A Most Precious Gift...

To be completely honest, I wish I didn't have to blog about this. It seems that typing at a computer trying to convey the last few days without sounding distant or commonplace about our experience is inevitable, but since there is really no other way that I keep in touch with most of you, this will have to do...
As we happily announced a little more than a month ago, we were expecting our 3rd baby and couldn't have been happier...
My heart continues to break as I tell you that on Christmas Day, we knew that our little fighter would not make it. Almost halfway through the pregnancy, I was checked in to Labor and Delivery and had our baby boy at about 10:35 the next morning. There was never a heartbeat, but he was beautiful and tiny and perfect. We were able to name him and hold him for a few precious moments. We knew immediately that he was and continues to be a part of our family. We know we will see him again someday and that he is where he is happy and protected by a loving Heavenly Father.

We truly feel blessed to be a part of his life even for just a little while and we know our family was being watched over. We feel it was no coincidence that we were able to be at my parent's home for the holidays where our kids could be looked after with minimal disturbance and to be somewhere where we could be away from life for a while to grieve and be with those we love until we had to return home to reality and face others with the news of our loss. These last few days have been the hardest we have ever had to go through, but we know we will be okay and that it will get better.

Here is what Wade wrote about him a few moments after we were able to hold him...
"Today was a special day. Cole James Burnett was born and sadly passed away in the womb. Mandy and I held him, gave him little kisses and hugs, and just loved him. We are proud of him, love him, and know that he is happy."