Week 32/Learning to Listen

Week 32! She made it!

Sarah had her long sonograms and biophysical profiles today. There were feet everywhere, which is convenient because they poke feet to wake the babies.

Quad A: BPP--10
Heart Rate--133
Weight--4 lbs.
Cord Flow--Good
His head is tucked under everyone and hard to find.

Quad B: BPP--10
Heart Rate--133
Weight--2.14
Cord Flow--Good
He has not gained weight from two weeks ago. He is belly to belly with D.

Quad C: BPP--10
Heart Rate--135
Weight--3.10
Cord Flow--Good
The sonographer has decided that C rules the roost. She is always kicking
and poking everyone. They all react except A, who is not bothered by her.
She has hair!

Quad D: BPP--10
Heart Rate--138
Weight--3.5
Cord Flow--Good
Baby D has had a personality change. Instead of holding her
position, she slipped back on top of Baby B and she is not happy
about sharing her space. She has only gained one ounce in 2 weeks.

Sarah's belly is too big to stand normally on the scale, so she has to stand backwards. She only gained 2 lbs. this week. There is no room in her stomach for food anymore.

Since the sonogram showed that Baby B did not gain any weight in the last two weeks and Baby D only gained one ounce, the doctor came in to give Sarah her options:

1) She can schedule her delivery for this Thursday.
Pros: The delivery would be planned, and she would
avoid the risk of further pregnancy complications.
Cons: The babies would be in the NICU longer. They don't suck until 34
weeks, so they would be on feeding tubes.

2) She can take one day at a time and try to make it to 34 weeks.
Pros: The babies would have longer to mature and would spend less time
in the NICU.
Cons: She would have a greater risk of an emergency delivery, less chance of her
support system making it to the hospital, and more chance of a
hysterectomy.

The doctors discussed Sarah's test results and believe there is a good chance that the weights are inaccurate because the BPP's are excellent. However, there is a chance that things are starting to deteriorate. When they do, they will go downhill quickly. The doctors are split down the middle about whether Sarah should deliver now or try to wait it out. On the other hand, they are in agreement that making it to Week 35 is out of the question now. They are extremely pleased with her progress. Most of their triplet moms deliver at 34 weeks, so Sarah is doing well. But she has a decision to make.

My son asked me recently why God allows so many options to present themselves when He wants us to choose only one. That's a good question. Maybe God wants us to pursue Him so closely that the right path becomes obvious. Or maybe He just wants us to learn to listen.

Please pray that Sarah and Tony will make the right decision.



"God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text:

   No one's ever seen or heard anything like this,
   Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
   What God has arranged for those who love him.
But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.

The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions." I Corinthians 2

Goodyear Blimp/God Hears and Answers

The Goodyear Blimp just flew by Sarah's hospital window. She did not appreciate it.

The Quads had their biophysical profiles and all received 10's. In this photo, Baby C and Baby B are looking toward the camera.

Tomorrow is a HUGE milestone. Week 32 has been the target date to avoid a high brain-bleed risk, which is the main concern right now. Sarah has officially stayed pregnant longer than the majority of quad moms. God has heard and answered our prayers!

 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

Matthew 6:30-33

Hooray for 31 Weeks/ In Memory of Tim

Hooray for 31 Weeks!

Sarah's primary doctor came to say, "You're making us look good!" He said that the babies are a great weight, and are what quads usually weigh when they are weeks further. He also added, "We're going to be talking about you for a long time."

She is doing very well--no high blood pressure, no diabetes, and no preclampsia--so he wants her to hang in there. He would feel a lot better if they made it to 34 weeks. He is not worried about delivering the babies themselves. The whole thing should take about an hour. He will try to give each one his or her minute birthday, if possible. He will also try to avoid a blood transfusion. What he is mainly concerned about at this point is the ability of her overstretched uterus to contract. If it doesn't contract and Sarah starts hemorrhaging, he will perform an emergency hysterectomy. He said he will have medicines on hand to help, and will hope for the best outcome. Please pray that Sarah will not have complications and require the additional surgery.

Later, the nurse commented that she didn't want to scare her with typical quad mom conditions, but considering everything, Sarah is doing incredibly well. I told the nurse about Sarah's around-the-world prayer support, and that God was answering those prayers. The nurse added, "That's fantastic! Sarah is very fortunate."

Biophysicals were stressful today because the cord blood flow was checked on each baby. The sonographer measures the cord tension or blood flow from the placenta to the baby. Preferable scores are 3 or below. Quad A was 2.3, Quad B was 2.7, Quad C was 2. 8, but Quad D was 3.2. The technician was concerned enough to put Sarah in her wheelchair and look up the results in her reference materials. She came back with the report saying it was probably okay. Apparently, the flow score is like a blood pressure reading. It can change each minute. Everyone got 8's on the actual biophysicals. The sonographer said, "I have NO idea how they did it, but B and C have traded places, fluid sacs and all!" I guess it's a toss up now about who comes out first.

Sarah and Tony have some names tentatively chosen. It wasn't easy to come up with eight names. I read out hundreds of names and their meanings until Sarah came up with a list of first names that she liked. Then it was time for the second names. Those were easier. She and Tony finally agreed on the following LONG list of names:

Quad A--Landon (Gentle Strength) Anthony (Praiseworthy)
Quad B--Jackson (Gracious Gift of God) Thomas (Twin)
Quad C--Sarah (Princess) Isabella (Oath of God)
Quad D--Samantha (God Hears) Jo (May God Multiply)

I like the names, but I have a feeling that we will be calling them by their letters.

Recently, my cousin mentioned my tendency to turn everything into ministry. She is right. There's a reason.

When I was young, I rode the bus with a young man named Tim. We went to elementary and middle school together, sometimes in the same classes. Tim was older than I was because he had repeated a grade. He was reserved, and his eyes had a far-away look in them. I wondered what he had been through that made him so thoughtful.

Tim's house was not far from mine. It was an old, large house that was well-worn. There was a huge tree that was suitable for climbing in the front yard. Every day, the bus would stop on the busy street to let Tim out in front of his house. When he walked into the yard, the front door would burst open and a number of children would run out to meet him. Tim would drop his books and pick up a child or two. Laughing, the rest would jump around him. As the bus drove off, I would turn around in my seat to watch the regular reunion. I later heard that Tim was a father figure to his siblings. I admired him for that. We became friends.

When it was time for high school, I went to a private school and sadly left my friends behind. I often wondered about Tim, especially when I would drive by his house. We were growing up and moving on, and I had regrets. During all those years of bus ride conversations, I had never told Tim about the most important part of my life: my relationship with God.

One hot summer evening, I went to the fair with family and friends. It was so much fun--the animals, the cotton candy, and the carnival rides. We headed down the hill to ride when I saw a familiar face in the crowd. It was Tim! I was so glad to see him; he had been much on my mind lately. My group went over to talk to his group. Tim and I were the only acquaintances, so everyone else was silent while we caught up. He asked about school and my job. I asked about his family.

While Tim was filling me in, I felt God quietly speaking to me. "Invite Tim to church this Sunday." I laughed a little too loudly at what Tim was saying, and quickly asked about his car. I was stalling while I argued with God. "I can't ask him to church in front of all of these people!" I thought. "He will be embarrassed. I will be mortified."

I felt God speaking to me again, patiently repeating His directive. "Invite Tim to church this Sunday." Tim had a puzzled look on his face; he seemed to sense that I was distracted. He started backing up, telling me again how good it was to catch up. Relieved, I said my goodbyes. I promised myself I would call Tim privately to invite him to church when we didn't have an audience.

Our groups went in opposite directions. I stayed late at the fair, but did not enjoy the rest of my evening. I was feeling guilty.

I had to work the next day, and then babysat. I was so busy that I forgot to call Tim. I didn't feel so guilty anymore, anyway. That Sunday, I remember sitting in the pew at church, purposing to call him soon. But I didn't.

One day, I was standing in the kitchen when the phone rang. I answered. It was a friend who said quietly, "Sondra-did you hear about Tim?"

"Tim? What about him?" I replied while crunching a carrot stick." I saw him not too long ago."

She was silent for a few seconds. I put down my carrot. "What happened?" I asked.

"He's dead. He drowned in the lake."

I don't remember much else about that day. I wanted to run away as far as I could, hoping to escape the horror of what had happened. Tim was gone. I hadn't even asked him about his relationship with God. It was too late, and the reason I had kept quiet sickened me. I had been too embarrassed to ask a friend to come to church.

My grandma used to say, "Regret makes a miserable bedfellow." It's true. In the weeks that followed, I kept driving by Tim's house, full of misery and regret. I never saw the kids playing outside again.

Eventually, the house stood empty. It was torn down to make way for a business. To this day, every time I drive by I think of Tim. I will never forget him, nor will I ever stop regretting my selfish choice to remain quiet.

My cousin was right when she said that I turn whatever I do into ministry. If God gives me an opportunity, I try to point people to Christ. I do it in memory of Tim.


"It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work."

I Corinthians 3:7-8

The Bottom of the Bag of Tricks/ I Can Only Wonder

Uncle Eric is making sure Callie stays entertained while Mommy is in the hospital. One thing is consistent with carny kids: they have no fear of heavy machinery.

Some of the doctors think Sarah will not make it past 32 weeks, but they are still hopeful. They upped her dosage of Procardia and finally got the contractions stopped. They took her off the magnesium. It took about 6 hours for Sarah to feel human. They will try their best to keep Sarah off the magnesium, but she is to be prepared to go back on. They must be getting to the bottom of their bag-of-stop-labor tricks.

At 32 weeks, Sarah goes off the contraction-stopping medicine Sulindac because it can interfere with the babies' hearts. She has finished the antibiotic IV and switched to a preventive oral dose for the remainder of her pregnancy, thanks to Quad A making a bed out of her bladder. :)

One of the group doctors smiled and said, "I have to admit, Sarah, you are the biggest patient that I have right now." He could only say that to a Super Twin Mom and live to tell about it. Admittedly, Sarah is having trouble turning over in bed. Her belly is in the way of everything! She gets worn out by the evening and declares she is going to crawl after the doctor to beg him to deliver her. By morning, she is her cheerful self again.

The babies got 10's on their bios except for Baby B, who got an 8. We are pleased, because they are sluggish from the magnesium.

Monitoring is getting harder all of the time; quads hate the straps. The sonograms are comical with the major sibling wrestling matches going on in there. Quiet Baby D is even getting in on the act since her brother is invading her penthouse space.

My life remains interesting and exhausting. I have adjusted to having a demanding three-year-old around the clock. We actually have somewhat of a routine. I am learning to appreciate cartoons again. I LOVE the writers who have mercy and sneak in adult humor: Go Phineas and Ferb!

My husband and I are enjoying our time together. I forget how much I miss him during basketball season. Whenever we can, we take Callie to the park for ice cream and sprinkles.

I really should help Devon get her classroom set up and help Debi with her lesson plans. Eric could use some help getting ready for school. I have to clean out my office at church. Meanwhile, my house is a wreck since we run all the time, but what else is new? Then just to spite me, my dog had puppies--eleven to be exact, seven surviving. Yeah, just what we need: more babies!

In spite of all the craziness, I am amazed at God's hand on my life. He is always at work.

Awhile back, Tom and I decided to use our savings to help a family member out of a serious financial crisis. It was the one we were planning to use for college expenses for the kids. That may sound a little extreme, unless you know my husband. He is the most generous person I have ever met. Afterward, I felt God speak to my heart. He assured me, "I will take care of college." It was an interesting message that I tucked away and soon forgot. We started working and saving again. Life was busy.

Meanwhile, my kids got older. Before I knew it, Sarah graduated from high school. We tried to figure out college options for her, but Tom and I were at odds. He was adamant that she stay close to home. I was adamant that she go to Christian college. (Okay, I admit I am one of those fanatics who hates to pay someone to teach my kids wrong ideas.) When we could not agree on any school, we knew God had another option that we couldn't see. So we prayed and kept looking.

One day, my sister-in-law suggested that we consider a local Christian college that her pastor attended. When I walked in, I saw that my high school principal was part of the faculty. I knew that he would only affiliate himself with a school that was biblically sound. Then we found out that a bus driver and assistant coach for the basketball team were needed. Tom could do both. One more position was open: English Composition. In the end, Tom was driving and coaching, I was teaching, and Sarah's tuition was covered.

Devon started college at fourteen. She graduated with two degrees (with honors) in the time she would have earned one. Eric played basketball and started working toward his degree. Everything was going along smoothly.

Quietly, four little lives changed everything. Tom and I have made some drastic decisions to cut back on time commitments in order to help. We have prayed for direction for Eric since school starts soon. It is late to be transferring.

This week, we learned that Eric has been accepted into two Christian schools--one Division II NCAA-- with athletic scholarships to both. It looks like all we have to cover are his books, if that. God took care of it, just like He promised.

Sometimes I wonder why people claim to find the Christian life boring. God has surprises around every corner. I am rarely comfortable, but always amazed at His work in my life. I can't wait to see what's next. I can only wonder.

"Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

Psalm 27:13,14

Bad Night/Visit from a Rabbi

Last night was a bad night for contractions. We were expecting some due to the steroid shots, but not like this. They started around one in the morning and went every two to four minutes all night. The Procardia didn't work. The Brethaline shot didn't work. Sadly, they brought in the dreaded magnesium drip. Sarah had a bullet of magnesium which puts the drug into her bloodstream very quickly. Then it is turned down to a slow but steady drip. The side affects include nausea and dizziness. It can also affect her kidneys. In addition, Sarah is so hot that her eyes feel like they are burning. I put a fan on her and turned it up full blast to help. She is miserable.

The doctor is hoping to get her a few more weeks along. However, she said that these contractions are not all from steroids. The resident thinks Sarah's uterus is done due to over 12 pounds of babies. The nurses think it won't be long now. Bottom line: she might be on the drip for awhile. I just keep praying for God's timing.

The chaplain stopped in for a visit. She is a student at Hebrew Union College studying to be a rabbi. We had a good talk about God at work in our lives, God's presence at birth and death, similar experiences while visiting Israel, and the power of prayer. I told her that Sarah's stay in the hospital has allowed us to share our faith with so many people. The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) will do the same, should we have to go there.

She prayed a beautiful prayer of blessing over Sarah and the babies. She asked me to pray, too, in spite of our differing beliefs. I prayed a prayer of blessing and protection over her and her family, asking God to give her such wonderful experiences with Him that she will never doubt His love and existence. I also asked Him to give her opportunities to minister to those who need it in the hospital. We felt God's presence in the room. She hugged me when she left. Please pray for her to come to the full knowledge of God's salvation through the gift of His only Son, our Messiah.

Over 12 Pounds of Baby/The End in Sight

Some of the nurses have become our friends. It will be hard to say goodbye when the time comes.

Last night was scary. Sarah had contractions every three minutes for several hours. She was given a shot of Brethine to stop labor. It is actually an asthma medicine which relaxes smooth muscle--both in the bronchial tree and in the uterus. She is already on regular doses of Procardia, a heart medicine, which also helps relax smooth muscle in the uterus.

Of all the drugs used, the first line of defense in preterm labor is the magnesium sulfate that Sarah was on when first admitted. Given by IV, it has an excellent safety margin, its levels can be checked with a blood test to avert toxicity, and it's been around for generations. Unfortunately, it makes patients feel miserable.

Apparently, Baby A is using Sarah's bladder for a bed, which has caused an infection that won't go away. Infections can cause labor, so the doctor ordered IV antibiotics for four days. Next, he ordered another round of steroids to speed lung and brain development. The steroid shot hurts and makes Sarah have contractions, but it is a miracle drug for unborn babies.

Finally, the contractions stopped. I wheeled her down for a full sonogram on all the babies. Quad A is so low in the pelvic area that his head is impossible to measure. No wonder she is having so much discomfort! She is also having some trouble with her left leg. It is weak and hard to maneuver. Please pray that she doesn't fall.

Here is the Bio-Physical Profile Report:

Quad A:

Fluid around baby-good
Practicing breathing-good
Movement--good
Heart rate--128
Monitoring results--good
BPP--10 out of 10
Weight--3 lbs. 8 oz.
Percentile--55th
Position--Breech

Quad B:

Fluid around baby-good
Practicing breathing-good
Movement--good
Heart rate--160
Monitoring results--good
BPP--10 out of 10
Weight--2 lbs. 14 oz.
Percentile--36th
Position--Breech Oblique


Quad C:

Fluid around baby-good
Practicing breathing-good
Movement--good
Heart rate--146
Monitoring results--good
BPP--10 out of 10
Weight--3 lbs. 2 oz.
Percentile--45th
Position--Transverse

Quad D:

Fluid around baby-good
Practicing breathing-good
Movement--good
Heart rate--158
Monitoring results--good
BPP--10 out of 10
Weight--3 lbs. 4 oz.
Percentile--49th
Position--Transverse

That puts the baby weight alone at over 12 pounds, not counting placenta and amniotic fluid. There is a 17% discordance between the biggest baby and the smallest. They like it to be less than 20%, so all is well!

At this point, the doctor is still hoping to get her to 35 weeks. They will make every attempt to stop contractions for the next 2 weeks.

From 32 to 34 weeks, she stops taking one of her anti-contraction medicines because it hinders the closing of the soft spots in the skulls. If she goes into labor during those 2 weeks, it depends on the doctor on call whether he will stop labor or not.

After 34 weeks, when she goes into labor they will deliver her by C-section.

I had an unintended compliment today from one of the nurses. All this time, she thought I was Sarah's sister. I am not sure how much Sarah appreciates it, but I am happy. :) I thanked the nurse, but she replied, "Don't thank me! Go home and thank your mother for the good genes!" She is right. My mom is certainly forever young.

So many people have come and gone since Sarah has been here. Many have heartbreaking stories to tell. Sometimes I wish I could go into each room to offer encouragement. Instead, I pray for them all. There are also so many kind nurses and employees who go out of their way to serve and heal. I pray that God will bless them for all of their care.

God's plans are so much more involved that I could ever imagine. Even though it seems as if we have taken an unexpected detour from our well-planned lives, God isn't wasting our time. So we try to let everyone know how God is working in amazing ways. As each day passes and the end of this alternate route is in sight, I pray that others will see the biggest miracle--the transforming power of Jesus.


"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Week 30 Already?/The Last Tadpole

Today is another milestone--Week 30 already! I can hardly believe she has made it this far, especially when I see all of the people around us who have come and gone. Many have delivered their babies far too early. The nurses especially appreciate the milestones that Sarah reaches. Some of the pregnant ones are so affected by the work they do that they won't let anyone give them baby showers until they pass week 28. They have seen too much heartbreak. They are so cheerful and encouraging. They help us forget how precarious a high-risk pregnancy can be.

The routine has a way of making me think that this time in my life will last forever. The drive to the hospital, fixing Callie's hair in pigtails, helping Sarah put on her socks, having conversations with the nurses, confiding my daily stresses to Tom--all of these things make up my life right now. Any way you look at it, it is almost over. I have the strangest feeling that I am going miss this time.

Tom was going through some papers and found something I wrote a few years ago to encourage fellow homeschoolers, which is another time in my life that I miss. He thought some of you might enjoy it:


The Last Tadpole

Just yesterday, it seems, I was kneeling by the pond catching slippery tadpoles for my daughter to raise for a science experiment. Today, I am frantically trying to find the right dress to wear to her wedding. I can't believe it's over, my homeschooling journey.

We started this experiment when Sarah turned six. Teaching my children soon became a way of life, my identity. The daily monotony of routine made me assume that lesson planning would last forever, yet the days were racing by. Now Sarah will soon complete her student teaching and her degree in Elementary Education. One week later, she is getting married and leaving home. My homeschooling ministry with her is finished.

Incredibly enough, I don't have any regrets. I tried to think of just one to make my story more credible, but I can't. There have been only rewards.

What have I learned?

1. The hardest part of homeschooling is discipline: not for the children, but for me. Teaching at home requires self-discipline to make the children mind, to teach them every day, to juggle other responsibilities, and to keep on track spiritually. My biggest battle has always been with me.

2. The best curriculum is the one that works for me right now. Anything will work as long as I do the work, every day. Cost, color, and popularity are not important factors. What works this year may not work next year. Everything changes, usually just when I get comfortable.

3. Giving God the first part of the day is the key to getting more accomplished. Reading what God has to say helps me get in the right frame of mind to face the day's challenges. Talking to God helps me to trust His plan. Prayer puts a protective cover on the day's events. When I put God first in my school subjects, He multiplies my efforts, producing amazing results. When I don't put Him first, I don't accomplish much--especially nothing that will matter for eternity.

4. Interruptions should be welcomed as divine appointments from God. My children have learned more from the unexpected events than they have from the planned activities. God is always working, so I need to be flexible. I need to expect the unexpected.

5. I am the best teacher for my children, even if I am not the only one. There are many others with gifts and talents that I don't have, but those people are not the best teachers for my family, regardless of their degrees. God knew what my children needed, and He also knew that I was the one to best prepare them for their future life and ministries.

6. Satan hates homeschooling. He hates the process. He hates the results. He hates the investment. He hates the relationships. He especially hates the spiritual benefits. Satan is always trying to distract and discourage me, so I have to remember the fact that discouragement is his greatest weapon. I pray daily for God to encourage me, then I look everywhere for the smallest encouraging things. I write them down. I share them. I remember why I am doing what I am doing, and that God is at work.

7. God honors my sacrifice. He knows that I gave up sewing, crafting, working, friends, shopping, skiing, reading, relaxing, manicures, mall walking, gardening, and "me" time to homeschool. He is rewarding my service to Him every day, in many ways. Some are small, like a parking space close to the door of the grocery. Some are bigger, like a good score on the SAT's in a subject we struggled with all year. Others are immeasurable, like the fact that my children serve the Lord and honor Him, and encourage others to do the same.

8. Homeschooling offers no guarantees. While it offers rewarding opportunities to make lasting impressions on my children, they are still free-will agents. They will make their own choices and their own mistakes. They will still experience teenage angst.

9. Homeschooling is not for everyone. Many people have made the wrong assumption that because I have been so active in the homeschooling movement, I insist that everyone should teach their children at home. That is not true. I have always believed that each one of us should find God's plan for her life and follow it. His way for me is always best but rarely the same as your journey. And yes, there were plenty of days that I enviously watched my neighbors put their kids on the school bus. I am a school teacher by profession, so I know that there are many advantages to traditional school that are hard, if not impossible, to replicate at home. Bottom line: Find out what God wants you do with your life and do it. No apologies necessary.

10. Homeschooling does not last forever. It just feels like it will. There will be a last struggle with vowel sounds, a last request for Math help, a last tadpole. Remember to cherish the monotony. You will treasure the memory someday.

The Bible is true. We reap what we sow. I have eternity ahead to do all those other "things" that I have given up. Right now I have a wedding to prepare. Regrets? None. Well, maybe just one. It would be nice to hold Sarah's little hand while we catch one more tadpole, and to teach her for just one more day.

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." Ephesians 6:7