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A Peak Inside Brannan's Nursery

Melissa Wozniak, a childhood friend of Jessica's, captured the innocence of our baby, Brannan John Sessums this past weekend in his nursery. While Melissa and Jessica have been seperated by hundreds of miles since 9th grade, their friendship has remained solid, each honoring the other by being bridesmaids in their weddings.

Birth announcement canvas painted by Jennifer Butler.
Precious little one.

Brannan showing his serious side.

Mommy & Daddy's wedding rings adorn Brannan's feet.

Diamond wedding band, belonging to Granny, was given to Jessica upon graduating from USM and plain wedding band, belonging to Mamaw, was given to Jessica the day that Brannan was born.

Bookshelf in Brannan's nursery stocked with books from friends and family.

Train canvases hanging above Brannan's changing table were created with love by Jennifer Butler.

My sweet Angel ~ love this little man of mine.

Love those chubby cheeks : ~)

Sweet dreams, Brannan.

This rocker, purchased by Mamaw & Papaw in 1927, has rocked five generations, including Brannan's great-grandmother, Mimi, his grandmother, Granna and his Mommy.

Resting on the bookshelves in Daddy's office.

Our precious Brannan.

My Daddy is the best Paramedical Instructor.

My precious daughter, Jessica & her sweet baby boy, Brannan.

Gotta have at least one photo representing Southern Miss.

From Start to Finish @ Wesley Medical Center ~ August 11 - 13, 2010

After being admitted Wednesday evening to Wesley Medical Center and an easy labor and delivery Thursday, Brannan John Sessums was introduced to his Mommy.

Brannan John Sessums, Mommy and Daddy ~ now their little family is complete. God has blessed them with a healthy pregnancy and delivery of a beautiful baby.

Bath time ~ hopefully, Brannan will learn to love bath time. But, isn't that a cute booty???

Daddy & Granna had a fun time dressing Brannan after his bath while the Nurse observes to make sure we're doing it just right.

First of many talks I will have with Brannan ~ we were discussing how much we already loved each other and how much fun it would be to attend Southern Miss athletic events together.

Dr. Jonathan Shook, Pediatrician with The Pediatric Clinic of Hattiesburg, checks Brannan out and reports that "he's a fine, healthy baby".

Mommy & Brannan in matching outfits from Old Navy. Aren't they cute ~ don't even look like they just got out of jail.

Brannan John Sessums ~ dressed and ready to go home with Mommy and Daddy. Only one day old and he's already stolen their hearts.

Mommy & Brannan are all smiles leaving Wesley Medical Center ~ thanks for the wonderful care you provided.

The Birth of Brannan John Sessums

Brannan John Sessums was born at Wesley Medical Center on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 2:48 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz and measured 19 1/4 inches in length.

Mommy admiring her precious son.

My personal favorite, Daddy and Son


Mimi, Papa & Brannan.


I think these two grown men are filled with pride.


Uncle Matthew is very proud for his sister, Jessica.

A Letter to My Grandson

Brannan John, I loved you from the time I knew your Mommy and Daddy had conceived you. The thoughts, emotions and fears that I've had during your Mommy's pregnancy have sometimes been overwhelming. But, God Almighty has sustained me and calmed my fears.

I saw your sweet body move inside your Mommy's womb...and loved you.
I heard your heartbeat...and loved you.
I pray for you daily...and love you.

I long to see you, hold you and love you.
I long to watch you grow...bigger, stronger.
I long to take you to Southern Miss football & baseball games.

I long for you to pick wildflowers for your Mommy.
I long for you to find frogs for your Daddy.
I long for you to give me wet kisses.

I long for you to begin pre-school.
I long for you to begin elementary school.
I long for you to begin junior high and high school.

I long for you to fall in love.
I long for you to have children.
I long for you to live a long fulfilled life.

And...for all of your life, I long for you to be my GRANDSON.

I love you with all my heart,
Granna

Thoughts of Becoming a Mom

As I anticipate the births of Brannan John Sessums and Greyson Matthew McQueen in a few short weeks, I have reached deep within my own memories of the births of Jessica and Matthew. While I do not ever remember it being this hot while I was pregnant, I do remember the anticipation of what my role would be in their care and upbringing.

Jessica was due to arrive on Sunday, March 29, 1981. I chose Beatrix Potter's "Peter Rabbit" for her nursery theme complete with yellow gingham accessories. On Wednesday prior to her due date, Lynne Stockstill (her godmother) and I went to Slidell to eat lunch at Wendy's. I remember Nannie asking me what I was gonna do if my water broke. I promptly and proudly replied, "we'll get a mop and clean it up". Without being too graphic, I'll just say "That's not quite how it's done".

Later that evening after dinner, I wasn't feeling just right ~ not sure how to describe it and decided I may need to be checked out at Crosby Hospital. Nannie drove me there and sure enough, I was in labor. I was placed on a hospital bed to experience first hand labor pains. Mimi drove down from Laurel to be with me and I must admit that labor wasn't bad at all. I remember lying on my left side (facing the bathroom door) and Mimi rubbing my lower back the entire night.

Early the next morning, Dr. Leo Gibson delivered our first-born, a beautiful daughter Jessica Lyn McQueen. She's been my pride and joy for the past 29+ years and I anticipate the joy that only she can experience when she holds her precious baby for the very first time.



My pregnancy with Matthew was fairly uneventful, except for what seemed like being pregnant the entire year of 1983. His expected due date was September 4, 1983 and everything was clicking along as planned. On August 18, Jessica and I rode the AmTrak to Laurel to visit Mimi and Papa. I'll bet you didn't know that riding a train at 8 1/2 months could put a woman into labor, did you??? I saw Dr. Gibson on the 19th and he said everything looked normal, even though I mentioned feeling a little different.

Again, after dinner that evening, I felt the need to be checked out at Crosby Hospital. Kenny stayed home with Jessica and Nannie reluctantly drove me to the hospital. I say reluctantly because Matthew wasn't due for another 2 weeks and the next day was Kenny's 27th birthday. He had asked me earlier in the pregnancy if I could have Matthew early. Being naive, I said "sure!!!" Nannie just thought I was wanting desperately to have a baby on Kenny's birthday. Needless to say, I was proud when the nurse informed us that I was indeed in labor.

Mimi once again drove from Laurel to be with me. This time around, I had attended childbirth classes so I was given an epidural for delivery. Actually, Mimi had attended the classes with me and was quite upset that she couldn't be in the delivery room.

Just like clockwork, early the next morning, Dr. Claude Blackburn delivered our second child, a son Matthew Kenneth McQueen. He has been my best friend and sports enthusiast for his almost 27 years.
Nothing pleases me more than to be anticipating the births of two precious grandsons. I pray that they will grow in stature and wisdom and always be faithful to themselves and their parents.

Brannan John Sessums, you have wonderful parents in Benji and Jessica. And Greyson Matthew McQueen, you have the same in Matthew and Gabrielle. Your parents will always love you, no matter what. And just remember, if Mommy and Daddy say no, just come ask Granna.

Showers, showers & more showers...

There has been a shower for every occasion ~ a shower for Granna, showers for Jessica & Brannan and showers for Gabrielle & Greyson. We had surprise showers, crawfish boil showers, brunch showers, fishing tournament showers, family showers...you name them, we've had them.

Jessica's co-workers held a baby shower for Brannan at Adventure Lake June 9.


Anna McCrory & Bethany Lott held a Baby Brunch for Brannan on June 5 at Jessica & Benji's home in Petal.


Brannan's family shower was hosted by Melissa Ogden & Jennifer Butler on June 12 at Jessica & Benji's home.



A baby shower for Greyson was held on July 17 at the home of Barry & Pat Lewis. The occasion was hosted by Big Mama, Aunt Linda, Aunt Bev, Stephanie & Amanda.

Greyson has all four great-grandmothers living and all were in attendance at the shower in his honor. L-R Big Mama, MawMaw, Gabrielle, Mimi & Nannie