Baby Update -- Week 41, Any Day Now!

Yes, here I am again. I know so many of you are hoping you won't be reading a post from me unless it's with pictures of the little one I've been carrying for 9 months. Well, there are 2 pieces of good news this week, despite being overdue.

First, I have an induction date scheduled for April 2nd. That means no matter what, baby Stockton will be here by Thursday at the latest. Second, I have done my own calculations and discovered my original due date was actually off by 5-6 days. The actual date should have been the 28th or 29th, which means I'm only 1 or 2 days past due, instead of 7. Sounds much better and doesn't make me so anxious.

Babies born too far past due date are at higher risk for being overweight or suffering from other complications, even delivery complications for both mother and baby. I measured at 40cm last Thursday, so doc scheduled the induction because he didn't want to go more than 1 week beyond that measurement. Phew!

Now, will this little one choose to arrive before being forced out, or will we have to wait until Thursday. I jokingly said baby is waiting for April 1st just to be silly. Hmm...




...You know, I have no concept of time or dates inside here. I only know how cozy and comfortable it is, and how warm. So, I can't be blamed for waiting or for not coming on a specific date. I can't tell time or read a calendar yet. :) But, if I have to choose between coming on my own or being forced out, I'd prefer doing it myself.

Believe me, I'm not hanging out in here on purpose. But it's not easy getting ready when I'm not in control of everything. There's another body involved, and so many other factors in order for it all to work in tandem. I'm trying to do what I can to help get things rolling. And I know Mommy has done her part. Daddy too. I've felt those bumpy roads, tasted those spicy foods, and been jostled all around during all that cleaning of the house.

From what I can gather, there isn't much more time. I'm getting excited about meeting Mommy and Daddy and all these other people whose voices I've heard the past few months. It sounds like a real fun place out there. And who can beat all the love I know I'm going to get from everyone? I'll be making my appearance real soon. I promise...




...Baby Stockon is right. It won't be long. I've made it this far. I know I can make it another 3 days, if necessary. Just an update on last week, though.

As you know, we were in the hospital in the early AM to find out it was false labor contractions. We returned again at 2am Thursday morning due to decreased fetal movement. No clue why, but baby just didn't move much from supper time until late at night, despite my eating and drinking juice. I ended up with another glass of ice-cold apple juice and having monitors hooked up to me before the baby actually kicked. And since I had an appointment later that morning, they went ahead and sent me home. Otherwise, they would have kept me and had my doctor see me first thing.

At the appointment, I ended up having an ultrasound and NST performed. Everything looked great, so no risks right now. Fluid levels around the baby were right on target, and baby responded well to the NST, with one buzz from the stimulator. :) I go in again tomorrow for a repeat of those 2 tests, then the induction on Thursday if the baby decides to wait that long.

With the delivery date in solid sight, it feels surreal in some ways and scary in others. I have to say I would have been far worse without the support of so many of you here. It has meant so much to know you've been reading, praying, and encouraging. Finally, we have a date. This time next week, I'll have some pictures of our little miracle.

I just figure my baby is just perfecting those camera poses and brushing up on beauty or handsome sleep so as to be all that much cuter. :)

Thanks so much for coming along this journey with me. These are going to make a great inclusion in the baby's scrapbook. Signing off for my last pre-delivery update. Back in a week to let you meet baby Stockton.

Spotlight on DiAnn Mills and Breach of Trust

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANN MILLS is an award-winning author who launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold a million and a half copies. DiAnn believes her readers should "Expect an Adventure." She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Awards 2003–2008, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader's Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

BREACH OF TRUST
by DiAnn Mills
Published by Tyndale House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won't ruin his bid for office. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge...or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs.

Buy Your Copy of Breach of Trust today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

While driving through rural Oklahoma, my "what-if" writer's mode kicked in. What if a CIA agent was forced to change identities and hide out in rural Oklahoma? What would she do? How would she change her looks? And more importantly, what would bring her out of hiding? I wanted my heroine to have found God among good people who showed her what following Jesus was all about. And I wanted her commitment to her new-found faith to guide her in all of the decisions she faced in bringing a corrupt politician to justice.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I'm not so sure anything prepared me for Paige's nightmare. What led me to research and write this story is that all of us have risky/unsafe dreams. Deep down, I would have loved to have been a part of the CIA. On the humorous side, I'm a church librarian and that part of Paige was fun. What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone? The heroine's sixth sense and uncanny ability to detect signs that pointed to danger. Also, Paige is much smarter than I am. :) Miles gave the appearance of a good-old-boy: a high school football coach who had a crush on the local librarian. But he is so much more.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Once you read Breach of Trust, you will see that Paige is a vanilla gal. In fact, there is a scene with her preference for vanilla. Symbolically, she wanted the whole world to be a white/pure place for people to live, but she knew it wasn't possible.

4. Are there any themes in Breach of Trust that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

All Christians are called to a purpose, a divine calling that others may not understand. The issue of trust is difficult topic for anyone who has ever been betrayed.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult was the research. I searched the CIA website, phoned the CIA in DC, read recommended books, and talked to others who were involved in other security organizations similar to the CIA. My favorite part was showing who Paige really was to Miles. Had to giggle through that. Of course there were some hard scenes between the two, and often the challenging scenes become my favorite.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Breach of Security is my next book in the Call of Duty series. Danika Morales is a Border Patrol Agent in McAllen, Texas. For two years she's looked for the murderer of her husband. What she discovers is a plot to destroy everything she believes in.

* * * * *

Thank you, DiAnn, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of A Breach of Trust.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Spotlight on Carol Cox and A Test of Faith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CAROL COX is the author of over 25 novels and novellas, both historical and contemporary. She lives with her husband and daughter in a rural area of northern Arizona, where they have an abundance of dirt roads, rolling hills, wide open spaces, and glorious views. Her husband pastors two churches and operates a saddle shop in what they laughingly call his "spare" time. In addition to writing, Carol homeschools her daughter and enjoys crocheting and gardening (especially when she manages to keep the local rancher's cattle from grazing in her flower bed).

A TEST OF FAITH
by Carol Cox
Published by Guideposts

ABOUT THE BOOK

When everything falls apart, can faith hold them together?

When a stolen car crashes through the front window of the Country Diner, Kate Hanlon vows to find the mysterious driver, who has somehow vanished into the night. But when Kate's wallet is discovered in the front seat of the car, she has a whole new reason to find the real culprit. How did it end up there? No one in town seems to believe that the pastor's wife is innocent, and with their whole ministry on the line, Kate sets out in search of answers. Meanwhile, Kate finds herself caring for her ailing husband after Paul breaks his ankle in a church basketball game, and the diner's owner Loretta isn't talking about when--or if--everyone's favorite restaurant will reopen. Is this all simply a test of faith, or is this a sign that the Hanlons' time in Copper Mill is coming to an end?

Buy Your Copy of A Test of Faith today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

A Test of Faith is the first book I did for the Mystery and the Minister's Wife series from Guideposts. This series is a bit different than most in that individual books are written by different authors. It's been a real blessing to be part of this team! With an ongoing series like this, the main characters and setting details were already established, but there was plenty of room to develop a story within that framework. Kate Hanlon, the heroine, is a small-town pastor's wife who is also a stained glass artist. Being a creative person, she looks at life in a different way than most people, and her unique perspective--plus her faith in the Lord--helps her to solve mysteries. I've loved being part of this series, because I can relate to Kate on a number of levels. My husband has pastored small-town churches for over 20 years, and I've experienced the joys and quirks of living in a tight-knit community. Kate's creativity is expressed in her stained glass art, and mine is expressed in my writing. Of course, there are differences, too. For instance, Kate is a fabulous cook who does some of her best thinking while baking. We won't go into details about my talents in the kitchen other than to say that I don't share that gift with her!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I think we've all experienced times when we've felt isolated, even in the midst of a crowd. I was able to draw on the times this has happened to me in writing about the way Kate felt ostracized when people in her own community were willing to believe she had been involved in a crime. Kate and I also share an inquisitive nature--a much nicer term than "nosiness," don't you think?

One of the characters I enjoyed writing about most was Avery Griffin, a man who is trying to overcome his past. I haven't experienced the same struggles he goes through, but I have a strong admiration for those who have the grit and tenacity to leave their old life behind and make a new start.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Kate is definitely not plain vanilla! Her deep faith and her dedication to seeking out the truth give her character a much richer flavor than that. Given her love for coffee, let's say she's cappuccino ice cream with a fudge swirl. (I'm sure chocolate must be good for the mental processes involved in all her sleuthing.) And since she's a stained glass artist, would it be too much to add some rainbow sprinkles on the top?

4. Are there any themes in A Test of Faith that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

A theme of trust runs throughout the book, both trusting in the Lord and trusting other people. How do we trust God when things in our life turn upside down? And what do we do when people who ought to know better don't trust us?

Another theme that came up as the story progressed was how to handle being falsely accused. What happens when circumstances seem to point to us being guilty of something we didn't do? We expect people who know us to give us the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes no amount of explanation will convince others that we haven't done anything wrong. When that happens, there is little else we can do but hold our heads up and keep on going, trusting that the truth will eventually come out and remembering that the Lord already knows the truth and will sustain us no matter what. And that is much easier said than done!

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

For me, the first draft--all of it--is the hardest part of any book. After 25 titles, you'd think the process would get easier over time, but that hasn't been the case. It's always an uphill battle to get that rough draft down, but I feel a huge sense of relief once that's done and I can start refining the story.

The most enjoyable part of this book was writing the scene where the townspeople are picketing the diner. I wanted something to happen that was over the top in a goofy, yet lovable way. Quirky characters and scenes are always my favorites to write, and I treasure those offbeat moments in real life. They add the humor that lightens situations that would be pretty dismal otherwise.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm currently at work on my fourth book for the Mystery and the Minister's Wife series. It's still in the early stages--so early that I don't even have a definite title or release date yet! Since I don't want to give away the plot, I'll just say that in this one, Kate isn't able to go out and sleuth on her own, so she has to rely on her faith, her deductive abilities, and help from her friends more than ever. Readers can check my website at http://www.carolcoxbooks.com/ for updates as the book progresses!

Thank you so much for having me here today. Those were wonderful questions, and I've had a great time!

* * * * *

Thank you, Carol, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of A Test of Faith.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Baby Update -- Week 40, Any Day Now!

One more week, and I'm still here posting. (sigh) The good news is that I *am* in early labor. Been here since about 8:30pm last night. Pains started 11pm Saturday night and contractions followed with spikes in the baby's movement. After enduring most of Sunday and all night last night with everything, I called the Labor & Delivery Triage at 6:30am this morning.

Hubby and I headed into the hospital for a labor check only to find out the regular contractions that have been coming every 5 minutes since 8:30 last night were irritability (contractions only lasting 30-40 seconds in waves) in my uterus and not labor contractions. They *were* however right on par with early labor. I was 2cm dilated, with a very soft and anterior cervix, almost fully effaced, and the nurse felt the baby's head.

So, she said to go home and rest, then take a walk. The status quo could change in 2 hours or 2 days. I pray it's not days. Ack! It's an oh-so-maddening game of waiting for my baby, my body and my uterus to get all their ducks in line and start talking to each other at the same time. That's all we're waiting for. And since the baby plays a role in this, I'll surrender a little space to the tiny miracle inside me....





I'm here and I'm head-down. I'm trying my hardest to get into the right position, and I can hear the dejection in Mommy's voice when Daddy asks how things are going. I'm not doing it on purpose. Just proves, as Daddy said this morning, that I'm a true combination of the two of them. I started early like Daddy is always early, and I'm hanging on being stubborn, like Mommy.

I've already told Mommy's body that I'm ready to come out. It just doesn't seem to want to listen. It will be great to see Mommy and Daddy with my own eyes and get out of this dark, liquidy home I've had for 9 months. I know Mommy has reached the due date today, and I thought it might be fun to come today, but try telling that to this placenta thing and a body that's not your own.

So, I'm here and kicking and healthy. I promise I want to be on the outside as much as everyone else wants me there too. Sure wish I could give a solid indicator, though. For now, I'll wait with Mommy....





And wait I am. (sigh) Those irritability contractions are still going regular. I've taken a nap to get rested. Now, hubby and I are going to go grab some Chinese food and go walk the entire zoo. It's built into the side of a mountain with lots of climbing and hills. We're also going to find a bumpy road along the way.

They say early labor can last 12 hours for first-time moms. Well, it's been about 16 so far, with no real change. I've got to do something! I truly won't handle 3 more days of this until my appt. on the 26th.

Btw, on Saturday, I scrubbed the bathroom, ran the vacuum, cleaned the kitchen, cleared and straightened and even washed our deck doors last week from puppy nose art. The baby's area is ready, there is nothing left to buy, and there's nothing left to clean. If nothing happens during or after our walk, I'm coming home and doing laundry.

Perhaps I should give my friend a call and go make use of her trampoline in her back yard....

CFBA Blog Tour - Jill Eileen Smith and Michal

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Michal
Revell - March 1, 2009)
by Jill Eileen Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JILL EILEEN SMITH is the author of several articles, poems, and stories, and her unpublished novels have placed in five writing contests in the past five years. A children's story, which she wrote for her church led her youngest son to faith in Christ several years ago; much like a gospel tract led her to the Lord at a similar age.

That story, "Seeking Treasureland," is now available. Jill is a member of several online writing groups and helps promote fellow authors' works through monthly interviews on the "Spotlight" page of her website. She, along with her husband and children, are active members in their local church. A stay-at-home mom, she homeschooled the couple's three sons for twelve years through high school, seeing them go on to higher education.

In her spare time, Jill teaches piano, reads, does picture scrap-booking, and enjoys trying out new recipes, especially those that include dark chocolate. Jill and her family make their home in Southeastern Lower Michigan.

ABOUT THE BOOK

MICHAL
by Jill Eileen Smith
Published by Revell

Can their epic search for true love survive a father's fury?

The daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and competition from her beautiful older sister.

As a girl, Michal quickly falls for the handsome young harpist David. But soon after their romance begins, David must flee for his life, leaving Michal at her father's mercy in the prison that is King Saul's palace.

Will Michal ever be reunited with David? Or is she doomed to remain separated from him forever?

Against the backdrop of opulent palace life, raging war, and daring desert escapes, Jill Eileen Smith takes you on an emotional journey as Michal deals with love, loss, and personal transformation as the first wife of King David. Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has gathered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Michal, go HERE.

Buy Your Copy of Michal today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Thanks! I co-taught a Bible study on the life of King David and fell in love with his story. I couldn't get past the question, "Why did a man after God's own heart need so many wives?" I searched for a novel on his life to take me there and to satisfy that nagging question but found none that satisfied. So I began to write the book I longed to read. I had no idea this project would take me on a 20-year journey to publishing a series about David's wives.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I've noticed that when I'm going through something, usually something really tough emotionally, it will occur to me at some point in the midst of the pain that perhaps this was how my characters felt at a particular time. I'm not so thrilled with the experiences on my end, but I think the emotion can be filtered into understanding the characters better. I kind of have those "ah ha" moments, like seeing the characters' situation with new eyes.

I project the emotion into the characters' experiences, but I can't say that my traits are theirs. Perhaps some of them are in a certain sort of way, because all authors draw from who they are and what they've lived through. But whereas my father never annulled my marriage or gave me to another man, I can imagine the hurt of betrayal because I've experienced the emotion of betrayal. My husband never fled through a window and didn't return, but I've felt the sting of rejection in relationships enough to infuse that emotion into what Michal might have been feeling.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Michal - chocolate - she's a woman and what woman doesn't love chocolate? (Yes, I know, there are a few.) Besides, the forbidden fruit was not likely an apple, but I can tell you what, if it was a chocolate coated strawberry, Eve's lack of resistance makes a lot more sense. :)

David - cafe mocha mint - (if it's not a flavor of ice cream, it should be) - because he's got energy, passion, and spice. :)

4. Are there any themes in Michal that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Themes of control issues, repentance, reconciliation, surrender all come through. I hope the reader sees Michal as a woman who wants to control her life and can relate to what it costs her in the process. Idols come into play in a way I didn't expect until I finished the book - it fit with the overall need to worship no one but Yahweh.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

This book has been rewritten so many times, it's hard to say. There was one point when I was trying to cut 18k words that I grew weary of certain sections, but I don't remember what they were - probably because I cut them! :) My favorite parts were romantic scenes between David and Michal because I love romance and an especially poignant scene with Jonathan.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Book Two is Abigail - final title is yet to be determined. It should release next March 2010, but I don't have a firm date yet. Abigail is the third wife of David, first married to Nabal. Abigail wants peace and her life is filled with anything but!

Book Three is in the works right now - Bathsheba. Tentative release is March 2011.

For updates visit - www.thewivesofkingdavid.com

A new series on the Wives of the Patriarchs will follow this series.

Thanks for doing this, Tiff!

* * * * *

Thank you, Jill, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Michal.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.