answered prayers

This post has been a long time coming.  Life has been super busy, but I just wanted to share about how the Lord has been faithful to answer some specific prayers regarding our boys.  These are prayers that I had prayed on a regular basis during my pregnancy, and I am amazed at how clearly and concretely the Lord has answered them.  I probably shouldn't be amazed or surprised, but I am in awe of just how involved the Lord is in our lives, even to the most minute detail.  Prayer just opens our eyes to how the Lord is faithfully at work:

1.  I prayed that the Lord would reveal specifically whether I should have a c-section or try a vbac.  I told Him that I would like to try a vbac, but if there was a specific way He wanted us to walk, to make that known to us.  My answer:  The womb was becoming more of a hostile environment for Josiah as the pregnancy progressed.  Josiah was already under stress being IUGR (intra-uterine growth restricted) with low amniotic fluid.  Also, since I had marginal previa, there was a chance that the placenta could move to the cervix and rupture during labor, putting both the baby and myself at risk.  Because of all this, the docs emphasized the importance of me not going into labor at all so that Josiah could be safely delivered via c-section without any undue, additional stress.  With those 2 factors, it seemed clear that a c-section was the way to go.  One prayer answered!

2.  I prayed that the Lord would have mercy during the recovery and transition period, that it would be easier than the first time.  My answer:  Since I didn't have to go into labor at all, my body wasn't as exhausted from going through labor and then doing an emergency c-section like it was the first time.  When the ob specialist found that the amniotic fluid had dipped into the danger zone, they scheduled me for a c-section that morning.  After that, the recovery was fairly easy.  Within a week, I felt fine physically.  The only struggle I had was from fatigue from getting up every few hours to pump to get my milk supply going.  Other than that, I felt really good.  I couldn't believe how different my recovery was from the first time.  Another prayer answered!

3.  I prayed that Josiah would be safe and healthy.  My answer:  Other than Josiah being growth-restricted and being born a month early, he has been the picture of health.  We are incredibly grateful that there were no other major developmental issues with him.  Another prayer answered!

4.  I prayed that the Lord would protect William's heart from any jealousy, envy, anger, or malice towards Josiah.... that instead he would grow a heart for Josiah and desire to care for and love his little brother.  My answer:  William did have a meltdown the first day we brought Josiah home from the hospital.  However, since that day, he has done nothing but love on Josiah.  He is always eager to pat him, bounce him (in his bouncy seat), or kiss him.  As I said before, it is really heartwarming to see, especially when he tries to shush and pat Josiah to comfort him when he's crying.  William has been our great and amazing little helper, wanting to help with everything he possibly can.  We are so encouraged by the little servant's heart he has.  He has been such a gift from God.  

5.  I prayed that Josiah would also come to love, respect, and look up to his big brother.  My answer:  Though I will see this unfolding more as they both grow older, it is awesome to be able to see small glimpses of this already.  Josiah's face lights up whenever William comes to say hi or talk to him.  He seems to have a special smile just for his big brother.  I look forward to seeing their relationship grow in the days to come.

I am still amazed at how the Lord made His presence known to me through answering these prayers so specifically.  It has been so clear (and awesome) in seeing how the Lord had sovereignly guided this pregnancy and the transition at home.  Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer and for your mercies!

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Matthew 7:7-11

The Lord is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The Lord is good to all,

and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Psalm 145:8-9