Sometimes when God answers prayer He does it in a way that doesn’t look like an answer. In fact, it can be disconcerting and scary. But, that’s where trust comes in. In our case, an answer to prayer doesn’t make the future any more certain, doesn’t remove all concerns, but it does re-assure us that God is leading. I recently wrote in a friend’s graduation card, “May God make your way clear and your footing sure.” As I wrote it I realized it was also the prayer of my heart for us.
Melanie had an ultra-sound yesterday. They found that fluid levels were low but acceptable. They also discovered that Baby Max had changed positions. On Friday, he/she was head down. Now, Baby was shoulder presenting, head off to the side. To the medical profession (in the US), this means C-section. To me, this was great cause for concern, and I was ready to call for and participate in panic in the streets. When the sonographer (fancy word for lady doing the ultra-sound) left the room, Melanie helped me see that God had answered our prayer. There would be no pressure from Dr’s to induce. This is what happened, the Dr. came in, gravely said that things looked good except for Baby’s position – there would be no way to induce now and if something would happen, we were looking at a C-section. We were all surprised that Baby had shifted; I guess Baby Max didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to do that. 🙂
While this doesn’t make the future any more clear, in many respects creates more questions. But, it is God’s leading, we are confident of that. God completely removed the possibility of inducing from the agenda. It was something we didn’t want, but weren’t sure how long the Dr’s would be willing to let the pregnancy continue. What the future holds, I don’t know. But, it was comforting to us to see God’s leading. Yes, there are still major issues. Infections are a real, significant threat. Fluid loss also, baby’s new position would contribute to easier fluid loss than before. In addition, we now have the possibility of a C-section hanging over our heads. So, we really are still in uncertain times. But, we see God’s leading and are seeking to trust Him and be grateful for when His hand is evident.
Nathan
Melanie enjoying a hand-made card from one of the Maxwell girls.
Mother’s Day Dessert, complete with patient bar-code from chart to identify it as personal so no-one else grabbed it from the freezer.
Still praying and checking on you often.
I and my family are praying for you three Maxwells. May God bless you richly and keep your hearts at peace.
Thanks for the updates. I am praying for you all! Every time you post and I see Baby Max is staying put I am so relieved. Five out of my six children were preemies. The earliest were 30 week twins but I have also had babies at 33, 34, and 36 weeks. We had NICU stays from 2 weeks to 8 weeks with each. Praise God they are all healthy now! As they run around and get into all sorts of trouble you’d never know they were preemies! We’ll continue to pray and check back often to see how you all are doing!
Praying, praying, and praying some more! Enjoy your treat
We are still praying for you here. Just a little comfort, I had to have a c-section with our firstborn. We didn’t know I was carrying twins and I delivered our daughter first and then had to have an emergency c-section to save our son’s life. I am confident it was God’s plan and all went well. I have since had two more totally natural births, so do not be discouraged, there are plenty of doctors who allow VBACs and even though c-sections are scary to think of, and the recovery is a little slower, I am grateful that we have this type of medical intervention when necessary. Many doctors abuse this procedure, it is true, but you are both very aware and it sounds like you have wonderful doctors who have tried to let things progress naturally. Praise the Lord that He has it all under control.
Prasie God for another day in the womb!! It is in his timing this little one will come. I know it can be trying at times, but God does not give us anything we can not handle. Now you need to tell BabyMax to head back down south!!! Praying for you all. Try to get rest , and keep leaning on the Lord. I give you both a lot of credit, I think by now I would have thrown the towel in!!! My hubby says he would have downed the Dove bar by now !!! Oh by the way you guys are not the only ones who play with the bed! Our nurse yelled at my huuby and told him to act his age! Hehehe!! 🙂 🙂 Prayers are with you as well as our love. God Bless you, have a nice relaxed night.
Thanks for the update. Praying for you and little one.
I just wanted to encourage you about a possible c-section. All 3 of our birth children (we also have 7 adopted) came via c-section. Not our first choice, but in a way it was. Our first choice was that God would protect the sweet little life He had given us, and allow us to raise him/her to be mighty warriors for Him. That answer was delivered via c-section. Praying for you, and trusting the Lord will give you the strength necessary for each of the next steps – even a c-section! (It really isn’t all that bad!) 🙂
Still praying for Baby Max – that infection stays away, that fluid levels stay up, and that he or she will decide to shift positions back to a favorable one. Above all, that the Lord’s hand will continue to guide the doctors involved to the best choices for both Melanie and Baby.
I can’t imagine what you are feeling now. But, I want to say you are an encouragement to me by your testimonies of how you are trusting the Lord in this situation. Thanks of posting pictures. I must say, Melanie, you look great! I pray the Lord help you feel as good as you look right now.
Isn’t it beautiful that Baby Max is moving around!?..All unaware of earthy concerns and just being beautifully perfect and heaven sent. When 5 mo bedrest hit our family, lots of medical info came that was scary and a C-section (our 2nd) at age 40 to boot, we knew that God knew and planned this all too. I kept reading Phillipians to keep myself encouraged and sang praise songs…w/o music…poor staff! I know where your joy & strength comes from…keeping pressing into that Wonderful Counselor! As a postscript, no one in our 5 state area made it from week 18 to past week 27. I delivered at week 37 1/2 . Granted it was a C-section but if a 40 yr old can recover and be off of meds in 24 hours, how much better could a spring chicken like Melanie do?!!!
We are praying for you — thanks for the update! Apparently Baby Max did not get the memo regarding proper birth position, but perhaps that will change yet again before it is time for Birth Day? I’m sorry if you are disappointed that a c-section might be in your future, but there are so many factors about bringing a child into the world that aren’t at all what parents envision as their plan (my carefully written birth plan went straight out the window with my first birth when my son was nearly born in the car on the freeway! He ended up being born 12 minutes after arriving at the hospital — our camera was still in the car in valet parking, so we have no photos of him until he was 30 minutes old!). God is in charge, that is certain, and when things go a little haywire, we realize that it is all for the best! Take care, and enjoy that Dove bar, Melanie! Mmmmmmm!
Thank you for keeping everyone informed. This baby is surely surrounded by prayer nationwide! It is so kind of you to share your very human thoughts of ” panic in the streets” yet so sweet that you were brought back to God’s grace in every situation, by your wife. It is true two are better than one and you two make a wonderful God fearing pair.
Having gone through such a similar situation with our first child I am still thankful for is the foreknowledge of the c-section. God worked to prepare me and I didn’t even realize this till later. With our next I delivered natural births and reading on VBAC’s was surprised at the range of emotions people expressed , many were tramatized by the c-section or felt cheated by last minute emergency intervention. Those who were prepared ahead ,informed by thier doctors ,felt that the procedure was in the child’s best interest ,and had time to consider this as their birth plan, had very little sadness or bad memories associated with the c-secton. I was amazed at God’s working in the situation. With such a difficult pregnacy God had the foresight to calm spirits without our even being aware! I have great respect that you two have seen his work as you go along not in hindsight, it is a blessing to be praying for your family. Also with all the same complications as yours my son went to term !!
I am anticpating our sixth c-section on Wed. It really is not that big of a deal–especially when it insures the babies well being. C-sections were not our first choice, but thank God we had the technology and well trained doctors to complete the procedures. Just some advice if you have to have one: let the bed do the work (you get to play with the buttons some more!) drop the foot all the way, raise the head all the way and roll out; get moving as soon as possible and as often as possible (I am usually up and down the halls as soon as the IV is out); get dressed (specifically undergarments) and brush your teeth and hair as soon as possible (don’t lay in bed feeling sorry for yourself–it only makes it worse!); sit up as much as you can, don’t use the call button–walk out to the nurses station to ask for the baby or the Tylenol or whatever–MOVE AROUND; and thank God for a safe delivery and a healthy baby (feeling guilty about not being able to have a vaginal birth is just a huge waste of time and emotion
Praying for all three you. May God continue to give you peace and guidance.
Sara S.
Nathan & Melanie,
How dear of you to keep us all updated during this time! You both are so thoughtful. Just wanted to say I had both my children by C-section. I recovered very quickly from both operations and was up and around in less than a week. (It really helped me to get on my feet and walking as much as possible and as soon as possible.) The first was an emergency C, so I’m so blessed both children are healthy and here. And that’s what matters in the end. So whatever happens Melanie, I’m praying you and the “little critter” will come through just fine :).
God bless your family.
Still Praying!!
Well, maybe little baby Max is getting bored and since he doesn’t have any bed controls to play with, he’s just shifting around 🙂 We continue to pray for you all and rejoice in each extra day little one stays inside. I’ve had 8 naturally and 3 by c-section…c-sections were definately not my choice, but when all is “said and done” I’m just happy and thankful to have baby in my arms.
We all love you, pray for you often and check up here probably too much :)…I should write it in on my schedule 🙂
love,
Jaynee
I KNOW that you, more than most parents, know this. But I feel strongly that the Lord wants me to tell you this (and I don’t usually “feel” this way from the Lord!). Every day with Baby Max is precious. I am so grateful you are carrying this child for the Lord…that you are godly parents covering this baby in prayer. This baby is so blessed!!!!
With great love in Christ,
Sarah, for all in the E family
Checking often for updates. Praying for Nathan, Melanie and their son/daughter.
Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for all three of you….for peace, and comfort, strength and health!
Just a strange comment on baby Max shifting to a position that may indicate a necessary C-section….yes..it keeps the doctor from pushing for an induction (praise the Lord)..but maybe it is also to help out Mama Melanie as she is tired and worn out from 7+ weeks of bedrest….while I am NOT a big fan of c-sections (in fact am rather against them unless absolutely necessary!)…perhaps God, in His all seeing wisdom, is seeing that this is the safest and best way for baby Max to make the much awaited and prayed over arrival into the world?
Just be sure of ONE thing…God sees and knows and will do what is best for all three of you!
We are praying for God’s peace and protection.
Thanks for the update! There is always something to be thankful for, isn’t there? Remember, a c-section isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I know we get all caught up sometimes in the “natural” birth process and can lose sight of the bigger picture. Holding a healthy baby in your arms makes absolutely anything worth it in the end. As we’ve encountered difficulties in our last couple pregnancies, right as delivery approached, I’ve completely lost my mind. I thought I could drive myself to the hospital once (I was positive it was false labor with baby #5 and didn’t want to drag everyone else out of bed)- dh, knowing I was “temporarily insane” insisted we all go. I arrived at the hospital 9cm and delivered in 30 minutes. I’ve remarked later that I really couldn’t explain what I was thinking at the time. Our last one was an emergency as I was having a placental abruption and was extremely low on fluid. While they were performing an amnio-fusion all I could do was bug the nurse about getting the birth ball and birthing chair brought in! I had no idea I should have been having a c-section until it was all over with and baby had been born about 1 minute before the placenta delivered! Praise God that He is in control!There”s nothing like child birth, and children in general to teach us about that! It sounds like you and Melanie have a great head start and are doing a great job! We are continuing to pray for health and safety. We praise God for answered prayer that “you’d have plenty of notice to get to the hospital in time for delivery”! Can’t wait to hear how He answers all your other requests. Hang in there, it won’t be as long as it has been! We’re praying fervently for you!
Melanie,
You look absolutely BEAUTIFUL and RADIANT! Our hearts and prayers are with you! Be strong and courageous, for the Lord our God is with you!
The Lord led me to go to the hospital early with our third child. A c-section and the care of three Christian doctors saved his life. Our fifth child switched positions, just as your baby has, and put her shoulder first also. She was trying to be born like a diver. A c-section helped her along also. God has a plan for each baby. I did not plan for a c-section, but God worked incredible things through both situations. I am praying for peace for both of you.
Enjoy the chocolate!
I am praising God for young families like yours who so desire the blessing of babies. I have followed your family via the Titus 2 website and have been praying for you since Melanie was pregnant with your first child. Praise the Lord, also, for the way you are both allowing Him to use you in that hospital room. What a pleasing sight you are to Him who watches over you as your lives testify to His great love. May God abundantly bless you with a quiver full of children. And Melanie, you are a beautiful Mommy! “In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17-17
Keeping you all in our prayers. I have been reading and meditating on 2 Peter…we can have grace and peace in the knowledge of God….knowing that He has granted to us EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness. I pray that He will keep you in the shadow of His wings, giving you peace and joy. And I do fervently pray for the healthly birth of the blessing resting securly in your womb. Keep laughing and enjoying each others’ company….I can’t imagine what bedrest is like (sometimes with 6 little ones ages 9 and under, I’d like to just try it out for a little while!!!!) 🙂
Blessings!
melanie looks so beautiful and so very pregnant–such a beautiful sight. we continue to pray as you continue to trust and obey. blessings.
My husband has a saying that we hear often…”Not a surprise to God”. Praise God He SITS on the throne! Praying you would continue to rest in His loving arms and praying that baby Max. would develop quickly and perfectly!
Okay, here’s just one more post from someone who had a C-section! I have two kids, the first was a C the second was delivered “regularly”. There was no real reason for me to have a C. The doctor thought the baby was going to be huge. She wasn’t. I delivered my second child, who weighed a pound more, naturally without one bit of problem. But I believe that for some reason the Lord wanted a C with the first one. Maybe it was so I could lovingly warn my sisters: that incision hurts!!! Ouch!! NO ONE told me this! If I could have had a little warning, I think I could have handled it a better. Just don’t forget, it’s okay to take pain medicine. You will not become “hooked”. You won’t even want it when your pain eases. You may be tired of the advice, but I just wanted to share. Love, Valerie
Your faith and strength through these uncertain times is SO encouraging to me, and I am praying that you and Melanie reap God’s reward. Know that, no matter what uncertainty lies ahead, God is working through it and your family. May God richly bless you, Amen!
Hey, Guys!
We are praying for you constantly. Just wanted you to know we check the blog frequently for any updates. We love you!
Covering you all in prayer.
Melanie and Nathan,
I am continuing to pray for you and Baby Max. I am just so thrilled for you that God has chosen to keep him or her in the womb this long! Praying that however the baby is born, that it would be a safe and peaceful birth and that both of you would have peace about the process, whether its a c-section or natural birth. And praying for Melanie for her recovery as it may be harder having been on bed rest for so long.
Please tell Melanie that she looks absolutely lovely! How can one achieve this on so many weeks of bedrest?
It must be the joy of the Lord in her countenance.
Continuing to pray for you, Melanie, and baby.
Melanie, I think you deserve 2 Dove bars!
Praying for you all, and for a safe delivery. Its good to see that you haven’t lost your sense of humour and your smiles. This baby has very special parents. Hugs to you all
You are all so generous to share the details of your journey. Both of you are so kind to let us all help carry you during this intensly difficult, and personal time.
Thank you for being so gracious with your lives,
Eve
Dear Melanie…You look so much better than I did when I had my children!!! You look absolutely radiant and beautiful!! We all can’t wait to see the precious little baby…but of course, we all need to wait…if possible, right???
I am praying for you and Nathan and especially baby Max!! Regarding the “baby Max” nickname you have used…one of the first times I read about you and the whole family, someone had mentioned that everything went well at a church or convention and even baby max was good…didn’t make a sound or something like that. So I kept trying to find a picture or more info regarding Max Maxwell!!! It took me a while to figure out that little Max hadn’t yet been born!! Max is an “ok” name but I think considering your last name…I guess you can choose something better, right!!! (after all, you might be having a Maxine!!) Love, Beth B. in Indiana
Melanie – you look great! I am praying for all three of you as you wait.
Inglesidemom
mommy to five, beautiful, healthy, c-section babies
Melanie,
I read most of the other comments, but not quite all so I don’t know if this has been mentioned yet…but if delivery is needed because of time elapsed or possible infection, your doctor (or another that is familiar with the procedure) could try a version. This is where they manually turn the baby using their hands on your tummy. My assistant Pastor’s wife had this done for their baby’s breech presenstation and was able to have a normal delivery. 🙂 Just a thought in case you hadn’t heard of that yet… although I imagine you have… and with baby Max not that far out of position for delivery, I imagine it wouldn’t be too much trouble. Do they have you on constant antibiotics because of the threat of infection? I am currently 38 weeks, expecting my fifth blessing…I have always gone late so I rarely get excited until after the due date. 🙂 I love your updates! We’ll keep praying!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Yes, they do have Melanie on antibiotics.
steve
Praying and waiting. I can”t imagine being in your shoes. God Bless you all.
“But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able To keep that which I’ve committed Unto Him against that day.” Encouraging words from one of our favorite hymns. Faithfully upholding you all in prayer to our Heavenly Father.
checking in today to see if there is any new news. praying all is well for the all three of you. blessings.
Oh, dear Melanie. . . . . .
We continue to pray for you, baby Max, your doctors, your nurses, your witness, and His will. I pray you are resting comfortably and peacefully counting down the days until this little blessing is in your arms.
T
Great to see baby still in the womb!
Two of my babies were in the breach position and do to other complications they were not going to be able to manually try to turn the baby. BOTH of these babies (different pregnancies) turned the night before delivery. Oh I can still feel it! 🙂 They say they don’t turn that late in pregnancy but not sure why mine did. I still had C-Sections with both of them though. I LOVED my whole delivery experience; I loved being in the room and talking with my husband and hearing those first cries. C-Sections are a blessing to those of us whose babies really need them!!! May God give you peace about how your baby is delivered.
Just checking in after a couple days away from my computer. I am continuing to pray for you all still. Melanie looks radiant! Another post here about the c-section.. again..not always a bad thing. My first dd was born via c-section. I had good labor but stopped dialating at a 6. The doctors had to do a c-section. It turned out that a bacterial infection was present that could have been passed on to the baby had she been born naturally. God is in control! 🙂 The infection was taken care of but it never touched my daughter. Also, I was awake during it with my husband by my side and though I was not able to hold her immediately after she was born, my husband did.