an ornament for willow

i went to drop some christmas goodies at mel's house today...and i felt the urge to make something beautiful for her, a christmas ornament, in memory of their angel baby. 

i bought these clear glass balls some years ago and have put a few things in them for our own christmas tree - (for instance the ball tickets from our first date are in one of them.) but for baby willow, i bought a bag of feathers from spotlight and carefully put some white ones inside. it was simple, but beautiful and mel loved it. i think next christmas i will make two for our tree, in memory of my wonderful in-laws.

 

baby willows funeral

today was so heartbreaking. my beautiful friends baby who was born with trisomy 18, was laid to rest at the pinnaroo valley memorial park. from birth, the family knew their time with baby was limited and precious and i have never seen a baby more loved. she was so beautiful with her wise eyes and little giggle when she was held. how blessed they were to be her parents.

i truly admire mel and aitu for their strength and courage they showed today, surrounded by family and friends. their little girl was loved by so many. i absolutely couldn't hold back the tears as her little coffin was carried across to the grave by her sisters and cousins. what an incredible gesture.

i was asked to take photos for the family and i have so many beautiful shots of the girls. how much heartbreak they are feeling i can only imagine, but they were so brave the entire day.

melinda spoke of the blessing of having an eternal family during the church service and i know that it is our greatest blessing as members of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints. to know that our children will be ours in the eternities to love and hold for all time.

willow you beautiful angel. you've gained your wings, but i know that even though you are separated now, you will be reunited one day and you will be loved by your earthly family for all eternity.

a gift for baby willow

i finally finished something really special - a hand stitched willow tree for my friend melinda's sweet baby willow. she was born with trisomy 18 and they aren't sure on how much time they have with her, so i wanted to make something that they can treasure for always if she is called home.

i searched on pinterest until i found a picture i was happy with...

traced it onto linen (while wanting to tear my eyes out... it was a lot harder than i thought it would be)

and got stitching... originally the plan was to have it done as a gift for her baby blessing, but considering i started it that morning - and severely underestimated just how long it was going to take... it was not finished for quite some time after that.

after much time and then much more time of careful stitching...

and the addition of her name stitched at the bottom...

it was ready!

my amazing mum framed it up for me

and it looked absolutely perfect and i was so so proud of it! 

and when i gave it to mel, she loved it just as much and now it's on permanent display at their house. i love knowing there's a little piece of my heart in their home.