March 17, 2008, 10:15 PM

Our families are in a holding pattern, waiting for little Jace to make his appearance. Wednesday, 3/19/08 (just 10 days short of her due date), Lauren and Dan will visit the perinatologist for an update on Jace.

If I may, allow me a moment to bring you all up-to-date.

March 3, Monday, Lauren and Dan learned Jace weighed only 3 pounds 15 ounces, tiny for a 36 week gestational age. We’ve been earnestly praying he gains weight rapidly. His hands still appear clenched (a characteristic of Edward’s Syndrome/Trisomy 18), and his bladder showed signs of increased dilation. Although he measured considerably under size, the doctor still suggested that she induce labor at 38 weeks. Lauren and Dan were not in agreement with her.

March 10, Monday, Lauren and Dan visited the office again, but this time they were brought to a completely different room, and a nurse performed what Lauren referred to as a ‘typical’ ultrasound simply showing them Jace and reiterating certain ‘normal’ characteristics of any 37 week gestational infant. The doctor entered a bit later and for the first time greeted Lauren with a pleasant ‘hello’ and actually sat down to just chat with them. After examining Lauren and in the course of conversation, the doctor told them that Lauren was not ready for induced labor, and she would not be admitting Lauren the next week. Quietly, she also mentioned to them ‘they should continue to walk in faith, since that is what they have chosen to do this whole pregnancy.’ With that statement, she left the room.

March 14, Friday, while Madelyn and I helped Lauren pack for their move the next day, Sean surprised his sister speechless and then to tears by showing up at her apartment door! A month ago, Sean felt lead to come home during his break hoping to help Lauren and Dan move and be here when Jace is born. God provided the funds, we kept it a surprise from Lauren and Dan, and Sean flew home for two weeks. He will fly back to Spain for his last month in Barcelona on 3/29/08, which is also Lauren’s official due date.

March 15, Saturday, we, Dan’s parents, Sean, Madelyn, and a friend of Dan’s moved Lauren and Dan to a new apartment in Sugar Land off of Hwy 6 and W. Airport. As of today, they are mostly unpacked; moreover, Lauren appears to have had Jace drop a little further down toward her cervix and would just like to get labor going!

March 17, today, Lauren is at 38 weeks gestation; Jace still delights in dancing to any kind of music and moves all the time.

March 19, Wednesday, Lauren and Dan will be meeting with the doctor again at 10:30.

Please continue to pray for a miracle of healing for little Jace and safety for his delivery for both Lauren and Jace. Lauren is not sleeping well at all and has only gained 10 pounds this pregnancy. She has also been struggling with nausea of late. Of course, this difficulty causes her more concern for little Jace’s size and health. For the last few weeks, she has also been working part-time at her old employer, A. G. Edwards, to earn a bit of money, as well as continuing to coach for Sienna Aquatics.

In spite of difficulties, we feel continued peace and pray for moments of witnessing in the midst of this hard time. We are all delighted that Sean is with us and would ask prayer for him as he returns to Spain and for his decisions regarding life after his graduation in May. We are all dealing with many unknowns these days, it seems!

Thank you for holding us up in prayer and showing such interest in our journey. We are truly blessed.

May the celebration of the Lord’s resurrection be a reminder of His bounty to those He calls his own.

Blessings,
Kathy for the Harts and Steinhauses