ThanksGiving 2011…
We have been truly blessed during this most trying time in our lives. As I mentioned, there were a few miracles that took place during our sweet week with Baby Afton. Knowing with such short notice that our sweet baby girl would be leaving us, my sister-in-law Bree (Kyle’s younger sister) made Afton the most beautiful, most tiny, most precious little white blessing dress.
When I first saw it, I just burst into tears. It really is the most special little dress. She told us that she really felt like angels were there assisting her to make it just right. It was truly amazing how it fit our little Afton’s tiny body just perfect. It was made with such detail and care. It was the most soft little dress with velcro on the backside to make it easy to dress her in it. Along with the dress, she made a little headband, a little bonnet and little white booties to match.
This was the little dress that our sweet baby girl was buried in. Just yesterday, Bree surprised me with a second little dress to keep, so that I can always remember the sweet little dress that our little Afton wore. (tears)
Thank you Bree. This was the most sweet gift. Knowing that our baby girl left this earth in this most special little dress, means so much to me.
My brother-in-law Dave (my sister Becky’s husband) made this little pine box for our sweet little Afton. With such short notice, he made this box with so much love and care. It was the perfect size. As difficult as it is to see something like this and know what it will be used for, I truly felt the love knowing that it was made special for Afton with so much love for our sweet baby girl. My mom lined it with soft white fabric.
Thank you Dave. This was so kind of you.
My sister Becky made these little monogrammed heart pillows. One for Afton to rest her head and two for us to keep. Truly such care and love went into such a difficult thing.
A little white minky blanket was made special for Afton by Kyle’s sweet cousin Steffanie. I love that our sweet little angel was surrounded in white.
A great big thank you to my sweet sisters. They have helped me so much during this time. They have taken our kids over nights. They really are like second moms to our kids.
Also a big THANK YOU to our sweet parents. Both of our moms served us so much during this time. Helping with our kids, meals and simple things that needed to be done, that we couldn’t do for ourselves with so much going on. Both of our Dads have been so supportive too, from giving me a blessing to speaking at Afton’s little service and dedicating Afton’s grave. We both have amazing parents who we love dearly.
Our little Avery has been so sweet through this all. It has been so hard to see her sad and missing her baby sister that she was so excited to have here in our family. So many have been so sweet to her and Aiden during this time. Such care has gone into taking care of our kids, who also have been so saddened by everything (more so Avery than Aiden), but I know that they both feel the loss.
Our sweet friend Heidi who has been with us through everything pregnancy related. She is an ultrasound tech, and has scanned me every time through the years. It is through her that we found out early about the IUGR of both of our girls. I feel lucky that we had her care through it all.
The amazing NICU staff. We had a small graveside service on Tuesday with just our families, and Afton’s sweet nurses and doctor who took such great care of her came to her little service to support us. They really are angels working in the NICU.
The NICU is a place that you really hope and pray you never have to spend anytime in, but knowing that our baby girl received such loving care means so much to me. They are such special people.
I am so thankful for Kyle. I feel so blessed that we had each other to go through this together. I cannot imagine going through this alone. This whole experience has strengthened our love for each other in so many ways. I love this man more than words can say.
And finally, I am thankful for all of you that have taken the time to share your love and support with us, along with sharing the story of our sweet little Afton with the ones you love. Your comments have lifted us up in this most difficult time. We have read each and every one, and felt your tears and prayers.
The life of our sweet little Afton has been such a source for good. She has helped us all remember how special our time here is. We could not have made it through this all without the knowledge that we will see our sweet little girl again.
Happy Thanksgiving Day! I hope you all are surrounded by the ones you love.
