Mercy and Miracles

Inside this belly 3 little boys are fighting for space in their little world.

Their mom (Kim) is one of my besties and today we celebrated the amazing mercy and unbelievable miracle (…series of miracles, really…) of them still being in there and not out here.

For the last six weeks (after they tried to make their debut at 22 weeks) Kim has been lying flat on her back, in a dark room, depending on God every minute for their lives and her sanity.

For the last six weeks her friends (and a whole bunch of strangers even) have prayed fervently for mercy and for miracles.

For the last six weeks, today has been the goal.

I am quite certain there has never, in the history of the world, been a longer six weeks then these.

Today marks 28 weeks…which not only means these three little guys have a 90% chance of making it, but a whole lot less chance of having long term complications.

Today, for the first time, Kim (and Dave) feel a freedom to celebrate their three sons and to start making legit plans for being parents of triplets.

Today they ordered baby furniture and started talking about what kind of mini van they’ll buy (while eating some “never” words 🙂 ).

And today we (her besties) threw her a party that was full of a whole lotta laughter the best kind of tears.

I had to “sneak” these pictures because she’s not so fond of the “triplet belly” and the “bed-rest” look, but I love them…and if she is still my friend after finding out I posted them on my blog, I think someday she’ll love them too 🙂

This is truly some of the only sunlight this girl has seen in 6 weeks and I love what was painted on the wall of the hospital room we celebrated in.

We have celebrated the turning of every week since week 24 with baked goods from the cakery/cupcakery (thanks Ericka and Nicole) and today was no different. We always bring plenty of extras for the nurses which means we take full credit for Kim being their favorite patient.

In another life, I ran a marathon. The first few miles were fun. The next 15 were hard and the only way I survived 18-20 was knowing my brother would be at the 20 mile mark to run to the finish with me. His presence literally carried me through the last 6 miles and there’s no shot I’d be the proud owner of a Chicago marathon metal were it not for him.

I wanted this party to be kinda like that for Kim…so we flew her sister in from DC as a surprise for her 28 week celebration. Though she can’t stay until this “race” is done, I believe the 36 hours of her presence here will refresh Kim’s soul in a way that will carry her through to the finish.

Dear David, Matthew, and Charles: don’t ever tell your mom she doesn’t love you. I have never seen anyone…fight as hard for anything…as she has fought for your lives. I can’t wait to meet you (but maybe not for a few more weeks 🙂 ).

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things.” Isaiah 24:20