Sunday, September 16, 2007

Thankful for God's Grace




Today was my first day back to church since being put on bed rest. I felt ready to go back the first Sunday after Owen was born, but my pediatrician thought Owen should not be in church until he was 6-8 weeks old. Well, I waited until he was almost 3 weeks old and decided it was time to go. I know doctors are really concerned about germs and such, but 8 weeks sure does seem like a long time to be out of church! Our church doesn't allow babies in the nursery until they are 6 or 8 weeks old anyway. So I figure he's safe with us.

Our Sunday School teacher is a retired OBGYN. After class he came over to talk to me about my labor and delivery. When I gave him the details regarding my blood pressure and such he seemed very concerned. He said that in some countries that are not as advanced as ours, a woman in my condition would not have survived. When I told him how high my blood pressure was he said that I was in serious risk of having a stroke. Wow! I knew my situation wasn't good, but I didn't realize how bad it was. God was more gracious that I thought. I was thankful God brought me through everything, but after my conversation today I am even more thankful for God's abundant grace. My blood pressure is completely normal and I am "cured" except for my vision. My Sunday School teacher said that I could have some swelling behind my left eye which is causing the problem. Regardless of what it is, I am praying for an easy fix. Hopefully I'll know more after my appointment on Thursday. Thank you to all of you who have been praying. Christian friends are such a blessing!

16 comments:

christina said...

ok, girl... i have a bee in my bonnet. 3 weeks and you look THAT good???? and after all that swelling??? wow. i... just... wow. :~)
you really do look great though. i'm amazed to hear what your s.s. teacher said. yowza. makes you a firm believer in God's providence and goodness, huh? very cool. hope you're loving being a mom.

Matt & Nicki said...

You look beautiful Kelly. . .I'm sure everyone LOVED seeing Owen. Matt and I always joke that once you have a baby, nobody cares about the parents anymore:) Keep us posted on your eyesight.

S said...

praise God for his provision of your health through the birth of Owen. that is so scary about all that could've happened. we will continue to pray for your swelling to go down in your eye and that you won't have any long-term effects. in the meantime, keep enjoying your precious little baby!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I agree, you look great! So skinny after only 3 weeks! God is good! I bet everyone loved seeing Owen. There is always a crowd around new babies at church...you always know where they are....lol

Erin Neiner said...

I think this might be the first time I am able to say CONGRATS!!!! I had checked in before to see your munchkin' but didn't leave a comment!!! He is soooo adorable! Wow...and so tiny! It goes by fast!! Enjoy every single cuddle and snuggle! I know this may seem...dark...but I did know of a girl "our age" whom had a situation like yours right after having her first and her blood pressure went through the roof and she didn't make it. Of course, the Lord used it in a wonderful way, although so sad. So I say this...to say His hand of protection was over you in His Sovereign care! You are looking GREAT!!!!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree 100% with your last line! I'm fortunate to have the friends that I have.

Rachael Neal said...

I agree - you look fantastic! And your baby is beautiful! Thanks for your great reminder that nothing in life is certain. We think that we are invincible because doctors are so advanced, but the human life is so frail and ultimately rests in God's hands. What a story!

undergroundcrowds said...

yeah, praise the Lord you're alright.

Unknown said...

Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I am having a friend bring some baby clothes to Naomi to give to you some time in the future. A few of the outfits Ethan never got to wear because he was so chunky. Let me know when you get them! : )

the johnson crew said...

kelly, i will be praying for your eyes, that the Lord will heal them. praise the Lord that He preserved your life.

kelly, you look SOOOO GOOD! such a skinny minni for just having a baby.

Unknown said...

Praise God for such a quick healing for you and for sparing you such from serious injury!

Ditto on everyone else's comments - you look fabulous! What a hottie tottie mommy. :) Must feel incredibly good to have all that water weight gone. Get your rest and keep us posted on your vision! Praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Kelly! You look awesome! No one would ever guess that you had a baby just three weeks ago. I hope I'm as lucky! The little guy is as cute as ever! You look so happy and content!

Unknown said...

Wow! Owen has changed already since your first pictures. He is so cute. Thanks for taking the time to update those interested in seeing what the Lord is doing in the lives of the Glupkers!
Kristi in Saginaw Michigan

Heather said...

I am so glad to hear that you are feeling so much better! You are so right...God is so good! It is also amazing that you were able to bring Owen home right away. So many times when you hear about a baby being born early they have to stay longer at the hospital. God not only protected you, but He made sure that Owen was born healthy enough to come home right away!! :)

You are such a beautiful mommy!!!

Amanda T said...

You look great!! The Lord is good. I am glad that everything worked out for you and the baby. We'll be praying about your eye sight.

Ben & Shannon said...

Hey, Congrats! I have been out of the loop for a while. So I am pleased to see that everything is falling into place for you guys!! I totally know how it is to be out of church for a long while. I fealt so weird not being able to go. I was on bed rest for a while before Brooklyn came and then she was so sick afterwards. Finally when she came home from the hospital the 1st time, we were told to keep her in for a long time. And then she went back in at 2 months, and then we started all over again and had to stay in again. Crazy!!! Through all that with 2 kids... kids are such a blessing!!