I have been wanting to post some photos of Avery during her last hours with us, but I have not had access to them because they are on our laptop. Many of these photos were taken by an absolutely gifted photographer named Jill Meyer. She volunteers her time to take photos for families who are losing a baby. Her nonprofit is called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. At this moment, the website has escaped me but you can google her info if you want. Her worked truly blessed us during our time to say goodbye to Avery. She captured moments that are so precious to both Shane and me. I am forever grateful for her gift.
As many of you remember, Avery's last couple of weeks were pretty rough. She had a lot of swelling and she really did not look like the baby we knew in the early weeks. No matter her appearance, she is ours and we love her forever. In these photos you will see our family smiling over Avery. In that moment, we were so happy to be holding her and spending real time together as a family. It may be odd for some to see us with smiles during times of such strife, but it was joyous in its own way. I hope you are able to look at these photos and remember how Avery touched YOU personally.
Love, Carissa
She's beautiful. You are a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Avery and your journey. I am gratefull that fate and God brought me to your blog.
God Bless all the CDH babies/families.
Absolutely precious and beautiful. I praise God that you got the opportunity to have such beautiful photos with Avery. God Bless the photogrphers who do this for families.
ReplyDeleteCarissa, the pictures are so beautiful and very precious. I am so happy that you were able to have these photos done. I throughly think the NILMDS organization is such a wonderful organization for families. You all are such a beautiful family. Many prayers for your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Tracy
I am glad that you had the pictures taken. They are precious! You dont need to explain why you are smiling, there shouldn't be a question. ((hugs)) and prayers with you and your family
ReplyDeleteNicolle
Beautiful photos of a beautiful family. Thank you so much for sharing...
ReplyDeleteDai
These pictures are so precious. Avery was a beauty, swelling and all. Thank you for sharing her pictures and her story with us. I so wished she'd join my daughter in the CDH survivor club. However, she is an angel, whole and in no pain waiting for the day you will hold her again. Avery has touched my heart...forever.
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful. Anyone who has read Avery's story can see right past any imperfections CDH and her heart problems may have cause, because despite these things, Avery was perfect. I think I left her name of my list on my blog, but she is on my handwritten list for babies in the sky. (www.skybabies.blogspot.com) I actually did an Avery one, but it has a shadow, so I am going to redo it. Thinking of you guys!
ReplyDeleteShe is one beautiful little girl!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Thank you for sharing. What a lucky little girl to be surrounded by so much love.
ReplyDeleteYour photo's of Avery are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful daughter with all of us. I think of you and baby Avery often.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of dear Avery, she is so perfect no matter what. All of you remain in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joanna(gabriela-monteiro.com)
I'm so very, very glad you were able to get pictures together with Avery. They are so special as are Avery and all of you.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing the most intimate pains and joys of your journey. I know for me...that seeing her helps in my connection to her...in my offering up for you. In this journey we are on, after Cana, sharing her with anyone..was a connection to her. I longed and still long for it. I love when people ask to see pics, or really want to know ANYTHING...about her. i'm so glad you were brave enough to share.
ReplyDeletestill here.
Absolutely amazing. Still missing you Avery!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting the pics Carissa.
Just beautiful. . . precious little face. I think it is totally appropriate to be smiling. . .
ReplyDeletefriend from Pittsburgh
aww! you have such a beautiful lookin' family. thanks for sharing those sweet precious pics of avery. she is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'd smile in the photos, too. The girls are so beautiful. What bittersweet moments! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMay you be filled with love and peace!
Sheryl