My favorite pics of Charlotte!

Enjoy!  Missing her like crazy today.  I should be packed and ready to go see my sweet girl.  weird...

Big Brother Clayton

I am sure everyone is wondering how Clayton is doing...

When we got home from the hospital after Charlotte passed, we sat down and told him Charlotte went to heaven.  I am not really sure what he thinks heaven means....but he said (and got really mad) "She is in Chicago, not in heaven."  I think he understands.

I think he will always remember Charlotte when he hears the word Chicago because for 23 weeks I was constantly in Chicago...and he knows Chicago is where Charlotte was.

Every night before bed we talk about Charlotte.  He was telling me all about how we need to go on an airplane to see the clouds so we can see Charlotte again.  We told him heaven was up above in the clouds.  I have a feeling we are going to have a lot of these discussions...which is fine with me so we can talk about Charlotte.  I love talking about her and remembering her.

This morning when I was talking to Clayton I told him everytime I look at him I will be reminded of Charlotte because they had the exact same eyes....those goregous blue eyes.  I am still wondering how I have two children with blue eyes!

Life celebration...

We will celebrate Charlotte's life on Friday, Jan. 27. Her visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. with a funeral service directly after at Rock Creek Bible Church in Congerville, IL. Everyone is invited to celebrate sweet Charlotte Victoria.

(my wonderful friend Laura designed and printed these for Charlotte's service...what a blessing!)

"Shed only happy tears for me,
my soul's at peace and finally free...in the body God intended for me.

My love is always where you are.  I'm the shine you see in every star,
the ray of sun that starts your day and gives you hope along the way...

The beauty of a perfect rose, the quiet calm of winter snows,
the song every robin sings, the gentle wind beneath its wings,
the color of the falling leaves...

I'm everything your heart believes.

Shed only happy tears for me-
my soul has reached eternity."

Love you all-Baby Charlotte

(thanks Kelly for the beautiful card...I couldn't say it better myself!)

Our Angel....

FINALLY Charlotte is at peace.  We are a peace.

We had most of Charlotte's team with us as she passed, most weren't even working and just came in to be with us today. That means more to me then any of them will every know.

Today has been the hardest day of my life.  My sweet girl was taken out of my arms and placed in Jesus's arms in heaven.  She is finally not hooked up to machine after machine.  She can smile, play, be held, drink a bottle, eat avocados (not chocolate Dr. Steinhorn) like her mommy wants her to do.  She will always watch over us and we will continue to celebrate her life from this day forward.   

My life has been forever changed by my sweet Charlotte Victoria...and baby sis I can't wait to see you again in heaven in the body you were intended to have...there our souls will reunite....I can't wait for that day!

Please keep my family in your prayers.  These next few days will be so hard.

See below...

MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN...I JUST POSTED TONS OF CUTE PICS OF CHARLOTTE!

We had tons of  fun celebrating the marriage of Sean (twin brother) and Kaitlin.  I can't believe I am gaining yet another sister!  People always think we are real sisters because we all resemble each other...to funny.

I have alot of fun pics to share...but don't have the energy to right now.

Even though we had a really fun weekend...it is also been an incredibly hard weekend for Blake and I.  I got a phone call Friday that Charlotte was put on a paralytic to keep her stable.  Basically everyone at the hospital knew how important this weekend was to our family...so they did everything in their power to keep Charlotte stable for us.  She has become more stable throughout the weekend.  Blake and I are going up tomorrow and are not really sure what tomorrow brings.  Al I know is I love that baby girl with my whole heart (Blake too)....and since last Sunday it has been breaking every day.  We are trying to hear what God is trying to tell us...with what decisions need to be made (they didn't think she would make it through the weekend).  Sometimes I think it is hard to hear what God is saying above all the machines keeping her alive.  Blake and I are struggling with this right now.   

Please pray for Blake and I...these next few days are going to be rough.  I can't wait to get up there and hold Charlotte all day tomorrow.  We will talk to the doctors and see if there is anymore they can do for our sweet baby girl.

On the bus...with the new Mrs. Brand...ha!

We were on the bus for 2 hours after the wedding...and lets just say with no kids...we ALL rocked it out.  

We had SO much fun....

just dancing and singing and being goofy.

the new Mr. and Mrs. Brand!

I would like to introduce Pitbull the rockstar!

and our DJ!

We had so much fun.  Kaitlin and Sean agree it was one of the most fun parts of the day...probably because they were stress free....after getting hitched!

Love you guys!

My camera just kept getting passed around....love it....love these fun pics...even if they are a little blurry!

Getting Ready....

All getting ready....what a beautiful day!  I think I captured some gorgeous moments in time today for my new sister in law...and my twin brother!