Seriously

Ok, this storm sounds much more serious than I previously thought. They are saying it could be worse than Katrina. I dont see how thats possible. But also, it is suppose to be worse on us weather wise. I usually dont get storm nervous. But I am beginning to feel little pangs of nervousness. Especially when others around me, Todd, Casey... are nervous and discussing it. I trust God to take care of it. I really hope and pray though that the nervousness is unfounded. I havent, like every other person in town, gotten weeks worth of groceries, as a matter of fact I only have enough for about 3 meals. No fresh bread, batteries, water, and- lol- not an over abundance of toilet paper. I pray I dont regret that. If tomorrow wasnt filled I would go take care of it then, but we are moving Mark into his rented house in West Monroe. He is soooo glad to be out of the dorms at Louisiana Tech, who by the way, beat Mississippi State tonight!!!!! So we will be driving in the morning there and helping him to set his house up. The original plan was to stay at Caseys but now with the weather we are going to head back as soon as possible, which may be late tomorrow night, but I think that will be better, traffic wise, and weather wise, so that is what we will do. Schools have been cancelled until Thursday due to the fact that the Govornor mandated busses be readily available until that time. No school! Normally that would be hooray, but not in this case. This is all so crazy. Once again I am thankful that JESUS IS the one who can calm storms. Today I was holding Avery while Casey was chatting with some friends from high school. As I looked at her in that very public place, I had to hold back tears as they welled up in my eyes. Sometimes it just hits me like that. She is such a miracle. One that the doctors didnt expect to be here like this. I wont forget that doctors face who was filling out some questionaire before her delivery. I knew what those eyes meant, and I completely didnt appreciate it. I know what she was thinking. I know that she knew our questions needed encouraging answers. I know she didnt have encouraging answers for us so that is why she chose not to answer and just gave us that look. But I chose to look at what JESUS IS. I am so thankful for what He did. When I look at her sometimes it is overwhelming. She is such a perfect sweet precious 16 pound 7 month old who squeals, smiles, and has found her feet. Even though all this is going on around me I just feel so thankful and blessed. I wonder how God has blessed you?

Through The Storm

The weather here is sounding a little scary. On the anniversary date of Katrina, we are facing yet another hurricane. I feel really bad for those people who have finally just gotten settled back down in New Orleans very recently. They are now faced with this fear once again. I pray that it wont be as awful as many are thinking. Also a friend of mine is ready to give birth. Their plan is to drive for the delivery, right toward the area that will be affected by traffic troubles and weather issues. I pray that the Lord will take care of these issues. I hope the baby waits until all of this is over. Mom to be may just as soon weather the storm, as she is so ready to deliver this little man. I am thankful to be a child of the King who can call out to the literal storm and speak "Peace Be Still". I have experienced his storm calming in other parts of my life, literally and figuratively. What an awesome God I serve! What a blessing it is to be His child. Even in the midst of a storm, God can bring such peace. It is funny how you can have his peace, yet still be unsure about the outcome ahead. So whatever the weather brings, sunshine or storms, God will bring us through. Thanks be to God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ!

Our Miracle

Funny, I just found this page again. I accidentally created it in March I think. I havent seen it since. Boy has a lot happened. Maybe I should go back. On January 21 2008, our little miracle Avery Grace was born. She wasnt due until March 29, so she was 9 weeks early. Casey, our daughter, was 31 weeks pregnant. Previous to this pregnancy Casey had lost a sweet precious baby boy at 20 weeks. We call him Carson. So this pregnancy was considered high risk. But after several sonograms and checks she was released from Perinatology. "All was well". NOT! After her release from perinatology, that same week. Avery stopped growing at 27 weeks. There was a problem with the placenta and blood flow through the umbilical cord, which is what happened when we lost Carson. At 31 weeks Casey decided to go ahead and spend the money to have yet another sonogram. This one however was to be the 4D that we would actually be able to see a clearer picture of our little sweetie. After running late due to another doctor visit, barely making it on time so as not to get our appointment bumped, we made it to the sonogram appointment. Almost at the moment the sonogram began we knew something was wrong. The sonographer was asking questions like "Why did they release you from perrinatology?" "Was everything ok at your last sonogram?" Long story short, there was very little fluid in the amniotic sac, reverse blood flow from the umbilical cord, and we needed to go see the OB immediately. We freaked out. I freaked out inside, trying to remain calm for Casey. But inside my heart was screaming. After seeing the OB who let us know we would be remaining there unitl the birth we were deciding what to do and how to handle all this, when the doctor came back in and after reviewing the sonogram that had just been taken, she said "We are going to have a baby right now". Terrified, there was nothing more to do but allow the doctors to do what they had been trained to do, and PRAY. So we did that and got many others to do that too. About 30 minutes later Casey gave birth to 2 pounds 2 ounce Avery Grace. Even though they told us she wouldnt make any noises, she did let out a few squeaks. They put her on the ventilator for that first day, but she was doing well and they took her off the next day. Thank God for answered prayers. We had so many wonderful people praying for Avery all over the place. We know God heard the prayers. Avery stayed in the NICU for a very long 58 days. We had tons of very scary moments, and lots of hopeful ones too. I learned first hand what people meant when they said they had been on a roller coaster ride. I definately know what that means now. Avery is now 7 months old and is definately our little miracle. She weighs almost 16 pounds, even though she was very slow to gain. She is just wonderfully healthy. We give God all the glory and thank Him for our precious MIRACLE. Maybe I will continue to write here. Maybe not, but for today I have told you about our Miracle. We saw what God can do even when doctors dont think it can happen. God can show up and He definately did that for us.