NATHANIEL JON PHILLIPS

The biggest gift God could give us arrived in our arms on October 21, 2008. Nathaniel Jon Phillips, weighing in at 7lbs 15oz, and 20 1/2 inches long, is the best miracle both Jack and I could have recieved. A beautiful son, something niether Jack nor I deserved, yet still, God gave to us. I never imagined something so small changing your whole life. I look at him yet today, two weeks later and still get tears in my eyes, knowing that I carried this little boy in my womb for 10 months and now he is here, healthy, happy and absolutely beautiful. It was a long and strenuous labor and delivery and although I thought Nathaniel was never going to make an appearance, I thank the Lord for bringing him out of the womb healthy and with no complications. Nathaniel Jon has a very big meaning to both Jack and I, Nathaniel is in memory of my little brother that passed away at 6 months of age a year younger than me, and Jon is in memory of Jack's younger brother that is handicapped. What a special little boy we have!!!!

I thank God everyday for my husband, bringing him to me a year ago and now for my son, a part of both Jack and I. I pray now Jack and I will raise Nathaniel to know the Lord and look to him in everyday of life, because without the Lord we can do nothing.

Being a first time mom, I am constantly worrying about Nathan. I was on the phone with my very wise mother the other day. A mother who had 7 kids and lost a very special little boy 27 years ago, also named Nathaniel. She said something to me that brought tears to my eyes but yet was so true, something I would like to leave with all of you that read this. She told me, "Shelly always remember Nathaniel is not yours, he is Gods, and he is only here for a short amount of time for you to take care of, love and learn from. But keep in mind the Lord will give and take when he feels it is time, so instead of stressing something will happen to him, enjoy every minute you can spend with him!!!"