Has Rachel chosen a family?
Yes!! I'm so proud of my sister. She found a wonderful family for this baby girl. I don't want to disclose too many specifics - it's probably not wise- but the family isn't typical and they're so far from Gothardism that it's almost comical. I have no doubt that my sister's child will be loved, provided, and cared for.
How's Rachel?
She's doing pretty well, all things considered. Emotionally, she's pretty exhausted. Physically, she's getting a basketball belly and she's ready for this to be over. She's stopped having serious contractions and she's still at 1-2cm and 70% dilation. From what I understand, that's problematic because it's enough to be concerned about a premature delivery. However, every day is one day closer to term. I could be wrong but I think she's 35 weeks today. We're definitely in the realm of healthy baby. They did an u/s for growth a few days ago and estimated that the baby was almost 4lbs.
Great progress all the way around! Congratulations! You two are wonderful examples of what true courage and strength are, and this will only pave the way for your younger sibs and many others like yours to break free themselves. Keep up the good work! {many hugs}
ReplyDeleteGood for Rachel! Pregnancy is tiring enough itself, but she's dealing with a LOT of other drama at the same time, and doing very well. Once this adoption is all settled, she'll have a lot of things to figure out...she has to start the journey of learning who she is, a person outside of the identity ATI forced on her.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently journaling what that process was like for me...my latest post was about sexuality. She's welcome to read it if you think it'll encourage her.
Good news on both accounts - at least it sounds like it, so far. Take it easy on yourselves as much as you can, okay?
ReplyDeleteThat's great news! 36 weeks and beyond and she will be fine! Like you said, every day counts. I'd love to hear an update on you as well. How is school?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that she's at 35 weeks and she's chosen a family! I'm sure the new family is overjoyed to be soon sharing their lives with a beautiful new baby girl.
ReplyDeleteMy first was born at 34 weeks and was almost 5lbs! She had some complications but now, 4 years later, she is a thriving, healthy, and intelligent little girl. I pray that she makes it to at least 37, but she's definitely on the home stretch now! If Rachel ever decides to have more children there are progesterone injections that she can get on a weekly basis (starting around week 16) that will help minimize the risk of premature birth. I had to endure them the second time around and my second was born at a healthy 39 weeks.
Dear Ruth, I started reading this blog two days ago and arrive at the present day in your life filled with admiration at your courage, perseverance, honesty and grace. You are not just a role model for women seeking to pursue lives outside of Gothard/QF but for women who encounter roadblocks in pursuing any goal. Your diligent quest for a college education in the face of so many challenges is awe-inspiring. Your wisdom, wittiness and warmth shine through even in your darkest posts. Good luck to you and Rachel. She is lucky to have you as her sister and as her role model.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that your sister is doing better, and I am glad that she has found a family to adopt her child. You are a WONDERFUL sister to have helped Rachel through all of this!!
ReplyDeleteShe sounds to me like she's going to be just fine. I had my twins at 37 weeks after being on bedrest and taking medication for preterm labor (I think the same thing that Rachel has been on.) I went off the meds and went into labor within 24 hours. :) I'm thinking of her as she's got some emotional times ahead.
ReplyDeleteThat's very good to hear. I've only commented on a couple of posts. Mostly I hang back figuring that even through the more difficult challenges, the main thing you need to experience is your own ability to navigate and cope. Believe in yourself - both you and your sister. The journey you're on is worth the struggles. Lots of strangers all over the world are rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great! I'm glad to hear Rachel picked a family and is doing ok.
ReplyDeleteMy first child was born at 36 weeks and was perfectly healthy. She was over 7 lbs and had a "9" and a "10" Apgar. So, no worries. Rachel's pregnancy has progressed past the scary days already.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you both, and baby and new family. May life hold so much good for you all that the bad becomes a mostly forgotten part of life.
I had my twins at 35 weeks, and they were perfectly fine and were over six pounds apiece. Best wishes for a healthy delivery for both Rachel and her baby. :-)
ReplyDelete