A Good Day

Today was a good day. We started the morning off in Jackson with Dr. Shores. She is absolutely wonderful and it was a joy to get to meet her today. She did an ultrasound of the heart only. We did get to see Mary Glenn but it was only for a short second and no measurements were taken. The diagnosis of her heart was really good. The fluid is still there but it is so small...just a smidgen as the doctor described it to us. It is located on the lower anterior lobe and does not surround her heart. The number one cause of fluid around the heart is: structural damage, number two: heart arrhythmia, and number three: a viral infection to me and the baby. Mary Glenn's heart structurally, functionally, and rhythmically all look normal to Dr. Shores. PRAISE GOD!!! She believes that the same thing that caused the kidneys to shut down probably caused this fluid. She told us today she did not see any reason for us to deliver in Jackson. She felt confident in the NICU at Forrest General Hospital. Another praise to God. What now? She did order an echocardiogram at birth. If the fluid is still there then we will follow up with her in Jackson after birth...if not we are free from Jackson. We will continue the NSTs each week.

After Jackson we traveled back to Hattiesburg for our fourth NST test. Once again we passed. PRAISE GOD!!! Dr. Benton was very pleased with the results and we press on for yet another week. Dr. Benton did tell us today that himself and Dr. Perry have discussed taking this baby at 34 weeks...which is three weeks from Saturday. Dr. Benton is going to talk with Dr. Perry again in the next week or so and discuss further. We were hoping for closer to 36 weeks but I am putting this ultimately in the hands of God and also our doctors. Some of you may (including my family) ask why so soon. Well with a baby that is growth restricted like Mary Glenn the chance of complications in the womb increases between 34 and 36 weeks. This was definitely an eye opener for Shea and I but we must trust our God.

While in Jackson with Dr. Shores we were leaving the office and having small talk. Somehow the topic came up that I was over 30 week gestation and how that was a positive sign. I explained to Dr. Shores that I was 30 (almost 31) weeks but the baby was measuring much smaller than me. She then explained something to us that I have never grasped. The baby may measure 24 to 26 weeks, but her maturity is the same as my gestation. Which means that her organs are 30 weeks...her skin...her eyes...etc... This was positive news to me because I was thinking her lungs were only at 24 weeks. If we can make it a few more weeks we will have a better chance with better lung development. PRAY!!!

Every time we have a doctor visit we get asked the same thing...how big is she now??? We are not measuring at this time. Two weeks ago (our last growth ultrasound) she had only gained 1 oz which was very discouraging to myself. We talked with Dr. Benton and Dr. Perry and they both explained that we must give her time to grow...SHE IS GOING TO BE SMALL!!! When we have ultrasounds every week or so it starts giving us false positives and negatives. We will have a growth ultrasound on November 13th! PRAY!!! Our next doctor's visit is next Friday, November 7th at 8:00 for a NST and visit. This is actually a very important NST for myself. One of my best friends is getting married next weekend and I want so bad to be there for her on this big day. The good Lord willing I will have my NST that morning then hopefully head to Mobile for wedding festivities. Please PRAY for a good NST!

I will post a picture tomorrow but this afternoon Shea and I went to visit friends Rachel and Josh Jussley and their new baby boy Hatten. He is so beautiful. Congratulations!!!

God must be given the glory today. He is so awesome and wonderful!!! I have given him lots of praise today...but that is still not enough. Please continue to lift us up in your prayers...IT IS WORKING!!! We love you all!

In His Words,
Bethany

Finally Pictures...

So today I finally got the time to post some pictures on our blog. I found it fitting that the first pictures posted would be Miss Mary Glenn McNease. These pictures are a few weeks old now so I pray that she has gotten bigger. We will be leaving early in the morning for Jackson to visit with Dr. Shores about Mary Glenn's heart. If everything is okay there we will come back to Hattiesburg for our fourth NST. WOW...Tomorrow is a BIG Day!!! Please pray for us. We pray for God's will to be done, for encouraging words at both doctor visits, and for God to prepare our family for the outcome.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1: 18-19 NIV

In His Words,
Bethany

I Saw God Today

Good morning to you all. I apologize for not posting anything yesterday but I went non stop after leaving the doctor and when I got home I crashed. As you may know since I am typing this post the day after my doctor's visit we passed the NST for the 3rd time!!! Dr. Benton was very pleased with the results. So now we press on another week and wait for Thursday, Oct. 30. Please pray for us on that day as it is a big day. We will have a visit with Dr. Shores (cardiologoist) in Jackson at 9:00 and then we will have an NST that afternoon at 3:00 with Dr. Benton in Hattiesburg. Dr. Benton will not be in clinic on Friday therefore our NST is on Thursday.

Now for an explanation of the title of this post. The day Shea and I found out we were pregnant we were on the way to the doctor's office...nervous, excited, and scared. Well George Strait had a new song out at that time (April 2008) titled "I Saw God Today". I had heard it a few times but that morning I really noticed the words and cried because it was such a sweet song. Then we got out of the doctor's office and confirmed the pregnancy...the song that came on..."I Saw God Today". WOW! This instantly became my new favorite song...and for some reason when I listen to the words it lets me remember how awesome our God is and that He is so big...it calms my nerves. Then on the way to our first ultrasound the song came on again...and two weeks later for another ultrasound...it played again right by the doctor's office. It was a sign to me that God was allowing me to hear this song to calm me down before these appointments. You must remember that the song was new at that time and played alot on the radio. Since August I have heard it many more times but mainly because I have chose to play it on my computer at work. Yesterday, after having such a "down" week, I heard it on the radio on my way to the doctor's offfice. I immediately sent Shea a text to quiz him on what song I had just heard...we haven't discussed this song in a long time...and his first answer was..."I Saw God Today"!!! This may not mean much to you guys but I think it is such an awesome way to show us that God is with us at all times and he knows exactly what we need and when we need it! I posted the lyrics below for those of you that may have not heard the song before.

I just walked down the street to the coffee shop
had to take a break
I'd been by her side for eighteen hours straight
I saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
pushing up through the concrete
like it was planted right there for me to see
the flashin' lights, the honkin' horns
all seemed to fade away
in the shadow of that hospital at 5:08
I saw God today

Chorus:
I've been to church
I've read the book
I know He's here, but I don't look
near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I'd just slow down to stop and stare
opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

I saw a couple walking by they were holding hands
Man, she had that glow
yeah I couldn't help but notice she was starting to show
I stood there for a minute takin' in the sky
lost in that sunset
a splash of amber melted in the shades of red

Chorus

I got my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She's sleeping like a rock
My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks
She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes
My brand new baby girl
She's a miracle
I saw God today

I can not finish this post without thanking you all once again for the prayers and support. It is so comforting to Shea, our families, and myself to know that we have such wonderful friends. We are still on a long journey...with twists and curves...but with God we are going to make it. Dr. Benton, Shea, and I talked for a long time yesterday...we can't predict the outcome of this pregnancy...but we can turn our eyes upon Jesus...trust Him...have faith in Him...and take one day at time and follow the path He has paved for us. We love you all!

In His Words,
Bethany

Dr. Appt

The daily verse for today from Beth Moore's book was:

Let us hold onto the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)

Hold onto the hope WITHOUT wavering!!!! We go for our weekly NST today at 1:00 then a doctor's appointment afterwards with Dr. Benton. We ask for prayers! I will update afterwards...Lord willing!

In His Words,
Bethany

Tired...

Well it is Tuesday and I just realized that I haven't posted anything from our weekend get away to the beach. The beach was very nice even though we didn't get to see much of it because it was such a quick trip. We stayed at Seaside and all of the wedding activities were there. Chelsea was a beautiful bride and everything went off without a hitch. I did get some shopping in Saturday but believe it or not I did not buy one thing for myself!!! There's a first time for everything I guess. I really enjoyed getting away and spending time with my family. We laughed a lot and enjoyed sharing memories from the past with the Dossett family.

The beach was a break from reality for me for a few days...which I must say I really needed. On the way home though I couldn't help but think about what all is going on in my life right now. I am such a planner and to be honest so far my life hasn't been that far off track...until now! As a little girl you dream of your wedding day...your husband...and then plan out your family. It all seems so easy to plan out. Shea and I knew we always wanted children...preferably two...and we knew we wanted to be married for a few years too before children came into our life. Well I must say that I was not prepared for children the way God wanted me to be planned. God has known this plan for a long time...he didn't just wake up on August 20th and say...I am going to get Bethany and Shea off their plan today. He has been planning this for a very long time. Was I ready? NO! Am I ashamed that I was not ready? YES! In saying this I have strengthen my relationship with God. I have prayed (even before August 20th) that I may come to know our Lord in a more deeper/spiritual way. Mary Glenn has allowed this to happen and I am very thankful.

After our doctor's visit on Friday I was very discouraged and in some ways I still feel the same way. The last two days have been extremely hard for me. I can't explain why though. I am tired. I feel so helpless. I have no idea what is going on inside me with Mary Glenn...fear of the unknown. I come today asking for prayers! I have the most wonderful support group that anyone could have...my dear husband has been wonderful. My parents and sister are so encouraging, but still sometimes you feel lost and all by yourself. Only God knows what our future holds and until that is revealed to us I pray that God continue to place the unshakable peace on me so that I can get through each day. I ask for strength and comfort during these trying days. Of course I pray for Mary Glenn and that she may grow grow grow! She is already a child of God. She has already given me so much...more than I could ever ask for from her...a more definite relationship with our Lord and Savior. I pray that Shea and I continue to use Mary Glenn to glorify Him and that His will be done. And last but certainly not least I pray for preparation of our hearts.

I will go back to Dr. Benton on Friday at 1:00 for another NST and doctor's visit. An ultrasound is not scheduled but I am not sure if Dr. Benton will want to check her growth rate or not. IF we don't pass this NST will we most probably go to the delivery room. Please pray for our family during this time on Friday. Thanks for everything.

In His Words,
Bethany

PLEASE PRAY FOR GROWTH!

This post will be short and to the point...Dr. Benton gave us the go ahead on our beach trip. The NST went well today and Dr. Benton said that part looked good. We had an ultrasound today too. It doesn't seem that Mary Glenn has grown much. She has only gained an ounce and we have lost a week of growth. Of course I am VERY disappointed and discouraged but I must turn my eyes upon Jesus and ask for his help! Once finding out the news Dr. Benton called Dr. Perry in Jackson. Dr. Perry said to keep pressing on as is and do not change anything. Dr. Benton let Shea and I know that both doctors (Perry and Benton) did not feel that I would pass the first NST test and I would be having a c-section that day. Well I have passed two now so that is optimistic. Dr. Perry and Benton explained to us that right now she has grown some and her NST is good, so right now she is better off in the womb because of her lungs. Most importantly right now is her growth!!!! Krystale did see the sliver of fluid around her heart so it is still there but we will wait on Dr. Shores visit to get that explanation.

I ask now for everyone to keep praying. It is so important and I know I have some powerful prayer warriors out there! We pray for her growth, Dr. Shores upcoming heart visit, and God's will. Please pray for myself too. I am struggling but by God's grace staying strong. I left the doctor today very discouraged and tired. We will go back to Dr. Benton's office next Friday for another NST. Until the I am sure I will post again...but keep praying for MARY GLENN TO GROW!!!

In His Words,
Bethany

Rescheduled...

I want to let you all know that our appointment with Dr. Shores has been cancelled tomorrow. I got a call today at 4:45 from her office. She has a virus and the appointment has been rescheduled for October 30th at 9:00 a.m. Please pray for me as you may know that I am very disappointed and upset about the change in days. I am an emotional wreck already and I was so looking forward to finding out about Mary Glenn's heart and the severity of the issue. So now we WAIT again...for two more weeks!!! Also, once again I must turn everything over to God and allow Him to come to me and give me comfort and peace. HE IS IN CONTROL!!! We will be going to see Dr. Benton for an NST Friday morning and the dreaded 3 hour glucose test. Please pray that everything goes well Friday and that our family can leave for the beach and enjoy a much needed weekend away. Also pray for Dr. Shores that she will be feeling better soon.

In His Words,
Bethany

Wait, Watch, and See

Last Monday Dr. Perry said that we would now have to Wait, Watch, and See. I must tell you that is MUCH easier said than done. I am struggling. This morning I prayed to God to give me peace about the unknown. Me not knowing what is going on with Mary Glenn is VERY hard. She is constantly on my mind. Today has been overwhelming hard. I am so anxious and nervous about our viist tomorrow in Jackson with the cardiologosit. At my office I have a Promises & Blessings book on my desk that gives me a scripture verse for each day of the week. The past three days the Lord has been talking to me through these verses.

Monday (10/13)
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14 KJV)

Tuesday (10/14)
The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NRSV)

Wednesday (10/15) One of my favorites!!!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:4-5 NIV)

How awesome are these verses??? I take comfort by reading and then re-reading these verses. Please continue to pray for us, especially tomorrow at 9:00. We continue to ask for you to pray for God's will to be done and for God to prepare us for the outcome. Of course, we ask for encouraging words at our doctor's visit tomorrow. On a special note, I ask for peace and comforting. It is very hard for me to stay focused but I am trying. God is good and HE IS IN CONTROL!!!

In His Words,
Bethany

27 Weeks and 6 Days

Today I am 27 weeks and 6 days for those that are keeping track. I had my first NST today and things went well. Mary Glenn's heartrate stayed consistent in the 150s which made Dr. Benton very happy. We got the stamp of approval for another week. My next NST will be next Friday morning along with my 3 hour glucose test!!! I am not sure if I will have an ultrasound Friday.

Keep praying for another positive visit to the doctor next Friday but also next Thursday when we go to see the cardiologoist for Mary Glenn's heart. If everything looks good to the doctors then we will be heading the beach for a wedding. I must say that this would be the third time that I have tried to go out of town...so I pray that we are in good enough health to make the trip!!!

I hope you all have a good weekend!

Bethany

Please Remember...

I just wanted to remind everyone to say a special prayer for Shea, Mary Glenn, and I today at 1:00. I have my first NST (non stress test). They will be checking fetal assessments and making sure MG is not in distress. If so they could tell me to rest or if it is bad enough they could decide to deliver MG. I PRAY THIS IS NOT THE CASE!!!! This is just a routine visit and I will have this test each Friday.

Also...please say a special prayer for myself. I have been fighting a cold all week and would only take a Tylenol Sinus here and there. I am totally terrified to put anything in my body even if all the doctors say it is fine. Well this morning I woke up feeling HORRIBLE. I have started taking a Z-Pak but I pray I start feeling better soon.

I will post later today...the good Lord willing...

Here is the scripture from today:

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. Hebrews 11:1,4

In His Words,
Bethany

Babies, Bucks and Ducks

I have a different outlook on being a dad for the first time since August 20, 2008. I asked the doctor point blank yesterday what he thought about My, Bethany and Mary Glenn's future. Can we plan? Can we buy stuff? These are seemingly shallow questions, but we didn't know. And for Bethany, not knowing is torture. For me, I was tired of being hard on everyone around me. I want to be excited about being a dad, but not naive. So Dr. Perry did not hesitate when he told me that we can officially do what any expecting couple does. Buy stuff, be excited, and for the first time in a month and a half, let our guard down somewhat.

I love to hunt and fish. It is one of the worldly things that defines who I am. I have a very understanding wife, who also enjoys it, mainly because of her upbringing. See my father-in-law has become my main partner in crime in these endeavours. He is a great outdoorsman. I'm not joking, he needs his own TV show. He has several cronies that he goes with, but predominantly, I go with him. And the benefits have not only been in harvesting game, but harvesting lessons in life. He has taught me how to duck hunt, which is the hobby about which I am most passionate. He has also taught me the better points of deer hunting and speckled trout fishing. I had been a successful hunter and fisherman before meeting him, but he helped me refine my skills and be more selective. To enjoy the outdoors, the creation and not worship at the altar of slaughter. We have had some tremendous adventures, and I look forward to many more.

It appears, as of yesterday, that I am much closer to actually becoming a dad. Not only a dad, but a dad to a precious little girl. This whole process has been wild, but I got a feeling that being a male, helping to raise a female is going to be even wilder. I look very forward to it, and I've got some help. In addition to being a great outdoorsman, my father-in-law is also a great dad to two, beautiful, strong, intelligent, and refined young women. I hope, that I can pick up some of those things that made him tick when he was raising them. That way his granddaughter will hopefully have the same traits. My wife, and her sister, can both harvest game, prepare it, help run successful companies and know which fork goes on what side of the plate. Amazing!

I don't have to look far to know that I am blessed. I always want my daughter to know that she can do anything with assistance from God through Christ, that all things work together for good in God's will, Elvis is the King of Rock and Roll, Oprah is one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, never use a feed call in more than 12 inches of water, and the 30-06 is the most versatile caliber of bullet for hunting whitetail deer. Not bad for starters. We'll work on the five points of Calvinism as she gets older.

In closing, I want to thank everyone for there prayers. They have worked and we always want to give the Lord God Jehovah all the glory. I am a feeble, depraved being, but He is perfect, just and righteous. Please continue to pray for me and my family both born and unborn. For the doctors, nurses and technicians as they give us information. And always pray that the Lord's will be done and that He receive ALL the glory. If you are reading this and you don't know Christ, I pray that you will seek His perfect peace. Life is better when you are worshiping the Creator and not the creation.

In His Grace,
Shea Mc

Encouraging Words

Well we just got back from Jackson and its 7:45 p.m.!!! It has been a very long day and of course event filled. You know how last night I made the comment when it rains it pours? Well I now believe we faced a worse storm today...maybe one like Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully the doctor's appointment did not cause this storm to brew. First things first. Our doctor's appointment went well and we left encouraged. I will give details later on. But afterwards we all went to eat in Jackson. Well we were leaving the restaurant and we walk outside...guess what...NO CAR!!!! My mother's car was stolen from a very busy section of Jackson in broad daylight at 1:30 in the afternoon!!! Well praise God that Shea was able to make the trip today...but he had to go in his own car to stay away from me. This way we had another car with us in Jackson. He was not running fever this morning and felt like he was okay to make the trip. On a personal note I was VERY relieved for him to be going. It was comforting having him by my side along with my mom and dad. Well after filing police reports we all (mom, dad, shea and I) loaded up in his truck and traveled back to Hattiesburg one vehicle short. If Mary Glenn makes it into this world we will have one heck of a story to tell her!!!

Now for the doctor's visit. Dr. Perry was encouraged by what he saw today. The amount of amniotic fluid is normal. Mary Glenn moved the whole time which really made Dr. Perry excited. The calcium deposit on her heart is still there and there is also a "sliver" of fluid around the heart. Dr. Perry said that we definitely need to take a further look at it with a pediatric cardiologist and get another opinion. He has hopes that this is nothing major. Mary Glenn is still small but also still four weeks behind in development. She has continued on an uphill climb and has not flattened out...this is GOOD news. She now weighs 506 grams or 1 lb. 2 oz. All of her measurements are in proportion to each other. Her brain and spine look normal. Her blood flow to the brain and the cord look good. Dr. Perry does not see any major birth defects...PRAISE OUR GOD!!!! Dr. Perry's biggest concern is the baby is small which we have been aware of this since the middle of August. He feels if we can carry this baby to 34/36 weeks (my gestation) then we will take her then. The reason for this is because with a baby that has had a growth restriction like Mary Glenn the chances of a still birth increase around this time and we do not want to take any chances. As of today I am 27 weeks and 3 days. Now what? I will see Dr. Shores (pediatric cardiologist) in Jackson next Thursday for a further and more in depth look at her heart. This Friday (October 10th) I will begin fetal assessments (NST) with Dr. Benton. I will continue the NSTs until we deliver.

Our God is good! This journey has been long and overwhelming but at the same time it has bettered me as a person. We have wanted to use our baby to glorify our Lord and Savior and I pray that we continue to do so. When Mary Glenn makes it into this world I can thank her for strengthening my relationship with God. I don't think I have stopped talking to Him today!!! One thing that was left in my mom's car was my Bible and journal. I pray that whoever did such an evil thing today will look in the back seat and look into the Bible and read His words. My writings in my journal can not be replaced but maybe they will read those words too and see how awesome of a God we have!!! Maybe they will read about our baby girl and how she fights each day and how God has changed our lives with her.

Thank you so much for all the prayers. Prayer is very powerful and I ask now that you please don't stop! Our visit next Thursday is important and I pray that we will be encouraged once again by the doctor. I pray for God's will to be continued and that Shea and I will guard our hearts with the news that is to come. Please begin praying for our cardiologist Dr. Shores. Pray for Mary Glenn and that she will continue to fight and grow for us each day! As always pray for Dr. Benton especially right now as he has been under the weather today. Words can not describe how I have been overwhelmed by the support of our family and friends. One last thing...pray for the person who felt lead today to steal my mother's car. Obviously they are a lost soul and need help. I pray that they may find help on the back seat of mom's car!! Much love to all of you...

In His Word,
Bethany

Psalm 13: 4-5

This morning after my two hours of sleep I got last night I opened up my Beth Moore devotion book and Psalm 13:4-5 was today's verse. I thought I would share it with you this morning.
My foes will rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
Here are a couple more verses that have been going through my head most of the night:
Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.
Pslam 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

As always thanks for your continued prayers and support. We will be leaving in a couple of hours for a journey to Jackson.

In His Word,
Bethany

PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

Well you know the saying..."When it rains it pours"? Well that is what is going on with me right now. Our weekend was really good. Saturday morning I got to spend some time with friends in Jackson. We hosted a wedding shower for my friend Katie. It was good for me to get out and visit with friends that I don't get to see very often. Saturday night we went to the USM game...it was a great game but USM did not come up on top. Maybe next week! Today was a GREAT Sunday. The guest pastor at church is one of my favorites...Dr. James Baird and he did an outstanding job with is message. After the service I got to spend time with a very special family member that I love dearly and don't get to see often. Even though you are a democrat Bev...I still love you! HAHA! Well after church Shea and I went home to relax...Shea had complained a little about not feeling well. Let's just say by 7:15 tonight I was dropping him off at Immediate Care with fever of 101 and tears in my eyes!!! This afternoon has just been emotional and with Shea sick it didn't help. I am so overcome with emotions for tomorrow that this just topped it off. We felt like Shea had a stomach bug just not sure. Well of course I couldn't go into Immediate Care because the last thing I need is to get myself or Mary Glenn sick. Well we were right with the diagnosis and Shea has a stomach virus. Shea explained our situation to the doctor because I am thinking even the least little thing may effect Mary Glenn a lot worse than it would a normal unborn baby. The doctor did not feel like the baby would be effected but informed Shea that he needed to keep his distance from me. So now I am writing this post at my parent's house while Shea is at our house. There is a high possibility that Shea will not be able to go with me to Jackson tomorrow and my heart is breaking. I can honestly say I broke tonight when I heard this news! We will see how he is doing tomorrow and make that decision then. Please pray for us...Shea feels so guilty that he is not here for me and I feel so sorry for him because there is nothing we can do...once again totally dependent on our God. Our God is GREAT and my faith is in Him! Even though both of our hearts are breaking...we turn our eyes on Him and believe in Him.

Tomorrow is such a big day. I can not even begin to tell you how many emotions I am going through and the thoughts that constantly stay on my mind. Please continue to pray for our 11:00 visit with Dr. Perry. As of now my mom will be going with me. I ask for you all to pray for God's will to be done, for God to prepare Shea, Mary Glenn, our family, and myself for the diagnosis, Dr. Perry and also for encouragement.

Last week Shea's sister sent me an e-mail titled "Your Birthday Bible Verse". To be honest most of the time I ignore forwards but for some reason I felt lead to check this out. So I went to a website...typed in my birthday and this is the verse that was used for my birthday...James 1:12..
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

I have thought of this verse often since I read it and I am clinging to it tonight with many others. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and I will post soon with results from tomorrow's visit...God willing.

In His Word,
Bethany

Still Going...

We had a full day at the doctor this morning. I drank the lovely orange flavored glucose drink and to say the least it was not good. It taste like a flat Sunkist with about 6 scoops of sugar in it! Next up was the ultrasound. Mary Glenn is still fighting with a heartrate of 153 bpm!!! We checked this week for total amniotic fluid. Normally we check for pockets of fluid. Krystal likes to see atleast 5cm of fluid and we were over 9!!! There is something normal about our pregnancy!!! Krystal did show concern about some facial features that may be under developed. She pointed this out so we could ask Dr. Perry on Monday. Her spine and brain look good and all organs look ok. In saying this Dr. Perry's test is much more advanced and he will be able to see more details than Krystals...therefore our visit Monday is VERY CRITICAL! Then I went to see Dr. Benton for a check up. As he was walking in the door to see me I was walking out to get pricked for my sugar test and to get the results. I could tell in his eyes something was up. He looked at me and said..."You are going to kill me." Of course I said...why? Well he told me that he shouldn't have scheduled my glucose test during the week of my steroid shots becuase the steroids will increase my sugar. Well I went back anyway to get the results and the lab tech laughed and said yes that they would definitely not be normal and of course she was right! My hemoglobin was great...14.2 but my sugar was 177. Anything over 140 requires the lovely 3 hour test! Dr. Benton said I could do the hour test again but if I didn't pass I would have to do the 3 hour test so we went ahead and scheduled the 3 hour test in two weeks. I told Dr. Benton that I was going to make him drink it with me since this was all his fault!!! HAHA! The actual visit with Dr. Benton went well. We all want so bad to get excited but still very hesitant to do so just because this visit is so important and Mary Glenn has such a high chance of having numerous problems. He did comment that her organs look good and her statistics are all in range of each other...meaning one measurement isn't way out of whack to the others. We are still a month behind in develoment. We will begin NSTs (Non Stress Test) next Friday. I will have one each week. We will all know more after our visit Monday.

Please continue to pray for Monday. I am already losing sleep...mainly because I am so anxious for the visit to get here and the diagnosis to be given. I ask for the following specific prayers:

1 - God's will!!!! God knows what is best for the three of us and my faith is in Him. HE IS IN CONTROL!!!
2 - Dr. Perry and Dr. Benton - For their knowledge and wisdom to diagnosis Mary Glenn correctly
3 - For God to prepare Shea, Mary Glenn, myself, and our family and friends' hearts for whatever the outcome may be
4 - For encouraging words at our visit Monday!

Thanks to Dr. Benton today for his encouraging prayer that we had at our visit. You are the best!

In His Words,
Bethany

Heading to the Doctor...

I am not sure if anyone really reads these post but if so please say a quick prayer for Shea, Mary Glenn, and I. We are headed to see Dr. Benton this morning. I will have my second steroid shot (the first one was NOT pleasant), glucose test, an ultrasound and then a doctor's visit. We will not check for growth but just heart rate and amount of amniotic fluid. We will be checking the growth on Monday in Jackson. Please pray that our Mary Glenn is still fighting for us and that she is okay. I didn't feel her make any significant moves yesterday so I always get a little worried...but at the same time I will not feel every move and she may just be lazy and wanting to rest!!! I will post an update soon!

Thanks in advance for the prayers!

In His Word,
Bethany