a change in plans

SYNOPSIS:
On Tuesday, early morning, I woke up at around 1:15 and discovered (through my muddled and sleepy reasoning) that my water was broken. David called the hospital and they told us to come in. Next thing we know, we are in our own labor and delivery room and told that we weren't leaving without a baby. Well, I don't think I have to say that we were shocked and bewildered. I took a good while to process this change in plans and all the while was telling myself verses that were helpful to me. "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me" and "He works for the good of those who love Him" and "He will never leave or forsake you". I vascillated between feeling peace and feeling panic. Imagine--nothing is ready. We thought we had at least 7 weeks to pack our bags, read about circumcision, even come up with a name. None of that was done and I felt so emotionally unprepared. Yet, I kept thinking that the Lord knew what He was doing and was in control and was good. That night offered little sleep (naps here and there). We met with the doctor who told us that there was not much to worry about for me or the baby. She said I needed no steriod shots because the lungs have already developed enough. She proposed that we put myself on antibiotics to avoid infections and keep external fetal monitors on me to check if there is any baby distress. After an ultrasound, they saw that I had plenty of amniotic fluid left to keep baby comfortable. I am in no pain and had only few random (and painless) contractions. The doctor was hoping to keep me in this state until 34 weeks just to give the baby a little more lung maturity. The ultrasound also showed a healthy baby that was 4lbs and 14 oz. Regardless, the baby will have to be in the NICU for some amount of time. It could be a day or two on up to a month. We'll have to wait until he is born to know.

UPDATE:
Today is Thursday and I passed the 48 hour mark. This is good news to my doctor (and therefore to us). I've not had any labor, there has been no fever to indicate infection. The ultrasound today said that I had less fluid but was still well within the normal range of fluid. The doc believes that I am doing well enough that she is thinking Tuesday, rather than the original Saturday, will be the date for induction.

CONCLUSION: We have had nothing but good news since we've been here and have nothing but hope for what is to come. I have always wondered what it felt like to "feel others prayers" and now I know. I am certain the Lord has heard your prayers and have given us a peace beyond understanding. Thank you so much for your prayers--they are worth more than gold to us!