Brielle’s Baby Shower

Saturday I was given a surprise baby shower for Brielle. I am in a group of wonderful ladies that also suffer from gastroparesis. A condition where the stomach organ is paralyzed. I’ve struggled with gastroparesis for nearly ten years now. The past three or so years I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know this wonderful group of women. We are all very different, but have grown close through our struggles with gastroparesis, but also through sharing our lives and becoming good friends.

They each sent me cards to open on Saturday, and then they sent a large envelope that I was instructed to open last. Each card was beautiful, uplifting, and encouraging. And I treasure each one. The final envelope was truly a big surprise. The group had not only donated to Duke University (where they research anencephaly), but had bought Brielle a star!

David and I were so excited about her star! We’ve wanted to get one for her, but have not had the time or energy to look into it. This was a huge surprise and greatly appreciated. It was so sweet and made me feel so good to have a shower for Brielle, especially such a special one. This will be something I tuck away in my heart forever.

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Thank You

I have a couple of thank yous today. I received this beautiful blanket from Lois M. a few days ago. It is so soft and beautiful. I love it so much! I’m sure Brielle will love it too and she’ll look beautiful all snuggled up in it. I can’t wait to hold her in this sweet blanket! Thank you Lois!!!

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I also received a book a few days ago titled “You’re Here for a Reason” by Nancy Tillman. I do not know who sent this, but whoever did, please let me know. I’d love to thank you for it! David was just saying we needed more books for Brielle and this book is perfect. Brielle loves the book “Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You” by the same author and she loves this book as well. I like the elephant on the front, it matches her heartbeat elephant bear (pictured below).

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It warms my heart to know Brielle is loved so much. Thank you for these gifts. Brielle, David, and I will treasure them.

Brielle’s First Quilt

I received a package a few days ago from my parents and inside was this beautiful quilt that Mary H. made for Brielle. I had no idea it was coming or that she had made it. It’s beautiful and I love it so much! After I received this, I told Mary that I had a special quilt made for me when I was a baby and I’d always wanted that for Brielle too. So this gift is very meaningful to me and it will be something I treasure for the rest of my life. I love the fabric and how happy the quilt is! I keep it in our bedroom with Brielle’s elephant heartbeat bear and every night I listen to Brielle’s heartbeat and hold this blanket and her elephant. I think Brielle knows that time is for her, she always does happy kicks when she hears her heartbeat.

The quilt says: Daddy Loves Brielle, Jesus Loves Brielle, Mommy Loves Brielle.

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Daddy Loves Brielle
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Jesus Loves Brielle
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Mommy Loves Brielle
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Backing
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Full Shot of the Quilt