Savannah's Story - Part 3

To start with part one of Savannah's Story, go here:
http://habakkuk3.blogspot.com/2009/03/savannahs-story-part-1.html


page 15
Hundreds and thousands of people all around the world were lifting us before the throne.

I printed out some of the messages of love and prayers and pasted them into the book


page 16
Yet another page of messages from loving wonderful people. It would take the whole book to include all the notes I received. So caring. So kind.

Hundreds of messages of love and prayer at my Habakkuk 3 blog, Jewels' Eyes of Wonder blog, on Hearthkeepers, on Facebook, through MOMYS, and by email were such a blessing - assuring me that we were not alone...



page 17
After laboring through the night and four doses of cytotec, baby seemed to really be taking his time still.

I decided to move on to pitocin.

I printed out the update that Jewels posted on her Eyes of Wonder blog.




page 18
Two of my favorite hymns, both of which I've taught my children to sing in three or four part harmony over the years.

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
Oh, Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who but Thyself my guide and stay can be?
In cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me?

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee.
In life, in death, oh Lord, abide with me!




I am Jesus' little lamb.
Ever glad at heart I am.
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my needs and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same.
Even calls me by my name.

Day by day at home, away
Jesus is my staff and stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me.
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd's lamb.
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel hosts attended,
He shall fold me to His breast
Safely in His arms to rest.



God's peace has been with us so much in this time. Often it's a peace that can be felt, but sometimes it's not. Sometimes it is a peace that is only known. I KNOW God is in control, I KNOW that He loves me and has a beautiful purpose and plan that He is working out in all this. I KNOW that He is here holding us in the palm of His hand. And sometimes when I don't FEEL it, the just knowing has to be enough.





page 19
A beautiful Anne Geddes picture I found on the internet. I've always loved her photography of babies. :)

Over and over as I labored, God reminded me that we were in His hands. And because of His sovereignty and His love, we were right where we belonged...

He has bound his own hands in order that He might be glorified through His people

God gave me a song a week before Savannah was born.

It was so much fun collaborating with Cheri (my sister) over the phone to write the verse to go with the chorus that I had.

I had no idea, when I wrote that song, just how fitting it would be - how the words would echo again and again through my brain sustaining and comforting...

Page 20
The words of that song. (someday soon, I'll record it so that I can share the music too.)

Through God's Eyes (Savannah's Song)

Lord, I'm here. Right where I belong.
Where my Daddy holds me tight
And He wipes away my tears
And tells me that I'm precious in His sight.
Let the storm rage all around,
I'll see the snow fall gently down.
I'll see a wonderland of white,
A place of beauty shining bright.
And I'll trust -
And I'll praise -
And I'll choose to see my life through God's eyes.

Looking around, I could say nothing's going my way.
But I can't let my heart go to those dark places.
I will direct my eyes to the beauty that You're making.
So much higher are Your ways!
I will lift my hands and praise!

That's when I know I'm here - right where I belong.
Where my Daddy holds me tight
And He wipes away my tears
And tells me that I'm precious in His sight.
Let the storm rage all around.
I'll see the snow fall gently down.
I'll see a wonderland of white,
A place of beauty shining bright.
And I'll trust -
And I'll praise -
And I'll choose to see my life through God's eyes.

Every moment of every day, You're teaching me Your ways.
And You work all things for my good in every situation.
Give my doubting heart the faith
To see the picture that You're painting.
Give me eyes to truly see.
Put Your song of praise in me!

For that's when I know I'm here - right where I belong.
Where my Daddy holds me tight.
And He wipes away my tears
And tells me that I'm precious in His sight.
Let the storm rage all around,
I'll see the snow fall gently down.
I'll see a wonderland of white,
A place of beauty shining bright.

And I'll trust -
And I'll praise -
For I love watching You work out Your ways.
I know that You love me.

And I'll choose to see my life
Through God's eyes!






page 21
Finally - finally -
The contractions became stronger.

I began to be fearful how much longer I could bear it.

When the nurse checked and said I was 6 cm, I was sure we had a LONG way to go.

I usually stay at 6 for a long, long time.

So when she suggested calling the doctor, I said no.




God was SO good to me!

In the next contraction my water broke,

And in the next contraction, I birthed into Mike's own hands

not the Sean Wilmer we'd expected

but our sweet

Savannah Rose




One of the pictures Mike took of Savannah Rose in the Christening gown that each of our children has worn. She was so very tiny - just 4 lbs 15 oz. There was no obvious reason except perhaps the fact that her placenta, too was very small. Perhaps it just wasn't able to sustain her. Only God knows.

The quote at the top is part of a song that Mike mentioned whenever we talked about what we'd name this baby if it were a girl. It's from that old movie, Savannah Smiles

"When Savannah smiles, I hear someone saying, 'hey, loser, you just won.' When Savannah smiles those grey clouds start to prayin', 'bring on the sun'. Music, sweet music, lifts my soul, sets it free. Everything is fine every single time Savannah smiles at me. Oh smile, Savannah, just one more time for me."


Oh, how I look forward to the day when I will see Savannah's sweet smile. I know she is smiling now. :)


Tiny footprints and a lock of hair - light brown, like my Julihannah's.

Go on to part four of Savannah's Story: http://habakkuk3.blogspot.com/2009/03/page-23-certificate-from-hospital-in.html