Prayers for Baby Bates

I got the troubling news on Saturday evening that my dear friend Shaya had been admitted to the hospital because her baby girl Josslyn is measuring small and she has low amniotic fluid levels. If you're like me and not medically-inclined you'll think, "what does that mean?!" Let me tell you what I've learned thus far: 

• During pregnancy, amniotic fluid provides a cushion that protects the baby from injury and allows room for growth, movement and development. Amniotic fluid also keeps the umbilical cord from being compressed between the baby and the uterine wall. In addition, the amount of amniotic fluid reflects the baby's urine output — which is an important measure of a baby's well-being. Low fluids can be of concern because there will be a higher likelihood of cord compression during labor.

That is all I know. Shaya is about 33 weeks along and would like to "keep cooking" her little lady for as long as she can. She will be in the hospital so that she can be closely monitored up until she delivers which could be this week and could be in 6 weeks. 

Jackson and I stopped by the visit her for a couple of hours this evening and brought along some fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (don't they make every situation better?!), some candy and some magazines to keep Shaya entertained. Matt will be at the hospital as often as possible, but he still has to work until Josslyn is born.

Jackson wheeling Shaya back to her room for the evening

Shaya is understandably a little bored. She is keeping a good attitude, though. Her nurses seemed to get a kick out of her and even let her go for a little wheelchair ride out to the lobby to visit with some more friends that stopped by. She had a strict 30 minute "pass" to be out of her room and Nurse Jackson made sure that she didn't violate that order. It was nice to see the Bates family and catch up, but we wish it were under better circumstances.

I'm asking everyone I know to please, please pray for baby Josslyn Bates to stay in the womb for as long as she can. There is really no better place for her to be right now. I'm also asking for prayers for a safe delivery for both baby and mommy. I know that God is the best physician so I'm asking for his help with this case. Please join me in this.