Sweet Baby Iris

I was tempted to skip over the whole month of July in my blog but this is a record of my family history and a major event, traumatic and horrible as it was, should be included.  Back in April, around 20 weeks in my pregnancy, during the big ultrasound we found out our baby girl had a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.  This meant she only had a 50/50 chance of making it and for the next 19 weeks we had to live with that question and worry.  On July 30, I was induced late in the evening and Iris was born around 8 in the morning the next day.  They had to get her on ventilators immediately to try and help her small underdeveloped lungs. She looked perfect and beautiful but by the late afternoon it was clear her lungs were not strong enough and we also found out there was a major problem with her heart.  We knew it was time to say goodbye to our sweet Iris.  Before she was born we prayed and prayed that no matter what happened she wouldn't have to suffer for a long time and we do feel that God was merciful to her and our family even though it was extremely hard to only have her for a day.  We named her Iris Martha--since she's back with my mom in Heaven and we know some day we will get to be with them both again.

 

 How are we doing?...  everyone asks so I thought I would say... we are doing okay.  There is some relief in not having the worry and stress any more about what's going to happen to her but most of all there is a peace and comfort from God helping us through this difficult time.  There's still tears, sorrow, and I am dying to hold my baby girl again but I know with time and God's continued support it will get easier.  I don't know what we would have done without my dad, sister, and John's parents there with us.  They helped us more than they will ever know.  We have been overwhelmed with the love and support of family, friends, and neighbors.  We received so many flowers, gifts, cards, presents for the kids, meals, treats, etc...    We are so thankful for everyone's prayers, love and support.  We are grieving but we will be okay.

We buried Iris the following Friday in the Farmington cemetery in the same grave with my mom.  It's comforting knowing they are together in body and in spirit.  My brother Lige and my sister Julia sang this song at her service--it's my "Iris" song:  JJ Heller--Your Hands.

Thank you again for your love and support.