Update from Nathan and Melanie
I think it’s time for another Nathan and Melanie update. We are wanting everyone to know that we are doing well and continuing to heal - it’s been just over 7 months since we lost Susannah. I’m amazed at how God has restored our hearts. Yes, there is still pain. Both of us have had times over the past month where we’ve been around babies and experience an intense heart-ache as we are reminded that Susannah is not with us. But, healing is happening and for that we are grateful - God is at work!
I wanted to start with that paragraph because many readers may equate the above “healing process” with what I have to share next. It was important to me to communicate God’s faithfulness in the healing process first in this post; it is a work He has done day by day over the past 7 months and which continues. Having explained that, I’m very excited to announce that Melanie is pregnant!!!! For a couple that waited five years for the Lord to bless with our first child, it is almost unbelievable that His second gift would come only seven months after Susannah’s birth. Yes, Melanie is pregnant and looking at an end of June due-date! God is good!
It is a little unconventional to announce pregnancies so early, but it is important to us that we do so. So many of you have walked with us during our time with Susannah, both during a challenging pregnancy and then the few short days we had with her. You’ve wept with us and upheld us in prayer - and now God has answered so many of your prayers with this new little life Melanie is carrying. For those that have children praying for us, this is such a tangible evidence of God’s working, blessing, and answering - He answered your/their prayers. Isn’t that wonderful?
The road before us might not be easy. Lots of people have told us it will be, but we’re not so sure. We wonder what this pregnancy will be like, how things will progress, what will June of next year be like. . . we don’t know. God showed both Melanie and I yesterday that we were going to need to trust Him during this pregnancy. Without directly thinking it, in many ways we had been hoping we wouldn’t have to this time - that things would go so smoothly and without challenges. And yet, we are called to trust in all areas at all times, this pregnancy is no exception. I guess that’s what abiding is, resting and trusting. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
Thank you all for your love, prayers, and sharing with us in this joyful news.
Nathan and Melanie
November 8th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Congratulations on expecting a new little one. Ps. 126:3 The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad. Praying for you during this time of anticipation.
November 8th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
I am so happy for you guys! And yes, unfortunately, God does not always allow us smooth sailing after the storm, otherwise we would not need to continue to rest in Him and might try to go it alone.
Rejoice and stay close to the Lord and He will sustain you no matter what comes along.
in prayer–
Susanne
November 8th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Praise the Lord! I am so excited for you and have been praying for continued healing and, yes, praying that you would be blessed again with another baby!
November 8th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Congratulations! God is good! You will be in our prayers for a healthy pregnancy.
November 8th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! What exciting news, and our family will certainly continue to pray for you! Thank you for sharing with us all the joys and pains you have experienced in your circumstances! God bless you!
November 8th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Congratulations! What wonderful news and an answer to pray! It had been my prayer that the Lord would open Melanie’s womb again before the end of the year. How good He is! I’m so glad also to hear of how you have been healing. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
November 8th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! What a blessing. While this baby will never take Susannah’s place, he or she will be a healing balm to your hearts. I will pray that this will be an easy and uncomplicated pregnancy, one you can enjoy.
Congratulations!
Elizabeth D,
Macon GA
November 8th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Oh, I am crying tears of joy for the two of you! Praise the Lord for his wonderful blessings!
November 8th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
What wonderful news! God is so good!
Garnet
November 8th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
To God be the Glory!! I am so happy for all of you! I will be praying for you both on so many different levels. This is wonderful news. God is Good!
November 8th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Oh, what wonderful news! I remember when my brother and sister in law experienced a healthy pregnancy after losing a son. It was tough at times, but the Lord was faithful. I know He will be for you and your baby as well. We will be praying for you!
Deut. 32:4 comes to mind: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”
I also especially like the NIV version for this verse: He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Blessings in Christ,
Sarah, for all in the E. family
November 8th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Praise God! Praise God! I’m so happy for the both of you! I will be making your family a real matter of prayer as you go along in the pregnancy! God is so good! Your picture is beautiful!
angela
November 8th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Praise God for these wonderful news! I am glad you decided to announce early, so that we can pray for you. May this indeed be a peaceful pregancy and may you rejoice in the arrival of a healthy child in June.
I pray that God will continue to heal your hearts, as you grieve the death of your sweet Susannah.
Love and blessings from Australia,
Linda
November 8th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Yeah!!!! I am so happy for the both of you!!!! I will certainly be in prayer during this pregnancy. Praise the Lord!!!
November 8th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Congratulations!! Our family so so excited for you. You will continue to remain in our prayers. To God be the glory!
November 8th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
I praise God for this wonderful news about your pregnancy. I pray that as you wait and trust on the Lord throughout this pregnancy, you will find peace and joy in the knowledge that He has used your lives to create another eternal soul to bring glory to His name.
I also pray that you will be blessed with much time here on earth with this precious little soul, and that your hearts will be continuously warmed as you remember the precious time you had with dear Susannah.
With love and prayers,
Rebecca
November 8th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS!!! God is so good! We will be praying for both of you and that little (BIG) blessing!!
November 9th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Oh, so very excited for you both. I will add you to our “pregnancy prayer list.”
May the Lord grant you His peace as you walk this road with Him.
Blessings,
formerly Mama-T
November 9th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Good to hear your happy news. Hoping that this pregnancy will be the start of happier times for you both.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Congratulations!
May the Lord uphold & strengthen you both. I know from experience what it is like becoming pregnant so soon after having lost a child. Trully a mixture of emotions! You will never look at another pregnancy the same & you will constantly worry & have concerns, but God is so good! May you be given to lay all your needs & cares at His feet, trusting Him to do all things well. I am so happy to hear you are expecting again, Melanie. No child will ever replace your precious, Susannah, but yet how wonderful it will feel to have your empty arms filled w/ another precious child, Lord willing.
I also am expecting another child (after a recent miscarriage) & so often the thoughts & worries multiply, but God will give the needed strength & grace to go on. If all goes well, this baby is due mid-April. He/she will be our 6th child, although one is already w/ the Lord.
I will try to keep you all in my prayers & I hope that all will go well this time around. What a special Thanksgiving joy!
A friend in MI
November 9th, 2007 at 9:37 am
I am so happy for the two of you. God is so good to us. What wonderful news. My husband and I have been reading “Keeping your Childs Heart” It is a blessing and we see the love in your family. I too am pregnant and due just a bit sooner. Even though I don’t personally know the family I look forward to these next months with you! God Bless you!!! Missy in TN
November 9th, 2007 at 9:38 am
YEAH! I was so excited to get on here and read this news this morning!!! Thank you for allowing us to share in your joy!! My heart is overwhelmed by God’s loving kindness towards you. The tears fall from my eyes as I see His mercy in giving you the desires of your heart! He is so very good, even when we don’t understand all His ways.
Over these last several months, I have been praying for you that God would comfort and hold your hearts in His hands, and I will continue to pray this way. But, now I will also pray that He will allow this pregnancy to be full of health for Melanie and the baby and full of JOY, not fear.
Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
I pray that as you go about your day, and as you go about this pregnancy, that the above verse will be your focus — that your God is mighty to save and He is DELIGHTING in you, QUIETING you with His love, and REJOICING over you with SINGING! May this give such strength, hope, and encouragement to your hearts!!!
Love,
Debi
November 9th, 2007 at 9:40 am
P.S. What a beautiful picture of the two of you! I remember your engagement photos and it’s so fun to still see the two of you with such obvious joy and love in your faces!
November 9th, 2007 at 9:41 am
We are praying for you guys.
Thanks for being a beacon for all us Dad’s to continue in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
November 9th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Praise the Lord! What wonderful news. We will continue to be in prayer for God’s provision in your lives. We suffered the pain of 3 misscarriages before God allowed us to deliver a healthy full term baby. I remember the anxiety at times - during my pregnancy with our daughter. Each step of the way being fearful that my heart would break - if something did not go “right”. It was a good 9 months of testing and trusting. I am sure you are facing that right now - and I am excited to tell you that God is faithful - and your journey throughout this pregnancy will bring you even closer to His side.
Thanks so much for sharing with us. I was praying that God would give you a baby soon! So thankful that He is working in your lives.
Continuing in Prayer,
Rob and Martie
November 9th, 2007 at 11:05 am
We will continue lifting you up in prayer. Congratulations.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
PRAISE GOD!!! Tears of joy are flowing as the result of God’s answer to my prayers for you. I will be praying for you and this pregnancy daily. Please keep us informed how things are progressing during the pregnancy.
Your sister in Christ,
Donna
November 9th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Praise the Lord for His unending mercies!!! We will continue to pray as a family for the healing of your hearts & safety for Melanie and your little one.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
rejoicing & praying!
November 9th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Many of the Lord’s Blessings to you both! God is faithful! Remember we live by Faith and not by sight. Trust in the Lord. He will give you the desires of your heart!
November 9th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Congratulations! You have been daily in our prayers~ We all love you and are so happy for you all.
I am especially praying that as those worries, fears, and doubts begin to creep in, that the Lord and His precious Word will fill your hearts with his peace and joy and that He will give you the grace to continually rest in Him. I Peter 5:7
love,
Jaynee
November 9th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
What wonderful news!! Congratulations! Praying for you and may the Lord fill your hearts with peace. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. God has wonderful plans for you and this new baby.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Melanie has been on my heart a lot lately and now I know why!! God wants me to pray for this pregnancy! Please be assured of our prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy. And I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!!! Praise God!!!
November 10th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Congratulations!! We will certainly be upholding you and this sweet baby in prayer and I will specifically pray for a peaceful heart for you both. We are currently walking this road with some dear friends that are expecting their second child after a loss of their first baby very similar to yours. The Lord has often brought you to mind as we pray for our friends. Now, you both share the same joyous news!! Their baby is due in April and we will be faithful to pray for you through that time and beyond into June. Praise the Lord for His answered prayers!
November 10th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Congratulations!!!!!!! Each week I pray for the two of you that you would be blessed with another child. Not that he or she would replace your sweet Susannah Joy, for her place is so dear in your hearts and always will be. I am so grateful for this additional blessing in your life and I WILL pray each week and more as God brings me to, for this little life within you. I pray that God would give you the peace that you need and fill your waiting arms. I am amazed at how often I think of you and your family and just long to see if filled with children– I am sure that is because it is evident what Godly parents you will be!!! May God pour out his blessing upon you with a healthy pregnancy and child. Thank you for sharing so that many of us may pray! Keep us updated and I am sure so many of us are so excited to see God’s hand as he provides!
November 10th, 2007 at 8:24 am
We are praying! Congratulations. God is good.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Hurray! I am thrilled to hear your news. May God be with you in the upcoming months. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you.
P.S. - The end of June is a lovely time to have a baby. My daughter was born 6/28/06.
God bless all three of you!
November 10th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
What wonderful news. I am so happy for both of you. Many prayers for a healthy pregnancy.
Also, that is such a wonderful photo of you two!
November 10th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Nathan and Melanie,
Yeah!! Our nine year old daughter, Addie Mae, just ran through the house after I told her your good news to tell her Daddy and all the other children! We are thrilled!
We have had seven miscarriages over 18 1/2 years of marriage - our sweet babies who rest in the arms of Jesus. We also have three beautiful birth children, one adorable adopted child, and are pregnant with our fifth child who is due in March! With each pregnancy, and as we waited for our son to come home from Korea, I clung to the Lord and asked ONLY for His will to be done. My favorite verse during all these times still is Hebrews 11:1 and 6 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
We think it is an honor to pray for you both and your family as well! Our prayers can be specific now, thank you for sharing your news so soon!!! We will continue to lift you all in prayer -
Stephanie (for us all)
November 10th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
I will be praying! Congratulations!
November 10th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Congratulations on your wonderful news!
A gorgeous picture of the 2 of you. Melanie, you look more beautiful than ever!
~C
November 11th, 2007 at 12:20 am
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this wonderful news. We will be praying for you and you little one(s).
November 11th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Thank you for sharing the wonderful blessing God has bestowed upon you both. We will pray that God continues to give you the desire of your heart.
We look forward to meeting you Baby Maxwell! Stay warm and safe in your mommy’s tummy!
We love you very much.
November 11th, 2007 at 1:27 am
I am so excited for you and what the Lord has in store for you. I can’t wait to tell the children. They will be so excited for you. They feel like they know you as they have followed your story and prayed for you repeatedly over the past year or so. May the Lord give you complete peace as you trust Him with this precious little life.
November 11th, 2007 at 1:35 am
this is such wonderful news. i keep you both in my daily prayers, and this is certainly an answer to prayer. i am so happy for you both and will continue to keep you in prayer, asking god a smooth pregnancy. blessings, mari
November 11th, 2007 at 11:30 am
So very, very happy for you both! I pray that this pregnancy will go smooth and carefree. Parying that you will have many children this side of heaven.
November 11th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
How wonderful! Thank you for sharing this exciting news. We will be praying for all 3 of you!
November 11th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Weeping with happiness for you two! I am also pregnant (due in May). You will be in my prayers.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:57 am
Praise the Lord. With prayers for continued healing and for peace as you anticipate God’s latest blessing.
November 12th, 2007 at 8:30 am
I am so happy for both of you. Know that we will “pray without ceasing”. I wish you both a happy, peaceful, calm nine-months and a lifetime of blissful happiness with this child.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Praise the Lord!! We are so excited for you!
We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Blessings in Christ,
The W. Family
November 12th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
We will pray every day for your family untill that little one is safe in your arms.
May God Bless You,
Amanda L. Family
November 12th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Everytime I visited, I hoped to hear that joyous news. God Bless!
November 12th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
To all of the Maxwells - We are thrilled for you!! Thank you so much for announcing your news early; we will be praying for you without ceasing.
Your family has blessed us in countless ways. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Wonderful News!
Thank you for announcing this and allowing us to join you in prayer.
November 13th, 2007 at 12:33 am
I’m so happy for you that I can’t stop crying. You’ve been on my mind and heart, as well as in my prayers, all these months. How wonderful to read your good news!!! Please know that we will continue to pray for your precious little baby as she/he is being knitted together by our loving Lord.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Praise the Lord for the new life He has given!
God is so good!
We lost our third child at two months old, so I could identify so well with what you endured. I clung to the promise that the Lord would turn my tears into laughter, and now, 5 more healthy children later, He certainly has!
You will always miss Susannah, and yet your heart can be filled to overflowing with joy at the same time.
We will pray for the Lord to bless your baby with health and a long life.
Thanks so much for sharing!
PS, I don’t think it’s ever too early to share the news of God’s goodness and blessing. It is a life, no matter how old it is!
November 13th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Congratulations! My heart is filled with joy for you. Our third baby was born with a congenital heart defect, and he had open heart surgery when he was 2 months old. He did incredibly well, and at the age of 9, he shows no indication of needing surgery in the future. Still, we go for annual checks to be sure everything is okay.
I’ve had two children since then, and each time I wonder just a bit at whether the baby I’m carrying will be healthy - but God’s grace is abundant and I think the excitement of carrying another child is greater than the concern about what we may have to endure if we have another baby with a heart problem.
All that to say that I know God’s grace is bigger than fear, and I was able to rest in knowing that He had blessed me with another child - and that His will for my life…for that baby’s life was perfect no matter what challenges we may face.
I pray that God would wipe away any fear, and give you complete joy during this wondrous time. This is God’s miracle to you - after waiting 5 years for a child, for Him to bless you with another so soon - it’s His miracle to you, and I trust that He will bless you with an easy pregnancy, labor, birth and a precious, healthy baby.
Kirstyn S.
Mother of 5, one born with Tetralogy of Fallot, the others healthy
November 13th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Congratulations! Praying that you have a happy and healthy 9 months!
November 13th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
The joy on your faces in your picture is beautiful. Congrats to you on your pregnancy. To God be ALL the glory.
Pamela L.
November 13th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
I actually noticed the Nathan & Melanie & ? at the bottom of the newsletter before I came here to read about their wonderful news. What a blessing!!! They will be in our prayers.
November 13th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Congratulations, what wonderful news! Our family will be praying for you and we look forward to updated as to the progress of the pregnancy. May God give mercy to you and Melanie as He walks with you through this.
November 13th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Rejoice! Rejoice! and again we say REJOICE!
November 13th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
I am so happy to hear your news. I will pray for you daily and know that God will keep you in His care.
November 13th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Tears of Joy!!!! I am so happy for you and will be praying for a happy healthy pregnancy and baby.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Every month when I receive the “Corners”, I look at the close of the family greeting for “Nathan & Melanie & ?” I was so excited to see the “?” there this month! I then visited your blog to read your update. Over the years and often during this past year, the Lord has prompted me to pray for you. I will continue to do so. I believe the bond through the Holy Spirit draws believers together though we have never personally met. Thank you for including my family and me in this joyful time!
Blessings,
Amy in Michigan
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
November 13th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
I have seen your family in confrence once before and have been awed over the faith that shines forth from all of you tempting me to this blog every now and then. It sure is out of the ordinary for me to respond like this, but I am overwhelmed with joy for you both. So, here it goes….
I had tears and heart ache as I read about your sweet Susannah months ago. My heart hurt so deeply for you as if I knew you. I prayed so much for you both for the healing that only He can give over a loss like this. And, now I rejoice as I read of this new pregnancy. Wow, may we never cease to be amazed at the Lord’s work and miracles. Yes, all life is a miracle and all the more amazing as we await on the Lord’s sovereign will of his perfect timing when he chooses to place that sweet blessing in the mother’s womb. For some of us, as we wait for such a timing of concieving, it only proves over and over that our Good and Great God is in control -and there is no other timing or control I’d rather be under. I am so very, very happy for you both! Thank you Jesus, may you carry them safely through.
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But, let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. - James 1:3-4
November 13th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Congratulations!! How exciting that a new little blessing is being added! I will be praying for this little life that God is knitting together! God Bless!
November 13th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
We are praying for you every night. Our 8 year old girl and 5 year old boy are so diligent in praying for Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell and the new baby.
May the Lord give you peace.
November 14th, 2007 at 8:44 am
How wonderful. Praying that this baby will have a wonderfully long life on this earth and that your faith will continue to be built up. God is so very good. Praising God for your blessings!
November 14th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Dear Maxwell Family - We are new to your site and knowing your family. We just wanted to take a moment and congratulate you on the blessing you have received. God is good and prayers are answered. We will pray for your family and specifically for a safe, healthy and uneventful pregnancy for Melanie.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Congratulations — this is such wonderful news! We have been praying for you since the birth of Susannah Joy and are so excited for you. You two are simply radiating with life. Our prayers for you continue as you nurture that sweet new life you have created!
November 14th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
To echo what has already been said; Yes and Amen!
“Father I pray in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that this little one you have blessed Nathan and Melanie with will line up with your kingdom plan for their life. We come against the powers of darkness and the kingdoms of this world and loose the power of God almighty with the authority of Jesus Christ over the lives of Nathan and Melanie. We command the powers of darkness to flee and we cancel their assignments. We pray for complete healing and restoration of Nathan and Melanie and a renewing of the plans you have for their life and ask that you o’ Lord give them the faith to see this pregnancy through the eyes of heaven. Stir up their faith to contend for your perfect will and except nothing but your perfect will in all things. We bless you and love you, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!”
November 15th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Wow, thanks so much for sharing. God is good! There have been so many times since I read your testimony of Susannah’s life that I have remembered the phrase you told your Mom and Melanie “We aren’t going to ask why.” That attitude of just trusting has helped our family this year.
We will continue to pray for you and Melanie and the new life He has blessed you with.
In His Love,
Julie
November 16th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
We are so excited to hear that you guys were pregnant! We had been praying for the Lord to let you have a baby! Prayer works in a wonderful way! May the Lord guide you through this time!
In Christ,
Scott & Michelle, Hannah, Kimber, Alexis, Caleb, Seth, Eden, Josiah & unborn baby #8!
November 17th, 2007 at 10:05 am
What a true blessing!:-) I will pray for your strength and obedience as you walk this wonderful path with the Lord! Thank you for sharing the wonderful news!! In Christ, Talya
November 17th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
I wish you well. I am greatly appreciative of your wondeful site.
November 17th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
I just stopped by to see if there was anything new on the Maxwell blog
I read through many of the comments left here and I was so blest as I thought of all those who have been praying for the Lord to bless you Nathan and Melanie with a brother or sister for Susannah Joy. I just had to stop right now and thank Him for His wonderful answer to those prayers.
We pray for you each day and are praising the Lord with you.
love,
Jaynee
November 17th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Congratulations to both of you and the rest of the Maxwell family!
The pregnancy after a loss of a child and even subsequent pregnancies can be rough. You are right, the Lord certainly calls us to trust Him in all areas even pregnancy and birth. May your faith be strengthened as you look to Him for everything.
It may be unconventional in the world’s eyes to announce a pregnancy early, but it isn’t in the Lord’s eyes. Remember this is a life He created and no matter how long this child is with you it is a life worth celebrating. I applaud you for sharing your wonderful news with us this early on. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this precious new life. Looking forward to your updates in the next 7-8 months!
Rejoicing with you,
Theresa
November 19th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Congratulations to both of you. I will be praying for you.
November 20th, 2007 at 3:31 am
Dear Nathan and Melanie:
I praise the Lord for you. Your faith HELPED me through a rough time after the birth of my fourth son who was born March 20th. Reading Homeschooling with a Meak and Quiet Spirit, I “met” your godly family and browsing on your website I read about your pain. I first prayed for healing for your sweet baby and after her homecoming I prayed for you. That His confort would be real and lasting. Many nights and days the Lord brought you to my mind although I did not know you. He still does, and now my prayer is a praise.
Believing God with you,
Miriam
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
WOW! He is SO Good! I will be praying for you!
Audrey
November 26th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Congratulations on the pending birth of Susanah’s little brother or sister. May God give you peace during this pregnancy and guide you through. We are praying daily for your family.
November 26th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I only get on this blog once in a while. The first time was when you had just lost Susanah. I was so touched by the strength of tthe both of you. I am so excited that today I decided to look at the blog again.
I sit here and cry because I know God is so good. My husband and I just experienced a miscariiage about two weeks ago and it was a shock to us since all of our pregnancies have always gone smoothly. We have 6 healthy girls ages 10 to 18 months.
Seeing this gives me hope and strength remebering how good God is. I can’t wait to hear more about this lovely gift that God has blessed you with.
November 26th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
That is such wonderful news. I will pray that you will have a strong and healthy baby. My cousin found out she was expecting on November 20. Her son would have been 8 this year, but he passed away at 18 months. May God keep you and your family safe.
November 27th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I am rejoicing with you. Thank you for sharing your hearts and lives with us. We can trust in God’s goodness, His mercy, faithfulness and love over all generations! You have encouraged me to trust the Lord in my own trials. God bless you and may He grant you your hearts’ desires.
November 28th, 2007 at 6:01 am
Congratulations from Barcelona (Spain)! God is good! You will be in our prayers for a healthy pregnancy. Best regards!
November 29th, 2007 at 8:55 am
This is a blessing. Our family will be praying for you and for a healthy baby in June!
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:41 pm
dear nathan and melanie~ blessings to you!! so happy for both of you and i will keep you in my prayers. you both have been such a wonderful testimony to me. keep trusting Him. rejoicing with you!!
bridgette
December 6th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I’ve never been on here and am surprised that I stopped this time, but I guess it was God’s leading. I am so sorry for your loss and am excited about your news. I have lost six babies and am blessed to have four living in my home now. Because of so much trouble, as soon as I suspected, I told everyone I know because I wanted all of my friends and family taking our baby before the Throne all the time. I lost my fifth baby on November 15th, 01. When I discovered I was expecting again, my due date was…November 15th of the next year. I was amazed then at God’s reminder that He does care about the things that hurt His children and even when we don’t understand…HE is always in control.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Still singing “Oh Susannah our joy”
thank you for sharing. Congratulations.
December 7th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I am so happy and rejoice with you. Our family knows the loss of an infant. Ten years ago, we lost identical triplet boys within 5 days of their birth. What a tremendous heart ache you bear, but we serve a faithful and loving God who knows and shares our sorrows. He does not
allow us to suffer without the grace to bear it. At the time, it does not always seem so. Time does soothe the hurt. Our hearts remember those precious little one, only now we look forward to a reunion with them in glory! You will have times of anxiety between now and June.
Your hearts are still raw. Until you hear the words that tell you all is well, trust. Share your feelings with each other; don’t try to shelter each other from thinking about what could happen. Encourage one another to not let our adversary rob you of joy. I will continue to pray for healing of your hearts and for this new little life. You will see that this little one will be a healing balm for you.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
So excited for you!! Our little Sarah just turned 7 months old this week. We followed your pregnancy with Susannah, with due date so close our own. Sarah is so much more precious to us because of your loss and the similar loss of others like you.
May we ask you to pray for our cousin’s sister-in-law? She and her husband just suffered the loss of their 13 month old daughter, Kaylie.
She was born with Down’s Syndrome - they only began to suspect it when she was four months old. After many tests, it was found that she did indeed have Down’s as well as a heart defect, which usually goes along with it. Open heart surgery followed at 9 months. All was going so well. The doctor’s were amazed. She had begun to crawl and sit up…Thanksgiving night she was having trouble sleeping, so her Daddy held her on his chest most of the night. Early that next morning, she simply stopped breathing, dying in his arms; awaking in the arms of Jesus. They have two other girls, ages 4.5 and 2.5 - They are also expecting a new baby, due around April. So, for all they have been through, they can certainly relate to your present situation - for it is there own. The blessed hope of a new child, the overwhelming fear of what the baby’s health may be. Pray for “Kaylie’s Family”. May God bless and keep you all is our prayer.
December 8th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Congratulations on your wonderful news! I will be praying for a safe and happy pregnancy, birth, and baby for you.
December 9th, 2007 at 3:54 am
Nathan and Melanie-
Congratulations on your little blessing! I will defiantly be praying for you all. I am sure that your new little one will be a blessing to this world just as the rest of your family is. Thank you for being so open and faithful.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Praise God! I was grieving with you when your little one went to be with God, and now I am rejoicing with you for this new precious gift!
December 11th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Dear Nathan & Melanie,
The loss you experienced touched my heart in a very familiar way. I’ve been meaning to write & express my sympathies, but I’ve put it off. Now that you are expecting another special blessing I cannot come away from here without congratulating you & encouraging you to “trust in the Lord with all your hearts & lean not on your own understanding”.
This December 29th would have been my 2nd son’s 7th birthday. After a very painful & difficult pregnancy, Samuel was born 16 weeks premature. He lived in the NICU for nearly four months, passing into Jesus’ waiting arms on Good Friday! This was 2 days before his Easter due date. Every Christmas & every Easter I am ever mindful of the unselfish sacrifice that our Lord made for us. Samuel has been a beautiful gift for me in that way.
My husband’s grandparents, who also suffered the loss of their first child, a daughter, talk often of the “little treasure” that awaits them in heaven. I like to think of Samuel as a treasure! God knows how much I love babies, He gave me one that will never grow up.
He has also been faithful to bless me with 3 more children since Samuel’s death—which brings my earthly total to 4!!!
I have welcomed & enjoyed each of my pregnancies & they’ve gone remarkably well. We were surprised when the birth of my most recent child included a 10 day stay in the same NICU her brother had been in 6 years prior. God had already given me her name though—Hope. This was a comfort & a confirmation to me that He would be faithful to let us keep her! It was amazing the way God used those 10 days to bring an even deeper level of healing from losing our sweet Samuel.
Hope turned one last month & she is a precious child, as are her 3 older siblings. God is sooo good!
God bless you & your little ones.
Love,
Amy
December 12th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Congratulations to you both!! I had prayed that the Lord would bless you with another baby. We will continue to pray for you for health and peace in Christ our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
In Christ,
Kara and family
December 15th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Whoooohooooo! Congratulations!!!!!
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:58 am
Thank you for sharing your news. I am so happy for you and our family will be praying for a healthy pregnancy. May the Lord bless you and keep you! I’m sure you will have a special joy as you think on the Savior’s birth. Merry Christmas!
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
Praise the Lord! We have been praying for God to restore your hearts and that has been done as evidenced by your continued faith over the past seven months.
A baby to hold is a blessing, indeed, but even more so when you know you have another one waiting in Heaven. When we found out I was pregnant with our second about seven months after burying our first, we scared and excited all the same time. God walked through that pregnancy with us and we now enjoy a bouncy 11 month old little girl.
We will continue to pray for health for little one and for peace for mama and daddy. God is good… ALL the time!
January 4th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Nathan and Melanie, I understand so well your need to separate the healing process after Susannah’s passing, from the joy of this new pregnancy. We lost a child too (at age 9) and a new baby doesn’t cancel out the loss. No one can replace your Susannah. But the Lord in His mercy and love gives us new joys to live beside our losses. We were greatly comforted by our two children who were born after our Hannah. I know the Lord will continue to comfort you, so that you do not grieve as those who have no hope. We as Christians can live the victorious life, trusting God as He places both joys and sorrows in our lives. Each event happens for a purpose, even if we don’t know what it is. It is enough that God knows, and that He loves us without measure. May the Lord’s peace, blessings, and love rest upon you both in these months ahead.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Nathan and Melanie,
I am rejoicing with you! Many times God has put you on my heart, and I have prayed that he will comfort you, and bless you with another child. Not to replace Susannah, but to bring you the comfort and joy that I know a baby can bring. I am impatiently awaiting my comfort and joy. Our son was stillborn in March, and 2 months later, I became pregnant again. What a rollercoaster of emotions I am having! Our baby, another boy, is due in February, and I am so excited, although grieving at the same time for our son who died. I want to give you encouragement in something God has shown me, although I have not conquered this area yet. Philippians 4:8 - “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” I know how easy it is to dwell on the painful memories. It is easy to go from thinking about everything, to bawling, to anger, and so on. Focusing on this verse has helped me think on what I should be thinking about, such as eternity, and God’s great love for my babies and myself, and the things that are true about the child I am carrying now, not imagined during moments of fear. God truly cares for us, and has given us strength in His Word. I also want to tell you that Nathan and Teri’s writings after Susannah died- God used them to put my mind on track about my son’s death, and to encourage me through the postpartum depression I had after his birth. Thank you all for your faithfulness to God, and for encouraging those around you (and far away!) In God’s love, and with continued prayers, Carrie
March 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Yayyy! Congratulations! I will be praying for you that this pregnancy and birth will be safe for both Melanie and baby.