Sweet child of ours...

We went for our OB appointment on Monday, Dec. 28th and had another ultrasound done. The last time we had one done (at the beginning of the month), Mr. Wiggle Pants decided to not let us see his little heart. So, we had one done Monday. I guess that's God's way of letting us be ablet o see him again. And it truly was. While the technician was performing the ultrasound, she pulled him up in 3D. We saw his cute little face and hands! It was so clear! Cole says he has my eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin, while I say he has Cole's lips. He is a perfect mixture of us together! Isn't God wonderful? I'll answer that - YES, HE IS! I will post photos later.

In the meantime, please pray for our family. I have an abscess on my left thigh that the OB thinks is staph. VERY PAINFUL! He said we caught it just in time. If I would have left it alone, it could have gotten into my bloodstream, which woul dhave affected Gabriel. So pray it heals up with the medicine he gave me to take, and that it doesn't get any worse. Also, I have been fighting a head cold, or something along those lines, for about a week now, but I am getting over it. However, Cole has it now. Pray for him that he will not only feel better, but get better VERY soon! Cole's acid reflux is improving, which is a blessing, and my nausea is no more! Well, with the occational moments or two.

Thanks for your many prayers and support through our exciting journey of parenthood! May God bless you! Belated Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Love in Christ,
The Logan's

Kickin' On

The feeling of your baby moving inside of you is one of the most amazing feelings I have ever felt. Last night, during the big storm that rolled through, Gabriel began kicking me and moving around. I called for Cole to come over. Once he laid his hands on my belly, Gabriel kicked me the hardest he had all day, and Cole's eyes widened in excitement. He was amazed at the miracle growing inside of me. He said it just reassures him that the baby really is inside of me. What a special gift for the daddy - to feel his child moving for the first time. It was a special night, and many more special nights (and days) to come!

Finding out the gender...a story to tell

December 4, 2009

Dear John Gabriel,

On December 3, 2009, we found out you were a boy! Your daddy and I are so excited to know that we are having you as our first child. We have both always wanted what God wanted to give us. I have always wanted two children, a boy and a girl, and your daddy "wants to start with one" (and he really wanted a boy first). Even though the "worldly" things convinced us we were having a little girl, God had other plans. The "Godly" signs were unexplainable until now. For example, when we bought our first home last year, the room that was intended to be yours was already painted blue! We also received some gifts from people at work that received them from other people they know (which was also a blessing from God). I got some maternity clothes from a lady who was already my size, a bassinette with a blue ribbon, and a car seat with a base that is blue and black. And we didn't even know that you were a boy yet! Isn't God good? We'll answer that - yes, He is.

The ultrasound was such a wonderful experience. You were definitely a mover! A very active little boy! We are going to have to have another ultrasound done next time to check your heart because you were moving so much the tech couldn't get a good look at it. But that's okay, because we love to see your little face. We got several photos of you this time. Your little feet, a profile of your face, your arm and leg, but one thing you made known was what you are. I had prayed all day that God would give us a clear-cut, defined answer to your gender, and within 10 seconds of the ultrasound, you made it known to us very assuringly. Thank you and thank the Lord God! You both took a load off of your mommy and daddy! We had been nervous that whole day waiting to see what you were and make sure everything was okay. Everything about you is perfect in our eyes and God's eyes. We love you and can't wait until we are able to meet you in person for the very first time.

I began feeling you move for the very first time on December 2, 2009, but I felt you move even more during the ultrasound. While the tech was pressing on my belly, I could see you on the screen moving and jumping. When you kicked really hard, I felt it in my belly! It was the coolest feeling ever! I felt you move even more during the rest of the day, and this morning as I was getting up. I can't wait to feel you move even more. According to the ultrasound tech, "You are going to be feeling him move a lot in the next few weeks!" All because you definitely are a little squirmer!

Papa and Mimi Brasher, Aunt Kristen, and first cousin Caden (on mommy's side) found out about you in the ultrasound room. Lindsay, the ultrasound tech, allowed everyone to come in and watch. They are so excited about you! Gigi (grandmother Tresa), Grandma and Grandpa Nesbitt (one set of great-grandparents), and Terry found out about you at Grandma and Grandpa Nesbitt's house. They wanted to hear in person all at the same time. We showed them the ultrasound photos (with the exception of the one of you showing your "stuff") to let them guess what you were. Gigi had her mind set that your were a boy anyway and bought you a blue baby blanket to give to us after she found out. We told them by pulling out a pair of blue baby slippers from under your daddy's jacket (We bought them before we went over to Gigi's house. We wanted to buy something for you once we found out what you were. Our first present to you...). We said, "It's a boy!" and they were so excited. We watched the ultrasound DVD so they could see you. They figured out quickly that you are a mover! We called Eddie and Donna (your other grandparents on your daddy's side - your daddy's dad and stepmom) as well as Mimi and Papa Logan (the other great-grandparents). They are so excited to have a boy in the family!

You were named John Gabriel Logan for a reason. "John" is after your grandfather Eddie (John Edward) and Great-grandfather Papa Logan (John Howard). "Gabriel" is after the arc angel Gabriel in the Bible. Your daddy and I were sitting in church one Sunday night, and both of us were told by God during that service that you were to be named Gabriel or Michael, after the arc angels. We both liked Gabriel, thus your name. Your name has much meaning behind it. You and everything about you (your room, gifts, name, timing, gender, etc.), EVERYTHING is God given and God sent. We love you so much and are so thankful, proud, and blessed to be your parents!

We will see you again on December 28, 2009. What a great way to end the year...seeing you again on ultrasound and hearing your little heart beating! We will see you then, but mommy can't wait to feel you again! (And daddy, too!) We love you!

It's A Boy!!!!!

Well, after 4 1/2 years of waiting to have children, we finally have found out the gender of our first child - A BOY! I had prayed for a long time to have a boy first so he can be the "big brother", carry on the family name, etc. We had convinced ourselves though that it was a girl, but God had other plans and His plans are ALWAYS the best ones! So, thank you Lord God for your many blessings you have given us, including this miracle. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A SON!!!! We a super excited and couldn't be happier. Now Cole will have someone to play trains, planes, and helicopters with. Awww! I can just see it now!

Jason Crabb Concert 11-22-09 @ VCOG

This was the best concert EVER! Out of all the places in the world, he was able to come to our little 'ole town of Vandiver, AL. THANKS JASON AND YOUR BAND! Here a few pics from that night...

Out of the Hospital

This pregnancy has been hard on not only me, but Cole as well. I am so proud of Him for being such a great sport and husband. He is so wonderful! I had to go to the ER at St. Vincent's Birmingham on Sat. 10/10/09. They gave me a bag of fluids and sent me home saying I had a virus. They didn't even check the baby's heartbeat, which not only made me upset, but also my doctor when he found out about it on Tuesday (that's coming). Then on Monday, 10/12/09 I stayed home sick. Cole's grandparents came to visit and after they left, they had to turn around to come right back. Papa was having a heart attack. So, I played nurse and we got him to the hospital in the ambulance. He had 3 blockages, which led to 3 stents being put in. Then on Tues. 10/13/09, I return to work from being out sick. But I didn't stay for very long. I was forced :) to lay down by my coworkers. My BP was orthostatic, and I was very dizzy. I ended up going to my OB/GYN, which then led to a 3day hospital stay. I was dehydrated and being treated, not only for that, but hyperemesis gravidus (extreme morning sickness). Now, it is Monday 10/19/09 and I am back at work. I don't have much energy today, but enough to get me through the workday. We appreciate any and all the prayers of everyone this week. Please continue to pray for me, the baby, Cole, and our family. Thank you and God bless~!

It's Almost Time

Only 3 days left before our first doctors appointment for our beautiful baby. I am praying we get to have an ultrasound done and hear the baby's heartbeat. I know I am going to cry! We are both very excited and blessed to be able to have a little one growing inside of me. We have been extremely patient over the past 4 1/2 years on waiting to have a baby. Goodness, I look back and I remember the days when I though to myself, "Are we ever going to have a child? Graduation is never going to get here!" Now here I am graduated, have my RN licensure and a stable job that I love, and pregnant! Oh, how wonderful God is truly is. There is a song that I have fallen in love with by Addison Road called "What Do I Know of Holy". It basically says that we are not going to be able to understand the greatness, holiness, and wonder of God until we see Him face to face. Oh how much we take Him for granted everyday. But I praise Huim everyday for everything He has done for Cole and I and our family, friends, loved ones, and people we do and do not know. THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING!

We're Back!

Well, I should have posted this a few days ago. But we had such a wonderful time in Panama City Beach, FL. Although it did rain all day on Saturday, we still had fun at Gulf World. The sea lion and dolphin shows were the best! We had to come the next day (and it was a beautiful day, of course) and boy was it a long ride! I felt like we were never going to get home! I was sick the whole time we were down there. I couldn't even look at the food in the refrigerator, not even open the door without feeling nauseous. Isn't that terrible? I didn't enjoy the food at the places that we absolutely love to go (Pineaplle Willy's Hook's, etc.), and it definitely wasn't because of the food...just me. I am certainly praying all this morning (and day, and evening, and night) sickness goes away at the end of the first trimester. That would be such a blessing. But either way, it's going to be worth it in the end. Now we are dealing with rain here. But that is another story all on it's own.

Morning Sickness

Okay, this morning sickness has just about gotten the best of me some days. Until today, I have been able to handle it without having an uptake. Well, I guess there's a first time for everything! I have to keep telling myself "It's going to be worth it; it's going to be worth it!" It truly is going to be worth it all in the end when our precious baby gets here. Then I will forget about all the sickness, the hard-to-sleep nights, and I-never-want-to see/hear/think/eat-that-again thoughts I have had. Cole is such a trooper through all of this, though. Very supportive! He is always checking on me to make sure I am alright, not stressed, and not hungry. He is such a wonderful husband! At least he doesn't have to deal with the actually nausea...just me :) He has done so well with the cravings I have had, even though they change every minute I turn around. Seriously, Every minute! I can be wanting something one minute, and the next I don't want anyone to even mention it! I know that sounds funny, but it doesn't feel funny to me :( But I hear all this will go away after the first trimester (12 weeks). I am 8 weeks tomorrow, so only 4 more to go! Let's just pray I am a blessed one and it does happen that way...and doesn't last the whole pregnancy! God, please bless me... (and Cole!)

Just one more day to go...

This time tomorrow Cole and I will be in the car on the way to the beach for a much needed vacation. Sun bathing (but not too much, considering), relaxing, sleeping, putt-putt, spending time with my love...what more could a girl ask for? Although we will not be able to go helicopter riding or take a rid eon the Sea Screamer, we will still be able to enjoy ourselves with other things. I think we are going to go to Gulf World and Shipwreck Island Water Park. There are plenty of rides there that I can still do while I am carrying a precious little one. The ones I won't be able to ride I wouldn't do anyway! :) I am not much of a dare-devil. Until then, I am going to be at work today with no patients or doctor, so movies and the computer will have to satisfy my time here. Only 8 hours to go! Then it's home to begin packing, then to the parents house to visit, and then to church for Bible Study. Somewhere in between all of this today I want to get a nap...huh! Let's see if that happens!

Rock-A-Bye Mommy...

The sleepiness has definitely hit the fan! I never take naps and I took 2 yesterday...2! I guess that's mommy-patrol coming in. Even though I am very anxious to see our precious bundle of joy, I am very exhausted. I guess I need to get the naps in now while I can :) Cole is super excited, too. He bought me flowers the other day - 2 red roses and 1 white mini rose to symbolize the two of us and the new baby. It was the sweetest thing ever! I cried when I saw them. He is so thoughtful!

Vacation Time

Cole and I are going on our long awaited vacation this weekend! Panama City here we come! Now if I can only get this nausea under control...Sprite seems to help a little, but I feel like I am eating all the time. This is not the time to feel bloated when we are going to the beach! :) But in the end it is all worth it when our little bundle of joy gets here in April/May! I here the morning sickness will go away after the first trimester...let's pray that it will! Keep us in your prayers as we try to relax this weekend.

Alright, I can officially say it to the world now...WE'RE EXPECTING! Our first baby is due end of April/early May and we can not be any more extactic! This beautiful miracle has been over 4 years in the making. We are so blessed and pray God's guidance on us through this wonderful journey of parenthood!

Exciting News!

Cole and I have recently found out some very exciting news...more information to come later! Just please continue to pray for us! God has blessed us so much in the past 4 years of our marriage, and year #5 is coming fast!

Shannon's Photography

I just updated my website! Go check out the new photos added! While you are there, register for my webpage. You will receive updates, promotions, etc via email! I am going to update it soon again with more photos in the "wedding" and "senior" photo galleries. Right now I am going to go back to work - while it continues to rain...Maybe the power won't go out again today... :) Have a blessed day and be a blessings to others!

First timer...

Alright...I finally decided it was time to do this. Everyone seems to be :) Keep a check on this site for updates on our life together as well as updates on Shannon's Photography. If you need more information pertaining to the photography, you can visit our website at www.freewebs.com/sloganphotography. Thanks for visiting!

In Christ Alone,
Shannon N. Logan