We're Still Here!!!!

I know it has been more than a year since we last updated our blog.  I guess that goes to show how busy life with two little ones has been for us.  Lola joined our family on June 28, 2011 and has kept us smiling ever since.  She was born with red hair just like her mommy and little brother.  Peyton adjusted wonderfully to having a little sister.  He plays with her so well and protects her the best he can.  I love watching them together, it is just one of the many blessings God has given me this year. 

 Peyton has morphed into a full time superhero and fighting crime is what he does best.  He has also entered the stage of curiosity!  I hear the words "why" almost a hundred times a day.  I love his inquisitive spirit and try my best to meet him there, but some days I just run out of answers.  We have started home schooling Peyton this summer and his little mind is learning so much.  He has been memorizing scripture, learning his alphabet and studying math.  I love teaching him and watching as his little mind processes everything.  One day during our bible lesson we were learning about how God chose David to be the new king.  He was not chosen because he was tall, strong or brave.  He was chosen because he loved God and he obeyed God!  The wheels in his head started to turn because Peyton really wants to be big, strong and brave.  I began explaining to him that God cares more about our heart than our physical strength.  Peyton then asked me what made a heart good or bad to God and I shared with him about sin and how it effects our heart.  He then looked at me with big sad brown eyes and said "mommy, my heart is black with sin and I want Jesus to clean it."  What a blessing to hear those words from his little mouth!!!  I then shared with him that only Jesus can clean our hearts because he died on the cross for us.  Peyton then prayed the sweetest prayer ever.  He said, "God, I have a black heart and I need Jesus to clean it.  Last night in the bath I took a toy away from Lola and I was not nice to my friend Hannah when we played yesterday and I did not obey my mom when she told me no more movies.  Please forgive me Jesus because only you can. Amen."  As a mom my heart rejoiced by hearing those words coming from Peyton's mouth. Another blessing I am counting this year. 

Lola on the other hand is all girl!  She loves wearing necklaces and loving on her babies!  Anytime there is music on you will find Lola dancing!  She always puts a smile on our faces and having her in the family has been a true blessing.  She does have a flair for drama and tries to use that to get her way often.  We love playing with her and teaching her new things!  When we say, "show us your pretty eyes Lola," she blinks her eyes as fast as she can.  It cracks us up every time.  She has grown so fast and it feels like she was only a baby for a short time.  We just celebrated her ONE year birthday two weeks ago and it was a great time for us to praise God for allowing Lola to be with us and in our family. 

As for Pablo and I the Lord has blessed us with six wonderful years of marriage.  We have learned so much about each other and ourselves over these past six years and we give God all the glory.  Pablo is working full time and attends seminary part time.  He loves to study and I love hearing him tell me passionately about what he is learning.  It has been a great time of growth for the both of us.  Over the last year I have had the opportunity to be part of a women's small group and discipleship.  I have learned so much about who God is and His Word this year.  I praise God for showing Himself to me through the Bible.  Pablo and I have also had the opportunity to do some fun things together this year.  In April we ran our first ever half-marathon together.  It was so nice training together and accomplishing this goal together.  Then a few months later in June we ran a 5k mud race.  Now that was more my speed and was a lot of fun getting all muddy.  I love spending time with my husband and enjoying life with him.  He is my best friend and a blast to walk through life with.  When I look back over the last year I see nothing but how GOOD the Lord has been to us.  Thank you so much for your prays during this last year.  We can do nothing apart from Christ. 

Week 27!!!

I have made it to 27 weeks!!!!!!! Praise GOD! There was a time when I was not sure I would make it this far but the Lord is seeing me through and carrying me along. I went to the doctor this week and received wonderful news. He said that Lola and I look great and that starting next week I can try to stay home alone with Peyton. I will still be on bed rest but, as long as we hang out in the bed and play and watch movies we should be fine alone together. He did say that I will need to continue to get rest during the day and that it would be best if Peyton could go on play dates for a couple of hours each day. I think this is doable and is an answer to our prayers.

My mom was here last week and we enjoyed having her here so much. Peyton had a great time making cup cakes and cookies with Gran and being able to play around with her. She did a great job loving on us and taking care of us. Thank God for Moms! My dad will be here all this week helping us out and we are very grateful.

We as a family are praising God for bringing us this far and for never leaving our side. He has shown us each day how much he loves us. It feels so good to be loved by our Savior. Here is how you can continue to pray for us this week and how God has been answering our prayers:

Answered Prayers:

1.) Peyton has been doing a lot better going and doing things without Mommy.

2.) Lola has moved up and is looking great.

3.) Pablo has finished another week of school and work and is doing well.

Prayer Request:

1.) Please pray that I will be able to gain more strength in my legs and back and that the pain in my muscles will go away.

2.) Pray that Lola will stay in for another week.

3.) That Pablo will be able to balance everything once our help leaves (work, school, home).

4.) That we will be able to find help during the day to help with Peyton. We are needing people for 2-3 hours a day starting Monday.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please let us know how we can pray for you.

In Him,

Amy

Another week down!!!!!

This photo was taken the week before I went into the hospital. I was 22 weeks.

Praise the LORD, we have completed another week of bed rest and keeping little Lola inside. The Lord has been so good to us! Last week my Aunt Jan came and took care of us. It was so nice to have her here, cooking, cleaning, playing with Peyton, and loving all over us. Emotionally I have done much better this past week. I have a new sence of purpose and focus and that has helped greatly. Physically I had some ups and downs. Last Wednesday I woke up in pain and had to go back to the doctor. When he checked me he said that Lola was trying to come, AGAIN! He checked my cervix and said that it was looking great and that Lola was just pushing her head against my cervix. He sent me home and told me to keep my feet UP and rest. When I went back to see him on Friday, I was feeling so good and when he checked me he said that she had moved up and that everything was looking wonderful. I was so happy to hear those words. He said that Lola and I looked so good that I could have a week off going to the doctor's office and that I can stop taking my medication. GOD answered our prayers!!!!

I would like to thank you all for praying for us and thinking about us this week. I have loved reading your email, cards, and talking with you all on the phone. You have all been a great encouragement to me.

I would like to share with you the ways the Lord has been answering our prayers and the ways in which we still need prayer.

1.) The Lord has provided us with help in our home. Pablo's mom and sister came for two days to help, Pablo's dad came to help for a week, my Aunt Jan came to help for a week, my mom is here now helping for a week, and then my dad will be here for a week. Having them here helping in the home allows me to still be a mom to Peyton during the day, keeps our house tended to, and lessens Pablo's load so he can work and study.

2.) My health seems to be getting better and I have not had to take as much medication. I have adjusted more to the meds and being on bed rest. Praise GOD!

3.) Peyton is slowly getting used to mommy being on bed rest. He still would choose to sit by my side all day over going out and playing. But thanks for friends and family he has gotten to go on several outings. We both are learning how to play in the bed and I still feel his love each day.

4.) Pablo has started back to school and is in full force again. God has given Pablo the strength to get the things done he needs and complete assignments.

Here is how you can pray for us this week:

1.) Please pray that we will be able to find help in our home with Peyton and myself after the first week of April. Our list of family that can come and help will have ran out by then and we are not sure what we are going to do after that.

2.) Pray that the Lord will continue to give Pablo stength and wisdom. Work is getting busy, he has assignments coming up due for school, and as our help lessens in the home he will have to take on more roles here as well. Pray that God will help Pablo balance all things well.

3.) Pray that Peyton continues to be himself and adjusts to our changing lives.

4.) Pray that the Lord would continue to keep Lola in and help me cope daily with my changing circumstances.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! Let us know how we can lift you up this week to our Lord.

In HIM,

Amy

A word from Amy!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support during this very difficult time in our lives. Through all of this we have been able to see the hand of our Lord at work. I know that it is only because of Him that Lola is still growing inside of me today. Praise be to God!!!!
I have now been home from the hospital for one week. It has not been an easy week, but one that I welcome and thank God for. There have been many ups and downs for me emotionally, physically, and spiritually but, through it all I am being strengthened more and more each day. I can not thank the Body of Christ enough for all of the cards, prayers, encouragement, flowers, visits, food and phone calls. You will never know how you have each touched our lives and encouraged us through this.
Once I arrived home I was flooded with so many emotions. I felt joy that I was able to come home, gratitude to the Lord for a second chance with Lola, fear that something else would go wrong, sadness when my little boy would ask me to get up and play with him, loneliness that I can not describe, and headaches and a racing heart from all my medications. I have never felt so much in all my life and did not know what to do with so many emotions. I began to pray and ask God to see me through this time emotionally. I knew He had brought me this far for a purpose and that was not to just leave me. I sought joy in the smallest things through out the day, like coloring and playing toys with Peyton, a hug and kiss from Pablo, a kick from Lola...these became the things the Lord was showing me to remind me of how very blessed I am. I know that I can not be the mom, wife, and friend that I need to be without the constant love and renewing I get from my Lord and Savior. It is through Him that I gain strength and wisdom each day. Today I read these words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
This verse is my prayer today for myself and for all of you.
Yesterday I was able to leave my apartment and go to visit my doctor. I was so nice to get fresh air and spend time with my husband. The doctor said that everything is looking better. I can now lower my doses of medication, in two more weeks I will be able to sit up a little more, and that Lola looked great and was measuring bigger that normal. It was such a blessing to hear this good news. Lola and mommy are doing fine and only have 9 more weeks of bed rest left. I can't wait for the day I will be able to hold my sweet little Lola!
I can not say enough about my dear husband. He has been truly amazing through all of this. He has listened to fears and wiped away all of my tears. During our highest highs and lowest lows he has pointed us to Christ and His love for us. Since I have been on bed rest he has taken on my roles as well as his and has never complained one moment. I have seen his servant heart and love for me through all of this. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such an amazing partner in life.
I hope that through this blog you are able to see how good our GOD is and how much He cares for us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and let us know how in turn we can pray for you.
This week I ask that you would lift these request up to the Lord for us:
1.) That we would adjust to having people in our home helping us around the clock.
2.) That Peyton could understand why mommy can't go out or get up to play with him.
3.) That Pablo will do well next week balancing family, work, and school.
4.) That I would continue to find joy in the small things and lean on my Lord and Savior.
Thank you all so much for your love and support.
In HIM,
Amy

2nd chance/ 2da oportunidad

Amy and baby Lola are back home! Our mami is on stricked bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy. Every day that passes is a blessing for us. To know that we were so close to loosing Lola makes us feel like we have a second chance to welcome her to this world. Every hour, every day has its challenges. We try not to think about making it through 10 weeks but making it through the day. We count every day as a blessing from our Father because He loves us.

Amy still has minor pressure and with all the medicine prescribed she is feeling better as the hours pass. She lays down all the time and is only allowed to use the bathroom for a few minutes. As you can imagine, this is going to be a slow process but hey, we are more than glad to go through it. Like Proverbs 21:31 reminds us, we are doing everything we can to prepare Lola for this world, but the outcome ultimately depends on our LORD. Victory belongs to the LORD.

Today was my first day at work thanks to our mother Laly who came to help us for the weekend. Also, we've had so much support from family, friends at Swiss Towers, friends at church, and friends out of state. Thanks to everyone for praying and we ask that you continue praying for Amy, Lola, Peyton, and Pablo.

Our prayer requests for Amy are: Patients/Endurance/Perseverance through bed-rest. That her body will adjust well to the numerous medicines she is taking. That she will be able to find quality time with Peyton in this new stage in life. And for God's provision and support during the next weeks.

For Peyton: That he would be able to understand why mami can not play with him on the floor. That he would adjust well to the new changes in his life. That we will continue to have help in taking care of him during this process.

For Lola: That she would grow healthy and strong for the next 10-12 weeks. That the Lord would protect her and keep her in the womb.

For Pablo: That the Lord will give him strength, energy, and wisdom in balancing home, family, school, and work. For guidance in preaching this Sunday afternoon.

We can not thank you enough for all your prayers.

And we are sure we could not have gone through this without the support of God.

For His glory and honor,

Pablo S. Paredes

Turn of events

Last time I spoke with our doctor, things didn't look promising. But, there has been a turn of events!

La ultima vez que hable con nuestro doctor la cosas no eran prometedoras. Pero, ha sucedido un cambio de acontecimientos!

As Amy came in the room, our dear doctor came in and said, "things turned out better than we thought." What a relief! We were hoping for the best in our Father and fearing the worst in our human wisdom. When the doctors observed the cervix once again they noticed that Lolita had moved up leaving enough space in the cervix to place at least two stitches. This allowed the doctors to keep Lola in the womb for a longer time, safe and healthy. The opposite was expected at first.

Mientras Amy entraba en el cuarto, nuestro querido doctor entro y dijo, "las cosas han salido mejor de lo que esperaba". Que alivio! Estuvimos esperando lo mejor en nuestro Padre y temiendo lo peor en nuestra sabiduría humana. Cuando el doctor observo el cervix en el quirófano se dio cuenta que Lolita se habia movido hacia arriba dejando suficiente espacio para coser el cervix. Eso permitió mantener a Lola en el vientre por mas tiempo, sin peligro y saludable. Se esperaba lo opuesto al principio.

Not only is Lola staying in the best incubator, but both mom and Lola will go home in the next 48 hours. Of course, Amy will have to take it very easy the next 4 four weeks, and hopefully return to her normal life. That is, not knowing what will happen ahead. In the mean time, as I write this I can see Amy next to me, sleeping hard after some intense hours of fear. She is a great mom, she has been asking repeatedly how Peyton is doing even when she is laying here in bed in our hospital room. You know, times like this make me think of how blessed I am to have Amy as my partner and how much I take it for granted.

Lola no solamente esta en la mejor encubadora, pero tambien mami y Lola se iran a casa en los siguientes días. Amy tendrá que descansar los proximas cuatro semanas y esperamos que después pueda regresar a la normalidad. Eso es, sin saber lo que vendrá. Mientras tanto, al escribir esta carta veo a Amy a mi derecha, durmiendo fuerte después de una cuantas intensas horas de temor. Ella es una muy buena madre, ha estado preguntando repetidamente como esta Peyton hasta cuando esta acostada en la cama del hospital. Sabes, momentos como estos me hacen pensar cuan bendecido soy al tener a Amy como mi compañera y como me olvido de este regalo.

Thank you so much for your prayers, and we continue to ask for them. As I return to Amy, I can only encourage you to thank God for your blessings that you may take for granted. Perhaps health, wife, son, friend, parents, etc. Don't take them for granted. They are a blessing.

Muchas gracias por sus oraciones, y seguimos pidiendolas. A lo que regreso con Amy, te animo a dar gracias a Dios por tus bendiciones que en momentos te olvidas. Talvez salud, esposa, esposo, trabajo, hijo, amigo, padres, etc. No te olvides. Ellos son una bendición.

Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for giving Lola more days in mami's womb. "Victory belongs to the LORD"! You turn things around, we only trust You because of who You are. Help Amy recuperate, give her strength and endurance for what comes ahead. Help us to place our faith in You when You take things away, and when You give them to us. We want what You want. Help me to be a husband and father who is thankful and treasures his family all the time. In the name of Jesus, and by the power of the Spirit, amen.

Padre,

Scared and fearful but with all our hope in our Father

I had a good night of sleep, but not Amy. I had no clue what was happening, but our dear mami and wife was having pressure and burning all night long. She took a bath to alleviate the pain, but nothing seemed to help. At around 7 AM when I got out of the shower to begin my day, she told me she needed to see the doctor so we called him explaining what has happened and we were told to come to the hospital as soon as we could. We went, hoping the best fearing the worst.

Yo dormi bien, pero Amy no. No tenia idea de lo que estaba sucediendo, pero nuestro querida mamá y esposa estaba teniendo presión y ardor toda la noche. Se tomo un bano para aliviar el dolor, pero nada parecía ayudar. Al rededor de las 7 am, cuando salí de la ducha para empezar mi día, Amy me dijo que necesitaba ver al doctor. Entonces le llamamos y le explicamos lo que había pasado y nos dijo que vallamos al hospital lo mas pronto posible. Fuimos, esperando lo mejor y temiendo lo peor.

In the hospital, they checked Amy's cervix and she had started to dilate. Amy was told this was not good, so we became scared and fearful. Our hope is in our Father, waiting for the best and fearing the worst. Soon, we were taken to a delivery room to get Amy ready for surgery and have her cervix stichted in order to keep the baby in the womb as long as possible. Lola Mackenzie is only 23 weeks old, too early. At least, this is what human wisdom tells us.

En el hospital, Amy empezó a dilatar y el doctor reviso su cervix. Las cosas no se venian bien, entonces tuvimos miedo y nos asustamos. Nuestra esperanza esta en nuestro Padre, esperando lo mejor y temiendo lo peor. En seguida, nos llevaron a un cuarto de parto para prepararnos para la cirugía. En la cirugia iban a coser el cervix y así mantenerle a la bebe en el vientre lo mas largo posible. Lola Mackenzie solo tiene 23 semanas, muy temprano. Al menos, esto es lo que nuestra sabiduría humana nos indica.

At this point I'm waiting for Amy to come out of surgery where her cervix is being stitched. All I can think of at this point is Proverbs 21:31. "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." This is our battle today, and we've done everything to prepare for it. Now, the outcome is in the hands of our LORD. Whatever it is, we trust him, we place our faith and hope in Him alone because He loves us.

En este momento estoy esperando que Amy regrese del quirófano. Todo lo que puedo pensar en este momento es Proverbios 21:31. "Se prepara el caballo para el día de la batalla, pero la victoria es del SENOR." Esta es nuestra batalla hoy, y hemos hecho todo lo posible para prepararnos en este embarazo. Ahora, el resultado esta en la manos de nuestro SENOR. Sea lo que sea, confiamos en EL, ponemos nuestra fe y esperanza solamente en EL porque El nos ama.

At this point, we can not see what is going to happen, so we ask for your continual prayer for Amy and Lola. Thank you so much for your support and brotherly love.

I'll keep you updated.

En estos momentos no podemos ver lo que sucederá, por eso pedimos por su constante oración por Amy y Lola. Muchas gracias por amor fraternal y soporte. Los mantendré al tanto.

In Him rests our hope,

Nuestra esperanza esta en EL,

Pablo S. Paredes

12:00 PM

3/8/10