4 months

It has been 4 months and I have to say we have done a lot in the 4 months that our sweet IzzyJane has been gone. A friend from high school (Brittany Manookin) contacted me to see if I would like to share my story sense the month of October is not only breast cancer awareness month but also pregnancy and infant loss awareness.
I was very hesitant. For many reasons, the moments that we had with IzzyJane were precious, did we want to share that to the world? Then I was afraid of what kind of response we would get, and then i was worried about how the interview would go. What if I said the wrong things, or forgot to say what I wanted and needed to be said! Well after talking to Danny about the opportunity we decided to go ahead and do it for many reasons that counteracted the things that I was nervous about! IzzyJane is precious, so are all of the other babies that have died. I want to share her, I want people to say to me what they would say to any living baby. I want to see and help other families that have lost their babies. I want to let people know that they are not alone. So we thought this would be a perfect way to let people know about our foundation.
The FlutterBy IzzyJane Foundation. Our goal in starting this foundation is to sustain and assist those families met with the unexpected financial funeral expenses, to preserve the memory that the impact of life -no matter how small in quantity - is Forever etched in our minds and hearts and to present new mothers and infants with personalized, handmade (Forever) bracelets.


So when the time came to watch our segment I was so nervous. We didn't tell many people about it, manly because I was still nervous about the idea. but here it is...
see what you think..."Parents of Stillborn Share Message of Hope"

Happy Halloween to all the angel babies that were supposed to be here! 

We wish you were able to wear a cute costume to show you off! 

October Awareness

"Almost every one knows that October is breast cancer awareness month, but most people don't know that it's also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It's time that people start talking about this too. People will wear bracelets and shirts that boldly say, "BOOBIES" on it, but people don't want to hear about or talk about someone's dead baby. Guess what, I guarantee you, that baby's Mommy wants to talk about them.

We want people to want to try to understand and to remember.

Be apart of spreading awareness:
I am the face get your badge (there are supporter badges too!), and information on how to spread awareness.
Check out Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope http://facesofloss.com/ website, started by a mom who's beautiful girl, Stevie, was born still. It's an excellent source of support for mothers who are on this journey. There is also a section for families and friends- it has tips on what to do, and what to say- an amazing website.
Carly Marie's Project Heal, http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/ a website run by a mom who's son, Christian, was also born still. There are many tips for family and friends. A beautiful website with tons of great information.
Share: http://www.nationalshare.org/family-friends.html a website dedicated to those you have lost a pregnancy or infant. More tips or family and friends."

IzzyJanes Stillbirth Story

My Sweet baby girl IzzyJane 

You came into this world "sleeping"

You were born with a silent heart, while mine is trying to keep beating. 

You and I were a team for 41 weeks, and it came to end way to soon. 

We went in to the doctors thinking we would get to take you home with us, that was until we found out that your heart was no longer beating. 

We will always wonder why it turned out this way, because I know you miss me as much as I miss you! We might toss and turn, trying to figure it out why an umbilical cord can create a life, and then take it away, but I do know that there are no answers cause you are perfectly beautiful. Your spirit gave me purpose in life and I was so scared to have you come out of me and not have your spirit there. Your Dad was our savior, our strength, without him I don't know if i could have done it. I will always wonder why they didn't induce me at 40 weeks when we were still together. 

When they did induce me I was in labor for 7 hours, our whole family was there trying to make me laugh, yet we were all breaking. Aunt Katie got inspired and bought us matching "Forever" bracelets. I wear mine everyday, as do you, You will forever be mine and I yours! 

Then it came time to deliver you, I was crying knowing that you already been delivered into the hands of God. I had dreamt about this moment every night and now it was so real yet so far gone to know that I wouldn't hear your cries made my cries louder.

I some how got power and strength and was able to push you into the world. Words cannot even describe what a miracle giving birth is, it only took 30 minutes and then you were all mine to hold, to smell, and to see. I know you were with us in spirit, but oh IzzyJane, I wished a miracle could have brought you back to me! 

Your body was so warm, your body was perfect, your face was absolutely gorgeous, your hands and feet were so precious! 

I watched dad weigh you, and I was shocked that you weighed only 6lb 6oz because you looked so full and plump, yet you were so long and skinny. I guess you get both from me, a little plump but long! 

The nurses were amazing, and set up a photographer to come and take pictures of our family.

It was a spiritual moment, knowing we are a family yet your spirit is with our heavenly father. 

We then had our family come in to greet you, the love that we all have for you is indescribable. We all took turns examining you, all is awe that you were created inside of me and so perfect. 

You are truly a gift from God. 

We got to have you all night, and the next day. we couldn't sleep, yearning for these moments that we weren't going to take home with us. 

I cuddled you, held your hand, feeling how sweet your spirit is and holding on to every scent! 

Dad took pictures of you all night, holding you on his chest, weeping. 

We even cut some of your long brown hair!

The next day we didn't wake up from this nightmare, and the hours were slipping by so fast, I couldn't bare to leave you. How could a mother and father leave their child? It was unbearable, even though we know you were with us. 

We dressed you, swaddled you, and handed you to the nurse, and walked away empty. Ohhh how I dreamt of this all being different and the only hope I have is that I can do it all again. I now go through  the days without you, yearning for you. I visit your resting place daily (as your cousin London calls it, Izzy's Palace) and I feel you close, but it will never be the same without you!

 You are my Joy,  you are my light.

I will always feel a longing to hold you, hear you, see you, but I do know you are holding me, listening to me and watching over me. When I smile, I can see your smile, when I cry I know you are catching my tears, and when I talk to you I know you are listening. You will forever be mine!

I love you more than words can express. 

Love your momma