20 Weeks, 6 days-a day to remember!

On this day at the same time in Kayla's pregnancy (1 day shy of 21 weeks), I was admitted into ER for pain that I can not even describe.  (Worse than childbirth....:)) 

At that point, we had no idea what was going on.  The doctors didn't.  They took a wild guess.  Ovarian torsion.  Super rare, but all signs pointed to it.  48 hours later, I went into exploratory surgery to remove whatever was growing in there.  My OBGYN has been doctoring for over 30 years, and had never had to do that surgery on a pregnant woman.  I'm thankful he had the skill to know what to do when that time came!

Kayla was a champ-she came out of surgery with her heartbeat as strong as ever, but my body decided to go into labor.  With some magnesium (yuck!), and other meds, they got my contractions slowed down (which had been about 2-5 minutes apart). 

We went home 5 days later, and bed rest became my lifestyle!  The next 18 weeks were another challenge, but one worth taking, as we met Kayla just 3 days after I was taken off all bed rest at 38 weeks.  There were so many days when I wasn't sure I would even get to hold her in my arms.  Then even if I did, would she be ok? 

The feeling of hopelessness-knowing there is nothing you can do but lay there and pray your body doesn't go into labor. 

Talk about some of the scariest days of my life.  My faith was tested right along side with my patience.  It was a "Daniel" experience.  An experience I hope I always remember the lessons I learned so that I never have to experience it again.

At same time, the amount of love and sacrifice that so many of my family and friends made to help us was so humbling.  I am so blessed to have such incredible people in my life. 

A special thanks to my amazing husband who took care of pretty much everything during that time, and to My mom and sister for being such amazing help.  Jenny for driving up from Boise to help take care of me.  To my mother-in-law who also made a trip out from Montana during that time.  Taryn and Cathy for driving up from Boise to visit.  And so many others who provided meals, stopped in for visits and took the time to call.

So here we are-one day past where that was, and I am so thankful.  For each healthy day, I will give thanks and praise the One who gives them to me! 

That's not always easy with a 2-year old running around (in the throws of potty training...).  But I can still choose joy and a positive, thankful attitude.

To Him be the Glory!

A few more adventures!

Hello blog world!  Remember me?  Sorry I have been MIA. Life has happened, and it's been a ride!

You see, the Kovanda's wouldn't want 2012 to be the first "normal" year of marriage would they?  Of course not!  The Lord has kept us on our toes.

Of which I am thankful.

I never want to be too content (that is a fine line), or complacent. That is a scary place to be. Ever read about that in the Bible?

We celebrated our 5th year anniversary (with a trip to Cabo San Lucas!!), and yet, because of all we have experienced in the past 5 years, I sometimes feel like we have been married 10-15!  And not in a bad way. I am just so thankful the Lord has brought us together to experience this life as a team. I surely couldn't do it without him!

So here we go on two more big adventures!

The Lord has blessed us with another child on the way, due to arrive around February 1, 2013. I can't believe I am already 20 weeks along. The pregnancy has gone pretty well so far. Sick for the first 16 weeks, and now I have developed placenta previa, but baby is great!!  Hooray!!

Kayla will be a big sister, and we will go from a family of 3 to 4!  We still remember our first, though and can't wait to meet him/her someday!

Gender reveal is tomorrow. Can't wait!

Ben is starting a new job on Monday. Another big change for him as well as our little family.   That will be for another blog post, but I am so proud of him for leading our family in this way. He is taking a road less traveled and really stepping out in faith, but I couldn't be more excited for him!

Deep breath. :). I think that's good for tonight.

Thank you Lord for the many many blessings you have given us!