Tuesday, August 19, 2008

almost there...

catherine-

hey my sweet girl=) it is 5:40 in the morning and we have not been to sleep tonight. i can't decide whether this is real labor or those wretched things they call "practice contractions". regardless, this isn't the most fun we've had together, is it? it'll be over soon my love. 2 more days until our induction, unless you have plans to come before that=)

tonight has, however, given me a chance to gather some of my final thoughts for you before you come into this world. i've been thinking for the past month or so about that in particular-bringing you into this world. i don't know whether i'll be birthing you into a life on earth, or into life eternal, but either way i am honored to do so. being your mother has been the most amazing journey, and while i hope with every hope in me that the journey continues, i've learned so much from you being inside me and i know i'll keep learning from this season for years to come. thank you for that, my dear=)

one of the most familiar verses has been giving me comfort lately. it's jeremiah 29:11, and it says "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" the part that means the most to me right now is for I know the plans I have for you...i keep reminding myself of that-that God does indeed know what's going to happen on Thursday. He has prepared a way for it, and He did it on purpose, very intentionally, without accident. He will continue taking perfect care of both of us throughout everything that plan entails. you will be ok, much better than ok even, and so will your daddy and i, and everyone who loves you.

our family and friends start arriving today. we are so thankful for how much they love all three of us, and that they want to be here when you are. part of me is looking forward to the distraction of having the people closest to us here-i know it will make the next couple of days go by fast, and the other part of me just wants to slow time down and keep soaking up every bit of time i have left with you in my tummy. regardless of my jumbled thoughts and emotions, you have amazing grandparents, aunts and uncles, and pseudo-aunts coming in to welcome you. you are so loved, and i pray that brings a richness to your little life in some way.

i love you my sweet girl-i will kiss your face soon=)

mommy

38 comments:

Unknown said...

I wish I could be there, but know I am thinking about you and praying for you. You are an awesome Mommy already. I can't wait to see pictures of beautiful, Miss Catherine. I Love you, My Margaret Kay!

Unknown said...

I know you don't know me from Adam, but your letters to your little girl over the past few months have been treasures for me. I have 2 little girls, and your letters remind me when I'm in the midst of homework hassles and non-morning diva's, to be so very thankful that I have them. I'll be praying for you all in the coming days...

Lauren said...

Katie, I've been reading this blog for months and haven't ever commented. But I've loved watching you process this. Not because it's been light or easy, but because you've shown a faith and a strength throughout the difficulty that glorifies our Jesus. I don't know you well but you are my family, and my thoughts and prayers will be with you this week and especially on Thursday. Thank you for sharing your journey... it has been an encouragement to me.

Chavonne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chavonne said...

You, Donnie, and Catherine will be in my thoughts in the following weeks.

Beth Goff said...

I am praying for you and your family! I am so glad that your family and friends arrive! I know Emilie is so excited to come see you! PRAYING!!!

Josh&Ashley said...

You have been on my mind for several months now. I haven't seen you since Cori's wedding but she keeps me updated. I am praying for you and for Thursday. I am so glad you will have family and friends there to love on you. Keep the faith.
Ashley Butler

April said...

Hey Katie and Donnie!
Destin and I have been praying since I found your blog. :) You guys have been on our pray board in our bathroom :) We will be praying for you, Donnie and Catherine extra these next two days. I think that all that you've done so far is awesome.

Love you....

AJ Macc said...

We are continuiing to pray for you, Donnie, and Catherine - moment by moment. We love you all!

Kimberly Jones said...

Katie, I just read your blog for the first time today. I have been getting updates from Emilie's mom, but I saw your blog address on Beth's blog. I am praying for you, your husband, and that precious baby girl. Just know you are being lifted up in prayer every day!

krista said...

I have to say Amen here! Your words are beautiful just as you are. I absolutely love the part of "He has prepared a way for it, and He did it on purpose, very intentionally, without accident. He will continue taking perfect care of both of us throughout everything that plan entails." You were chosen by Him to carry this precious little girl and to be her mom. That wasn't an accident! :) Praying as always...

Erin said...

My husband I will be be praying often in the next couple of days for you. May Jesus give you peace! It's so exciting you will be seeing Catherine's beautiful face soon!

Angie Smith said...

hi. my name is angie, and i just wanted you to know that i stopped by, and am praying for you. i lost my daughter audrey the day she was born (on april 7th). we found out we would probably lose her at my 20 week appt, but we held out for a miracle. i know i am a complete stranger, i would love to chat if you ever need an ear...

may jesus be near to you tonight~

angie smith
www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com

J Tabb said...

Bless you and your precious family Katie. I trust God is holding you so closely in His arms. Carrie Tabb

E said...

Katie,
Jack and I were talking about you and Catherine at dinner tonight. My heart is breaking, yet rejoicing for you.
I know this is a crazy time, but please know that we love you. I adore you. My heart hurts for you.

don and linda said...

Happy Birthday to Baby Catherine!!! Your "Aunt Robyn" just texted and said she saw you going down the hall and you are so pink and beautiful! We prayed for you while you were being born. You have such a special mom and a wonderful family - and so many others who already love you so much!

E said...

Happy birthday sweet baby girl!

Grannalisa said...

I am praying for you and your family. Catherine is such a lucky girl to have you as her mommy and you and your husband are so lucky that God chose you as her parents!! God will take care of Catherine and I am humbled by your faith. Thank you for sharing this journey and I am so glad that God has been a part of it!

The Peters Family said...

Oh Katie!

I read that K. Faulkner was praying for you and your family and then ran upon you blog.

What perfect timing as it looks as though this is Miss Catherine Marie's birthday. Happy Birthday beautiful little one. You have wonderful parents that love and adore you along with so many others.

Katie,
You are already a type of mom I long to be. You have always been such a beautiful person both inside and out and now in a time such as this you have shown your true self again. Your strength, grace, and faith have brought much needed perspective into my own life. You have blessed many in your own time of trial.

I pray that God wraps his loving arms around you, Donnie and the rest of your families as you embrace this time of the unknown. I pray that he will give you the strength and courage to get through whatever he may have in your plans.

I will add you, Donnie, and Catherine Marie to our church prayer list.
With lots of love and prayers,
Ashley Camp Peters

Mimi's Toes said...

Welcome to the world Miss Princess Catherine. I found you thru Erin's blog. These letters that your mommy wrote are priceless. I am praying for you and your parents today. Stay strong and my prayer is that you will grow into a beautiful young lady. Jesus loves You!

M. Steve Heartsill said...

Hey guys...just to let you know that all of Elaine's coworkers are praying for you! We know of your journey through Elaine's words...and our hearts have been touched.

God's strength and peace be yours today...

Steve

Deb said...

Oh Katie,
It was pure grace to see your smiling face last night. It was so nice to meet your family. Please know that I'm praying for each of you, and if you need anything, I'm a phone call away!
Deb from CJW

Jill said...

We're praying for all of you! I'm so thankful you got to meet baby Catherine in this world. May God's grace wrap around you as you travel this unknown road before you. The Jones family

Jodie said...

There are so many things that I would like to say to you. For now, know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you. Your blog is a sermon. We have grown through your words.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Catherine. There are a lot of people praying for you guys in South Georgia. So keep fighting.

A Southern Wedding Belle said...

Dear Catherine, Happy Birthday Baby Girl!! What a miracle you are!! You are so pink in your picture on aunt Elaine's blog. Your grandmother Peggy called me to tell me how beautiful you are. I am crying and praising God and praying for you to be strong and stable and able to have the surgery you need. There are alot of people around the country praying for you and wanting to see you grow happy and healthy. Thank you Jesus!!!!

AJ Macc said...

Happy birthday precious Catherine Marie. Your life is and has always been such a precious miracle. We are continuiing to pray for you and your Mommy and Daddy and Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles!! You are such a blessing to so many people. We are praying that you will stay strong and pink through the days ahead and through your surgery. We love you!
Love,
Andrea, Steve, and Kim

Kelly Buice said...

Katie,
You are an inspiration to mothers everywhere. The love and devotion you and your husband have already expressed to your baby girl is unreal. I am praying for all of you.
Kelly Stinchcomb Buice

Sharon - Mom Generations said...

Dear Baby Catherine,
As you enter this beautiful world, you are surrounded by the greatest love and faith imaginable... your Mommy and Daddy, many relatives and friends, total strangers... and the love of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We have known you through the words of your Mommy and Daddy, and we have loved you as our own. You have given us all the greatest strength and hope, the greatest faith in the eternal, the greatest
joy, the greatest sense of purpose, the greatest tenacity in accepting what the Lord has chosen for us. You will live in each of us forever and ever... and that is more than most of us can ever hope for. Your life has changed each of us in ways that honor each of us who know you. I pray tonight for your beautiful birth... and I look for the words of your Mommy and Daddy with great hope and great love. You, my little dancing girl, have changed the world. Not many people have that great distinction. When I say that I love you... I mean it with all of my heart and soul.

The Madaus Family said...

You do not know me but I have been reading your blog for some time. I continue to be amazed by your strength and faith during this time. From what I can read through the comments and from other blogs Baby Catherine is here and is fighting! Happy Birthday Catherine! Love and prayers from Hawaii!!

AtlantaMama said...

Amazing!!

We are praying.

Believing.

And I think it's a special blessing that Catherine and Elijah share the same BIRTHDAY -- August 19th -- it's a great day!!!!

BLESSINGS to all 3 of you!

Jen said...

I found your blog through another CDH mom. My daughter, Sofia, was born 3.10.08 with LCDH (diagnosed at 19 weeks gestation). She's 5 months old now, and happy and healthy. She had a severe hernia - 90% missing - stomach, intestines, spleen and liver up. There is hope! I'm praying for you guys and for Baby Catherine. Here is our blog address: www.babymiller08.blogspot.com

I'm also part of a WONDERFUL support group called Breath of Hope, their link is also on our blog. I know this is a busy time, but if you have any questions I'm happy to help!

Jen Miller
Mommy to Sofia - LCDH & ECMO Survivor

mummy to angel SKYLA said...

Just wanted to let you guys know that i am praying for you and your beautiful baby girl Catherine. I just found your blog today on another CDH babies blog. I too had a CDH, sadly she passed away at 8mths of age, june 2008. These babies are fighters. She will keep on fighting. Thinking of you all as her journey begins.

Mummy to Angel ^^SKYLA^^ LCDH
www.skylacdhbaby.blogspot.com

Darcy said...

Hi there,
I too am a CDH mom and I just want you to know that I am praying for you and Catherine Marie as you embark on this journey. Having a CDH babe was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was also the biggest blessing and tester and strengthener of my faith. I pray for strength and peace of spirit knowing that the Lord holds you and your baby in the palm of HIS hand.
darcy
Mom to Owen- RCDH survivor 3/6/07
http://ittybittyblog.wordpress.com

Tina West said...

Lifting you up in prayer. And it sounds like the Lord has already been doing an amazing work in your heart.

You have expressed the truth so beautifully. And right now even before her birth, God is using you already as a huge testimony.

As she enters this world, keep that truth close to your heart: He is in absolute control over every detail for Catherine. He upholds her in His right hand. This journey is all a part of His plan.

I'm here if you ever need anything!

Tina West
Mom of Ella West, CDH survivor
(www.ellawest.com)

Dotty said...

i just read about your beautiful daughter on another blog! im wishing you all the stregnth and all the faith you can have. my son was born with lcdh oct26 last year, it has been a crazy and wild ride, were still on it every now and again, zach spent most of his life in the hospital but is home now and we count our blessings. i know this is a trying time for you, and i want you to know your not alone. your daughter is a strong fighter and she with your positive attitude will do great things. blessings and prayers from one cdh mom to another!!!!!
Blessings
Zachs momma
Dotty
carepage Zacharydavis

Midlife Mommy said...

I am praying with all my heart that someday, your daughter will read your letters and that they will provide strength and comfort to her in her own faith walk. Hugs.

Lance said...

Hello this is Lance. I quess you can call me your cousin-n-law. I just want you and donnie to know that I think about both of you and catherine everyday. Heather informs me daily of little catherines progress and the strength that both of you have shown every step of the way. What I've heard and read has really helped me understand the power of prayer and love and I want to thank you for that. I've even shared your story with some of my clients and they wanted me to tell you that you are in their prayers. I wish heather and I could be up there to support you, but I want you to know we do support you and love you. Always remember you have a friend here in villa rica. Say hello to catherine for me.