Monday, October 21, 2013

An Announcement and a BIG prayer request!

For the past several months I have been guarding a secret. A big one---one that has to do with something very little in need of some BIG prayer.

This summer we found out I’m pregnant


Yeah, yeah… a lot of you called it with my coffee strike. That was actually the day I found out. The likelihood of me being pregnant was soooooo slim, I’d been discounting all the signs. IMPOSSIBLE!

Well, God likes to work in the business of all things impossible. This baby had a .8 (point eight) percent chance from the start. If you all remember my miscarriage/pseudo-heart attack/kidney failure last year (You can read about it here) you might remember that they advised I NOT get pregnant to protect my one very unique kidney from shutting down---as it would have had I not lost the last baby. Without getting into all the nitty-gritty personal details, they expected I might lose this baby too.

But… this little fighter survived. They ALSO told me, that on top of the less than one percent chance of conception, and the subsequent possibility of another miscarriage, the medication I was on for my kidney (A BIG no-no for pregnancy---and the reason we were using such sure measures of prevention) should have also ended the pregnancy.

All that to say, this baby is a MIRACLE!  

You can plan your life down to the detail, you can do all you can to be in control…. But the plain, and AMAZING truth of it is, God is BIGGER! His plan is bigger.

And we are trusting in that plan, and in the miraculous work He started first when He saved my life as a baby, and again when He spared my life by taking my child home last year…

And NOW… since this pregnancy poses a lot of dangers for my life.


LONG story short and simplified---We’ve made it into the second trimester now. And we’ve been advised that we need to keep me healthy and get this baby as far along in the pregnancy as we can before my blood pressure rises too high and my kidney starts to fail, which could happen at any time. At that point, they will have to deliver the baby. We are already 16 weeks, and viability is 26. The longer we wait, the better it will be for the baby, and the higher the risk becomes for me.



So, we could really use some prayer in the coming weeks. We are not afraid. We know that God’s got this. That He doesn’t do things halfway. And we are standing on the promises in His word and the power of our testimony. We can’t wait to see what He has in store for this little one!!!



Warriors: Some specific prayer needs
-For the baby’s kidneys to develop normally and remain unaffected by the medication that was discontinued late.
-For my kidney function to remain in the black until at least 30 weeks or more.
-For my tolerance to the medications as they tend to have difficult side-effects.
-For my blood pressure (which is already on the rise and will naturally spike more as the pregnancy progresses) to be controlled by the meds and manageable until it’s safe for the baby.
-For wisdom for my team of docs.
-For peace to take it all in stride.
-For energy for me to continue to care for my rambunctious kiddos.
-And maybe.... for a girl!

Thank you! We love you!

Rick, Amy, Kael, Rafe, and Baby Simpson.

91 comments:

  1. Wow! Congrats! Will definitely be praying for you and the little one.

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  2. Congratulations! The news of child on the way is exciting under the best of circumstances, but in your case it's amazing. And, given your serious health issues, also scary, I'm sure. May the Lord, who has already proven once again that He can defy any odds, watch over you and your unborn child, and may you and your family welcome the new member as far down the road as possible, considering your health issues and the development needs of your precious baby.

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    1. Yes, Keli... a mix of excitement and apprehension, for sure. But with the very obvious mark of God's hand in this, we are refusing all fear and praising God for the miracle. Thanks so much for the prayers :)

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  3. Wow! What an amazing story! Congratulations to you and your family, Amy. I'll be praying for you.

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  4. Oh my goodness that is such awesome news! Because above all, we have an awesome God. Will be praying for you for sure! Congrats!!

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    1. We sure do, Anne. Amazing we sometimes still need reminding! Thanks!!

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  5. Joining the others praying for you, your little one, and the whole family. May God give you wisdom every step, every week of the way. And may the only thing that threatens to send your blood pressure skyrocketing be the wonders of God at work in your lives!

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    1. Every step, every week. I'm claiming that, Cynthia. Thank you!!

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  6. Awww congratulations!! And praying for you, Amy...and your new little one...and your whole family as your pregnancy progresses!

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  7. Thrilled to become part of your spiritual ground support, Amy. What a miracle -- and I am praying for many, many more for you and your family in coming weeks.

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    1. Aww, love you Beth! Thanks for always being such an amazing support!

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  8. Congratulations, friend. Praying for all the above needs! Hugs.

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  9. I will definitely be praying for a healthy mama and healthy baby. Congratulations!

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  10. Beautiful pictures!! Praying for you! You all are such a testament of Faith already! LOVE YOU!!

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    1. Thanks, Ang! Love you! Thanks for keeping my secret and being so diligent to pray! xo

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  11. Agreeing with you in prayer for ALL OF THE ABOVE!! What a testimony you've got already. I can't wait to see how God shows off in this.

    Thinking about the Hillsong song, Oceans: Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
    Let me walk upon the waters
    Wherever You would call me
    Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
    And my faith will be made stronger
    In the presence of my Savior.

    Amen.

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    1. Right? I'm so excited to see what God has in store for this baby and I am so blessed to be able to share all the amazing things he's done! Oh. My. Gosh! I swear to you... I LOVE that song. It has been the song of my heart for the past few weeks. (and it's been on repeat--everyday!) Thanks for the confirmation of his promises! Hugs!!

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  12. Sitting here in tears praying for you, dear sister. There was a popular praise song in the nineties that went like this: "Whose report will you believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord. For His report says I am filled, His report says I am healed. His report says I am free, His report says VICTORY!" I am praying this for you and your family today! God IS in control!

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    1. Looking up that song, Susan! Thank you so much for the encouraging word! Appreciate the prayers BIG!

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  13. Congrats and will be praying for you. And as a mama of 3 boys and then 1 girl, I'm praying for your girl :) Trusting in the supreme physician for you and little one!

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    1. Thank you! Since this will have to be my last, I am really desperately hoping for a girl! God says he only gives us what we can handle... so I'm thinking it must be a lil princess. ;)

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  14. I'll definitely remember to pray for you guys. Should be easy to remember, your baby is due the same week mine is. :)

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  15. Congratulations, Amy and family! Our big God has big plans! :D

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  16. Congrats, girl!!! So excited for you. God is good and He is great. He can do all things.

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  17. Keeping you in prayer every day, friend. God is bigger!!

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  18. Congrats. Big prayers for you and your family. God be with each one of you.

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  19. So happy for you, Amy. I didn't know about your previous health issues. A girl I went to school with had a similar miracle with a baby girl after miscarrying twins and almost having a stroke, she had an unplanned,miracle pregnancy with zero side affects.

    Praying for you and your precious baby!

    Sue

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    1. That's a great testimony, Sue! Thanks for sharing and for praying! :)

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  20. I will definitely be praying for you! A friend of mine had her baby at just over 24 weeks and he's 5 months old now. You seem to be doing a great job working to trust God; I will continue to pray for that and for yours (and baby's!) health.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sarah! He's proven himself time and again. And though fear can easily sneak in, perfect love casts out fear. I can stand in confidence. :) Really appreciate the prayers!

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  21. Wow - what an AMAZING testimony! I've had two miscarriages myself (in between my second and third children.) I doubted whether I'd ever had a third, but I just kept praying and hoping and now I have a spunky little 4 year old girl running around this house. Congratulations on your pregnancy, Amy! I will be praying for you and your baby.

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    1. Becky, I am so sorry to hear about your babies in heaven. It's so much harder than we can imagine, isn't it. I'll never forget holding that tiny little baby in my hand, and I can't wait to meet that child someday. Sometimes we don't get to know why... and God giving that little whispered glimpse of his plan last time gives me such assurance that he's got this. Thank you for the prayers. God gives us warriors to lean on when we get weary. I really appreciate all of you!

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  22. So excited for you Amy!!! And in prayer for you and little one. May God lay His hand of health on you and give the doctors wisdom.
    meow. A new Alley Kitten.

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    1. Can't wait for you all to meet our lil kitten! Thanks for the prayers, Mary! Love u!

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  23. I'm so awe-struck right now. And worried about you! But God IS amazing and I'm praying He keeps you and baby Simpson 100% healthy and happy through a full-term pregnancy. Congratulations!

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  24. SQUEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO excited for you, friend!! :) I'll be praying and praying and praying! If you need anything that I can provide long distance, please let me know! You gonna find out what this little one is?? Maybe boy #3? Join my club. OR a sweet little angel for those big brothers to protect? I am beyond excited for you...!!

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    1. Thanks Jenny! We are going to find out in three weeks! All I'm saying is... it's gotta be a girl! ;) Thanks for the prayers and the support! Love u!

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  25. Yeah!!! Oh, Amy, you know I will be praying for you and that amazing little one! Your life and that baby's life is so precious to God! I'm in awe of your trust and bravery, hang in there dear friend! Love and miss you!

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    1. Thanks so much for the excitement and the support! Means so much to us! Love you! Call me when you come in town next! :)

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  26. How exciting, Amy!!! I pray you sense God's hand on you and your little one and that you can REST in Him. Easier said than done some days, right? ;)

    Hugs and prayers,
    Sarah

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    1. Absolutely, Sarah! But I know I'm in good hands! :) Thanks!

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  27. Lifting you up in prayer! Isaiah 41:10!

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    1. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.-- one of my favorites, Erica! Thank so much!

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  28. Yippee we got you covered in prayer!! We love you guys. What a cool way to display Gods grace and glorious miracles :)

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    1. Thanks sweetie! Right? I am so blessed that he can be glorified in this! Love u!

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  29. Yippee we got you covered in prayer!! We love you guys. What a cool way to display Gods grace and glorious miracles :)

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  30. Amy,
    I'm so praying for you and the family! God's got this -- and you -- in the palm of His Hand. They told me all kinds of things about my oldest daughter. Eden is 14, totally healthy and has an addiction (which we share) to Blue Bell Ice Cream.

    Praying for you my friend!

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    1. :) Sound likes my kinda girl! Thanks for all encouragement and prayer! I'm speechless! Hugs!

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  31. You're definitely in my prayers--both of you. I'll also add your three men to the prayer list. God's got this!

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    1. Yes, my boys definitely need an extra measure of peace as well. Thank you, Gabe! And thanks so much for praying! It's exactly what we need!

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  32. God's blessings to the five of you! You don't know me, but you know my Father!!! May His peace that passes all understanding be with you!

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving this encouragement. We really appreciate it! :)

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  33. Wow Amy. Lord, I lift this family into the palm of your hand. You breathe through our entire being, including kidneys. Breathe blessing into this. Amen.

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  34. Bless you, Amy! Praying God's hand on you all through this! He cares so much for you all!!

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    1. Thank you for the sweet encouragement and prayers, Camille!

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  35. I'm so honored to pray for you, your little one, and the whole family. Your post is such a beautiful testimony and a reminder that we never know what pain others may be holding in their hearts.

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  36. I love these beautiful photos, girl... and you KNOW I've been praying and will continue to pray! Your courage and faith are such a wonderful testimony, and I pray God will be glorified big time through your journey!

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    1. He's ready done some amazing things through this! I am so blessed! Thank you so much for praying and being my confidant. Even if you did pry it out of me. ;) Love you!

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  37. Wow, Amy! How incredible is our God? I am also joining in prayer with your army of warriors. I have a baby in heaven too, and got pregnant shortly following. I know the apprehension that follows on the heels of a miscarriage. Praying for your continued peace along with God's miracle hands to move within your body. God bless you!

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    1. Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about your baby. We always want to get to be the one that raises them... but sometimes Abba is the father for the job. I remind myself of this when the ache starts back in. Thank you, sincerely, for praying. We really appreciate all the support!

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  38. Amy, I have tears in my eyes as I read of your miracle baby. All babies are miracles, but those stories of women who conceive who were told they never would.....well, those draw quick happy tears to this gal's eyes. I will definitely be praying for you. And baby. And your sweet family. SOOOO happy for you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jeanne. He is in control... and no matter where that takes me, I know I'd rather be in his plan that be running the show. So excited for this little one and to see all the ways he works through this time. :) xoxo

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  39. Praying! Love the photos and the excitement. Making a note where I can see it to pray for both of you frequently!

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  40. Amy, I read this prayer request on Kathleen Turner's facebook post. I'd like you to know that I am praying for you, your baby and your entire family. God has worked some miracles in our family with babies, health issues and all-round joy. I pray the same for you.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story, but mostly thank you for standing with us in prayer. We are watching to see this mountain move! :) thanks for being a part if that!

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  41. Amy, I'm late seeing this post but wanted you to know mine is being added to the chorus of voices petitioning Father on your behalf. Blessings to you, dear one.

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  42. Amy,
    Just read your story and post through a writer friend's FB page. I'm a mom of two rambunctious boys, too, and I'll be praying for God's loving hand on you and this precious little one. He who has begun a good work in you will complete in until the day of Christ Jesus! God Bless ~ Kerry

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  43. Thank you Renee and Kerry! Prayer works!! We sure appreciate it!

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  44. Prayers for you and your wee one. It is so awesome to serve a God so big and so good and so awesome that we K*N*O*W* there is N*O*T*H*I*N*G too hard for Him! He is able to do all things as He's already proven even in this situation. I encourage you to stand strong in faith of the One Who is the Lover of your soul. DO not doubt. And SEE the Salvation of your God! Blessings and favor be on you and in front of you, beside you and behind you, keeping you encompassed round about in His never failing, everlasting, never ending LOVE! And then, to God be the GLORY!

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  45. Dear Amy Leigh,

    Not only am I praying for you but I've also sent out an all-call to the prayer warriors I know to join me in praying for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery for you and your baby!

    Your story is inspiring! Can't wait to see what God has in store for your MIRACLE BABY! :)

    God bless you!

    Sincerely,

    Alexis

    P.S._ Always keep in mind Jeremiah 29:11 :)

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  46. Me and my husband has been married for about 6years now but have not be able to get pregnant and last year his family member want me out of the house because they said i was on unable to give them a child and they want him to get married to someone else i have know where to run to one day a friend of my told me about Dr Gboco on how powerful he is and how he has also help her with spell so i have to contact him immediately on his email: gbocotemple@yahoo.com and he told me what i have to do which i did and after 7days i started seeing some changes in my body and i have to go and have a test carried out on me and find out that i was pregnant and it was just like a dream to me and my husband are very happy now and even the family member love me more than ever before and i finally put to birth feburay this years thanks to Dr Gboco.

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