August 13, 2008

Dear Friends,

We met with my OB/GYN yesterday and finally scheduled an induction for August 22nd...next Friday at 7:00 a.m. Due to the fact that Christian's growth has been so slight, our doctor's felt that the inducing labor would give us the best chance to have a birthday with Christian and to spend a little time with him. We're going to be giving birth at The Birth Place here in Naples.

To tell you the truth, I was so nervous when we scheduled the date. This is the day I've been praying for and dreading at the same time. I am so excited to meet my son FINALLY! To be able to hold Christian in my arms with his father beside me is a dream I've been wishing for for so long. We are going to be parents! But how much time will we have with him, I don't know. That's the part I dread. Will I be strong enough to handle what is to come? For now, I shove those fears in the back of my mind and try to focus on the joy we will experience when we meet him on Friday.

There is so much that we are trying to accomplish in this short period of time. I haven't written about it at all these past few months, but Ryan and I have been very busy trying to shut our family business down so that we can devote all our time to Christian when he comes. It's been a struggle for us because the Florida heat hinders my ability to help Ryan as much as I'd like. And he is not the type of person to ask for help. Also, as many of you already know, Ryan is also a full time firefigher. When he's not working 24 hours at the fire station, he is trying to finish projects for our clients and move our business from our warehouse back to our shop at home. I don't know how he does it...He's is truly amazing. I can tell the stress is finally wearing on him though...he looks so tired these days. But he never complains...he just tells me that he can't wait to spend time with our son.

I don't know how we've managed these past several months... we have tried to be strong for each other in the most difficult of situations. And we have done it.

Thank you all for your prayers and the many, many emails we are receiving each day. I read them all before I go to bed and feel so much better about what each new day brings. You are all so amazing. I wish I wasn't so tired each night... I would write you all and tell you how much I love you for caring for me and my family. I hope you will understand if I haven't written to you personally. Believe me when I say that I truly appreciate your letters and I thank God every day for bringing each of you into our lives.

Love,

Leah

10 comments:

JuJu - said...

praying for you~

Judy said...

I've been praying for you guys and will continue to. I just jotted down Christian's birth date on my calendar so I'll remember to specifically pray that day. I pray that August 22nd will be a day of great joy for your family.

Stacy@hiswaynotmine said...

Leah-I am praying for you and your family and for little Christian especially as his birthday draws near. Hold tightly to God. Let HIM alone be your strength....He is faithful and will carry you each step of the way, even when you feel you can't take one more step.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

I have also posted a prayer request for your family on my blog and pray that many will bring you before God's throne!

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16a

In Christ's love and grace-Stacy

Kenzie said...

Leah-

I know it is so exciting to have a date and yet... so scary to know what a week out will hold. I am praying for your strength, for time with Christian, for your hearts to be filled with joy as you meet him, and that God will overwhelm you with His presence. Thank you for letting us know what is ahead... I will be posting a prayer request for you the day before and directing people here. We of course would love any updates you could provide when you are able.

Much prayer and much love. In Christ,
Kenzie

Jennifer Burgett said...

I will be praying for you during this week leading up to Christian's birthday.

Love in Christ,
Jennifer

t~ said...

I have no words. Just prayers that Aug 22 will be a day filled with great love. {{hugs}}

Angie said...

I want you to know that I will be praying for you each day between now and Friday. Having been there, I cannot describe to you how beautiful it will be to meet your son!

Chrissy said...

This may be my first comment. I visit daily. I pray for you the same. I will be praying as next Friday approaches. I know that there is nothing that I can say that will make this all better or that will change the circumstances but I do want to say never give up, never lose hope. Cling to God and cling to hope. That is what has gotten me through the past year. Please know that I am praying for you, Ryan and Christian.

Love and Prayers,
Chrissy
www.evajanette.blogspot.com

Doripink said...

Praying for you and your family.

Laurie in Ca. said...

I have been praying for you and will continue to, especially this next week as August 22nd is so close. I pray the day is blessed with peace and love as you meet Christian and see how beautiful he is. Asking God to give you precious time with him, as much as he already knows. May this week be one of peace and rest for you and Ryan, knowing that God has this covered and will not let you go.

Love, Laurie in Ca.