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 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!
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.
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
Yayyy! Congratulations! I will be praying for you that this pregnancy and birth will be safe for both Melanie and baby.