These pictures are particularly significant for us. A few months prior to their birth, my parents flew down from Seattle to help us make funeral arrangements. They had picked out these beautiful gowns for their burial, and my mom had finished these beautiful blankets for them. She hand ribbon crocheted the flowers and attached a little heart charm to each blanket.
Emma Joan and Taylor Nalani Bailey were born September 20, 2006. All of our children have a family name for their middle name, and we named the twins after their grandmothers. Tor's mother's middle name is Nalani and my mother's name is Joan, we felt impressed that they were to have these names. They were born C-Section, at 38 weeks. Our children, both sets of parents and a few of our siblings were able to be in town for their birth. They weighed 10.7 pounds combined, compared to their now 32 pounds combined. Emma was 17 1/2 inches tall, and Taylor was 18 1/2 inches tall. Having been prepared to lose them at birth, we were thrilled to have these first few momets and have our families meet these new babies. Tor gave them their first bottles and Paige, our oldest, gave them their first bath.
These pictures were taken 5 days after the babies were born. Most of them were taken from a wonderful photographer from a group called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. My dad had made arrangements for a photographer to document what little time we anticipated with our daughters. This group specializes in documented moments thru photography for families with stillborn and high risk infancy births, so that families can have pictures of the few moments with their child if they are unable to have memories. This was a very tender photo session and are grateful to our photographer and to dad for making it possible.
There have been several incidents with the girls that you just can't help but giggle. Like when the DMV employee gave us 2 handicap parking tabs "in case the babies weren't in the same car at the same time", or when I was asked if they sleep in the same bed, or when I get appointment notices with Emma scheduled to see the Dr. at 9, followed by Taylor at 10. This little video was taken the first couple of weeks. Tor was up with them so I could get some sleep. Taylor was sound asleep and Emma was having a hard time settling down...
12 comments:
They are so pretty. I look forward to reading more about them.
GOOD LUCK!
The girls are adorable! All of your kids are. I love the photos of the girls they are so sweet. The video is cute...borrowing the pacifier. :) I read the newspaper article at the pharmacy this morning then came home to check out the blog. I love it and look forward to reading more. Thanks for sharing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family!
Nicole -Mesa, AZ
What a Beautiful Family. I hope that the surgery is an option but if not, the fact still remains you are a "Beautiful Family".
Jan Casa Grande, Arizona
You have a beautiful family. Congrats on the new addition in May. All the picture you have on here are gorgeous. I wish you and your family the best. My prayers will be with you!
Being a parent myself and knowing how difficult it already is, I could not imagine going through such a hard time. Your story has really touched me and I hope for the best. God Bless. They look like fighters!!!
Hi! My name is Jen, I'm a neighbor to Ty, Rach, and Issy Bailey. I've heard many good things about you, and it's so touching to see all these pictures and read the articles. Your family is so beautiful and inspiring. I love the video clip and the sweet photos of your twins. I've enjoyed learning about your family and hope to have the opportunity of meeting you up here in WA in the future. :) I admire your faith, courage, and efforts to improve the lives of others.
~Jen - Snoqualmie, WA
I happened across your story in the newspaper as I was helping my son with a school project.Your story and your family touched my heart.What precious little ones you have. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you and your beautiful family.
Valerie-Mesa,AZ
I'm so happy I found your blog! We'll be praying for you (and have been for a long time) It was fun to see you and your sweet little girls in November. I'll put your link on my blog to get the word out.
I saw your story on the Today Show this morning and it brought me to tears. In 2003 I found out that I was carrying conjoined boys at 18 weeks who shared a heart and liver. I was told there was no chance for survival and that if I did carry them to term I risked that chance for future pregnancies. Because I was already 20 weeks, after consulting with cardiologists and other doctors here in NYC and across the country, my husband and I made the painful decision to terminate the pregnancy. We know Collin and Owen are together in heaven and we still think about them everyday, but your story made me think "what if?" My "what if" moments are consolded by looking at my 18 month old daughter and 2 week old son who I know would not be here if we had made the choice to have our babies then. As difficult as it was, it was the right decision for us at the time. We wish you and your family all the best and hope that your story inspires other parents who are faced with this decision to think about all the possibilities. I always knew one day there would be a story where the ending was happy, where technology and medical advances would one day allow babies like ours to survive and I pray that YOU are that story. I will be watching closely and am very proud your foundation which I will support. I am also honored to share this bond with you and your beautiful family. Godspeed!
May God Bless You All. You have a wonderful family. Keep the strength in God, that his love will keep you holding on, for what will come in the future, wich is love, strength, courage, and understanding in accepting what He wants! These pictures are so beautiful. The Lord has the answers to all the questions, especially "Why",He has a purpose for each one of us in this life, and maybe your is to show the world that no matter what the situation is, You can overcome anything that comes along, and you have these beautiful daughters that have given you the strength to go on, and enjoy them.Keep the faith that in his name everything will be allright>
GOD BLESS YOU!
Dolores-Mesa, Az
Ps. My mom from Hermosillo, Sonora Mex., says that you are in her prayers, and that she wishes you all the best!
What a beautiful eternal family. I think I'm right, am I not? The picture of the children with the boys in white shirts and ties gave me a clue. But anyway, what a beautiful family you have. Your girls are beautiful. I hope they can be separated but if they can't they have a family to support and help them.
I just found you blog from a link from someone else's. I am in tears here reading about your beautiful family!!
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