Sunday, April 8, 2012

Preparing......

This is not our usual Easter Sunday. There is a quietness around all of us here at the Bell household. A time of preparing. Amber is packed for the hospital. She will be admitted in the morning. Laundry is done. Plans have been made for the coming week.
She is outside as I write - enjoying some time with her beloved dogs. She's going to miss them.

At her appointment on Thursday, the doctor assured her nothing had really changed with her pregnancy - but he was admitting her to the hospital for the rest of it - however many weeks that may be. Hopefully MANY! We love the fact that her doctor is using every precaution and treatment available to ensure mom and all four babies have a happy outcome. It's still hard to leave the comfort of home and familiarity for an extended stay in a sterile environment.

When they came home Thursday we were all prepared to leave and then come back - or stay another week. Whatever they needed. Fortunately we are at a place in our lives where we enjoy great flexibility. They both said they would be more comfortable if we hung around so that is our new game plan for the next week. And 'hang around' is just what we have been doing! I think Louis Dean needed this time to rest and he'll be better able to tackle that camper when we do get home.

We begin and end our days out on the front driveway. Thursday night we all sat outside enjoying the starry night - Amber and Mike and her black lab, Jersey. Friday night LD and I crossed the street and sat out with A & M's good friends and neighbors.Saturday night we watched the very powerful movie 'We Were Soldiers' before going back out for our nightly 'sit.' We seem to need that little sit time to finish up our day.

This morning we had just concluded our reading time when Mike called us in to breakfast!

He had fixed scrambled eggs, biscuits, and sausage made from the deer he shot last fall.
He said it was only 40% 'Bambi' and 60% pork.
I am here to tell you it was 100% GOOD!!!

I cleaned up the kitchen, Mike went out to do the yard work and LD is working with his music. There is a peacefulness as we all 'do our own thing.' Tonight Mike will grill some steaks as we celebrate the beginning of the last phase in the Quad Squad Pregnancy.

Mike will be with Amber tomorrow as they get her all checked in. She will be starting an IV of magnesium sulfate - which is going to be pretty rough on her for the first few days. I am going up to the hospital Tuesday- Friday and staying during the day.
Louis Dean can hold down the fort here - which includes the care and feeding of four dogs and 2 cats! Lucy is acting as if she belongs here!

The circle of life.......as Amber is preparing to bring four new babies into the world, we received news that a dear friend is now on hospice care. This man greatly impacted the lives of all my children but ESPECIALLY Amber and Benjamin. He and his wife lived next door to us for 17 years. Amber has loved him with all her heart all of her life. They moved out to East Texas and every August Amber, Benjamin and I would go visit them for a week. He would show them the time of their lives!! Fishing, riding horses, fishing, target practice, fishing. Doug let Amber drive for the very first time in her life! We all have treasured memories of our time with Doug and Reaoma. Amber so wanted to go visit them this past fall but then the quad pregnancy happened.
It seems appropriate on this Easter Sunday to thanks God for the blessings of Doug's life even as we prepare for the eventual arrival of Amber's babies. The circle of life.......joy and pain at the same time. Fear and praise. Such a mixture of emotions - but that is the way of this precious gift called LIFE!

"When you have come to the edge
Of all light that you know
And are about to drop off into the darkness
Of the unknown,
Faith is knowing
One of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on or
You will be taught to fly."

Patrick Overton

15 comments:

Mummers AKA Summer said...

Hi Mom, enjoyed your blog. Glad you are this time in your life too!

Sweet Tea said...

It sounds like "team babies" is working like a fine oiled machine. May God bless, comfort, and strenghthen each of you for the exciting days ahead...I'm sorry to hear about your friend. really sorry.

Have a blessed Easter!

Susie said...

Linda, I really enjoyed this post...just so sorry about your dear friend doug. I am thinking of you, your family...all that will be ahead for you. Your daughter will be needing lots of help, I am sure. I had twins and it was a handful. Blessings to all, Susie

Nita said...

Yes I agree so many things to be grateful for. I love than you and LD lead the life that makes it possible to stay or go when need be and I know you are do very thankful for this . I love the quite you ended with I carry that in my billfold. It just makes me feel better.

Deb said...

The quad squad is so fortunate to have you there with them..sending prayers your way

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Many blessings and prayers are going your way and your family, sweet friend. You will have very exciting days ahead...and busy as well. Thank you for coming. God bless.
FABBY

Marsha Young said...

Linda,
Praying for Amber and the quads - and sorry to hear of your close friend's illness.

Circle of life, glad - sad - and everything in between.
blessings to you - Marsha

Angie said...

Prayers for Amber and the quads. I'm sure this hospital stay is going to be tough on her but she's one tought cookie, she will be just fine! I'm just glad you & LD are able to hang around and be with her. I know how important mommy's can during scary/tough times.

So sorry to hear about your friend. Your right, the circle of life comes with so many emotions. Prayers for him and all those that love him.

Happy Easter Sweet Linda! Hope your day has been filled with many blessings.

Lynne said...

Linda,
You are all in my prayers.

Amber and the quads are in the best of hands... Divine, family, friends near and far and the medical community!

How kind of you to allow us to be a part of your amazing circle!

We are blessed!
~Lynne
w/L.

Hootin Anni said...

Oh...wow, what a heart wrenching, but so filled with love and devotion a post this is!! Four children?---carrying four? It was rough on me with just one at a time, I can't even begin to imagine what Amber is going through.....I will hold her in my thoughts as with all your family [and dogs and cats] during this time. And I do hope that you will continue to update us when you can.

Changes in the wind said...

Love the poem and how you celebrate each and every day.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Best wishes, during this new step in the Quad pregnancy.

Lots of hugs...

"Oh, the lovely fickleness of an April day!"
~William Hamilton Gibson

Pondside said...

Good morning, Linda - just getting to this post, so I imagine that the move to hospital has been made already. I pray that Amber will not find the time to onerous - too heavy on her mind. How fortunate that you and LD are able to adjust your schedules and your lives to be the great support that the young couple needs.
Thinking of you all....

Judy said...

Fear and anticipation...joy and sadness. So many things rolling in at the same time. Such is life!

Prayers for Amber as she moves to this next phase. Blessings to you all as you 'stand by'!

Carla said...

Sorry to hear about your friend. Sorry Amber is losing her freedom but she'll be safe and cared for 24 -7. Of course it won't be as good as your care ;o)..
She's so darn cute and all tummy.