all know that there's nothing worse for a woman than having certain things mapped out just a certain way in your head only to have them completely change at a moment's notice on you. Thankfully, she still wants to come out and have her shower after her little one is born, which of course is fine by us! (who wouldn't want the star of the show to come out and meet all of us). As in all things, God has a greater plan and we will trust Him in that.  We do ask that you continue to keep her and their baby (& daddy too) in your prayers these next two months.  I know that they would appreciate that greatly.

Though today would have been a beautiful day her baby shower, we sit her grateful that both mom and baby (and dad) are doing ok at this time and we continue to pray for a healthy process for both of them. Yes, we would have loved to have had her in this weekend to celebrate Baby Greyson's arrival, (because who doesn't want to find a good reason to throw a party with all your friends?) but there will be time later for a shower and of course a perfect excuse to show off a new baby. Until then, we will put away all of our fun baby shower stuff and reschedule after we welcome this new little man into our family.

Dear Baby Greyson,

Though I'm excited to be your aunt and of course can't wait to meet you, I do ask that you behave and not give your momma any trouble these last few weeks.  Of course I would love to see your cute little face earlier, but I'm not so sure your mommy and daddy are quite ready for that as they still have a few more important things to get done over the next few weeks. As your coolest and favorite (you just don't know it yet) aunt, I'm giving you a little advice here to cooperate with your momma and wait a few more weeks before you decide to introduce yourself.  Hopefully you can take that advice, give it some thought and let your mommy and daddy finish getting your room together; otherwise, you might have to sleep in a drawer for a few days. Our family can't wait to meet you so until then, we hope you behave and we will hopefully meet you in June if not before.

Love,

Aunt Leah