Our Angel Payson

I hesitate to post about my perfect niece Payson, because she is so close to my heart.  But at the same time, I don't want to forget a second of her life, and the things she taught me, and so I post these things out of perfect love.

On October 9, 2012 Payson J. Black was born to my incredible sister Julianne & her wonderful husband Paul, weighing 3 lbs. 12 oz. and 16 1/4 inches long

Her time on this earth was just a few short hours, and I wasn't able to hold her.  But her life has touched mine in a way that none other could.

Payson was diagnosed with "Potter's Syndrome" at around 20 weeks in utero.  Meaning there was no amniotic fluid to cushion her sweet body, and to help develop lungs and kidneys.  Julianne and Paul knew that this baby was special, and they chose to keep her as long as possible, even though they knew the road ahead would not be easy.  But when the road is hard, it is worth it.  

When Payson was born she cried a perfect cry, and Julianne & Paul were able to hold, rock, and snuggle her until she peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father.  During that time Paul was also able to give her a name and a blessing.  Paul said that her passing was the most spiritual experience ever imaginable.  After her passing the hospital let them keep her as long as they wanted.  Brooklynn, Landon, and Paxton were also able to come in and hold, touch and kiss Payson.  Landon touched her skin and said, "oh, she's so soft, and now she's going to turn into an angel." Children are so close to the veil.  Those kids have been amazing.  They love their little sister, and know that she is a part of their family, even though she now watches over them from above.  

My parents quickly drove down to Arizona to be with them, and were also able to hold their 10th grandchild.  A perfect #10 as my mom says.  The people at the hospital were amazing.  They provided Julianne with blankets, clothes, bows, took imprints of her feet and hands, brought in a professional photographer, and gave endless love and kindness.

And the kindness never stopped.  I was able to drive down with my 3 other sisters Friday morning for Payson's memorial service, and witnessed an outpouring of love and service from friends and neighbors.  People are so kind.

An absolute beautiful memorial was put together quickly.  We put together a darling display honoring this sweet little one, and it brought my heart happiness.  Kim had two identical blankets made with Payson's name and birthday embroidered on them surrounded by "Families are Forever" one for Payson to have and one for Julianne to keep.  We had a family viewing, and Payson looked beautiful in her tiny little white dress with pink flowers and her tiny little bare feet poking out, and wearing a precious locket Camille made with pictures of each of her family members on it.  I couldn't get over how much the kids loved her.  They couldn't get enough of her.  I watched as they each held her hands, rubbed the skin on her forehead, left her with love notes, and as Brooklynn tucked one of her stuffed animals away with her to have.  The love in that room was amazing.  

After the viewing we had a beautiful service where my angel Mom, and Paul spoke, Julianne read a poem, and darling Brooklynn read a love note she had written to Payson.  It couldn't have been any sweeter.  The words that were expressed weren't words of pain, anger, and bitterness.  They were words of eternal love and gratefulness.  Families are Forever.  Payson came to this earth because simply, she needed a body, and to belong to a family.  The Lord has a greater plan for her now, and now we all have a reason to do what is right.  We have an angel waiting for us in Heaven. 

I love my family so much.  I am so grateful to be a member of this church.  I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that this life is not the end, It is only the beginning.  Julianne will be able to raise her beautiful daughter one day, I have no doubt of that.  The Lord's plan is a plan of HAPPINESS.

  

We love you Payson J.  Thank you for sharing your big heart & a piece of heaven with us.

We're Having a BABY!!

  Yep, you read it right... We're having a BABY!!! I found out I was pregnant in June, and then surprised Jordan with the news on his birthday by giving him a few baby UTES onesies.  He was so excited, which made me even more happy.  

We told my family a little while later because everyone was in town hearing about my parents trip to Europe. We got together to take a picture in our apron souvenirs, and Jordan took our picture.  He said, "1,2,3.. Say Cheese. Now one more, "One 3.. Say... Shalyce is PREGNANT!!"  Everyone was caught off guard, and so excited.  It was fun to have it all caught on video.

We went to our  first doctor's appointment at 10 weeks.  We had an ultrasound and saw our sweet little babe, and heard it's heart beat for the first time.  The due date is Feb. 28th 2013.

And on September 13th we had our 16 week appointment with another ultrasound.  At this appointment we found out that we were having a BOY!!!  Jordan and I both had feelings it would be a boy, and we were right!  After our appointment we had went to my sister Kim's house to celebrate her birthday.  We walked in handed her our present, and then some blue balloons and said that they were from the baby.  Attached to the balloons was a paper that read, "Happy Birthday Aunt Kim!!! Love, your NEPHEW!!!"  Everyone was so excited, and there were hugs all around.  

We couldn't be happier and more excited to start our family and have a sweet baby boy joining us soon.  I've been so lucky and haven't been very sick at all.  And now that I'm in my 2nd Trimester, I've got my energy back and am feeling great.  Hopefully it'll continue, and things will continue to go well.