November 2008 Births in Pascagoula

Nov. 2

Carmen Ceola Marie Castillo, born to Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto Louis Castillo (Courtney Symathia McCorvey) of Pascagoula.

Nov. 3

Jackson Anthony Ray Ulan, born to Lucille Michelle Ulan of Moss Point.

Nov. 4

Kaleb Ashton McCardle, born to Mr. and Mrs. James C. McCardle (Donna Michelle Fore) of Pascagoula.

Nov. 5

Jacoby Dillon Sprinkle, born to Mr. and Mrs. Bob Sprinkle (Keitha Machelle Derise) of Gautier.

Domonick Donte Tolliver, born to Dominique Lashaun Mitchell of Pascagoula.

Nov. 6

Navaeh Malecya Walley, born to Genesis Frenita Walley of Moss Point.

Nov. 7

Audrey Claire Becker, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jared Michael Becker (Diana Jill Wixon) of Pascagoula.

Gabriel James Whigham, born to Mr. and Mrs. James Lee Whigham (Samantha Renea Dickson) of Moss Point.

Nov. 10

Nathan Tyler Veara, born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anthony Veara (Tabitha Leanne Minchew) of Moss Point.

Brooklyn Kay Byron, born to Keisha Shiree Rogers of Lucedale.

Brooklyn Monroe Craven, born to Tiffany Brooke Ladnier of Vancleave.

Latravis Deangelo Mitchell, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Norris Mitchell (Fredia Patrice McLeod) of Moss Point.

Nov. 11

Jaelyn Elizabeth Lister, born to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Eric Lister (Jennifer Jill Lynch) of Lucedale.

Saniya Janae' Scott, born to Atara Tywann East of Pascagoula.

Nov. 12

Brooklyn Olivia Moncada, born to Nicole Renee Zielinski of Moss Point.

Nov. 13

Sawyer Everett Windham, born to Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Mark Windham (Melissa Leigh Hawkins) of Pascagoula

Alexis Rihanna Rogers, born to Cassie Nicole Rogers of Pascagoula.

Jamila Danielle Starks, born to Shameccia Latoya Starks of Pascagoula

Nov. 14

Ava Elizabeth Green, born to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Daniel Green (Kayla Louise Emerson) of Moss Point.

Nov. 17

Ralph Willis III, born to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Willis Jr. (Shaterrica Rochelle Benjamin) of Moss Point.

Caleb Wayne Sylvest, born to Julia Ann Stokes of Moss Point.

Nov. 18

Owen Michael Estroso, born to Jessica Louise Dunn of Pascagoula.

Ocean Springs Births ...... Nov. 2 to 24, 2008 

Nov. 2

Brent David Thompson, born to Mr. and Mrs. David Warren Thompson (nee Holly Ann Mack) of Vancleave. 

Nov. 3

Dodie Deanna Newton, born to Heber Trent Newton and Stephanie Ann Yawn of Seminary.

Abbey Lynn Carnley, born to Joshua Louis Carnley and Milissa Marie Dalton of Vancleave.

Kaydance Jayde Culpepper, born to Tobey Charles Culpepper Jr. and Chanel Elizabeth Poole of Lucedale. 

Nov.  4

Koven Joseph Bonfiglio, born Joseph Peter Bonfiglio and Jennifer Marie Wilson of Moss Point.

Nov. 6

Khloe Jena Vaughn, born to Jason Dennis Vaughn and Jennifer Lynn Rhymes of Perkinston.

Nov. 7

William Adridge Holmes, born to Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Ray Holmes II  (nee Candice Christina Hocutt) of Lucedale. 

Kira Grace Parker, born to Mr. and Mrs. Stacey Ledale Parker (nee Melody Rose Clark)  of Moss Point.

Kathryn Olivia Moree, born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Alco Moree (nee Kelly Leann Rogers) of Moss Point.

Chandler James Tanner, born to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher James Tanner (nee Megan Nichole Stringer) of Lucedale.

Alyssa Grace Murphy, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Jobe Murphy (nee Jessica Leighann Humphrey) of Gautier.

Nov. 8

Jacelyn Marie Carroll, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Christopher Carroll (nee Jenna Marie Servov) of Ocean Springs.

Nov. 10

Dylan Michael Reimann, born to Christopher Michael Reimann and Kelly Ann Galle of Biloxi.

Nov. 11

Stephen Landyn Williams II, born to Stephen Williams Jr. and Sara Christina Lee of Ocean Springs.

Nov. 12

Molly Grace McCullum, born to Earl McCollum and Rebecca Ann Tolar of Pascagoula. 

Nov. 13

Levi Thomas Washington, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thomas Washington (nee Modesta Rachelle Fountain) of Vancleave.

Sophie Olivia Havard, born to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Adam (nee Heidi Mistina Hilbun) of Lucedale.

Khloe Olivia Byrd, born to Kevin Oneil Byrd and Lataira Shaniea Gildersleeve of Moss Point.

Joee Annice Crawley, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Malcolm Crawley (nee Jessica Shea Baker) of Lucedale.

Nov. 14

Jaylen D'Shaun Chatman, born to Donald Javon Chatman and Nakita Nicole Buxton of Vancleave.

Hailey Ann LeBeau, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael James LeBeau (nee Katherine Pearle Feazell) of Gulfport.

Karsen Laine Ellzey, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Keith Ellzey (nee Christine Lynn Bailey) of Ocean Springs

Edward August Miller II, born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gunther Miller II (nee Teresa Ann Hood) of Lucedale.

Nov. 15

Kolton Justin Webb, born to Paul Justin Webb and Candance Faye Miller of Lucedale.

Nov. 17

Autumn Makenna Wells, born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Holmes Wells (nee Samantha Jo Foreman) of Pascagoula. 

Nov. 18

Julia Avery Wallace, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jon Earl Wallalce (nee Lauren Julia HUbal) of Ocean Springs

Breanna Lynn Walters, born to Crystal Courtney Walters of Lucedale.

Michael Allen Ingram, born to Luke Pelham Ingram and Valorie GlennonO-Rae Hanson of D"Iberville.

Adam David Wright, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael David Wright (nee Dena Darleen Boatman) of Gautier. 

Ethan Wayne Grundel, born to Mr. and Mrs. William Richard Grundel (nee Nicole Genae Wilson) of Ocean Springs.

Gabriella Sinclaire Allred, born to Mr. and Mrs. Byron Keith Allred (Ashley Dawn Meadows)  of Ocean Springs. 

Nov. 19

Taylor Grace Barnes, born to Cory James Barnes and Carrie Grace Freeman of Lucedale.

Lillian Mae Lipp, born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Monty Lipp (nee Angel Mae Dean) of Vancleave.

Wyatt Grey Tillman, born to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wayne Tillman (nee Christi Grey Carter) of Theodore, Ala.

Larry Tyler Randolph Carroll, born to David Anthony Carroll and Jennifer Ann Russell of Ocean Springs.

Bailey Renee Gillis, born to Michael Aaron Gillis and Sarah Renee Rayborn of Moss Point.

Nov. 20

Nicholas Paul Gruich Jr., born to Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas Paul Gruich (nee April Rachelle Higginbotham) of Biloxi.

Faith Alyssa Morgan, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremie James Morgan (nee Kimberly Ann Harvey) of Ocean Springs.

Steven Daniel Hayes, born to Mr. and Mrs. Justin Noel Hayes (nee Stephanie Lyn Walmsley) of Ocean Springs. 

Malik Malachi Williams, born to Gregory Pernel Williams and Pamela Denise Montgomery of Moss Point. 

Nov. 21

Owen David Smith, born to Steven Edward Smith and Victoria Leigh Hood of Pascagoula.

Draden Terry-Howard Ratleff, born to Shequita Renee Ratliff of Moss Point. 

Ryman Clark McCoy, born to Mr. and Mrs. Derek Channing McCoy (nee Misty Michelle Smith) of Moss Point

Kaylee Jordyn Sherman, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Eugene Sherman (nee Megan Renee Webb) of Ocean Springs.

Alyssa Rylee Rayner, botn to Mr. and Mrs. Randell Pat Rayner (nee Barbara Lee Clayton) of Moss Point.

Nov. 24

Brycen Lee Salinas, born to Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Cesar Salinas (nee Victoria Camille Graves) of Perkinston.

Jackson Roy Spear, born to  Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Arthur Spear Jr. (nee Kimberly Kay Boatman) of Gulfport. 

Hiatus ... ends in 2009

It's Your Birthday Babies was on hiatus during much of October, November and December due to economic/technical upgrades.

Because everyone's child is precious and important, updates from 2008 will be posted during early part of this new year as we keep current as possible through 2009.

We apologize for the inconvenience to our families and visitors, and we thank you for your patience and all your support.

Again, thanks so much.

ExcelLent School Celebration at the Beach

Hundreds of children and their families gathered at Beach Park on Oct. 18, 2008, to celebrate Pascagoula becoming an Excel-By-5 Certified City.

Brice Wiggins, chairman of the Pascagoula Excel-by-5 Coalition, welcomed the large crowd. Wiggins gave a special thanks to Chevron Inc. for providing the seed money for the Pascagoula program, one of four pilot sites in Mississippi. ...

More Photos and story by Debbie Anglin

Alyssa Smith

A month from today Alyssa Smith of Schertz, Texas, and her mother Terri will have a lot to celebrate, as has been the case for the last 20 years.

Thanksgiving 2008 will be another very special day for the young woman, who expects to turn 21 in February 2009.

Alyssa was 21 months old when she became the first recipient of a liver from a living donor, who was her mother Teri Smith, according to http://www.todayinscience.com/%2011/%2011%2027.htm.

"On Nov. 27, 1989, Dr. Christoph Broelsch's team of doctors at the University of Chicago Hospitals implanted part of a woman's liver in her 21-month-old daughter in the world's first successful living donor liver transplant. Alyssa Smith from Schertz, Texas, received a portion of her mother Teri's liver.
"Dr. Broelsch performed the first liver transplant using a segment of a cadaver liver while at the University of Hannover in 1984. At the University of Chicago, he performed the first segmental transplant in the United States (1985), the first split-liver transplant (one donor, two recipients) in the U.S. (1988) and developed the technique for transplantation from a living donor. "

Thanksgiving all around.

On Nov. 27, 2003, President George W. Bush secretly flew to Iraq to spend Thanksgiving with American troops, says www.infoplease.com

At http://www.todayinsci.com/ learn the 50th, 100th and 200th science anniversaries marked by Year 2008.

Brody Michael Long

Brody Michael Long turned "1 year old" on Aug. 8, joining older brothers Presley and Taylor.

His parents are Bo and Crystal Long.

Grandparents include Howard and Pam Hubbard and Mike and Jerri Long.
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Great-grandparents are Aubrey and Elaine Baty, BG and Louise McDaniel, Joyce Fancher, the late Russell and Helen Hubbard, the late Earline Williamson and the late Walter Long.

Makyla Lynn Treece

Makyla Lynn Treece will celebrate her "1st" birthday this Friday, Sept. 25.

Her parents are Tony and Heather Treece.

Relatives also marking the joyous celebration are grandparents Sheila Carver, Chuck and Debbie Carver and Darlene Treece. Makyla is also the grandchild of the late Lynn Treece.

Great-grandparents are Kenneth and Faye McLeod, Robert Nelson, Lee and Sue Jean Carver and Peggy Baker.

Gustav Babies Born in Louisiana and Arkansas

Two babies were born during Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall in Louisiana on Sept. 1, about 50 plus miles west of New Orleans.

Audrey Bickham, daughter of Jennifer and Thomas Bickham of Central, La., came into the world at the height of the storm, according to Keitha Nelson with WAFB News.

Nelson reported that Audrey was born at home after 50-mile per hour winds and heavy rain made it impossible for emergency personnel to reach the family.

Family delivers baby at home during Hurricane Gustav

Posted Sept. 12, 2008 @ www. wafb.com

The Bickhams and Jennifer's mother helped with the home birth, said Nelson,

"I told him, I was like, ‘I don't want to have my baby at home.' But you gotta do what you gotta do," Jennifer Bickham said.

The family says it had quite a few frightening moments. The baby girl silently arrived with no crying or screaming. It turns out that Audrey was asleep.

"My mom caught her and she rubbed her face and then she cried. Then, I was like, ‘Okay I can exhale now,'" said Bickham.

Gustav Baby born in Arkansas

Posted Sept 2, 2008 @ CountOn2News

Evan Michael Kozman was born Sept. 1 in Little Rock, Ark., after his mother and family had evacuated from Slidell, La.

He is the son of Lauren Kozman, who gave birth to her first child, Matthew, in Dallas, Texas, where she had evacuated for Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

EXCELebration set for Oct. 18

The Pascagoula School District has planned an EXCELebration in honor of Pascagoula's official recognition as a certified Early Childhood Community.

The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at Beach Park, and include pre-school children from birth to age 5 and their families.

Festivities includes games, activities, a children's parade, jump booths, storybook characters and food.

Debbie Anglin, communications director, said four years of hard work by business, government, education, childcare, church and community representatives have gone into meeting the requirements to become an Excel By 5 community.

Anglin said the community based educational program is designed to improve a child's overall well being by age 5. It aims to prepare students physically, mentally, academically and socially for the start of pre-school.

"Funded with a $650,000.00 grant from Chevron Inc, the program is currently underway in Cleveland, West Point, Mid Jackson, Monroe County, Petal, Pascagoula and Moss Point," said Anglin.

For more information contact Debbie Anglin, Director of Communications, Pascagoula School District, 228-938-6503 or danglin@psd.k12.ms.us .

Births in Pascagoula ..... April 1 to 29, 2008

April 1
Tyler Lee Rogers, born to Megan Gayle Rogers of Pascagoula.

April 2
Andrew Tyler Slider, born to Mr. and Mrs. William Jeremy Slider (nee Beverly Ann Owens) of Moss Point.
Loren Ashton Anderson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Scott Anderson (nee Ashley Pugh) of Gautier.

April 3
Brandon Lee Anthony, born to Mrs. and Mrs. Marcus Ray Anthony (nee Leann Michelle Hicks) of Pascagoula.

April 4
Ramavion Carniche Smith, born to Samarta Catrice Smith of Pascagoula.

April 7
Willie Emmanuel Sims Jr., born to Mrs. and Mrs. Willie Emmanuel Sims (nee Melody Lasand Stevens) of Moss Point.

April 8
Skylah Michaela Goodman, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Adrain Goodman (nee Sheila Maxine Archer) of Moss Point.
Abigail Grace Danis, born to Mr. and Mrs. Eric David Danis (nee Stephanie Leanne Bowen) of Moss Point.

April 9
Conner Eugene Edgington, born to Mr. and Mrs. Logan Eugene Edgington (nee Stephanie Renee Avery) of Gautier.

April 10
John Aaron Carter, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wayne Carter (nee Erin Israel) of Moss Point.
Lily Grace Thames , born to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy John Tames (nee Jennifer Christine White)of Lucedale.

April 11
Brooklyn Jade Brannon, born to Mr. and Mrs. Derryl Wayne Brannon (nee Shana Rebecca Touchard) of Moss Point.
Ja'Mya Aamari Thomas, born to Briana Monai Thomas of Moss Point.
Ansley Kate Sisk, born to Nicole Elaine Scott of Pascagoula.
Hannah Marie Dickerson, born to Mr. And Mrs. Jacob Lamar Dickerson (nee Katie Marie Seab) of Moss Point.

April 12
Makayia Lane Thornton, born to Kirstie Lane Mallette of Moss Point.

April 13
Ka'Darious Adon Hall, born Perteaser Reshunda Brandon of Moss Point.

April 15
Kaitlyn Fay Walls, born to Mr. and Mrs. Brian Matthew Walls Sr. (nee Robin Meryl Smith ) of Pascagoula.
Jayda Alise McMorris, born to April Lenel McMorris of Moss oint
Keyona Nicole Jones, born to Nikki Lee Jones of Moss Point.

April 16
Trenton Lucas Miller, born to Heather Christine Reeves of Pascagoula.

April 18
Jayden Tyron Patterson, born to Tara Rene Patterson of Gautier.
Danny Eugene Kitchens III, born to Mr. and Mrs. Danny Eugene Kitchens Jr. (nee Kimberly Ann Culpepper) of Pascagoula.

April 19
Gabriel Gha'is Hasan, born to Mr. and Mrs. Muhammamd Gha'is Hasan (nee Tenisha Danielle Stallworth) of Pascagoula.
Seth Joseph Roach, born to Robin Michelle Beasley of Escatawpa.

April 21
Aliyah Chyanne Miller, born to Mr. and Mrs. James Robert Miller (nee Rheannon Michelle Roberts) of Moss Point.

April 24
Kelan Lamar Underwood, born to Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Allison Underwood (nee Lakelia Shontea Davison) of Moss Point.
Avery Lee Guillotte, born to Gina Marie Freeman Connely of Vancleave.
Collin Derrick Locklear, born to Christy Marie Hill and Derrick Lavon Locklear.
Alvin Elijah McCorvey Jr., born to Alisha Shantel Hawthorne of Moss Point.

April 25
Hayley Grace Sharlow was born April 25, to Mr. And Mrs. Jeffrey John Sharlow (nee Cindy Mae Ramsey) of Moss Point.
Carly Sueanna Smith, born to Ashley Sueanna Pennington.
James Caden Harris, born to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Anthony Harris Jr. (nee Kristi Gainelle George) of Moss Point.

April 26
Patrick Brady Vernon, born to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Scott Vernon (nee Carly Gaskin) of Pascagoula.

April 28
Waylon Joseph Farmer, born to Mr. and Mrs. William Spencer Farmer (nee Tara Lynn Dufrene) of Lucedale.
Memphis Parker Keebler, born to Mr. and Mrs. Garland Bert Keeble (nee Kiley Donell Mason) of Vancleave.
Lilee Christine Bernard, born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clifton Bernard (nee Christine Jenkins) of Moss Point.

April 29
Garrett Wilson Berman, born to Vanessa Leigh Wilson of Pascagoula

The Babysitter -- and Motherhood

There's loads of controversy about whether motherhood should begin while women are young and at the beginning of a career outside the home, or if it should be delayed until a woman is well established in a career. As well, motherhood may be the career altogether, or not at all.

Michelle Goodman, contributing author with abcnews.com, discusses the pros and cons of the timing of motherhood.

Career Choice: Motherhood Now or Later

Wake Up, Smell the Discrimination and Look Out for Your Career

Moss Point Quadruplets "Doing Well"

Myya Robinson said the quadruplets of Coach Matt and Sandra Cochran are doing great, according to their father.


"I understand they are doing well," she said late Wednesday afternoon.


Moss Point Schools Help Welcome Four Bundles Of Joy
Posted Aug. 14, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

Robinson, communications director for the Moss Point School District, said she has not had a chance to talk with the coach in the last week or so. School district officials are still recovering from emergency preparations and South Mississippi's evacuation for Hurricane Gustav.

"I was trying to let him get back into the swing of things," she said.



Robinson did say teachers have been reminded of the district's Diaper Drive to help support the seven-member family, which now includes Cannon, Gunner, Lauren, and Avery. Their older sister is 3-years-old.

Moss Point Quadruplets (video)
Posted August 2008 @ www.videos.sunherald.com

The quadruplets were born Aug 18 at University of South Alabama Women and Children's Hospital in Mobile, Ala.

Quadruplets Arrive A Little Early
Posted Aug. 20, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

"We are collecting on an ongoing basis," said Robinson. "We are going to run through the end of September. We will make some type of presentation to the family about mid- to late October."

Robinson will provide a press release to the media once definite date and plans have been set for the Diaper Drive presentation.

Drive Helps Parents of Quadruplets
Posted Aug. 18, 2008 @ www.sunherald.com

The couple's newest children were all underweight:
Cannon Gregory - 2 pounds 11 ounces
Gunner Cole - 3 pounds 1 ounce
Lauren Kathryn - 2 pounds 10 ounces
Avery Caroline - 2 pounds 8 ounces

Quadruplets On the Way (video)
Posted August 2008 @ youtube/Fox10News.com

In the hospital since June, their mother remained at the Ronald McDonald house about two weeks after giving birth.

"It would be at least eight weeks before they can come home," Robinson said.

The Moss Point School District is encouraging everyone in the community to get involved in the Diaper Drive. Residents may drop off donations at any Moss Point school campus, or call the district office at (228) 474-3399.

Excel By 5 Approved for Moss Point School District

Coalition to Meet With Program State Director

MOSS POINT (Aug. 21, 2008) -- The Moss Point School District recently received notice that its application for implementation of the Excel By 5 Program has been approved.

Excel By 5 is a program that focuses on equipping parents of children from birth to five years with necessary tools to be ready to enter kindergarten.

Moss Point would be the second district in South Mississippi to implement the program. Pascagoula, Petal, West Point and Cleveland are all certified Excel By 5 communities.

Moss Point School District officials met with Excel by 5 State Director Ann Jo Lemons on Aug. 22 to find out more about the next steps to take to make the vision of Excel by 5 a reality in Moss Point.

The district’s Excel By 5 Coalition also attended the meeting held at the Carl Eley Administration Building on Church Street. The coalition is made up of community representatives, health care providers, early childhood educators, and parents.
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Contact Myya Robinson at 474-3399 for more information.

Moss Point School Distric Kicks Off Diaper Drive

Cochran Family Gets Ready for Quadruplets

Moss Point School District
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008

The Moss Point School District is reaching out to its fellow employee.

Sandra Cochran, wife of Moss Point High School teacher and athletic coach Matt Cochran, will be welcoming not one, not two, not three, but four newborns into their lives in the coming weeks.

The Cochrans are overcome with joy about their little gifts from the stork, and have begun to prepare.

“We have a white board to keep up with the daily schedule of babies,” says Matt Cochran. “It’s going to be a big challenge, but I can’t wait.”

Moss Point schools are helping the Cochrans with their new additions. The district has kicked into gear a Diaper Drive to help with baby diapers and other necessities.

According to DiaperSafari.com, each newborn will need around 12 diapers a day, which brings the total to 48 a day!

The anticipation is felt throughout the whole family; even the couple’s 3-year-old Hannah-Noelle is both ecstatic and confused.

“It’s been hard on her, not knowing why mommy is not home,” says Coach Cochran. “But she knows she will soon have new brothers and sisters.”

Sarah Cochran has been placed on bed rest and observation for the remainder of her term.
However, that has not stopped the family from a cheerful countdown to birthday zero.

“We are at the home stretch,” states Cochran with a smile. “Everything is going according to plan.”

The quadruplets will be named Cannon, Gunner, Lauren, and Avery Cochran.

To donate diapers or necessities to the Diaper Drive, contact Myya Robinson or Grenita Capilla at 474-3399.

Births in Ocean Springs ... June 24 to 30, 2008

June 24
Brendan Dwain Stephen, born to Brandon Lee Stephen and Summer Michelle Burk of D'Iberville.
Semaj Allen Bomani James, born to Marcus Ryan James and Myiesha Danielle Bridges of Theodore, Ala.
Ken'Yun Ladatren Isiah Brown, born to Carrie Michelle Brown of Pascagoula
Kylie Marie Jamison, born to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Daniel Jamison (nee Kay Carol Burns) of Gautier.

June 25
Jaiden Dale Todd, born to Felicia Marie Todd of Ocean Springs.
Cole Bradford Jones, born to Mr. and Mrs. David C. Jones Jr. (Nee Nicole Diane Tirrell) of Ocean Springs.
Joshua Donavon Broadnax, born to Lakeshia Shanta Broadnax of Moss Point.

June 26
Braydon Lee Gregg, born to Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Lee Gregg (nee Brandy Louise Couley) of Moss Point.
Jada Lidia Sullivan, born to Luis Daniel Rivier and Kay Lindseey Sullivan Gibson of Gautier.
Kailei Azlynn Drewes, born to Chad Everett Drewes andKelly Jean Rowell of Ocean Springs.

June 27
Sierra Gwyn Gunter, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Merle Gunter (nee Christine Lynette Hart) of Hurley.
Cheyenne Tinlee Waltman, born to Mr. and Mrs. Justin Brednt Waltman (nee Tessa Dawn Gilliland of Pascagoula.
Taylor Brooke Wyatt Poole, born to Chase Nathaniel Poole and Heather Denise Wyatt of Pascagoula.
Elizabeth Ann Kennedy, born to Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Craig Kennedy (nee Isabell Rebecca Smith) of Lucedale.

June 28
John Kristopher Hempstead II, born to Mr. and Mrs. John Kristopher Hempstead (nee Emily Earline Holliman) of Lucedale

June 29
Sicilia Jean York, born to Matthew Dilon York and Alisea Camille Menna of Ocean Springs

June 30
Spencer Kane Wilson, born to Brooke Elizabeth Wilson of Gautier.

Crawl, Baby, Crawl

Dagan Keith Schorghofer

GULFPORT - Dagan Keith Schorghofer weighed 4 pounds and 7 ounces when he was born April 29, 2008, at Memorial Hospital Gulfport. He measured 16 ½ inches long.

He is the second son of Amanda Cleveland and Jonathan Schorghofer of Gulfport, whose older son is Gavin.

Reggie and Gwen Cleveland Smith of Eastbuchie, Miss., and the late Keith Cleveland of Long Beach, Miss., are maternal grandparents. Paternal grands are Peggy Schorghofer of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and Joseph Schorghofer of Pyatt, Ark.

It takes all kinds of mothers to rock the cradle and tell the story of our lives. Otherwise, we all quack up.

Happy B!rthday South M!ss!ss!pp!

One day while looking through newspaper obituaries it dawned on me that an awful lot of children were frequently listed in those columns. That was shocking to me. Especially the number of infants.

Mississippi has the highest newborn mortality rate in the United States, according to a report at CBS Evening News on June 2, 2007.

Still, and with concern from health officials, teen birth rates are up for the first time in 15 years, while child deaths from injuries is down, according to a July 2008 article by HealthDay News.

During my childhood my Aunt Elizabeth said my mother had a miscarriage and lost the son she always wanted. She grieved for him.

As a young and poor mother in a time when an out-of-wedlock child meant banning from church and shunning from most social functions, a child with a major health problem was an added burden. She cried a lot for me, my aunt said. And prayed earnestly about my heart condition.

There's so many stories to be told about that ... but, alas, this writer is alive and ... well, kicking, so to speak. ...

Mama missed the son she would never have again but she loved me.

And it's all those stories of joy about my childhood... where the birth took place .. how she got there ... my puppy ... and pet rabbit (which to my horror and grief became dinner during desperate times) .. is what life is about .. for every child.

Hence, It's Your B!rthday Bab!es!

There's also this other deep-down yearning heart-of-mine reason for this blog, but that must come later. So, for now, let's just say it distressed me to see so many death notices of infants.

Therefore, for the heart of parents grieving the loss of their babies and children up to age 25, there is MemoriesAlways.blogspot.com.

The birth of a child is a great thing, a blessing from God. Whether the child is born within the ideal relationship between both parents, or the most horrible of circumstances, the birth of another human being is a great event. It's life perpetuating itself. It's Life. Amen.

Biologically and intellectually, from the moment the two halves given by each parent become one at conception, there is a physical and spiritual human being growing, first inside then outside of the mother's body. Not perfect all the time, but a human being. The only thing that remains is to grow and live until we die.

Unfortunately, for many fathers and mothers that comes too soon.

But what joy, what anticipation, what expectation, what 10-toes wonder until then.

It's Your B!rthday Bab!ies! is about the happiness. The gift of God. The time given to enjoy, whether 8 minutes or 80 years.

It's Your B!rthday Bab!es! is also about helping parents enjoy the happiness. We hope to be funny and fun a good deal of the time.

We aim to provide relevant news, useful, and sometimes simply child-driven information that may seem useless to the rest of the world, as well as tokens of assistance to help with that happiness. 

It's Your B!rthday Bab!es is for infants and children up to age 2, and 3 years and older only on special occasions.

If parents want to keep in touch with us after that time, you're welcome.