Happy Easter

Margaret's first visit from the Easter Bunny!

Naturally, Grandma Rick and Mama Susie wanted to assist the Easter Bunny in providing even more Easter fun!

Easter Morning at Westminster

Our first Easter with Margaret Belle was wonderful. We made it to church on time and excused ourselves right after the sermon (someone was hungry!) Then we gathered with Wade's family at g-g ma's house for some fun on the patio. Later that afternoon my mother made a delicious meal with Wade's favorite, lamb chops. All in all it was a delightful day!

The Congregational Cross Celebrating the Resurrection

The congregation adorned the cross with flowers on Easter morning to remember Jesus and the Resurrection.

A Rose for James Walter

We brought a rose for each member of our family.


A few days earlier Mommy turned 30! Yikes!

(I already had the best gift in the world!)

3 Months Old!

In bed with Daddy on Saturday morning

Wake Up, Daddy!

Margaret finally enjoys the swing-
however, she still looks like a little peanut in it!

Yesterday Margaret Belle turned 3 Months Old!!! We can't believe how time flies. A week and a half ago, she weighed 7 lbs 12 oz. We are thinking that she probably weighs close to 8 lbs 6 oz now, since she has been gaining an ounce a day. We will have another weight check at the end of next week.

Margaret is so precious but quite the challenge. A few family members have shared with us that her father, Wade, was an extremely fussy baby (so was her Aunt Lolli). The poor thing has to battle reflux and a weak digestive system, so there are not many moments of contentment unless she is moving, sleeping, or eating. Some people tell us it will get better around 6 months--others say somewhere between 9 and 12 months. We just hate to see her in so much pain. Any advice out there?

She had a great day today. She even spent time in her swing (she usually hates it). So we will see. Each day brings new and exciting changes, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Remembering James

A few weeks ago I was surprised by a beautiful gift in our mailbox. I quickly opened the package to find a sweet little pillow for Margaret--how precious! As I was pulling out the remaining tissue, I realized that there was another pillow in the bag, a pillow for James. This kind act of remembering James truly touched me.

Thank you, Ruth!

One year ago today Wade and I lost our dear little boy, James Walter. It has been a long, hard week recalling all of the moments leading up to his stillbirth, the long month of illnesses, the decrease in his movement, the increasing contractions, the horrifying looks of the nurses in the triage, and the shock and pain of meeting James and losing him all in one day.

We can't believe a year has already passed, and it kills us to imagine what James would have been like as a one year old. We will never know him, and although that is so painful to realize, we feel blessed to have Margaret Belle in our lives. The sermon at church this week was focused on hope, and our pastor said it best when he saw Margaret after the service. Looking down at our little girl, he said, "There is hope!"

Along with her big brother, Margaret has strengthened our faith and restored our hope for our future. A year ago we didn't know whether or not we would ever feel hopeful again or if we would be given the chance to experience true happiness. James taught us how precious life is, and Margaret is here to renew our spirits. What blessings they are!

Although James' tree has not bloomed yet,

if you look a little closer there are definitely gorgeous signs of life and beauty.

Margaret, Wade, and I met for a picnic today at Cheekwood.

I got a little creative and stood in the tree to get a different perspective.

Another beautiful shot--what an amazing garden!

We also enjoyed sitting on James' bench.
We looked through the quilted bag given to us by the hospital.
It holds his blue day-gown, hat, quilt, lamb, pictures, and many letters.
A very special letter from our brother-in-law still touches us and holds even more meaning a year later.

To our precious Margaret:

Sometimes I may hug you a little too tight,
I may even check on you ten times a night,

Sometimes I may kiss you a little too much,
Cling to you, sing to you, tickle and such,
As you grow up you may notice me kissing your nose,
Touching your hair, feeling your toes,

I may cry when you walk, laugh when you talk,
Scream when you're late, coming home from your date,
I may very often pull you near
Because I don't want you to see my tears,

I never will want you to have my fears,
Because I need you to know I hold you so dear,
Cause you see, I'm not just your mother,
A long time ago, I lost another.

author unknown

Thank you, Danielle, for sharing this poem!

Wade and I also want to thank all of our friends and family for their continued love and support. We truly appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers this week!

I know the plans I have for you . . . Jeremiah 29:11