This blog post includes something some will see as strange, odd or even offensive. This blog post includes pictures of a strange little thing called a...wait for it...a baby...our baby to be exact.
Her name is Claudette Elyse Elliott.
She was delivered to heaven Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 11:30am. She was a whooping 11lbs, 13oz, 20 inches (you can see all the great chub in the pics).
I place a warning because I have received more than one crazy look when I have asked people if they would like to see my daughter. Yes, I realize looking at pictures of a deceased person, let alone a baby, is strange and difficult and frankly uncomfortable at times. I am not going to lie I was that person with the befuddled look on their face when I heard that people even took pictures of their stillborn...but then that was before I met my daughter! See, she was ALIVE in spirit! And now we will always be able to look at her whenever we want. But I also understand one of the realities of having a baby born sleeping is most people don't expect (or want) to see the baby. But I feel like it is important to show the humanity of my daughter so that people can understand that indeed HUMANS and not "deformed fetuses" are dying needlessly!
I wish everyone had the clarity of thought and love as my grandma who when asked if she would like to see pictures said in a matter-of-fact and almost offended tone, "why would I not want to see pictures my great-granddaughter?"
BUT if you still don't want to look consider yourself WARNED because here our pictures of our daughter:
23 comments:
Claudette is so beautiful. It's wonderful that so many of her family had the privilege of meeting her. I'm glad you have your photos, but SO wish you had Claudette in your arms.
Your pictures of your beautiful angel are precious. So glad you have her pictures. I understand because my granddaughter was born sleeping on February 5, 2013. My daughter also has pictures similar to yours and we wouldn't trade then for the world. Our angels were too beautiful for this world. God bless you and your family.
Thank you for sharing Alyvia....absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I have tears of sadness for you but also tears of joy that you will have these amazing photos to cherish forever.
Thank you for sharing with us a very difficult time for you and your family. I have tears streaming down my face. In such a time like this you show such strength, courage and faith. I'm so sorry again for your loss but grateful you have the photos of your precious baby Claudette. You are amazing and I love you. One day we will all be together~forever. God Bless Dana
Claudette is beautiful! And I know we've never met in person, but I totally see you in her face in that first picture of her profile. She looks like her Mama! Big hugs to you and your family.
<3 Violet's Mama (Mandy)
These pictures are gorgeous. She is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Gorgeous photos that will be cherished for a lifetime!!! Claudette is such a doll.
I don't think you have any reason to apologize or warn people about your photos of your beautiful baby girl. She is gorgeous and nothing about her should upset anyone. We never thought to warn people or even ask if they'd like to see photos of our Norah. We just showed as many people as we could because she was beautiful just like your Claudie. I read a comment someone left on one of your photos on Facebook that said Caludette's spirit was still present while she was with you in the hospital. I believe that is so true. Never before had I thought of that, but it is absolutely how it felt as we held Norah in the hospital too. I am so glad you have these memories of your dear, sweet girl, but I wish both of us had our daughters with us instead of in Heaven. Love to you and your family. <3
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS! WE would never apologize for showing pics of our little girl, the post is more a tongue and cheek reality check about our stigma's about baby death.
wow...through tears I must say that those are some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. Such raw emotion and unconditional love for that perfect little girl.
I to am in tears. She is perfect. I'm so glad you have these pictures and now I completely understand why you did pictures. Thank you so much for sharing.
She is so beautiful! She is now dancing with the Angels!
Alyvia and family, I'm Jacque's mom and I just saw your pictures. I'm so sorry for your loss. You will have special memories with your pictures. My deepest condolences to you all. If you need anything we will be glad to help. Love & friendship. Julie Drummond
WOW! JUST WOW! Thank you for all your kind words!!!
Thanks for sharing your precious photo's of your beautiful daughter with us. I could not help myself but tearing up while looking at them. xxx
Precious, amazing pictures of a beautiful baby and a beautiful family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her with the world.
She is beautiful. I don't understand how anyone could be offended by that precious little angel. I am sorry she was taken from you so soon <3 You can just see the love your family had for her in these pictures.
Pure Beauty! I do not understand how people can be offended by pictures like these yes they are sad but I don't see a dead baby I see Love and Beauty! To see the love your entire family has for this small little person says so much. I am sorry Claudette could not stay thank you for sharing her with the world <3
Thanks so much for the all the thoughtful words. We think she is pretty gorgeous too:)
You are a true inspiration too me. I had a early miscarriage. I don't know if I could be as strong as you and your husband.
So lovely and loving! Unfortunately, my stillborn son Eli Toussaint was not as photogenic due to all the trauma his little body sustained after I was refused a c-section and he suffered severe shoulder dystocia. I think it is beautiful you have these wonderful and touching family pictures of your beautiful Claudette. Thank You for sharing.
Your beautiful Caludette is absolutely precious and the love surrounding her is so apparent in your photographs. Please know that you are surrounded by the love and support of so many who have needlessly walked this path before you and are here to support you. Wishing you hope and healing. www.starlegacyfoundation.org
Your photos are absolutely beautiful. NILMDTS does an excellent job. I am glad you feel free sharing them. So many people are not comfortable doing so, or even seeing the photos themselves. I think they are healing. She is a beautiful baby girl. God bless your family. One day, you will see all this clearly
Post a Comment