Bethany's Story

Bethany Chi-Hwei Chu
DOB: 1:54 am 12/15/10
6 lbs 2 oz
19.5"

Caleb and I went to see the doc the morning of 12/14 for the usual weekly OB visit. It was the last NST (non-stress test) and then we visited with the doctor. She wanted to induce Bethany a bit early, given the diabetes which we had already spoken of a week or two before. Our goal was to set a date for the induction. During the visit, the doctor did a bit of manual massage and I went from being about 1 cm dilated to about 3 cm. We didn't know that she had also stripped the membranes, which really preps things for the body to start the whole labor process.

She encouraged us to go walking and said to us as we left the clinic, "I'll maybe see you tonight or tomorrow!" This surprised us, but as we were walking to the parking garage we thought that given her experience, she may be onto something.

I had been finishing up transcribing for Bro Sun's WCCC 2010 messages and the last one that needed to be done was on the topic, "Finishing the Race." If my doctor was correct about going into labor that evening, I needed to finish things up. Talk about "finishing the race"!! I finished and emailed out the last transcript. Whew! :)

We headed out to the Galleria for a walk around the mall sometime around 4-5 pm. It didn't feel too much like Braxton-Hicks false contractions by this time. I was having 2-3 stronger contractions and by the time we stopped by McDonalds for a small bite to eat, the contractions were more regular. I know I'm not supposed to have any food in my stomach prior to delivery, but I figured a small McFish and Sprite wasn't going to hurt if I needed the energy for many hours to come! :P

Now that the contractions were regular and things were progressing normally, we figured it was time to head home. I showered, since the thought of not showering for a few days if I go into the hospital didn't seem too appealing. Thinking ahead, we thought of who could take care of Polo while we were gone. So we called our friend who lives close by to come over and see the dog and get acquainted.

Around 9 pm, our friend and 2 others come by - a bit wide-eyed as they'd never encountered someone going into labor before. While chatting and getting to know Polo, I had to make an announcement: my water broke. It was time to get to the hospital!

We got to the hospital a little after 11pm. Don't forget to signal Caleb - we don't want a traffic violation ticket while getting to the hospital! :P Fortunately it takes only 5-7 minutes to get there.

Our L&D room was room 5. Fetal heart monitor was strapped on and all the papers were signed. We were just getting settled in for the many hours ahead and the contractions were definitely no piece of cake. My birth plan was not to take any meds, but to go as naturally as possible. My OB doctor had not arrived yet, but I was told several times that this wasn't about being heroic and if I wanted anything, all I had to do was ask.

Sometime close to midnight, Bethany's heart rate went below 100 and the nurses had me turn a few times. Her heart rate fortunately went back up and all was well. Because of the fluctuation, the doctor didn't think it was a good idea for me to have any pain meds via IV. I was okay with that explanation.

A little after 1 am, the contractions all of a sudden increased in intensity by a whole lot. I generally can bear the pain, but this was unbearable. If I had only labored for about 2 hours at the hospital and it was going to continue at this rate, I didn't think that I could handle it. I barely could make it out, "Yes, I want the epidural." So Caleb was asked to leave the room for about 15 minutes while they administered the epidural. The needle and injection enters through the spinal cord, and while leaning over, there was a sharp pain in my tummy/uterus. The epidural was inserted without any problems, but right before I laid back down, the fetal heart rate plummeted. Bethany's heart rate decreased rapidly and was down in the 50s. If the heart rate is in the 50s - it's basically flat-lining. My nurse immediately calls for help and many people enter the room. One nurse tries to prevent me from bleeding out, another reports that my uterus is too firm and a third nurse tries to push the baby for any change or response. No change.

I'm given oxygen and before I know it, I'm wheeled into another room and it dawns on me: Bethany must be saved and she's going to have to come out now. Lord, please protect her!

Meanwhile, Caleb only knew of the epidural and is wandering around the halls looking for a waiting area. He found the c-section waiting room and sits down, nodding his head to another fellow dad-to-be. After a few brief moments, he hears a page overhead for all nurses to go to Room 2. He thinks, "Well, we're in room 5, so all is well." Lots of people are running to Room 2, but then a nurse runs into the waiting room and says, "Mr. Chu, your wife is having an emergency c-section. Put this on, and we'll see you in room 2." In great surprise, Caleb puts on the scrubs and heads to room 2, baffled as to what had happened.

At the OR, I was still conscious and started wondering if what had happened to Bethany was because of my request for the epidural. I asked the anesthesiologist if that was the case, and he responds, telling me that it was good that I had asked for the epidural when I did. Because of it, I did not have to go under general anesthetics and be put out entirely, being intubated and all. But now I could be awake for the procedure. Caleb came in and held my hand and very quickly tells me, Bethany is now out. What a moment. :)

Caleb left after a few moments to see her and I felt every pull, push and tug as the doctor and nurses close me up. Throughout the whole thing, I didn't feel any fear or anxiety, but knew that somehow, our Lord would watch over all of us. He is my only source of strength and help for my daughter, because this entire matter is not in my control.

Soon enough, Caleb comes back holding Bethany and I saw her for the first time. I had never imagined such a beautiful child would be my own child. She was small, very pink and every feature was perfectly tiny. My hands were numb and stretched out with IVs and blood pressure monitors attached so I couldn't hold her, but my daughter had arrived! Her Apgar and all the reports up to that time was that she was very normal. I couldn't have asked for more.

When they stamped Bethany's footprints on the certificate, they asked if Caleb wanted her footprints on his scrubs. Sure, why not? We now have her feet printed on his scrubs as a momento. :)

The doctor who performed the c-section told us that it looked like what had happened was a placental abruption. Because everything had happened so fast, my own OB had not even arrived yet, and this on-call doctor was known to rarely do c-sections, unless in the case of an emergency. Part of my uterus looked "old", meaning that blood had not reached it for awhile, so that there was a lack of oxygen to that part. Bethany also went without oxygen for a period of time. The odd thing about this was that I had a very healthy pregnancy, low-risk for all things, a well-controlled gestational diabetes and no trauma to have caused the abruption. Only the Lord had planned and had watched over all these details.

I went into the recovery room after the procedure was completed, however we were not out of the woods yet. After recovery, I went to the post-partum unit and part of the usual routine, nurses would come in and check my vitals every 2-3 hours. They measured my blood pressure and temperature. Throughout Wednesday, I measured a high 101.4 and 101.6 degree temperature. I was given a continual IV drip to keep my vein open and a regimen of antibiotics. Our prayer was that whatever was causing my fever would be taken care of and if I could be fever-free for 24 hours, I would be able to go home at the set date of 12/18, Saturday. Praise the Lord for hearing our prayers an the prayers of our family and all the saints. The fever broke and while it can be nice being taken care of at an hospital, it really is so much nicer to be able to go home. Having blood drawn for more tests, vitals taken every few hours, a continual IV drip inserted into the body really was not easy. I had more important things to learn and attend to: my baby!

The Lord has been our ever-present help in times of trouble and I give all thanks and praise to Him. Each time I see Bethany and hold her, I'm amazed at how wonderful He is. In the heart of her parents, she has been consecrated to Him for His use, His service, His delight. Her Chinese name means great favor, in the eyes of both God and man. May her life be given for the favor of our Lord and Savior.

While typing this story seems a bit long, it's only the beginning. I thank the Lord for the experience, and yes, I thank Him for pain meds too! :) He's blessed me with a wonderful husband who has taken such good care of me and Bethany in these first days of her life and my mom, a newly-minted grandmother has come to serve with such a joyful heart as well. I have much to be thankful for and thank Him and thank Him some more.

Thanks to all who have also interceded for us during the last week. God bless you during this holiday season, may our attention be directed continually upon our Lord Jesus Christ.

Upon Baby's Arrival

I feel like I need to have something profound or memorable to say here, given that we're going to be first time parents in a very short amount of time. But I think the only thing that really resounds through my mind and heart, despite the entrance to a grand, unknown world, is that our focus is still to remain on the Lord.

I'm so appreciative of the baby shower that the sisters, aunties and mothers put together for me and 2 other expectant mothers last month. They shared with me so much, and the main thing that I walked away with is simply that while the focus may be on the labor, delivery, baby, my health, etc etc etc for awhile, we cannot ever lose sight of Who is actually the center and attention of our lives: our Jesus.

People are grinning and asking if we're ready for the sleep deprivation, if we have everything we need, when our mothers and families will be coming, if we need any help, and we're so thankful for all their love and support. And during all these changes, it's the greatest comfort to know that we can still cast all our cares upon the shoulders of our Heavenly Father.

I'm still amazed that it's been 9 months. I can only bow my head and worship Him.

Beth, may you be a life in which our Lord Jesus can find rest and health. May your heart be a place where Jesus is satisfied, where He is the Head of the home, and through you bring much blessing to all those around you. That's Mom's prayer for you in all these days before you arrive!

May 8, 2010; roughly 2 months into conception

25 weeks along, staying at the Wei's after arriving in Houston from Seattle

Now in new apartment, it's a hot Texan summer and baby is at 29 weeks

Family portrait session in the bathroom again! 38 weeks!

Yes, we are nose-scrunchers.

And we have a hard time being serious.

Mom's ready. Dad's ready. Bethany, we're excited to see you!

And Lord, she belongs to You.

2-3 more weeks left!

We're getting close!!

Ultrasound, NST and OB visit today and all went well! Baby is estimated to be at about 6 lbs, 1 oz, in the 49th percentile. We're right on track.  For everyone's well-being, we still may expect Bethany to be home a little bit before Christmas. Her head is already in the downward position. So she IS kicking me in the ribs with her feet!

I'm now having slight Braxton-Hicks contractions which are very manageable. I've been dilated about 1 cm since last week, and feeling okay. Trying to get some amount of walking and moving around done each day, though I have to say, I still like to get +10 hrs of sleep each night. My joints in my hands are pretty stiff when I wake up in the morning, but I honestly don't have much complaints. I'm very thankful that this has been an overall easy pregnancy.

The preparation of having Bethany come has been an interesting experience. We're looking forward with lots of excitement and anticipation, yet that exact time seems quite elusive. We know she's coming, but when is the big question! Isn't it very much similar to our preparation now for the return of our Lord? Then when the time gets closer and closer, there will be more and more signs. Right now my body is naturally gearing up with the "false" contractions and as time gets closer, it will be more regular, more closely spaced, etc, etc.

Our God is a very practical One huh? He shows us spiritual principles and truths in such real ways that we can relate to. I'm glad He does that, otherwise it'll be hard for us simple-minded ones to understand such an awesome God.

Bethany hiccups EVERY day.

We thank the Lord for all the love, prayers, support and advice that friends and family have been giving us. We're incredibly blessed to be surrounded with such help and love. May the Lord bless you!!

Healthy eating makes for healthy mom & baby

I failed the 3 hour glucose test, though I don't know by how much exactly yet. I'll ask specifics at my next OB visit in 3 days. I was informed that I have to test myself 4 times a day to monitor where my glucose levels are: fasting when I wake up in the morning and 2 hours after every meal. It seems like a lot, but after a few days, the routine of it really isn't so bad. While I was fairly careful about what I ate during the first 6-7 months, I've definitely been more careful since this latest news.

While I do miss having rice, noodles, bread and my biggest temptation: easy mac, I don't mind keeping hunger at bay by simply eating healthier snacks throughout the day. (Carbs are okay in very small and limited quantities though.)
Cottage cheese with small amount of jam and fruit, string cheese, rice cakes, wheat crackers, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, etc all do the trick in tying me over until the next meal.  Some exercise and brisk walking has helped a bit too.

31.5 wks

My levels since testing myself starting this past week have all been very normal. Thank the Lord!

It's a happy feeling knowing that while I'm doing good for my own health, Bethany is growing well and starting off healthy too.

There doesn't seem like there's anything too exciting to report, but it is a bit daunting when the numbers hit us over the head... we're going to meet this little girl of ours in 7 weeks. I need to get going packing my hospital bag! We've toured the Women's Hospital here and the facility is very nice. It's only a 5 minute drive away!


Caleb's work has been going well and some big projects are coming down the pike soon. He'll be busier when all that gets clarified, but he's definitely enjoying the work. He has clinic twice a week and the doctors, the advisors and mentors couldn't be a better fit for where we're at right now. Our Lord certainly places the right people in our lives at the right time. :)

It's finally starting to feel like fall here in Houston. I relish the very few cloudy days, the rain, and am terribly happy at temperatures in the low 70s and upper 60s. It would be nice to see some leaves with different colors, but there just aren't that many trees to have leaves with different colors around here!

May the Lord keep us strong and healthy in body, soul and spirit so that we can live to the very fullest for His glory, testimony and service!

Meanwhile, we're all trying hard to catch more zzzzzz's before Beth comes... :)

Polo with his 2 most favorite items in the whole wide world!

Which week is this?

It's slightly on the annoying side that I chalk it up to "pregnancy brain"... but without Caleb's iphone app, I can't seem to remember exactly which week I'm at. I think I'm at week 32... roughly 9 more weeks to go!

We're praying that my 3-hr glucose test tomorrow goes well, that we keep gestational diabetes at bay! Meanwhile, I'm trying to do my part in cutting down a bit of the sugar, carbs and adding in more exercise.

Bethany's movements are still there and quite strong, and I'm glad for her rest & sleep cycles. Gives me a bit of a break. :)

Work for Caleb is going well and by His grace the draft of the first paper has been submitted to the doctor.

It's still a bit too sunny for my "clouds 'n rain" habit of Seattle, but I'm thankful that it's not like how it was back in August & September!

For pics on the apt, see here:

Apartment Pictures

In terms of lessons we're learning, it's about waiting on the Lord. While we expect and know He will give an answer, it's also such a blessing (in disguise at times) to know that it's a process of being drawn closer to Himself. He will provide and lead the way forward (more specifically regarding residency) when it is His good time.

Blessings!

El Mundo but not el mundo

El Mundo is "the world" in Spanish. We're learning to live in and on El Mundo, but not be of "el mundo." :)

We're moved in, thank the Lord! The movers arrived last Tuesday 09/28. Despite some "minor" things, we consider ourselves very blessed that everything arrived and in fairly good condition. We heard some horror stories about other cross-country moves and balk at the horrendous services that "professional" movers provide. Our earthly possessions are here and we're thankful.

I'm now working on the last set of office things. Taking my time and glad we're nearing the end of all this packing/unpacking business.

Our initiation into the state of Texas was the vehicle registration and drivers' licensing process. It took us nearly 4 hours or so and a nice bite out of our pocket book! Caleb grinned in his new license picture (probably 'cause he was glad that we were nearly done), while mine looks more like I'm about to cry. Let's just say that maybe it was the hormones. :P

The transition has been tough for Polo. Our 5 year old Maltese boy had his first cross-country road trip in the hot sun, got shocked a few times by a shock collar at motels and got sick twice after eating things he should not have eaten while staying at two families' homes. He finally arrived at his new home yesterday and we realized that he still had a terrible stomach ache from the day before. I'm happy to report he's doing better today.

Our next task is to find primary care providers, a new OB doc as well as a pediatrician for Bethany. We're now officially in the 3rd trimester! She's getting bigger and we're excited to meet the lil' active girl.

Today is also Caleb's first day of work! It's likely several hours of orientation stuff, but we're incredibly thankful for this new start. It's been a bit of an anxious journey not knowing exactly what to expect, but we trust that in all things, He's got the best lessons and plans to continue this work of molding us more into His image.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God Who is our salvation.
Psalm 68:19

Wedding + Roadtrip

What a wonderful past weekend! God again proves Himself to be One Who answers prayers. We're thankful for such a beautiful wedding for Stephen and Jen and can see that they're also great event planners. Bethany now has a wonderful aunt! Woohoo! :)

While it was a time of celebration, we packed in (pun not intended) the last of our move from Bellevue. The movers finally got everything loaded up into the truck by 1:30-2 am Sunday morning. We left early for the airport so that Mom could get back to Portland in time to pick up food for the love feast. It was an uneventful flight back to Houston. It was a bit of an odd feeling that we went from "home" back to "home." I suppose as long as we're "home" in the Lord, we're simply travelers on this earth anyway!

After resting up a bit, we decided to take advantage of our time before Caleb starts work. We drove to Galveston and visited the Moody Gardens Aquarium and then walked the historic downtown district on the Strand for a daytrip. Seeing some pictures of what Hurricane Ike did back in 2009 was incredible. We had some BlueBell ice cream (yum!!) and bought a bottle of award-winning raspberry chipotle sauce. I haven't had time to try it yet, but I'll let y'all know.

Driving into Galveston, which is basically an island, though connected by land a little further south. Notice the dark clouds overhead!

A bit smudgy here, but it was one of the largest rainfalls we'd ever been in, or drove through as we saw the Gulf of Mexico.

After visiting the aquarium for about 2 hours, everything cleared up. The tourist attractions here at Moody Gardens are built as these glass pyramid buildings. It was fun and I'd recommend it!

Our prayers are now with Stephen and Jen as they make their way from Seattle/Portland down to Corpus Christi by car. May the Lord keep them safe and grant them an enjoyable trip!

Apartment living

It was truly Providence that we were able to drive by the new house on a Sunday evening during Labor Day weekend. We saw for ourselves what the neighborhood actually looks like during an evening and got to take a look at the likes of our new neighbors. That's when we realized that it was not the place for us. Not only did we have a very unsettled feeling, but a lack of peace and security when we drove through Merganser Drive. While it was very disappointing, we're thankful that we found this out before it was too late.

Back to square one.

We hoped to still purchase a house in a better neighborhood and every night at dinner we'd ask elderly Brother & Sister Wei and Stephen about different areas in Houston. We learned a lot about the demographics, school districts, freeways and traffics. Good to know now rather than later.

After looking around at our price range in Sugar Land and realizing that we really couldn't afford something even on the side of small and new, it would be best to rent first. We would be more certain about our whereabouts once residency is secured as well. That way we won't be tied into real estate fluctuations either.

So we looked into renting an apartment that would be suitable. And long story short, we're now about 1-2 blocks away from Reliant Stadium, in a complex with mostly medical students & staff, close to quite a few brothers & sisters from church, and at a newer, fully upgraded facility. Our new place is on the first floor (yay, less stairs for me to climb!), accepts pets, AND has a shuttle that's door to door for Caleb that's only a 20 minute ride to his work.

Thank the Lord that despite a setback, He's still prepared what is best for us.

Welcomed correction: we're now going to be located in 2-3 weeks on El Mundo Road. :)

Baby Bethany

Bethany is at 25 weeks now, so that means about 15 more weeks to go! She has been moving around/shifting her weight for the last month or so, and it felt more like a change in pressure for me. Then about 2 days ago I was surprised to wake up to odd bumps and blips in my belly. It was a little startling to figure out that she was kicking and stretching her feet. I told her dad, and being still half-asleep said in his quiet and stern voice, "Bethany, don't kick Mommy." It took a second before he realized that, oh! She's actually moving her appendages now! We had been waiting for that since week 16. :)

The crazy citrus/acidic cravings have just about passed now, though I still do enjoy the sour stuff.

I'm not terribly keen on some of the unattractive side-effects of pregnancy, causing some discomfort and ... unattractive effects. Oh well, comes with the territory.
I'm also starting to look for good OB docs here, which really isn't too hard, given that there's a huge medical community here in Houston. It's been recommended to stay close to our new home, so I'll likely be heading to Women's Hospital of Texas at the medical center.

In other side news, one of Bethany's uncles is getting married in 2 weeks! We're excited!

House on Merganser Drive

We arrived in Houston Saturday 8/28. We started looking for a house after church on Sunday the 29th. We began to pray that the Lord would prepare us the right place - both for His use and for our family to live and grow.
The specifics:
*3 bedrooms - so we can accommodate family when they come to stay with us.
*Nice kitchen (preferably with an island)
*One story so Steph wouldn't have too much space to clean
*Space for a grand piano
*Long hallway for Polo to run
*Grass in the backyard for Polo's relief
*Separate toilet-room for uninterrupted reading and relief
*Good neighborhood that is close to church, work and other brothers & sisters
*Reasonably priced so we wouldn't stress about monthly payments
*New house so we wouldn't have to worry too much about repairs

After praying through these specifics and searching the area for 2.5 days, we signed the contract for this exact house on Tuesday 8/31 - the last day of August (our offer was accepted while filling out some paperwork right there and then!). The sales agent is also a Christian and when she asked us how we found them, she responded by saying, "Amen!" when we told her it was the Holy Spirit. :) Our rate was locked in yesterday at an all-time historic low after we met with the loan officer. If all goes well, God-willing, we'll close by the end of September and be able to move in!

What can I say? God is absolutely amazing. It was a family effort, with the in-laws on both sides contributing so much to make this possible. Thank you and thank you so much!

Throughout this whole process, I can only bow my head and give all worship and gratitude to my Heavenly Father. In all that He has done for us, may our lives, no matter how big or small the details be lived for Him.

While He indeed provides for us, we're remembering that we're simply aliens and travelers on this earth, just a'passing through.
Selah.

High-yield August 2010

August seems to be a very eventful month in our lives! While I can most certainly write an essay on all the details of what has happened to us, I'll break it down for easy & quick reading. Though let me just say from the get-go that we praise and thank God for being absolutely amazing and awesome in every single step of the way. We wouldn't be where we are if it weren't for Him.

7/23: Caleb received a job offer (post-doc research position) at MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX. We're moving!
8/2: Learned that we are now expecting Bethany

8/8: 1 year anniversary
8/19: last day of work for Steph
8/20-23: Crazy-busy packing & cleaning in workable temperatures, praise God!

Trip
8/23 pm: Caleb, Steph & Polo departed from Bellevue, WA, drove to Portland, Oregon
8/24: Caleb, Steph, Polo & Steph's Dad departed from Portland, OR, drove to Twin Falls, Idaho
8/25: Departed from Twin Falls, Idaho, (saw the actual Twin Falls) drove to Green River, Utah
8/26: Departed from Green River, visited Arches National Park, stopped briefly at the Four Corners (the point where 4 states come together at 1 spot - Arizona, Utah, New Mexico & Colorado) drove to Santa Rosa, New Mexico
8/27: Departed from Santa Rosa, New Mexico, drove to Corsicana, Texas
8/28: Departed from Corsicana and made it safe and sound to Houston!

*We thank the Lord that we never back-tracked on any of the routes, didn't get lost and made good progress each day.
*We thank the Lord for giving Dad the strength to make the 5 day trek with us... couldn't have done it without him!
*We thank the Lord for keeping us safe, we stopped once to add engine oil, and the cars made it safely. The smaller `98 Honda Accord arrived in Houston just in time for brake work, v-tech replacement and oil change.
*We thank the Lord for Mom's cookin' that kept us going for most of the trip.
*Since Dad's background is in geophysics, we had a tour guide who was able to explain all the interesting geography and landscapes which made everything that much more interesting.

*Polo is now staying with Ryan & Jill in Katy, TX. The little furry guy is sad, but we're thankful that he has such a wonderful and caring couple to stay with for these few weeks of transition.
*We're very thankful for the Wei's as they're letting us stay with them, and it's a mutually beneficial stay. We're happy to assist them in their daily needs, and we get to enjoy of their hospitality and fellowship.

I have lots of pics to upload... just found my cable to upload all the shots we took during the road trip. WIll post soon!

Here it is:
Texas Road Trip