Memorials

Many people have asked us about how and where to submit a Memorial in Mary Glenn's name. Shea and I thought a lot about this topic and we knew that somehow we wanted it to benefit the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Forrest General Hospital. The doctors and nurses were absolutely amazing and we could not have asked for better care. If you are interested in making a donation in memory of Mary Glenn the information is below. I would like to thank you in advance for your contribution.

Forrest General Healthcare Foundation
Neonatal Unit
P.O. Box 19010
Hattiesburg, MS 39404
(601) 288-4396
In Memory of: Mary Glenn McNease

With Love,
Shea and Bethany

Diagnosis Received

Saturday we learned that the initial tests indicated that Mary Glenn had Trisomy 18. The original test was only for the 18th chromosome. Dr. Henderson called us tonight and after more testing Mary Glenn has triploid syndrome. What does this mean? In a normal pregnancy the baby carries 46 chromosomes...23 from the mother and 23 from the father. Mary Glenn had three of every chromosome...a total of 69 chromosomes. Shea and I have done some research tonight and this is very rare. More amazing is the fact that most babies die in an early miscarriage. Very rarely do babies make it to full term and even more rare do they live but a few hours. There are only a few cases where the baby has made it full term and nothing has been reported that a baby with the Triploid Syndrome live over 5 months. God is revealing to us each day how blessed we were to have almost a complete day with our baby girl. We do not know the chances of recurrences but we will meet with doctors and find out what we can expect. Thanks again for your continued support and prayers.

With Love,
Shea and Bethany

A Blessing

I have thought several times how I would post my first blog since the birth and passing of our precious baby girl, Mary Glenn McNease. I think Shea's post Sunday was absolutely wonderful and beautiful. I am married to such an amazing man. God chose Shea to be my partner in my life and for this I am so very thankful. I can't imagine going through this with someone other than Shea. God planned our life out together long before we met and he planned us to be the parents of Mary Glenn...God blessed us with an angel. Of course we will grieve only because we are human, but we will also rejoice in the fact that Mary Glenn is home with our Heavenly Father.

When I went to the doctor Thursday and learned that our child would be born that night I prayed so hard that God's will be done. We didn't know what we were looking at but I did know doctors were worried about the outcome. Mary Glenn was born at 5:05 p.m. on November 13, 2008...weighing in at 1 lb. 5 ozs. and 11 1/2" long. She came out whimpering and crying some. Dr. Henderson and his team did a great job in caring for her small body. After surgery Dr. Henderson explained she may have some heart problems and be a Trisonomy 18 (T18) baby due to certain markers on her little body. At first the heart problem scared us more than the T18 mainly because this meant our baby would have to go to Jackson for treatment and Shea and I would be broken apart. When they first wheeled me to the NICU to see Mary Glenn...Dr. Henderson told us her heart was fine and no need in Jackson...a prayer answered. I got to touch her this night...tell her that I loved her...and take sweet pictures of her.

Friday morning we (mom, Shea, and I) got to spend some time with her again...she was under the light with her sunglasses on...just laying there. We were able to "hold" her for a tiny bit. "Holding" her is not actually picking her up but putting our hands around her small body. I must say that when Shea did this her stats went up...she was a daddy's girl!!! Then around 1:45 Friday afternoon Dr. Henderson came to give us the news that I believe Shea knew may have been coming. Dr. Henderson let us know that we were losing her and we needed to get down to the NICU immediately. Mary Glenn's lungs were giving out and we knew it was time for her to go home. Because Mary Glenn's heart was strong we had 45 unbelievable moments with her that I will always remember. We got to hold her and love on her...I mean actually hold her...free from tubes and wires!!! I will always remember her brown eyes staring back at me just looking at her mother...what a blessing. I was able to tell her how much I loved her, but most importantly I got to tell Mary Glenn...THANK YOU! This was very important to me. Mary Glenn was a gift from God. She has changed me in so many ways. She has made me a better person...she has brought me closer to our Lord...she has made my relationship with her daddy stronger...she has brought others closer to the Lord...and has strengthen our prayer life! As Shea posted in his blog...Mary Glenn accomplished more on this earth in those few hours then I have in my entire life. She was on a mission...she accomplished her mission...and went home. Shea and I were not suppose to have one minute with our angel and we had a day with her...how awesome! While she took her last breaths we all sang Jesus Loves Me to her and then at 2:36 p.m. on November 14, 2008 she went to be with our Lord and Savior.

We did find out that the intital test did show that Mary Glenn had T18. We will learn more in the weeks to come on the blood results. T18 is a fatal diagnosis. Some babies will live for up to a year, but the percentages are much higher for the baby to only live for a few days. We did learn afterwards that because T18 is fatal that we would have had to make very hard decisions on our baby's life. Mary Glenn knew how hard this would be on her mother and daddy so she went on her own time. AMEN!

Yesterday, Monday, November 17, 2008 we buried our baby girl. This was not in my plan but in God's plan. Words can not express the emotions that entered my body yesterday. I will say that when we were planning out the arrangements we thought at one time to make the service private. After talking Shea and I decided that we had so many people that helped us through this journey and it felt right to allow others to celebrate her life. Shea and I were amazed and so grateful for everyone that came to the service yesterday. It was such a testimony of Mary Glenn. She may not have been that big in size but her impact was so big. AMEN! We prayed over and over that we use Mary Glenn to glorify His name. We will continue to do so. We will continue to pray for God's will to be done.

In closing this post we do not know what the future holds for us, but we do know that we must move on and face the challenges ahead on a day to day basis. I thank everyone for their support on our journey. I ask for continued prayers for Shea and I and our future. We are overwhelmed by the support of our friends and family! We will never be able to thank you enough!

In His Words,
Bethany

Mission Accomplished

We're not supposed to bury our children. This is a psychological truth and an unnatural act. God is God! This is basic theology and a comforting fact. I made funeral arrangements for my daughter today. A crippling experience to say the least, but it allowed for a great deal of uninterrupted reflection, which led to unexplainable peace.

Mary Glenn McNease was special. I don't say that because she was my daughter, I say it because it is true. In 32 weeks and 5 days of gestation, and 21 hours, 35 minutes of life, she accomplished more than her daddy has in 35 wasted years. All parents want their children to be better than they are. Mary Glenn was better than me. She changed my life forever and made me a better man, a stronger christian and a more faithful worshipper. I will weep for many days to come because I am left in a fallen creation to strive for the unattainable. She has acheived perfection. There are no ventilators, no I.V.'s and no chromosomal abnormalities where she is today. Mary Glenn has attained what her daddy hopes for one day and that is to hear our sweet Saviour say, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

I always hesitated to say that the change in diagnosis was a miracle. But I now boldly say that the whole concept was a miracle. Mary Glenn died because of sin. Original sin that plagues us all until we get our undeserved reward. God loves us all. He showed that when He sent His Son to die for us. He has given me more than I deserve, and has seen fit to take my daughter. If that advances His kingdom on Earth, then "It Is Well With My Soul." If you know me, and weep for my daughter, and don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, I hope you will seek Him. Otherwise, my daughter died in vain. She is resting in His arms and I long to see them both. She accomplished exactly what she was sent to do, no more, no less. The Lord God Jehovah be praised for this experience. I hope when everyone who reads this meets their fate, they can say, "Mission Accomplished."

Bethany and I want to thank everyone for their support. We will continue this blog and hope that all will continue to follow it.

In His Grace,
Shea Mc

Going Home

Mary Glenn McNease was called home to be with the Lord at 2:36 pm today.
Bethany, Shea and their families give thanks to God for the gift and blessing of Mary Glenn and they are grateful for the time they were able to spend with her.
Bethany and Shea also want to express their thanks and gratitude for all of your amazing support. Your many thoughts and prayers have been deeply felt throughout their journey. Please remain prayerful and continue to lift them up as they move forward.

They rest in the fact that...
God is good!
God is in control!
God's will, be done!

Lorin Singletary Jones

Having A Baby, Delivering Today

Hello everyone, I am a friend of Bethany and Shea's and they have asked me to create this post. Bethany and Shea will have their baby, Mary Glenn, Today. After Bethany's appointment, doctors determined that Mary Glenn had not grown and that it would be best for her to enter this world today. Bethany will have a C-section this evening. Please continue to remember them and their families. They have asked for and will greatly appreciate your prayers at this time.
As Bethany and Shea have often reminded us,
God is good!
God is in control!
God's will be done!

Lorin

A Big Day

I feel like every week I say we have a Big Day...but today seems different. I also always feel like I am begging for prayers...but today I REALLY need them. I am a nervous wreck about our appointment this afternoon. I just pray that Mary Glenn has grown but on the other hand I pray for God's will!

For those of you that read the blog often and remember the blog named "I Saw God Today" that I posted a few weeks ago about a song by George Strait won Single of the Year award last night on the CMAs. I thought that was great!!!

Psalm 139:9-10

If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.

It is very comforting to me to know that God is with me every step of the way with my journey. I don't think I have stopped asking God for comfort and peace today. Thanks in advance for your prayers. We love you all!

In His Words,
Bethany

Emotions

Before I get into details of why I titled this post "Emotions" I want to first tell you all about the past few days. Wednesday night after work my mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and a friend headed to Jackson for Missletoe Market Place. Wednesday night we ate dinner at Ely's in Ridgeland...FABULOUS!!! My friend's husband opened the restaurant in February and this was my first time to try it out...I was to say the least very pleased! Thursday was a day filled with shopping! We started the day off at Missletoe and once general admission came in at 11:00 we were walking out the door. I DO NOT do crowds. I will say this...I think I sat on every bench there!!! Mom and I went to Sweet Dreams to buy a couple of outfits for Mary Glenn and then the rest of the day was spent at Renaissance. GREAT SHOPPING!

Friday morning I headed to Mobile with friends for Katie and Richard's wedding weekend. It was such a great time...See pictures below. Katie was gorgeous as usual!!





Well it has been a month since we last saw Mary Glenn on the ultrasound...it has felt longer than that though. My patience has been tested lately. This has been the longest interval of time of actually having an ultrasound but both doctors felt like it was best to give it time for her to grow. I don't know how many times I have worried about her growth...way too many times to count. When it does cross my mind I have to ask God to handle that worry...I press on for an hour...minute...or second...begin to worry again...and then once again turn it over to God. God is much better at handling my worries and fears than I...so it just seems like the logical thing to do. I must understand that if she hasn't grown that this is God's plan. He has a purpose. We go tomorrow for the ultrasound at 1:00...our NST is not until 3:00 and then doctor's visit after the NST. If Mary Glenn has not grown and/or we do not pass the NST then we will most likely head to the delivery room. If she has grown and we do pass the NST (PRAY PRAY PRAY) then we will probably set the date for her delivery...most likely the week of Thanksgiving. For some reason it just seems right for her to come at Thanksgiving...what a blessing she will be to our family.

Shea and I ask for prayers as tomorrow's day at the doctor's office approaches. I am nervous, anxious, worried, excited, etc.... Please pray that God's will be done. We must use this journey to glorify His name and praise Him. I also pray that God prepare Shea, our family and friends, and myself for the news we will receive tomorrow. Only the good Lord knows what is to happen, but Shea and I need to be prepared for whatever...hopefully and prayerfully GREAT news. Of course we pray for GROWTH and a good NST and that Mary Glenn is healthly. Our God works miracles every day! Thank you all for your continued support. We are very thankful to have you all along with us on our journey. God Bless!

1 Peter: 5:6-7 KJV
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Ephesians 3:12 TLB
Now we can come fearlessly right into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome when we come with Christ and trust in Him.

In His Words,
Bethany

Introducing...

I have not posted in a few days but I wanted to post a couple of pictures today of some new friends...I have had ALOT going since last Thursday but I will post more about those events later today or tomorrow. This post is about NEW BABIES!!!

Below is William Hatten Jussley...son of Rachel and Josh Jussley. I got to visit with Rachel and Hatten last night and he is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!!! You can barely see Hatten but maybe you can catch a glimpse of him under his blanket...



Saturday morning two precious baby boys entered this world at 32 weeks...Cannon Corey Loftin and Gunner Cody Loftin...sons of Corey and Jessica Loftin. Cannon weighed 3 lbs 3 ozs and Gunner weighed 3 lbs. 6 ozs. Both boys are doing GREAT!!! Of course they will be in the NICU for many weeks, but both boys are breathing on their own and Jessica actually got to hold Cannon for the first time last night. I ask that you say a special prayer for Jessica and Corey as they will be leaving the hospital today and Jessica is overwhelmed with emotions of having to leave the boys! Here are a couple of pictures...ENJOY!

Psalm 139: 13-14

Interesting...

After having such an overwhelming morning and worrying constantly about Mary Glenn and her growth...I got to work and had a GREAT verse of the day on my desk, so I thought I would share. I hope you all are having a good Wednesday.

Psalm 139: 13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

PRAISE GOD!!!

Bethany

We passed another NST...

Well we passed our fifth NST. Way to go Mary Glenn! Mary Glenn was a little sleepy this morning..we usually do our NSTs in the afternoon so our sweet tech Cindy had to "zap" her a couple of times to get that heart rate going. For all of you not familiar with the "zap" term it means that the tech will put a little vibration on your belly to stimulate the baby's heartbeat. Dr. Benton said the NST looked good and gave me the go ahead on Missletoe and Katie's wedding!!! I am very excited.

Even though we got good news today I am a little overwhelmed. In saying this I think Dr. Benton could feel that I am a little tired today. I am emotionally drained. I am nervous, scared, and worried already about our doctor visit next Thursday. Next Thursday we will have a growth ultrasound to see how much Mary Glenn has grown in four weeks. Please begin to pray now!!! I just hope she has grown...last time we checked she was 1 pound 3 ozs. We found out today that we will most likely deliver in 3 weeks!!! After Thursday's appointment both doctors (Benton and Perry) will discuss, but Dr. Benton feels very confident that we will take Mary Glenn at 34 weeks. I am 31 weeks 5 days today. Now you may know why I am concerned about her weight!!! GROW MARY GLENN GROW!!!!

Well I am going to go get some work done today as we will leave in a few hours for Jackson. I am going to try to relax and enjoy every moment of my time with friends and family over the next few days. I keep reminding my hard headed self today that GOD IS IN CONTROL!!! I ask for certain prayer requests today: God's will be done, GROWTH for Mary Glenn, for God to prepare Shea and I for the future, peace, strength, guidance, and PATIENCE!!! Thanks so much for joining us on this journey. We couldn't make it without the prayers and support of each of you!!! This morning a sweet friend of mine sent me a verse...it is actually one of my favorites and I will leave you all today with the verse.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go

In His Words,
Bethany

Change in Plans...

To All:

My doctor visit this week was originally scheduled for Friday at 8:00. Yesterday Dr. Benton's office called and had to reschedule me to Wednesday (tomorrow) at 8:20. Please say a prayer for us at this time. If I pass the NST I will leave for Missletoe MarketPlace in Jackson for a fun day of shopping Thursday and then off to my friend's wedding festivities in Mobile on Friday. I hope you all have a great day and don't forget to vote!

Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all of my fears.

Have a blessed day!
Bethany