A Very Special Day!

What a Beautiful and Special day yesterday was! It was a God Moment for sure.😊

Yesterday was my sister and Hunter's big day...their wedding day. It was the day I didn't want to miss, and even though I was back here where I needed to be to fight for my little miracle, I didn't miss their big day! Thanks to God's beautiful gift of Skype, James and I were there and didn't miss a thing! Ok, ok... maybe we didn't get to eat at their rehearsal dinner, or be part of getting ready in the morning, or be part of their limo ride, but none of that bothered us, because we were there for the rehearsal, the ceremony, and all of the reception, and that was what mattered! I thank God for this amazing blessing!

Backing up to the rehearsal.... Lacy's friend Alyssa was kind to Skype it so I could see it. I really just wanted to see how Easton would do...as you just never know how a little ring bearer will do. Well I got to say I predicted it well! He was to walk up right before my dad and sister with Hunter's cousin Bella, the flower girl. He had nothing to do with walking beside her, instead he wanted my dad, his Papaw. So my dad had to walk him up with a truck in his hand to my mother-in-law Bonnie, who I can't forget to mention was very appreciated by all of us for all her wonderful help to make this all happen as good as it did.😊 So as the rehearsal went well, dad and I joked that Easton wanted to walk with Papaw to give my sister away. However, we put a plan in place that if he was like that during the ceremony, dad would just walk him up to Bonnie and then go back and walk my sister down the aisel. You will find our the result a little later.. so just hold tight!

After the rehearsal, they went to eat. Lacy sent me photos as we didn't Skype this event. But I was glad to know that Easton ate very well, and obviously ate a lot of pickles, which he loves. And as any little kid would do, Easton was drooling over eating the yummy rehearsal cake. Lacy had a neat IU cake that said something like... Hoo...Hoo..Hoo are we celebrating. On a plaque beside it she listed all the anniversaries and birthdays of those who were part of the wedding...since there were a ton! It was very creative and neat. Well back to Easton, he wanted that cake and he just had to have the first piece! So he is so blessed to have such a kind Aunt/Godmother, my sister who let him help her and Hunter cut it! And even though I didn't get to eat a piece, I knew it was delicious as Easton devoured it and had the cutest smile with red icing surrounding it! Just made me laugh!

That night Easton got to spend the night in a hotel with Mamaw Fettes, as the wedding party stayed in rooms by them. It was Easton's first hotel stay and he loved it.. I imagined he got the joy of jumping on the bed of course. The next morning, he woke up bright and early and ate breakfast with his Mamaw Fettes. Bonnie decided  to dress him at rehearsal, but tried to see if he would wear his newsboy hat before they left... and of course that little monkey wanted nothing to do with it and threw it down lol.... but that didn't last long as Mamaw Fettes bribed him by saying he would get M&Ms if he wore it. At that moment he put it on and no joking...wore it all day!!!  So M&Ms were key!

Before the ceremony began, I got pampered in my hospital room. A stylist came and did my hair and makeup. It was the first day in 47 days that my hair was styled , makeup was on my face, and my contacts were in my eyes. It made me feel refreshed and part of my sister's big day as I got pampered just like them. As my hair was getting curled, James told me to look outside the window right beside me...and as I glanced over there was a dove on the window sill looking directly at me! It brought me a smile because I knew it was Josh, as doves and butterflies have been our signs that Josh was right here. Never once did I see a dove sit on that sill, but today there it was and there was Josh telling me he is right by my side. I was again blessed with another meaningful God Moment.

The time had arrived. Alyssa called me from Skype and the ceremony began. She sat exactly where I would have sat, so I could see things just as I would of that day. The bridesmaids and grooms made it down... and now it was time to see what the outcome would be ..would Easton walk with Bella and the M&Ms awaiting was enough to bribe him? Or would he cling to my dad, his Papaw? James and I couldn't stop smiling and couldn't be more proud... there was our son, though a little bashful and with a truck in his hand, walking down the aisel beside Bella! I knew God and Josh were there... they knew since I couldn't be there, that the gift of Easton making it down would brighten my day, and it did! He made his mommy and daddy so grateful and full of joy! Then the moment came, my handsome and loving dad walked my gorgeous sister, the bride, down the aisel. I was so happy and she just looked stunning! James and I felt so blessed that even though we weren't there so to speak, we actually were and didn't miss a thing due to the gift of Skype! As they walked out to blow bubbles at the bride and groom, family and friends waved to me and said hellos through Skype. It was so neat!

As the wedding party took pics, James and I ate and then got ready... I put my dress, beautiful jewelry my sister gave me, and silver rhinestone sandals, as James dressed in his dress shirt, pants, tie, and shoes. Before I go into detail about that, Bonnie called me and told me that Easton did an amazing job at photos after the ceremony. She said he posed  in individual shots, family shots, and even the wedding party shots! He felt so proud as the wedding party was giving him high fives. I was so happy to hear that as sometimes he isn't in the posing mood. I can't wait to see them!

Okay back to us getting ready... funny story first, my dress wouldn't zip... it zipped 2 weeks ago, but my belly had grown since then, which was a good thing...so we could zip it 3/4 up. I told my sister it def wouldn't have fit if I was in wedding and the fluid level surrounding Asher was higher. So, it was a good thing no one could see my unzipped dress lol. Once we were dressed, my 2 favorite nurses ( which was another blessing that God chose them to work on the special day) agreed to take our photos outside.Yes, I said outside .... my first time outside in 47 days!!! So they brought me a wheelchair and James wheeled me out to the fountain area with Donna and Robyn following. James laughed as I said it was humid and warm ... he said it felt good and that I'm to use to my cool hospital room, that he supposedly freezes in lol. Despite the warmness, it felt amazing to escape my room and enter outside.... how I missed the sunshine, the birds chirping, and the fresh air surrounding me. How much I had taken it for granted before, it was such a blessing! As we wheeled up to the fountain, I stood up and Robyn took several photos of James and I. Then I wanted a photo with my nurses, so James snapped a few. I then sat back in my chair as I can only stand for so long, and got wheeled back to my room. I thanked God for the gift to go outside as it felt so relaxing.

My dad then called me through Skype and showed me the reception hall. It was beautiful! He then placed headphones on as it was loud in there, to listen to me practice my speech. Before we knew it, it was time to watch the wedding party enter. With the help of my dad's creative mind, he and Lacy came up with a neat idea for this. Being huge IU basketball fans, my sister wanted to do an entrance where the wedding party would be announced like a basketball team. She was unsure how to do mine, but that is when dad chipped in. I don't remember the exact words.....but it went something like this.. maid of honor at  weighing at 120 pounds is currently out for the season awaiting her son  a future IU all star to arrive, Asher at 14 inches and 2.8 pounds! It melted my heart, and I thank dad for his creativity in it!

After they sat down and ate, it was time for the speeches. I didn't realize I was first, so when the DJ told me I quickly had James get me in position. As I would do my speech, I would be seen on a big screen along with smaller TVs surrounding the hall. So before it began, I was a little nervous , but I held together pretty well. I did break down at the part that I had a feeling I would, but I got myself back together. I included a photo of my brother during it as I wanted to remind Lacy that he was with her and shining down on her day, and as I said Cheers.. I lifted the Maid of Honor mug she gave me. My family told me later that lots of people were complimenting me on my speech and there weren't many dry eyes. It made me feel special that not only it meant a lot to those attending, but most importantly meant so much to my sister.

As my sister a d Hunter cut the cake, I got my gown on as it was time for monitoring and James ordered food from Cracker Barrel. When I saw my dad and sister dance it brought me back 4 years ago when it was dad and me dancing. Crazy how fast time flies! As I was watching, some intense contractions began and we're coming quite frequently mixed with some mild ones. I didn't let them bother me and honestly I handled them well. As I began to watch the night of dancing begin, my night nurse entered and I was informed I couldn't eat or drink anything as I was contracting. As much as I was looking forward to my Cracker Barrel meal, I didn't let it get to me. I would reheat it for lunch as long as I didn't deliver. After all I was too busy enjoying the wedding. My family and friends would come to the laptop and visit James and I. I told my sister they should have made a sign bc you had to put headphones on to hear me. So it cracked us up when some would come up and talk, and I could hear them, but they couldn't hear me. I tried to make head phone motions  but most didn't understand lol. However the ones that did, we got to talk to and it was so neat!

As the night continued, my contractions continued but became more mild and less consistent. But they kept the fluids on so they would diminish as they eventually did. James and I were entertained the rest of the night by watching everyone dance, and the later it got the more comical it got as those who had a little too much to drink were showing their hillarious dance grooves, and one guy even would come up to the laptop and do all these funny movements. It was better than watching TV for sure!

Before our night of Skyping ended, I talked with mom (who looked beautiful), my dad, and sister. I was grateful again we could Skype. Exhaustion hit me, so we ended the session saying byes and love yous.

I went to sleep right away and slept well. Even though I wasn't really there, I was just as tired as my day was busier and more exciting than normal. We decided the contractions were most likely due to all of the excitement of the day as they pretty much went away as I slept.

When I woke up, it felt good to eat breakfast as I didn't get to eat dinner. Then it was time for a morning stroll as Dr. Fitzpatrick has blessed me with 30 minutes a day to be wheeled outside. It felt so wonderful out early this morning. There was a nice cool breeze, the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and we saw a few rabbits hiding near the plants. It was a beautiful way to begin my morning. When I returned, I got monitors back on after a while and again relaxed to the calming sound of Asher's strong heart.

 Then a knock came to the door, and in walked who I was waiting to see since Wednesday. My mother-in-law brought Easton down to visit us. He gave me a hug and Asher a kiss. I told him how proud I was of him and how much I missed him. He cracked me up because he said he missed me too and that Papaw missed him too randomly. It was too cute. He then showed mommy and daddy his toys and backpack he got from my sister and Hunter for being ring bearer. He also showed us a moo cow Mamaw Fettes got him. He then played cars with me and shared lunch with daddy. Mamaw and Papaw Fettes were taking him to see a movie, so when it was time to go, Easton was ready . He ran up to me and told me he was going to a movie and he'd see me Wednesday. My mom and dad are getting him tomorrow and watching him until they bring him back Wednesday for James birthday and to spend some days with us. So it was hard to see him leave again, but I was so glad he was having fun and would see him soon. He kissed Asher, me, and daddy. Then daddy walked him out with Mamaw.

James then left to do somethings around home, while I napped as I was still tired. I woke up and Father Ed came to pray with me and give me Communion , as he did each Sunday since this amazing journey began. He enjoyed hearing about the wedding and seeing some pictures. I was again so blessed to have him come and pray with me and receive Jesus. It always is a wonderful way to start my week. Thank you Father Ed for your thoughtfulness and kindness! You mean so much to me and Asher too!

Before I conclude this post, I want to say Happy 29 weeks to our little miracle Asher! You are a fighter who amazes us with your miraculous strength each second. You have come from 2% survival to 95%! That is because God is Miraculous and Merciful. He is holding your tiny hand and fighting right with you just as your uncle Josh in Heaven is! We love you so much and can't wait to hold you. Keep fighting our little one! God is beautiful!!

Dear Loving God, Thank You for this amazing weekend filled with 2 very special events, my sister's wedding and Asher's 29 week milestone. You are so full of compassion, mercy, and miraculous works. Thank You for letting us be part of my sister's day. Thank You for giving them a beautiful wedding day. Thank You for the gift of outdoors. It felt so amazing to escape for a while. Thank You for a wonderful husband who stood by me all day yesterday and through everything I face. Most importantly, thank You for our little miracle Asher. Thank You for giving me the blessing of being part of my sister's day while staying here to be the strong mommy I want and need to be for Asher! You are beautiful in all Your ways! We trust in You with all our heart and know You will keep us safe, healthy, strong, and guide us to Your beautiful plan. We love You above all things! Amen.

Thank all of you for your unending thoughts and prayers. They mean so much and we constantly feel them surrounding us! You keep us strong as you climb with us in this miraculous fight. Let us unite with God, Josh, and all the Angels and Saints in this amazing fight. God is so merciful! Asher is sming inside me as he feels so blessed to have all of you praying for him. Lastly, congrats to Mr. And Mrs. Shults! I love you both so much!!