update from mandy!!!

i wanted to give an update on my friend, mandy, who was on bedrest, mentioned earlier. here is an email i got from her today and a picture of her sweet angel, ainslea elle!

February 5, 2007

I woke up this morning as the mother of two angels. Technically, I’ve been mom of two for nearly a week now, but this morning for the first time I found both of my babies safe and sound in their very own beds. Ainslea Elle came home last night to the anxious arms of her family and the adoring eyes of her big sister. What an amazing two weeks it has been. It was exactly two weeks ago that the scene that played out in my mind the night before unfolded for real. The Lord had prepared me for the drama to come. My water had broken and I was dilated to 6 cm. Ainslea was trying to come at only 33 weeks. Steroid injections, antibiotics, strict bed rest, and the grace of God allowed me to wait to deliver a healthy baby at 35 weeks. She was born with minor complications and spent five days in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth. The birth of all babies is a miracle and this one was no different. The Lord’s presence was most strongly felt in the sense of peace that my family and I felt throughout the experience. Thank you so much for praying for us. When I had had just about enough of that bedpan the Lord gave the extra dose of strength that kept me from jumping out of that bed and running around! I know it was because someone was praying. Ainslea’s birth was an especially amazing experience because of the overwhelming understanding that God was in control. I was forced to do nothing but wait on the Lord. It is pretty amazing to just sit back and watch Him work. Thanks again for the many prayers. Love, Mandy