There's no place like home....

Well, we're home again - at least for the time being. A nice treat for the 4th of July. I was released from the hospital yesterday, 7/3 in the afternoon after having a rather quiet day in terms of contractions etc. They sent me home on strict bedrest with bathroom privileges and one shower per day. It feels good to be home - but there is not an hour that goes by that I don't fret about having to go back to the hospital. I hope we can stick it out here for a good while.

What a humbling experience this is. I've never felt so helpless. How will I ever repay everyone that has helped me so much over the last week? And for the many weeks to come? Mainly C., Mom & Dad - Mom stayed with me every night in the hospital; went out to buy me things that I needed there (food, electric razor, nighties, writing paper), and has been absolutely amazing. Then today we had "operation bedrest" going on here at the house. I have set myself up in our guest room for the days so that I don't live in our bedroom. C. brought up our little frig from the basement (he had to sacrifice his beer frig for the time being) so I have a food/drink stash when I'm here alone. Then Dad showed up with a new 17" flat screen TV which they promptly ran cable to so that I can have a TV in the room. I have my laptop and printer set up on the cozy bed and all of my puttering materials right by my side. As an added bonus, Dad also bought some walkie talkies for us - we can use one outside by the front door for visitors so they can radio in to me when they arrive and I can tell them where the key is. Pretty smart of him huh?

I'm still far from being out of the woods but each day is a milestone. We're first hoping to hit the two week mark since the cerclage (which is a week from Thurs); then we'll shoot for the 24 week mark. After that, every day/week is a bonus. I hope we can make it. Just hoping this old body of mine can hold out.

The power of prayer has been an amazing thing. We feel so fortunate to have so many friends, family, friends of friends etc. thinking of us and sending well wishes our way. The goodness of people, even those we don't know (nurses) will never cease to amaze me. St. Gerard, the patron Saint of Motherhood is watching over us. Although no fireworks for us this year, it's good to be home; for however long it lasts. I'll savor each day.