Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Birthday post #1 - Keepsakes shared

For this first post of Carleigh's birthday pictures, I want to share the keepsakes of hers we had there and that area. We actually brought her memory chest to her party and had it displayed because that chest in itself is a work of art (it was made by my Aunt Becky & Uncle Buck).

This is a picture of the necklace that I wear almost every day hung on a picture of Carleigh. The necklace has a pendant of her hand print from My Forever Child, her baby ring, and the chain and cross that she wore at her visitation and service. The pink blanket is the blanket that held her the most. The little figurine is from Christina. I think it's perfect how it's a C for Carleigh's name and it says Caring on it.

This little baby block was given to us by our friends Andy & Felicia, who personalized it for our Carleigh. It has something different on each side. It's sitting on her pink, fuzzy baby blanket that was made by my friend Emily.

These are our friends Karrie & Rich looking through the keepsake table.

This is a little statue that was given to us (can't remember who off the top of my head) and a little memory box where I keep all the cards and notes we received. It was made by my friend Holly (our pastor's wife).

This is Carleigh's hospital outfit that she wore during our entire stay. My best friend Lindsey bought it for us. She didn't wear the hat much though because it was so big. The pink bracelet was given to us by my Aunt Nancy we put around her ankle because it was too big for her wrist. The pearl bracelet was given to us by my sister-in-law Chantel and Carleigh wore it for her visitation and funeral. I have a matching pearl bracelet she also gave me. Off to the right are a couple of the knitted hats she wore that was made by a fellow mom on Cafemom named Kathryn.

This is the birthday card that our sitter Ashley helped Kyndra make for Carleigh's birthday. I just love it. In case you can't read what is written it says, "Happy Birthday Sissy. We'll always be special prints in Mommy and Daddy's heart. Love Kyndra"

Our friends Andy & Felicia looking through one of Carleigh's scrapbooks.

Carleigh's feet impressions and a little bear given to us by the nurses at our hospital.

Carleigh's little booties.

My mom and our friend Lori (with her son Blake) looking through a scrapbook. You can also see beside the scrapbooks her baby book, which is the Dreams of You book that Sufficient Grace Ministries provides to bereaved parents, the quilt our nursing staff gave us, and the memory box Franchesca made for Carleigh.

Lori & Blake, Kyndra & my mom, and me standing around the keepsake table.

22 comments:

HappyascanB said...

Holly, this is all just beautiful! You are one remarkable girl, and I thank God for your faith and the light you are to so many others who've experienced the heart break you have. God bless you!

April said...

Wow - and that's only 1 post :) It is so nice to see all of Carleigh's keepsakes again - all together. Your chest must be full!! I just adore the craftsmanship of that chest and the story of the wood behind building it.

How sweet that you have a matching peral bracelet that goes with the one Carleigh wore, I didn't know that. What a great idea for a mother!

can't wait to see more. Thank you so much for sharing her day with all of us who couldn't be there!

Cecilia said...

I love all the keepsakes! You did a great job displaying them all too.

Heather said...

You have some beautiful keepsakes. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Lori said...

So beautiful...I just adore Kyndra's birthday card--absolutely precious.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

My heart was so heavy looking at all the beautiful things. It is just so sad not having her with you. The items are beautiful and I am so glad you have them to treasure. ((HUGS))

Lisette said...

That is a great idea and I just loved the way everything looked. I just loved the card from Kyndra, so adorable. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

These are so beautiful and whats even more beautiful is that your family and friends are there to share it with you.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Such beautiful keepsakes...I love how you have treasured and kept each memory of your precious Carleigh in such perfect ways. You really made the most of her time here...and I love what an example that is to others walking this path. Beautiful...thank you for sharing this, my friend. And, what kindness shown by so many to give you such beautiful gifts from the heart.

Love to you...

Anonymous said...

With tear filled eyes I want to thank you for sharing Carleigh's special day with us. (((Hugs)))

Jill said...

What beautiful keepsakes you have! I absolutely love the necklace you wear.

Caroline said...

Thanx for sharing all the beautiful keepsakes. Everything looks great. I love it all but Kyndra's card is sooooo special. I also love you had matching bracelets.

Can't wait to see the rest.
Thanx again for sharing the kids will love looking at the pics.
Caroline

trennia said...

Just beautiful (((HUGS)))

dotalot said...

holly, what a beautiful thing to do and how wonderful to have such loving friends and family to share this special time with , sending love, anne xxx

Mary said...

I love all the beautiful things that remind you of her. They are so precious!

Sarita Boyette said...

Holly, you have such an artistic way of displaying Carleigh's precious things.I remember photos of the day Carleigh was born,& she was wearing her sweet white outfit, wrapped in her soft blanket. Thanks for sharing with us. I can hardly wait to see the other photos!

Jen said...

I loved looking at all of Carleigh's things...thank you for sharing them with us!

tomandcheryl said...

Oh Holly, you have such beautiful memories of you little girl. Just beautiful. It looks like such a wonderful party.
~Cheryl
PS
Sorry I haven't commented lately, my computer is dead and our wireless is spotty right now.

Karen said...

You have some beautiful keepsakes! Thanks for sharing Carleigh with us! You have been such an inspiration to me. Looking forward to more pictures!

Blessings,
Karen

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures, Holly! It looks like everyone had a wonderful time remembering Carleigh. You are blessed to have so many beautiful keepsakes of her and so many friends and family to share your memories with.

Dawn

Nicole said...

The card that Kyndra made for her baby sister just broke my heart, it really made me cry!
Was it overwhelming to have all of Carleigh's things on display at once like that? If I were her mom, I dont know if I would have been happy and at peace about it... or if I would have lost it. Still, everything is beautiful and Im glad you could celebrate this special day together.

Unknown said...

Carleigh's Keepsakes are precious, thank you for sharing them with us.

love and prayers
elena

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