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
Praise the Lord!! We are so excited for you!
We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Blessings in Christ,
The W. Family
We will pray every day for your family untill that little one is safe in your arms.
May God Bless You,
Amanda L. Family
Everytime I visited, I hoped to hear that joyous news. God Bless!
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.
Wonderful News!
Thank you for announcing this and allowing us to join you in prayer.
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.
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!
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
Congratulations! Praying that you have a happy and healthy 9 months!
The joy on your faces in your picture is beautiful. Congrats to you on your pregnancy. To God be ALL the glory.
Pamela L.
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.
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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! and again we say REJOICE!
I am so happy to hear your news. I will pray for you daily and know that God will keep you in His care.
Tears of Joy!!!! I am so happy for you and will be praying for a happy healthy pregnancy and baby.
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
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!”
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
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!
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
I wish you well. I am greatly appreciative of your wondeful site.
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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
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
Congratulations to both of you. I will be praying for you.
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
WOW! He is SO Good! I will be praying for you!
Audrey
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.
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations from Barcelona (Spain)! God is good! You will be in our prayers for a healthy pregnancy. Best regards!
This is a blessing. Our family will be praying for you and for a healthy baby in June!
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
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.
Still singing “Oh Susannah our joy”
thank you for sharing. Congratulations.
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.
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.
Congratulations on your wonderful news! I will be praying for a safe and happy pregnancy, birth, and baby for you.
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.
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!
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
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
Whoooohooooo! Congratulations!!!!!
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!