One Year Ago | Seattle or Bust!

One Year ago today, I left Sitka to head to Seattle and wait for the twins to be born.

I was 34 weeks along and twins are considered full term at 36 weeks.

I told myself I'd be there for a week and then Cliff would follow the week before our due date.

At that time, the hospitals in town were not accepting twin births so our plan was made well in advance that we would go to Swedish Hospital to deliver the wee ones.

Cliff and I had gone down to Seattle in October for our 20 week 

ultrasound and to see the Swedish medical facility.

It was at that time that we confirmed we were having twins, found out the genders and

were oh so blessed by our friend Karin's parents, Dick and Arlene, who were such amazing hosts.

This was an unforgettable weekend that we will always cherish!

20 week ultrasound showing two babies - a boy and a girl!

We went to IKEA and ordered way too much food and looked at furniture for a TWIN nursery.
Cliff listened to Cardinal World Series updates throughout the day.

What's a guy to do?  When in Seattle, drink Starbucks!

When we came "home" the night of the 20 week ultrasound with our news of a 

boy AND a girl, Dick and Arlene shared in our joy just like family would 

and they invited us to come and stay with them again 

when it was time for the babies to be born.

It also felt like home because we all watched the Cardinals play in the World Series that night!

Cliff & I with Dick & Arlene the weekend of our ultrasound in October

After our decision was made to go to Seattle, our friend, Carolyn, generously offered to leave 

her home and husband to accompany me and care for me in Seattle as well.

Carolyn ended up staying and caring for me, away from Paul, for 3 weeks.

We are forever grateful for this sacrifice that their family made for ours. 

Carolyn and I on Alaska Airlines flight 62 to Seattle

I absolutely CANNOT think about those days before the babies were born without tearing up.

I am so thankful for the Lord's complete provision for us during that time.  

Dick, Arlene & Carolyn devoted themselves completely to caring for me.

Honestly, I cannot imagine having been better cared for.

Carolyn helped me through every step of the travel.  

She convinced me I was carrying enough when all I was holding was my pillow!

She purposely traveled with only a purse so that she could take my carry on bag for me, 

she helped me with my shoes through security 

and she expertly loaded up my luggage when we arrived at Sea-Tac.  

She had thought of everything.

She had made the trip many times and she knew the drill.

As I watched her send me aside while she easily maneuvered through the airport, 

fetched my bags and kept us moving along, 

I remember whispering this scripture from Proverbs 31 to myself as I watched in awe:

"She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks."

Dick and Arlene both came to collect us from the airport and 

they greeted my weary soul with such joy and sympathy!

My swollen eyes had meanwhile joined in on the fun that the rest of my swollen body 

was having after a good hard cry on the plane.  Carolyn had held my hand.

Carolyn had heard me say once that I was looking forward to going to Whole Foods in Seattle 

and so Dick wasted no time and drove us straight there from the airport!

Dick & Arlene's home was a sight for sore eyes after the day of travel.

Warmth and the love of Christ emanating from every window.

Dick & Arlene's lovely Seattle home was our home, in every way, for over a month last February.

My room had been lovingly prepared down to the last detail!

They had recently purchased a new mattress for my bed, moved in a TV & VCR with cable,

even installed a remote controlled light fixture so that I wouldn't be 

tempted to get out of bed in the dark, had a rocker for me to sit in

and when they heard I would be bringing my computer, they made sure WIFI was set up 

and replaced the outlet by the window seat with one that had

 both 110v outlets & USB outlets to charge my phone and laptop!

       

Dick, Arlene, Carolyn & I the day we bought Jack & Jennifer's CRV in Seattle for them.
Dick took care of everything from the test drive, arranging for the remote start, and putting it on a barge to Sitka!
They took care of our extended family also and when my parents came for a week when the babies were born ... yep! They also stayed at Dick and Arlene's!