Family Pictures

A few weeks ago, we had our family pictures made by Joe Heiliger.   He will forever have a special place in my heart.

In addition to having his own photography business, Joe is also a volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - a worldwide organization that ministers to parents suffering the loss of a baby through free professional photography services.  Our family was blessed in a way I can't even describe by Joe and NILMDTS! 

Getting family pictures made was bittersweet for me, but we included our "Jackson-bear."  He is a favorite with the kids and it seemed appropriate to represent him.  We could not have asked for more beautiful weather and the pictures turned out great!  These are a couple of my favorites:


Our beautiful family

 

Adorable kiddos
Jacob, Jace, Jadyn, Jordan

Oh, how I love my family!  I feel immensely blessed and thankful!

Six Months

Six months can seem like a lifetime.  Or the blink of an eye. 

These past six months have been a mixture of both for me.  It feels like a lifetime of swimming in a turbulent sea of grief ... and like the blink of an eye since I held my baby boy for the first and only time.

It sure seems like six months ought to be long enough. 

It ought to be long enough that the thought of Jackson doesn't bring tears to me eyes. 

It ought to be long enough that I don't get choked up writing about him. 

It ought to be long enough that I don't think about every "first" without him. 

It ought to be long enough that my arms don't still ache to hold him.

It ought to be long enough that I don't feel a lump in my throat at the sight of a pregnant mama. 

It ought to be long enough that seeing my children together doesn't remind me he's missing.

It ought to be long enough that I don't still cry myself to sleep some nights.

It ought to be long enough that the sight of a new baby boy doesn't take my breath away.

It ought to be long enough that I don't flinch when I hear the joyous news of another baby's arrival.

It ought to be long enough that anniversaries don't feel so painfully raw. 

It ought to be long enough.

It just ought to be. 

But, it's not.  At least not for me. 

And that's OK.  'Cause six months have passed in the blink of an eye.

I love you with all my mommy-heart, Jackson Erin.  I will never forget you - or stop missing you.  Until I hold you in my arms again. 

"Journey with Jordan" 2010

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  If you read my blog, you're probably already aware of Down Syndrome.  Our goal is to make everyone aware of what is possible despite Down Syndrome. 

October is also that time of year when we start looking forward to the annual Buddy Walk!

We had an incredible "Journey with Jordan" team last year and I'm hoping we can pull it off again this year!

This year the walk is FREE to participate in!  We would be honored if you would join "Journey with Jordan" Saturday, November 6, 2010 @ 1pm at Jones Plaza in Downtown Houston.  Even if you aren't available to walk, please consider supporting our team through a donation!

Check out our Buddy Walk page here to register to walk and/or donate:  https://www.syssolutions.com/fr/DSAH/2010BuddyWalk/JourneywithJordan

Thank you for supporting our beautiful Jordan and in helping us raising awareness about Down Syndrome!