OK. So much has happened in the last 24 hours since our last blog post....

During Thursday night Nicci had a slight bleed and some cramping. She phoned our doctor who assured us it was nothing to worry about, but to call back if it continued or got worse. It did both, so he told us to go to the Sequoia hospital to monitor contractions and the babies' heartbeats. She was given an injection designed to stop the contractions. She also had a quick cervical dilation exam (she was, by about 1cm) and was then discharged a couple of hours later (3 am).

We went back to our OB for another ultrasound/sonogram on the Friday morning. Still two heartbeats! He confirmed about the 1cm dilation and sent us home with instructions to continue on bed rest and with a prescription for drugs to put off further cramping/contractions.

In the afternoon, our doctor called us to say he'd discussed our case with two 'high risk' doctors who both independently recommended that Nicci be admitted to a hospital to be under constant supervision. Apparently this is standard procedure (once the 'viability threshold' of 24 weeks is reached) and if there has been an early rupture of amniotic sacks. So, Nicci is now at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, hooked up to an IV drip, various monitors and on various medications and steroids.

In the night she started getting more contractions, some quite strong... After our initial concern that going into the hospital full time might be a bit over-kill, we are convinced she is in the right place. They have tried various things to try and stop the contractions, but she's still feeling them. As I was writing, the anaesthesiologist came by to explain how the anaesthetics would be administered if she was required to undergo a Cesarean Section today. All of us (Nicci, I and all the team here) obviously hope that isn't the case. We were told yesterday that they would normally look to do a C-Section at 34 weeks. We're coming up for 25 weeks. Each week, each day those little ones are still in the womb, the better. Do please pray that the contractions stop!

Nicci's bed is in a small, three-walled room with a pull-across curtain and no windows - a little bit like a prison cell! However, rather than let this get her down she is using the experience to remind her of the Apostle Paul, who was able to rejoice when in prison. She is grateful to God that she has already had the opportunity to tell most of the staff that she's a Christian and was encouraged this morning, when I arrived, to hear how all the doctors on nurses had been telling me how much they all really like her, even though she's been here for less than 24 hours!

Again, do pray that the contractions stop. Praise God that, in the last hour there have been some promising signs. But pray on! Because we want these contractions to disappear and not return for at least another 10 weeks! And do also pray that Nicci will continue to know the Lord's peace, and display that peace, which passes understanding, to the staff here as a testimony to our God!

Nicci has said that she would love to be contacted by text message. Her number is +1.650.346.8417. But, please: text messages only - she's not really up for talking on the phone.