We went to little Estella's funeral on Saturday. It was the weirdest sense of opposite deja vu driving up to the cemetery yesterday, if there is such a thing. Just a month ago, we were sitting watching all of our friends drive up to support us as we said goodbye to Jonathan, and now we were the ones driving up to help support Andy and Elisabeth, along with their family and friends, say goodbye to Estella. Very strange. But I am very glad we went. We met Andy, Elisabeth, and their families. The funeral was beautiful---they had beautiful pictures of Estella--she was such a perfect little baby. I was so encouraged by the Solomons--their faith is so strong in the midst of what was probably one of the hardest days of their lives.

Andy was amazing and got up and shared their hearts--that their little girl's life had a purpose--to draw people to Him. We feel the same about Jonathan's purpose. God is using our children's lives in such a powerful way. They didn't ever even get to take a breath, but their lives have forever changed our lives, and I'm sure so many others. Thank you so much for your prayers over this last month--not only for us, but also for our new friends, who sadly, are experiencing the same thing we're going through. Justin and I know for sure that we are able to go through this process of grieving our son only because of your prayers and support.

Here are some pictures of Babyland, where Jonathan and Estella are laid to rest right next to each other. It is unreal to me that within a month, two families from the same church have had to bury their babies here. I don't know if I'll ever really understand why this has happened, but I'm still trusting God, knowing that His plan is at work, and His plan is always better than my own!

On a happier note, Justin and I have so enjoyed our Labor Day weekend! On Sunday, we did pretty much nothing--which is what you're supposed to do on Labor Day weekend, right? I did do laundry, so that made me feel a little bit productive! Today, Monday, we went out shopping. For those of you who know me, you know I'm not the biggest shopper. I know this kills my mom, who should be considered a professional shopper/deal-finder! But we were successful today! My brother is getting married on October 4th, and I needed to find a dress for the wedding. Knowing I had to find a dress for something that important (wedding day pictures are pretty important!!), I was quite worried going in. My amazing and wonderful husband came with me. I'm just in awe of what a great husband I have! How many husbands will go with their wives shopping without any complaints?!! I love you Justin! Amazingly enough, the second store we went into had the winner! I found the perfect dress, on sale, and it is one that I can wear for many events! I thought I'd have to spend a bunch on a dress that I would probably only wear for the wedding, but this one is truly the perfect black dress! We also found the right jewelry and shoes for it as well, so I'm done with my major shopping for the wedding! I'm so excited about getting to go to my brother's wedding--can't wait for this month to fly by!

Well, I'm off for the grocery store. It has been way too long since I've been a good wife and gone to the grocery store. My goal this week is to actually cook some meals for my sweet husband. Last week I was so exhausted each day that I didn't cook at all! I'd really forgotten how tiring full time teaching really is. I can really tell that my body isn't quite up to 100% yet also, because in past years, I wasn't that tired every day! Tomorrow I'm going back to my doctor for my one month check up after giving birth, so I'm praying that everything is healed and how it should be.

Have a great week! I'll blog again soon~

Prayer Request Update...

Thank you all so much for praying for Andy and Elisabeth. They had their little girl, Estella, this week and found out that her cord had gotten wrapped around her neck. From what I found out, they were able to have some time with their precious baby, and, like we did with Jonathan, appreciate the miracle that every moment of her life was.

She will also be buried at Babyland this Saturday--one month exactly after Jonathan was buried there. I was so praying that no more plots at Babyland would fill up, and now Jonathan will have a neighbor. It breaks my heart to know another couple is going through this.

I hope that God will use me to help this couple in some way. Maybe we are supposed to help each other. I don't know, but I still trust that God has a plan. Please continue to pray for this couple!

Urgent Prayer Request!

We are asking for prayer for a couple in our church... We don't know them since they are in another lifegroup, but they just found out yesterday that their baby (she is 8 months along) had died inside her womb. They are scheduled to be induced tomorrow morning.

It just breaks my heart to hear about another family going through this, and frankly, it makes me angry as well. I don't want anyone else to know what it feels like to lose a baby to stillbirth, and I just don't get why this is happening. I know that God can give peace and will carry them through this, but I know all too well the agony they are going through right now and will continue to experience. God is a God of miracles, and I believe that He can heal their little girl if He chooses. If that is not the plan though, I'm going to pray for strength for them.

Will you join me in praying for this couple? I know how much I felt and feel supported by all the prayers we have received, and I just want to spread the word and get as many people praying for them as possible. Their names are Andy and Elizabeth, and their baby is a girl (I don't know her name). I'll do my best to get more details...

Thank you!