Sunday, January 18, 2009

Loss and New Life

How strange to sit here looking at this beautiful 4.5 day old little boy and think of what we were doing exactly 2 years ago. Tonight as we snuggle and love on and get to know this precious baby boy, we know that 2 years ago we were snuggling on, loving on, and saying goodbye to Catie. In some ways we wonder how 2 years have passed already and in others we wonder how in the world it's been only 2 years. Time is a strange thing. Chip's arrival has definitely relieved the anticipation of tomorrow a bit. I don't think I'll ever be able to put words to all the emotions we feel in the month of January. What a wide range of feelings God made us humans capable of feeling.

So... we will continue to celebrate Catie, Izzy, and Chip... and we will continue to miss Catie... and life will continue to bustle forward. We will be grateful for the tremendous blessings in our life even as we continue to grieve our loss.

We are all adjusting well to being a household of 4. Izzy has handled things like a champ. My mom has been here, so Iz has been getting lots of extra love as we adjust to juggling 2 kiddos. Chip is a snuggler and we are loving it. We're definitely lacking some sleep, but that's ok. We'll update more later this week... We're just busy soaking up Chip, loving on Izzy, and processing all that comes with January.

Thanks for checking in!!

22 comments:

Circus Mama said...

As always, I wish I had the right words . . .

In my own odd way, I have been watching the clock and remembering. I honestly don't think it is possible to forget - not that I would ever want to.

How gracious God is to fill your arms yet again, and ensure you have such a joyous bundle to snuggle on this night.

I love you friend!

Sarah said...

Haven't checked in on your blog in a while, but thought I would check in on Catie-Bug's family tonight to see that she has a new baby brother! Congratulations! I am sure she hand picked him to come straight down to you!

Leah said...

we haven't met, and I can't remember how I stumbled upon your blog. I have been reading for a while because it gives me goosebumps and makes me laugh and makes me feel hope. Absolutely beautiful. Like the other poster, I cannot find the right words. Except maybe thank you. :)

Anonymous said...

Jenn your boy is just beautiful! Take care and enjoy your family of 4! Hugs from Tracy Neal.

Robin said...

Thinking of you all today and remembering Catie.

Margaret Anne said...

Thinking of your family today & remembering sweet Catie.

It's seems strange to be so happy for you for Chip's safe & healthy arrival and so sad for you for Catie being gone at the same time. I'm sure many people don't know what to say.

We will always remember Catie. She touched our hearts in a very special way. And we are thankful for Izzy and Chip, not to replace Catie, but to bring you extra joy each day. How neat that you got to have both kids that Catie named.

Know that Catie is not forgotten and your family remains on our prayers.

Pam D said...

Thinking of Catie and rejoicing...for where she is, and for who she was. And so very happy for you all for the gifts of Izzy and Chip; neither one will take Catie's place, but instead they have carved out their own in your heart. With love and prayers...

Dayna & Alan said...

Thanking God for the gift of Catie today. We will always remember her!

Unknown said...

praying

Kyle said...

Praying for your family today and always.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you and welcome to Chip. Another little cutie. We've been thinking about you guys.

Natalie

jandkland said...

Shedding some tears as I look at Catie's photo and remember her. I know you wish more than words that she were here to enjoy being a fabulous big sister.

Praise God for continuing to carry you and sending you Chip and Izzy. The little guy is such a cutie. I see he's not very fond of baths but obviously enjoys being cuddled. Fun!

Thinking of you as you remember Catie and revel in the bustling life of Izzy and Chip.

--Kelley

Amanda: said...

I can't imagine how much January must wear you guys out - with all that comes along with it.

Glad to hear you are adjusting well, though. Hang in there.

bp said...

I am thinking of you guys today.

Thanks for sharing the new pictures of Chip, Congratulations again!

Tammy said...

Thinking of you all today, and remembering Catie Bug! Hugs from Fort Worth!

Anonymous said...

Remembering beautiful Catie today. Chip is a cutie!

Ashley & Stephen Bauch said...

Thinking of you today....

Denise said...

Jenny -

We are soooo happy for you! Chip is very handsome! I am sure that Tre' is on cloud nine! I have been thinking of you guys all day today, and remembering sweet Catie, what a difference she made in our world. WE love you! You continue to be in our prayers.

Denise and Rebecca Adams

Anonymous said...

Wow! He is so cute! I'm so glad he's a snuggler - aren't they fun? Two of ours are snugglers, and two of ours definitely aren't! Soak up all of his newborn preciousness - all those sweet yawns and wrinkled foreheads and soft cheeks, and that sweet spot on the back of their neck. Sigh. I love newborns. But I don't miss the exhaustion! I'll be praying for you all. And, most definitely, January is one heck of a month! Praying for the ability to handle all the emotions in your post-partum state too. We love you guys, and little Chip is just too adorable!

Love,
Alayna

Anonymous said...

I just had a picture in my mind of Jesus sending off Chip with a loving touch and snuggle to you as I read what you wrote. I'm sure he sent Catie and Izzy to you with the same love.
Remember that he was there to welcome Catie from your arms back into His with great love and joy that she was home.
January is a month of all your children being welcomed with great love.

Anonymous said...

WE always remember your sweet Catie and said an extra prayer for your family in honor of your special girl last night. I cannot imagine the roller coaster of emotions the month of January brings- It felt funny to be so excited for you about the arrival of precious baby Chip and at the same time thinking about the empty place in your heart without Catie to be with you to celebrate her brother. Remembering Catie, Celebrating Chip and Hoping Izzy is adjusting well. Hugs, Prayers and Love to you always, Carrie Pinotti

Anonymous said...

Gosh!!! He's so perfect. What an amazing blessing. Just checking in on you. Wasn't sure of the actual due date. Miss you guys. Was remembering Catie yesterday. And trust that I will NEVER forget. Love to you all.
Mandy Hickerson
AKA your fav nurse (HA!!)