We will wait another week...

Yesterday we started our weekly visits to the doctor. These visits will include an ultrasound, NST (non stress test) and doctor visit with Dr. Benton. The ultrasound is always first and went well. Baby Morris had a normal amount of fluid which is a good sign with his kidneys. His left kidney is still dilated and his right kidney is borderline dilated. In saying this, Angel (the ultrasound tech) said the structure of the kidneys still looks good. Yesterday we got to see him make some breathing motions with his chest...that was really neat! Angel said that sometimes you get to see this and sometimes not so I feel like it was God giving me a sign to calm down!

Next was the NST. I got to visit with Cindy (NST tech). She is so sweet and was so wonderful with my time with her during my pregnancy with Mary Glenn. It was good seeing her, but I told her I wanted different results this time! The NST is a monitor that measures the baby's heart rate, fetal movements, and contractions. The techs and doctors like to see a good range of heart rates and lots of movements. At first Morris was asleep and his heart rate stayed around 135-139 and of course he didn't move...HE WAS SLEEPING!!! Well Cindy had to "zap" him twice to wake him up. The first time he didn't like it and I think Cindy jumped and I screamed...too funny! But the second time wasn't as tramatic on my little man. He woke up...gave me good movement and also a range 140-160 with his heart rate. Cindy was satisfied.

Then we went to see Dr. Benton. My blood pressure was high and Dr. Benton was not happy. He threatned to make me slow down, but I promised him I would. After I layed down on my left side my blood pressure went down...my urine was clear and I was free to go for another week!

Thanks for the prayers. I will go back on Wednesday to do it all again. Keep up the prayers!

Praising God!
Bethany

7 weeks to go...

It's hard to believe that we have 7 weeks to go until we meet our sweet baby George Morris. I had a doctor's visit this week and things are still looking good. Morris measured to date at 32 weeks! He weighs 4 lbs. 2 ozs!!! We got some cute 4-D pictures of him too! His left kidney is still somewhat dilated and his right one was in the range that the doctors are okay with at this point in pregnancy. In regards to the left kidney...Angel (ultrasound tech) explained to Shea and I that the kidney being dilated is because of something on the outside of the kidney...most like his utterer (spelling???). Both kidneys look really good to her and in tact. She showed us how one would look that would bring big concern to them and Morris does not resemble that at this time. The fluid was good around the baby too which is another good sign the kidneys are working as they should. Dr. Benton seemed pleased with everything too! I absolutely love my doctor. He has to put up with alot with me as a patient...I worry and freak out very easily!! Bless his heart...he is CONSTANTLY trying to calm my fears! I will go back in two weeks. Starting then I will have an ultrasound and NST (non-stress test) on a weekly basis. At first I got upset that something may be wrong and this is why I am having to do these test each week, but it is something Dr. Perry in Jackson recommended. The ultrasound will be to check AFI (amniotic fluid) levels. This is to watch the dilated kidney. If something was to go wrong with his kidneys, the fluid level would drop. The NST is because of my past history with Mary Glenn. I just pray this time it is a different experience. I always hated the NST with Mary Glenn because she never moved and she was so small that it was hard to keep a good heartbeat on her. My appointment in two weeks is December 16th.

We also pencilled in January 21st for my c-section!!! That is in seven weeks. As much as I am ready to meet this little guy...I want him to stay in the womb as long as possible to make sure he is as healthy as he can be!

Thanks so much for all your prayers....they are definitely working. Shea and I appreciate them all so much. I ask that you continue to pray for us. Pray for health for Baby Morris and myself, pray for his kidneys, pray for continued good growth and healthy/positive NST test! Also pray for peace and comfort for Shea and I...and as always pray for God's will to be done.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Praising God...

Bethany

Happy Birthday Mary Glenn!

Well I have dreaded the next couple of days for a year now. Today marks one year since I gave birth to my sweet angel Mary Glenn. Tomorrow marks one year since I said goodbye to that same angel and she met our Lord and Savior. Wow what a year makes. Every time I even begin to think of what happened a year ago it brings tears to my eyes. God forever changed my life November 13, 2008 and I am forever grateful to Him. This morning has been filled with many tears...happy and sad. I smile every time I think of her opening her eyes. Most chromosomal babies don't open their eyes much...Mary Glenn was different. It was like she knew she wouldn't be here long so she wanted to check us out good. I laugh every time I think of what she thought of us...I think I was crying every time I got to lay eyes on her so she probably thought her mom is a little on the wacky side. I cry every time I think of her suffering for those few minutes before we decided it was time for God to take her home. I smile every time I think that each of us got to hold her free of wires and tubes...and how she went home while I was holding her. I cry because I miss her more than words can express. I smile when I think of how Dr. Henderson prayed with us and we sang Jesus Loves Me.

As I type this I wipe tears away from my face. I can't help it but I want her here with me. I want to see her face to face. I'm selfish. Oh but I know that she is not sick right now and she is dancing and singing God's praises right this very moment. She is having the best birthday that any of us could ever ask for...she is celebrating with our Lord and Savior. I know that Mary Glenn would not want me to be sad this day...so I will try my best to be strong for my baby girl. I often feel guilty when I feel these times of sadness...because I know I shouldn't. I should be so proud that she is in Heaven...the most beautiful place...with a healthy body...no sickness...no tears...learning about her grandparents...and celebrating with God.

As I think over the year...God has done so many amazing things in my life. First and foremost He has brought me closer to Him. I am learning each and every day more and more...and it will always be a learning process, but I have grown so close to our Lord and Savior and I am forever grateful. He has made Shea and I stronger. Shea is truly a man of God. To have watched him grow over the last year is so wonderful. He is my best friend and my husband and I love him so much. He has blessed our family. When life gives us trials to face you really see the people that mean most to you. Our families have been there for us every step of the way. God has given me such wonderful friends. Friends that care about me...my feelings and emotions. He has blessed us with a pregnancy. Baby Morris will never know his sister in this time, but I pray that Shea and I can tell him one day about how wonderful she was...how strong of person she was...and how she changed our lives for the better. So many more things that I could go on and on about...but right now my heart is too sad to gone on.

As I look back on November 14, 2008 I am forever grateful that I got to tell my sweet Mary Glenn...THANK YOU! God let me give birth to the most precious angel. WOW!!! I remember me telling her all things I wanted to say...God gave me that opportunity. We were not suppose to have one minute with her on this Earth and instead He gave us 20 hours! God is good! I love you all and I thank each and everyone of you for helping us through such trying times.

Blessed be this day that the Lord has made...let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Praising God!
Bethany

To God be the Glory!

I don't know how to start this post...I am overwhelmed with emotions...and so grateful to all my prayer warriors. Today's visit in Jackson was a great success. From the mouth of Dr. Perry...Baby Morris is doing good. He doesn't see any major birth defects. His kidneys are still dilated...well atleast his left kidney is borderline dilated. His right kidney is looking better. We will continue to monitor with ultrasounds...probably in a month or so...and then ultrasounds after he is born. Dr. Perry is 90% positive this will correct itself at birth...so that will be our prayers!

As many of you know I have dreaded this doctor's appointment, but I am more relieved now. I am sure there will be anxiety until I see him face to face, but I am only human. Dr. P surprised me with some 4-D pictures of my little man. He is too cute if I don't say so myself. Someone asked Shea who he looked like and Shea said he looks like a baby...haha!! I am sure he will come out looking just like Shea...which is perfectly fine! Shea's a handsome guy!!! Mary Glenn had a good bit of Shea's features and I am sure this baby will be the same.

Words can't express my gratitude to you all. Please continue the prayers...they are working!!! Continue to pray for healthiness, growth, kidneys, peace and comfort, and God's will. Thanks to you all!

Praising God!
Bethany

Please Pray!

This post will be short and sweet, but please remember Shea and I in your prayers. We will be going to Jackson for a morning appointment with Dr. Perry (high risk doctor) tomorrow. Please pray specifically for:

1 - Healthy Baby
2 - Good Weight/Measurements
3 - No Chromosomal Abnormalities
4 - Kidneys to look better
5 - Dr. Perry and his staff as they perform the ultrasound and give diagnosis
6 - Comfort and Peace for Shea and I
7 - God's will to be done

Thanks for the prayers!!!

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. Psalm 139: 13-14

Praising God!
Bethany

Doctor Visit Update

Yesterday was a day filled with many emotions. For some reason I had a lot of anxiety about this visit. I prayed and prayed asking God to give me peace and comfort...in which He did!

The visit was good. First I had to drink the lovely orange drink for my glucose test. Next up was the ultrasound. Baby McNease measured on scheduled. Praise God!!! He weighed in at a whopping 2 lbs. 11 ozs. Unfortunately, his kidneys are still dilated. We will go see Dr. Perry next Tuesday and get his opinion. From what we understand we will continue to monitor his kidneys on ultrasounds until Baby McNease is born. Once he is born we will have an ultrasound and then go from there. He can be treated with antibiotics at first...and then later if needed a stint...but hopefully it will be minor. This is very common in little boys. In saying all of this the fluid around the baby looks good and is in the "normal" range. The tissue around his kidneys looks good too. Please join us in prayer that the kidneys will heal on their own and we will have nothing to worry about. On another note...I passed the glucose test! Yippee!!! I had a visit with Dr. B too yesterday. He stressed to me that the kidneys will be ok and it is nothing to stress about...but if you know me I will stress no matter what!!!

Next week we will go to Jackson for the high risk doctor. I pray that this will be our last visit to Jackson (no offense Dr. P) We pray that there are no changes since we saw him in September...no abnormalities...no chromsonal markers...and kidneys regular sized. Pray for peace and comfort for Shea and I and ALWAYS pray for God's will.

Praising God!
Bethany

27 weeks....

So I just noticed that I haven't blogged since 19 weeks...SO SORRY! I'm really not sure if anyone reads this anymore or not but just in case there is that one person out there reading I will update! We have made it to 27 weeks. The last time I saw a doctor was 24 weeks and Baby McNease was measuring on schedule. I will go to the doctor in Hattiesburg (Dr. B) next Wednesday for the lovely glucose test, ultrasound, and doctor's visit. Then the next week we will travel to Jackson to see the high risk doctor, Dr. Perry. I am nervous about all of the upcoming visits, but honestly I think it is just normal for me to feel the anxiety...especially in Jackson.

If you still read this blog please pray for our next two weeks. I pray that Baby Morris is healthy and growing on schedule...I pray that his kidneys are looking "better"...I pray for peace for Shea and I as we go hear the news from both doctors...I pray for both Dr. B and Dr. P as they "check us out"...I pray that this "may" be our last visit to see Dr. P (sorry Dr. P no offensive to you)...and most important I pray for God's will!!!

I promise to post after each doctor's visit!

Trusting in God...

Bethany

19 Weeks...

To All...

Thanks so much for all of your prayers. Shea and I appreciate them and know this it is because of prayers we make it through each day. Our doctor's appointment went good...it wasn't perfect as I had hoped, but I will definitely take GOOD. Everything looked good except for a dilated left kidney. Dr. Perry explained all of the causes for this dilated kidney. We will watch closely in Hattiesburg and pray that this problem goes away. Dr. Perry told me that 19/20 times this goes away before birth. It is very common...especially in boys. Dr. Benton reassured me that this was common and we would watch it. Of course Dr. Perry had to tell me that this kidney issue is a marker for Downs Syndrome. If you all don't know me...my personality will now focus on this instead of the fact that it is common and the percentage of it being a Downs baby is 1 in 500. Because of my past history with Mary Glenn I will go back to Dr. Perry on Nov. 10th for a follow-up appointment. He explained to me before he scanned me that he would want me to come back around 28/30 weeks because things can change and he wants to scan again.

Please pray for me that I can relax and enjoy this pregnancy and focus on all of the positives with this baby. I am praying daily (most of the time multiple times a day) for peace and comfort to get me through each day. Will you please join me in this prayer? I have also had a pain in the back of my head (behind my right ear) and neck since Saturday morning. Everyone kept telling me that it was a tension headache and would probably go away after my doctor visit to Jackson. Well now it is still there and it won't go away! Dr. Benton called me in some medicine and I came home early today to get some rest but the pain is still there. Please pray that this will go away and give me some relief soon. I am now starting to get worried that it is something serious. I go to Dr. Benton on Friday so hopefully he can give me some advise on what to do next...or even better hopefully the pain will be gone by then!!! That would be GREAT!!!

Continue the prayers...as always pray for God's will to be done!

Praising God!
Bethany

Calling All Praying Warriors

I haven't posted in a month or so, but I need all of your prayers today. Shea and I will go to Jackson this afternoon for our high risk doctors appointment with Dr. Perry. So far in Hattiesburg the ultrasounds have looked good, but anyone who has been to the high risk doctor knows how un-nerving this can be. The ultrasound today will be clearer and more detailed and the doctor will be able to take a closer look for any abnormalities with our baby. Please pray for a good report and also strength and peace for Shea and I.

Also...we got some big news two weeks ago...WE ARE HAVING A BOY! Shea and I surprised our families with the news by letting our mom's open up a little boy outfit. It was a lot of fun for everyone.

Thanks so much for the prayers. I will post later today with our results.

OUR GOD IS GOOD!!!!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

Praising God!
Bethany

Baby Update...14 wks!

I know I haven't posted in FOREVER...but I do have good reason. I will continue to post on the blog with baby updates, but I am also now a Facebook addict...so most pictures will be posted there since it is a little more private.

Today I had a regular doctor visit with Dr. Benton in Hattiesburg. Things went well and we heard the heartbeat with the Doppler. The heartbeat stayed in the upper 140s and 150s. When I was leaving Krystal asked if I wanted to be scanned...what kind of question is that????!!!! I asked Shea if that was good with him and he said he was fine with it...so we got to see Baby Mc today. Things looked good. Krystal said that everything she looks for at this stage in a pregnancy looked good. PRAISE GOD!!!! We will go back to Dr. Benton in four weeks and then to Jackson sometime in September...around the 20/22 week mark. Most times you will go to Jackson around 17 or 18 weeks but I learned today that is only because if there is a problem with the baby there is still time to abort your pregnancy. With Shea and I abortion is not an option so Dr. Benton felt like I should wait til 20 weeks or so and get a better picture of things.

Shea and I are so grateful to our Lord and Savior and praise Him endlessly for our good report today. Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming...we got 26 more weeks to go!

Love,
Bethany

New York Details....Finally

I can't believe its almost been two weeks since myself and two friends were heading off to the big apple...NEW YORK CITY! It was Rachel's 30th birthday...so she graciously invited Laura and I to join her in the city to celebrate. We left EARLY on Friday morning and returned Monday afternoon. All of us had been to NYC before and all had done most of the tourist attractions so this trip was very relaxing filled with shopping...Broadway shows...and of course eating! We watched a play each day...Little Mermaid on Friday...Rock of Ages on Saturday...and Jersey Boys on Sunday. We were the FIRST in line for Good Morning America on Monday...we got there at 5 AM! The sad news was we had a great spot outside to be on TV, but they didn't show the crowd until the last 15 minutes of the show and we had to leave early to catch our flight...BUMMER! At least we got some good pics!

Thanks Rachel for an awesome trip. I had so much fun!

Enjoy the pictures!

Bethany

The news is out....

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

After three weeks of holding it in I am proud to announce the news that I AM PREGNANT!!! Shea and I couldn't be more excited. I have been nervous and anxious all at the same time...but when my emotions over take me I just turn it over to God and ask Him to take over...HE IS IN CONTROL! Praise God!

Shea and I found out three weeks ago and told immediate family and a few friends, but we have seen Dr. Benton and then yesterday my favorite tech at the clinic Krystal scanned me and we got a heartbeat. What a wonderful sound. I am around 7 weeks and my due date is January 26th.

Shea and I would be thankful of your prayers for a healthy baby. Philippians 1:3-4 says "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." I know that I have a special angel in Heaven watching over me, her daddy, and her unborn brother or sister. For this reason I am thankful.

I will leave with a few verses...

1 Chronicles 16:34 - Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love and his kindness go on forever.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Psalm 91:14-15 - Those who love, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.

And one of my favorites that I read with Mary Glenn...

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.

Praising God!

Bethany

Memorial Day...And Birthday Parties....

This past weekend I had high hopes of laying out by the pool and catching some rays...but for those who live in the Hattiesburg area know that it rained for THREE days straight! So instead I relaxed inside and spent time with family. Saturday we did run over to a friend's house to visit for a little while before going over to eat supper with my parents. For Memorial Day Shea and I went over to the Greer's house for Charles' birthday. We had a good time and ended the night with a friendly competition of boys vs. girls...in TABOO. Guess who won?? THE GIRLS of course!!!


Wednesday night we celebrated my friend Rachel's 30th birthday at Walnut Circle Grill. The food was great as usual and we had such a great time with just the girls.

I ask for prayers for my uncle who is being deployed to Iraq in a month. He will be gone for 6 months and will be leaving a wife and two precious boys at home in San Antonio. We will all miss him dearly but know that our Lord and Savior will be with him as his protector.

2 John 1:3 - Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, The Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

With Love,

Bethany

Playing Catch Up

I am going to warn you all from the beginning...This is going to be a long post full of pictures and update from the month of May. We have been going non-stop this month. The first weekend we had the Jefferson Davis Relay for Life walk on Friday night...a Homebuilder's Seminar at our church Saturday, and then we surprised my niece with Taylor Swift tickets!

Our relay for life team did exceptionally well raising over $13,000!!! We were the "GREASE" team..."Cure is the Word"!



The Taylor Swift concert was OUTSTANDING! The concert began at 7:30 with Glorianna peforming first...then Kellie Pickler...and last Taylor Swift. We left at 11:15! Taylor performed for over 2 hours! This concert was well worth the money! We surprised my niece Madison with the tickets the day of the concert. She thought that we were going to spend "special" time together that day...I dressed her up in a dress and cowboy boots...TOO CUTE! When we got in the car I turned Taylor Swift up loud on my IPOD and told her we were on our way to see her LIVE in concert...Madison was speechless! And for those of you that know Madison...her being speechless says ALOT!!!






The next weekend was filled with one of my best friends wedding festivities. Jamie Walker tied the knot with Scott Martin. We had such a great weekend with friends. Friday we had bridesmaid luncheon and rehearsal and dinner. Saturday morning Shea and I fixed breakfast for all of our friends in town for the wedding and then we all got to hang out by the pool for a few hours. Saturday night was the wedding and it was a BLAST!!! Shea performed his usual wedding song..."Never Been to Spain"...a special request from the bride. After the first song he had a double encore...too much fun! Sunday was such a hard day...much harder than I ever expected...It was Mother's Day. When we found out we were pregnant it was around the time of Mother's Day. I had such high hopes of my Mother's Day this year with Mary Glenn...holding her...and being so thankful to be a mother. Well as we know God had another plan for MG...so she spent Mother's Day with our Lord and Savior...but I can promise you that she was with me all day in spririt. I miss you so much MG...I can't believe it has been 6 months!

Here are a few pictures from the rehearsal dinner...




And the wedding...







Last weekend began with our nephew's graduation from Prentiss Prebyterian Christian school. Congratulations Ty! The rest of the weekend our friends Lori and Carson came in town to spend the weekend. Lori's husband Gerrod was off fishing so it was a good time to visit. I had so much fun with Carson. It is so hard to believe that he will be THREE in August. We swam...took naps...ate Hibatchi (Carson wants to be a Hibatchi chef when he grows up...haha)...visited with friends...and had a GREAT time!

Ty Daniels...



Here is a picture of Carson helping his "Uncle" Shea play the guitar.



Sorry for the long post...but I had a little house cleaning to do...I should be talking with you sooner next time! We don't have much planned the next two weeks...but I am preparing for my trip to NYC!!!! I am going to leave you with a few random pictures...

Here is Madison sound asleep on a raft in our pool on Mother's Day...She was totally exhausted.



Below is a picture of some friends that I work with...please excuse the fact that I am in a bar in my bridesmaid dress!!!



Without God it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible. Mark 10:27

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Much Love,
Bethany

Four Amazing Years...

Today Shea and I will celebrate our four year wedding anniversary. It's amazing how time flies. It seems like only yesterday we were anxiously awaiting our big day. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. Shea and I were soul mates. This past year has been the hardest year of both of our lives...we have gone through a lot this year...some things that a couple may never experience. I can honestly say that I am a better person because of Shea. There is no way that I could have ever gotten through the death of my first child without him. He is my rock. Someone recently told me that Shea and I always looked so happy...my answer to them...WE ARE HAPPY! Even though we have faced a trial in our lives this past year, doesn't mean we can't still be happy. Do we miss Mary Glenn? EVERYDAY! But our Lord and Savior and Mary Glenn don't want us to be sad...our lives must go on! Mary Glenn is in a better place than her parents...and we can only wait our turn to go and dance in Heaven with her. Until that day comes Shea and I will continue to live our lives...we will continue to have fulfillment in each day...have fun in our marriage...love one another...pray about future...and wait and see what God has in store for us. I can't imagine!

On this day Shea please know that I love you more than anything in this world and thank you for being my partner in life. You are absolutely the best and my life is complete with you in it! I look forward to many more years to celebrate!

I love you!
Bethany

Spring Flowers...

I love flowers! I always like to have spring flowers in pots around the pool and on the front porch. If you have ever been to my house I also have Iris' in the flower beds around my front door. Well I love it when they bloom...they add so much to the front of my house. I only wish they would bloom longer! Here are a couple of pictures! I can honestly say that I got my green thumb from my grandmother and not my mom! It must skip generations...just kidding mom!

Enjoy!




Jeremiah 29:11
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

God Bless!
Bethany

I have been dreading this time of the year...

Usually when April rolls around I am getting so excited about the warming weather...days out by the pool...weekends spent at the fishing camp with family...our anniversary...a few trips to the beach...and whatever summertime may bring, but this year I knew would be so different. Tomorrow, April 23rd will mark one year since Shea and I found out we were going to have a baby. I will never forget that day.

I was scheduled to have my regular "girly" appointment and I had told myself if I had not started my period that I would take a pregnancy test...just in case. Shea and I had been trying for two months and my doctor had already told me that she felt I would need assistance to get pregnant because of my medical history with my menstrual cycles. In fact, I was looking forward to visiting with the doctor to get a game plan. Well this morning in particular I got up early...took a pregnancy test and got back in the bed!!! YES....without even looking at the results. Looking back I think how in the heck did I do that...but I think I was half asleep. Shea wakes me up again to get dressed and I ask him if the test by the sink is positive...he yells out YES!!! I thought he was kidding. He didn't even know it was a pregnancy test. He just thought it was another ovulation test. We get the booklet out to make sure we aren't reading this test wrong. The positive line is SO faint that I don't believe the test. First thing I do is call my mom. Of course my dad answers and says mom is getting dressed and I explain to him I MUST talk to mom. He grumbles as says..."Becky...your youngest daughter MUST talk to you". Mom says hello and I say..."Mom, I THINK I am pregnant?!?!" Mom goes...What? You THINK??? What does that mean??? I explain to her that the line is SO faint. I send Shea to the Ramey's in Sumrall for another test. I take two more...all show the same faint line. So Shea decides to go to the doctor with me. The nurse comes in and I explain everything to her...I even pull out the pregnancy tests!!! HAHA! I do a urine test at the doctor's office and this tech comes back in with the results. The nurse says...well what does the test show. The tech so rudely goes..."It's faint." I am thinking...show some emotion please! The nurse says faintly negative or faintly positive? She says positive! Of course...I start crying. We were pregnant! How exciting!!! After the appointment I went to my parent's house because I had to see my mom. We cried some more and then I remember Shea and I smiling from ear to ear and going to Books A Million to get the book my best friend Lori insisted that I get..."What to Expect when Expecting".

I know that this is just the first anniversary date of my pregnancy with Mary Glenn and I have so many more milestones to go these next eight months. I miss MG more and more each day...and I even find some days harder now than I did a few months ago. It's already been over five months since I held my precious daughter and words can not express how grateful that I am of the time I got to spend with her. I will always remember my time rocking her in the rocking chair in the FGH NICU and the entire family and staff singing Jesus Loves Me. I also can not find the words to express to Mary Glenn my thanksgiving. Her little body and soul changed my life forever. As I try to improve my daily walk with God and lean ever more on His words I think of how MG blessed me beyond belief. My walk with God always needs to be stronger, but if I compare it to my life before MG...it's overwhelming how far I have come. Never does a day go by that I don't think of my sweet baby...rather it be when I get to work each morning and the first thing I see on my desk is my baby girl or if it is in my prayers when I thank the Lord for our miracle.

I ask that you continue to pray for Shea and I as we struggle through this time of the year. Shea and I pray daily that the Lord may bless us with another sweet child...a child of God...but while we wait on God's timing we praise Him! He is everything and I remind myself that I am nothing without Him. Our Father does not waiver...he still gives me the same peace that he did on August 20th when we found out the news of MG. My faith remains constant in our Heavenly Father as I know that it is He that gives me the strength to get through each day.

1 Peter 1:2 Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

May God Bless You!
Bethany

A Picture Update...

Shea and I have been on the go a lot lately and are ready for our lives to slow down! Here are a few pictures...

In March we went to see Jamey Johnson in concert with our friends John & Machelle. It was suppose to be Jamey Johnson and Willie Nelson, but Willie got the flu so Randy Houser filled in. Jamey is one of my favorite singers so I really enjoyed it!




I had a great weekend in April with my friends from college. It was Jamie's wedding festivities weekend. Friday night my friends Ashley and Katie came into town to help prepare for Jamie's shower. The shower was at our house Saturday morning. The afternoon was spent at the spa. FABULOUS!! That night we went out in downtown Hattiesburg.


This past weekend we had M.G. Dyess & Regions Annual Relay for Life fish fry. As usual we had a great turn out and so far have raised over $11,000 dollars!!!






Unfortunately I have no pictures from Easter weekend. It was a great weekend. Saturday, my sister in law & niece opened their new store in Sumrall...Nellbaby's! The grand opening went really well and I am so excited for them. Sumrall has needed a cute gift shop for a long time now. If you are ever headed that way stop by...its on Main Street. Saturday night after the fish fry Shea and I went to the Conn/Slay wedding. It was absolutely gorgeous and a great time was had by all. We do have some pictures from that night, but they are on my sister's camera so when she sends them to me I will share. Be on the lookout for a another post soon.

Love to All,
Bethany

A No Picture Post...Sorry!

I know...I know...You guys don't like posts without pictures, but I have been horrible about carrying my camera around with me. I am trying to remember what we have been up to, but in honesty I can't remember. We have been going non-stop though...because I am extremely tired!!! We are hosting two wedding showers at our home in the next couple of weeks so we have been busy preparing our house and yard for these special occasions. Shea is building a deck off from the swimming pool and I have been busy planting beautiful flowers.

Since the last time I posted with have had a crawfish boil at our house with our Sunday School class...YUM! YUM! Shea did a great job with cooking the crawfish. I have also been busy playing lots of tennis and trying to get back in shape. Getting in shape is much harder than it sounds!!! HAHA! All of my extra time (the little that is left) has been used to helping my sister in law and niece open a gift shop in Sumrall. The new store is Nellbaby's and will be opening in the middle of April! We are all excited and I will post pictures of the store soon and give more details.

This week again is a busy one...last night we celebrated a co-worker's birthday, tonight is tennis, tomorrow is usually church but we are not having it this week due to Spring Break, Thursday is tennis again...and then Shea and I are going to Philadelphia, MS to see Willie Nelson and Jamey Johnson in concert.

Now for the most exciting news...

On March 29th our church family will vote on a new preacher...Sean Michael Lucas from St.Louis, MO. Shea and I are exciting about this news and are anxiously waiting to meet him. Our friends Ramona and Wade know him well and have told us many great things about him and his family.

I promise next post will have pictures...

Bethany

Just an Update...

I realized that I hadn't posted in a month or so...I can't say that we have been doing a lot but here a few pictures...

Below are Gunner & Cannon Loftin. You may remember them from November. These twins were in the NICU with Mary Glenn and also their parents are close friends to Shea & I. Also there is a picture of the office girls from a recent Friday when we all wore red for the Heart Association.





The last Saturday in January my sister had some friends over for a bonfire and Shea and his friend Jeremy played guitars. It was ALOT of fun. Shea and Jeremy love to play together...







This past weekend Shea's friend and partner with work got married in Destin. Our friends Lorin & Shawn Jones went with us to the beach and we stayed in a beautiful condo...Thanks David! We had a GREAT weekend getaway. Congratulations to Kyle and Stacie. The weekend was perfect for a wedding...the sun was shining and the setting on the beach was picture perfect. Friday night we had a fun time at Rum Rummers in Baytowne Wharf and Satuday night our age showed as we ate and then went back to the condo!!!! Too Funny!






On a different note lately I have had a lot of people ask how Shea and I are doing and if we have seen the doctor and our plans for the future in regards to children. Shea and I are doing well and we are very fortunate to have the love and support from friends and family. I still have moments, but I think that is normal. I often think of the "what ifs" and it gives me an array of different emotions. What if Mary Glenn wasn't sick and she was with me now...what would I be doing? What would she be like? Or what if Shea and I can't have anymore children...what if the Lord's will is to not have anymore. Or I will hear someone complain about how their child didn't sleep or cried all night...I think to myself if only I had that problem. I want so badly to stop them and say be thankful...but I don't...I keep my comments to myself. When these emotions over take my every thought I turn it over. I can not tell you how many times during the coarse of a day I say..."Dear Lord - HELP!" That is the only thing that I know to do. I ask the Lord to take over and give my mind a rest. I know that God's plan is bigger and better than anything that Shea or I could imagine, but it is still so difficult to accept when I am a control freak. I like to plan it out accordingly and this I can't. Shea and I did go back to see Dr. Benton in January. After discussions with Dr. Benton, neonatologists at Forrest General, and Dr. Perry in Jackson we do not feel that genetic testing is necessary. We will turn it over to God and let him do His work through us. We will have faith in our Lord. The doctors do not feel that I am at any higher risk with a second pregnancy. So...I know what you all are thinking. When will y'all start trying to have a baby. Well, Shea and I defintiely want children soon. I have to give my body time to heal from my preganacy with Mary Glenn. When the time is right we will try and see what the Lord as in store for us. I keep trying to tell myself that the Lord may not want us to have a child...he may have a different plan. So if the good Lord willing...Shea and I will have another baby...when...I can't answer that...just in God's timing. In saying all of this I ask each of you to say a prayer for Shea and I to help us prepare for our future...whatever that may be...

I hope you all are doing well in the blog world.

Much Love!
Bethany