Tuesday, January 13, 2009

They're Coming!

When my parents first heard of Emma's diagnosis (and we told them soon after we found out), they wanted to be right here with us. Unfortunately, they live a 24 hour drive away. That wasn't possible, and it probably wouldn't have been for the best either. Tim and I needed to cope together. My mom was able to come out a month or so later to just be of help and both of my parents planned on coming out for Emma's birth and funeral.

Unfortunately, my dad (who has had poor health off and on for the last seven or so years) continued to get more sick. To the point where he was hospitalized several times and it was determined that he needed a new liver. He went through all the tests and procedures to qualify and is now on a liver transplant waiting list! Great news! Sadly, it means he can't travel anywhere that is more than 4 hours away from his hospital (24 minus 4 doesn't quite make the cut). We've known for a while that my dad wouldn't be able to make it out here.

My mom has been pretty torn about whether or not she could and should come out. She was originally planning on doing so, but my dad's health continues to deteriorate. Plus, she wants to be there for him when he goes in for his transplant surgery. A while back (before my dad's health got much worse) she bought a ticket to fly out here yesterday. On Sunday she told us that she would not be using that ticket. Then yesterday she and my dad went to the doctor's. While my dad was having a really rough time, they were told that he is dehydrated and that that should help with some of the trouble he is having. They were also told that he is probably a week or two out from being called to get a liver. That was enough positive encouragement for my mom. She quickly started taking up the many wonderful people out there on their offers of help and she bought a plane ticket to fly out today! She won't get here until this evening, but I'm really excited she's coming.

Also, my in-laws are coming to town as well (they live about a 13 hour car drive away (and in the opposite direction as my family)). Tim told me that they were debating between driving up all day Wednesday or splitting the trip into two days and doing part Wednesday and part Thursday. I was really nervous that things would go super well with the prepping and induction and that Emma would be born and pass away before they even got here. I was glad to hear later that they had decided to do the drive all on Wednesday and to get here that evening. Then last night, Tim called them to tell them that my mom was coming after all and they informed him that they were doing part of the drive today (Tuesday) and the other part tomorrow (Wednesday). Meaning they'll get here before I even have to go in to the hospital.

Finally, my sister Erika is flying in on Wednesday late afternoon. The weather is expected to be clear for the next ten days, so no one should have problems due to weather.

I'm so grateful that everyone is coming and that things are working out. I told Tim a couple of weeks ago that one thing I worried about happening to me was not relaxing and enjoying the time with Emma because my anxiety might get in the way of everything being perfect and going the way we want it to and for making sure everyone is pleased. I've been working really hard to do as much prep in advance and then to rid myself of responsibilities once Emma comes so that I really can feel peace and comfort.

I should also add that I have a brother and a sister that live nearby and that Tim also has a brother and sister that live nearby. We're glad that they've been here for us and that they don't have to travel to see Emma!

12 comments:

Kristen Brady said...

I'm so happy that things have worked out so that so many people can now come! It's so wonderful! I know this goes against your amazing personality - but don't stress out over making sure everyone else is okay. We're all here for you - you don't need to worry about a thing except taking care of you and your immediate family. We all love you so much!

Heidi said...

I'm so glad to hear that you will have a lot of family around you. It will be so nice to have them share this experience. It sounds like Heavenly Father is watching out for you guys in many ways.

Staci said...

Oh yeah! I'm glad they are all able to come.

Anonymous said...

such wonderful news!

Holly said...

How wonderful that things turned out better than you expected w/ those you wanted there w/ you.

Melanie said...

I am so happy you will have your mom and sisters and your in-laws etc. It makes me tear up just knowing how much that would mean. You are such an example with all the preparation you have done physically and emotionally and spiritually. How great is it that you can just take a deep breath and know that everyone is there to love you and your little baby Emma. So good!! :)

Daniel Hunter said...

That's so awesome that you will have so many family members there to meet little Emma! I bet she appreciates that too! We'll be thinking about your family and praying for you!

Tiffany said...

so glad you have so much support. you are in my heart and prayers! good luck!

April Swenby said...

That's great...You'll be so glad that you have everyone who loves her unconditionally surrounding you and her at the time she arrives. You won't regret having the people you love around you.

CindyC said...

I've just heard of your story from the What To Expect board from your sister. My heart goes out to you, and I'm praying for you and your family today.

I hope you will have a good opportunity to love on your precious little girl.

Cindy

Jennifer Rose said...

We are hoping the very best for you these next few days. How wonderful that your mom will be able to be here!!!

Anonymous said...

YAY! There is just something to having your mom there. We are so glad that Tim is right by your side this entire time, but we are also so grateful that you have an amazingly supportive family. We know everything will work out just how it is supposed to because you have prepared in every way possible. We love you! We pray all goes well for the labor & delivery.