From Auntie Laurie

Auntie's trying sweetpea...can't find the words...i miss you so much...i wasn't ready...my heart longs for you...your sweet smell and beautiful face...i want so badly to hold you again...the tears that covered your blankets are still falling...thanks to your mommy i still have a blanket of yours to catch them...but it's not the same...

From Uncle chris

A Prayer for Emma Rose

Dear Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of life you gave to sweet Emma Rose. Although you cause us to question your true love for us left here without her by allowing that life to so quickly leave us, please give us the comfort and faith to know that Emma Rose’s short life will give those of us surviving the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and provide us with experiences that because of her life with us will mold us into better, stronger, closer, faithful and more loving creations.
Now, we can only see a few of the gifts you allowed her to give to us. As the years pass, may more reveal themselves:
--She has given a young mother the incredible strength and resolve that she did not believe she had to allow her to make a decision for an unborn child’s life that made Emma Rose’s time with us possible.
--She forced a young father to stand up and come face to face, confront, and overcome adversity, when in the past he would have turned away.
--She has strengthened the bond of a betrothed couple and has brought them closer in love.
--She has shown a teenage sister the true precariousness of life and a deeper appreciation and respect for the true miracle of life.
--She has given young nieces and nephews memories of a cousin they will have forever.
--She has brought aunts and uncles closer together to further strengthen the bonds of their extended families.
--She has given grandparents the opportunity to love and care for a grandchild that will forever be their most special.
--She has given an infant brother no solid memories he himself will recall, but from others, knowledge that will strengthen him as he get older that he has a sibling looking over him from Heaven.
--You, most importantly, gave a young infant a few short moments of tangible LIFE, where she could feel the love of a mother’s touch, the sweet taste of warm milk in her mouth, the warmth and brightness of the afternoon sun on her face, and the breath of cool morning air that filled her lungs. She can be with you in Heaven now in pure happiness having experienced it here with us.

Dear God, Bless those of us that remain knowing that despite the sadness we experience at times such as now, you love us so much that you gave your only Son to die for us and our sins. Please give us the faith to know that you will continue to be with us, to create Light out of this moment of Darkness, and that you will strengthen us, guide us, and comfort us as we must continue on without Emma Rose.

In your name we pray,
Amen

Love,
Uncle Chris

Emma's Farewell...

Isaiah 65: verses 17-25
17For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered, or come to mind.
18But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and it’s people as a delight.
19I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.
22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord~ and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like an ox; but the serpent-its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Mark 10: verses 13-16

13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.

14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Remembering Emma Rose Littlefield
April 2 – May 3, 2009

1. Sadness grips us all, family and friends, as we gather here today to celebrate the life of our youngest, dearest, and sweetest little girl, beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and granddaughter. In fact we are at a loss of words to describe her in any other way. So why are we so saddened?? Some would suggest that this should be a time of happiness and celebration, a day of joy and of jubilance. I grew up in a religious atmosphere that taught these principles. And yet I feel the same emotional sadness, and I am uneasy when I consider that this should be a period of extreme happiness. Let us pursue this concept for a moment.
2. Emma announced herself to her mother and father with a strong kick, a real karate chop if you will to the tummy. As her presence grew stronger and tests confirmed her arrival in about 34 weeks, her family and close friends were happy and jubilant—a new sister for her older brother , Josh, and her modestly older sister Sam. Were Emma’s parents surprised? I hope not. After all they had barely recovered from Josh’s birth, just a few months before. And neither believed in the Immaculate Conception for Josh, or they would have named him Jesus. Some weeks later when further tests confirmed the results of a suspicious ultrasound that Emma may have some challenges to her health, her parents were seized with fear of what might be in Emma’s future. Her parents were faced with one of the most difficult decisions in their young lives together. And they chose to preserve the life of one who was already moving and kicking like a dancer and sports player. They wanted to know and love this child to the fullest extent possible. Against all odds and statistics, they wanted to have a live, viable child in their arms and in their lives for as long as God would give them. They knew that Emma Rose might not live to reach 40 weeks. They knew she might face many challenges at birth and thereafter, but they wanted to know her, to bond with her as their daughter, and to love their child as they loved and cared for their other children, as long as God would permit, even if it was only for a few minutes, a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. They wanted her to have an identity for all eternity, a baptized Christian in God’s Holy Name.
3. And so Emma Rose Littlefield left the protection of her mother’s womb and entered the world on April 2nd, 2009 at approximately 4:21 in the morning. She was immediately baptized by her grandmother according to the laws and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, witnessed by several of her family members in attendance, and placed in the loving arms of her accepting parents. She did all the things a young infant was supposed to do. She breathed on her own, stayed nice and warm and pink, ate to her heart’s content, and of course pooped and peed. And she was able to keep her parents up most of every night. She did so well at the hospital that they discharged her to home to spend some QUALITY TIME with her family. She even attended a family birthday party celebrating her aunt’s #41. The Staff of Portsmouth Naval Hospital and the Edmarc Hospice program as well as the often outspoken but never in doubt members of her family were THERE for her. More importantly, she was there for them and provided all with great joy. Joshua will not likely remember feeling the warmth of her face or the strength of her little fingers, but his parents will never forget or lose that picture in time. Samantha will cherish the lock of hair her sister gave her forever. Her cousins, Erin and Jake, will always remember holding her and gently rocking her. They will hold those experiences forever. And Abby will be reminded by numerous pictures and stories her family will share with her of the loving little cousin she played with during those happy days she was physically with us. And of course the image of that darling infant- nestling on the shoulder of her Meemah, the tiny head tucked against Sherry’s neck while she hummed the gentle lullabies so familiar and so comforting to babies.
4. And so today Emma’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends grieve and remain saddened. They will no longer be able to see her and interact with her physically and watch her grow. Her cousins will not be able to pull her hair, or confiscate her favorite doll. Killy and Porsche will not be able to lick her face, steel her pacifier or dust her face with their tail or wet beard. The family will not be able to share in her accomplishments. Accomplishments? You and I say! Mann…n she has already accomplished something we as Christians are still striving to achieve. She is already in heaven with a perfect view to our world and our actions. She is already in tune with the family she got to know while briefly on this earth. She is in effect our own little angel, our ambassador to God’s kingdom. We can communicate with her at anytime we want, day or night. We can think of her often and she will always be there for us for all eternity in the presence of God.
5. Her mother loved the name Emma and aptly selected that for her infant daughter and the name Rose just naturally seemed to follow. I decided to look up the meaning and word root of Emma, and was surprised that in English it means whole or complete, Latin , and German – universal. It has a similar meaning in Greek. I find that coincidental perhaps that the word catholic comes from the Greek kata halos meaning also universal. And finally in Hebrew the word Emma finds
roots as a healer or nurse . ROSE the flower, the flower of beauty and of love associated with Mary, Jesus’ mother in many countries and in several religious prayers.
6. And so as we pray to and reflect on Emma Rose, perhaps we can remember the meaning of her name. EMMA, THE UNIVERSAL HEALER AND NURSE TO ALL WHO SEEK HER HELP AND ARE IN NEED, THE BEAUTIFUL and loving flower; perhaps we can begin to see and feel the power and grace and the meaning that this tiny infant has brought to all of our lives during her short stay on this earth. And then the burden of our sadness will perhaps be lightened by the fact that she gives and will continue to give us joy and happiness throughout our journey while on this earth.
7. LET US PRAY TO THE LORD. Our response : Lord, hear our prayer.
8. For Emma Rose, our dearest little flower, that she may be in heaven with God this very day, we pray to the Lord…
9. For her parents, Annetta and Richard, that their grief and sorrow for her untimely departure will deepen their love and understanding for one another and for their children, Samantha and Joshua, and together as a family they may grow and enjoy happiness together for decades to come, we pray to the Lord…
10. For the men and women of the Naval Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, who at all times provided caring and compassionate medical care to Emma and to her family, we pray to the Lord…
11. For the Edmarc Hospice team, let us offer our thanks and prayers for their enormous support 24-7 as they quickly and cheerfully responded to the needs of Emma and her family; let us pray to the Lord…
12. Let us hope and pray that Edmarc will have the means necessary to continue their medical and spiritual work as they respond to the needs of other infants who are sick , let us pray to the Lord…
13. I wear a purple shirt today to remember the Trisomy 18 Foundation. Let us pray that through the efforts and goals of that organization, Trisomy 18 will become an entity of only historical perspective to our future infants, let us pray to the Lord…

14. For all the infants afflicted with chromosomal abnormalities, let us look to the men and women who will pioneer the treatment and stem cell research to eradicate this awful disease with our Lord’s guidance, let us pray to the Lord…Lord hear our prayer. AT THIS TIME I CALL ON THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO OFFER AND SHARE THEIR WISHES AND PRAYERS ALOUD OR IN SILENCE.
15. My peace I offer to all of you, and my peace I give to you. In the interest of doing our part to prevent the spread of the Swine Flu, let us acknowledge peace to one another without physical contact this very day.
16. WE WILL CONCLUDE OUR FAREWELL TO EMMA ROSE AT PENINSULA MEMORIAL PARK IN PROCESSION AFTER WHICH ALL OF EMMA ROSE’S FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO JOIN WITH HER FAMILY AT AL FRESCA’S RESTAURANT FOR A LUNCHEON.


Delivered to the relatives and friends of Emma RoseLittlefield on the occasion of her celebration service to be with God by Dr. Hugh Bernard McCormick, Jr., her Da.









A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world.
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown

"I'll lend you for a while a child of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"
"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"
Edgar Guest


Golden Memories
They say memories are golden,
Well, maybe that is true.
We never wanted memories,
We only wanted you.

A million times we cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place
No one else could fill.

If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane.
We'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us back one by one,
The chain will link again.

Anonymous


One hot day at Meema and Da’s last summer,
The family was unaware of what soon we would discover.
Your brother was an infant; we all basked in his glow
You had been conceived, and soon we all would know.
From the point of your conception, we all came to find
You my sweet pea had a plan; it was called “on Emma’s time”.
The weeks passed on, your mommy grew, it all was such a whirl.
It wasn’t very long before we learned you were a girl!
A sad day came, test confirmed, and no I will not dwell.
I’ll simply put it this way, my sweet pea wasn’t well.
This baby is incompatible with life. You really should reconsider.
But mommy and daddy stood their ground and said no, we will endeavor.
Finally the moment came; we’d all been waiting for.
The family went to Portsmouth naval, where you would be born.
Emma time appeared again…all part of your plan.
Don’t push! The nurse would tell your mommy, too late, thank god for quick hands.
You came out crying… family, doctors, nurses were in awe.
It was then my sweet pea you confirmed; you were stronger than us all.
Mommy and daddy brought you home and shared one common goal.
To live each day of life with you as if it was your whole.
That they did, your family too, sweet pea you lived so large…
Birthday parties, Geneva on her Harley, you even squeezed in a lunch.
Yes my dear, there is no doubt, that you were taking charge.
32 days God gave us, and though it wasn’t nearly enough,
God filled our hearts with memories, and abounding endless love.
Now don’t forget my Emma Rose, a few weeks ago we spoke…
When you’re with God, take that finger on your left hand you always like to point,
And reach to God and touch him, because your Auntie needs a poke.

Smoochies & Huggies as always.

Love, Auntie Laurie



After the birth of Emma Rose, I felt as if a miracle had occurred. I was so happy to see her and hold her in my arms. The smiles from ear to ear of Annetta’s and Rich’s faces warmed my heart. When it came time to leave, fear began to set in. I feared that I would go home and never see her alive again. Thirty two days and that call came. I could never imagine the pain and agony that Annetta and Rich are going through. There is no sorrow quite so heart rending as the death of a little child. Emma’s image is written so indelibly upon our minds and hearts since she was born. Our arms are empty, eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are like a vacant house. We sometimes feel that a life which is so brief was in vain and that God has mocked us by giving us Emma and then taking her away so soon. Emma had no opportunity to perform a work, nor was there any time given to develop character. Let us remember first of all, that Emma has an eternal spirit and she has gone into the presence of God where there will be an eternity to perform works and develop character. Although we do not fully understand now, the bible does say in I Corinthians 13:2 “now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is with partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.”

Although the span of Emma’s life was brief, it completed a mission, served a purpose and performed a God-appointed task in this world. Her presence turned your thought to the best, her helplessness brought out your strength and protection, and her loveliness roused your tenderness and love. Her life has brought family closer together and her influence will linger in our hearts as long as we live making us feel the need to be closer to God. Emma’s life served a purpose. A brief life is not an incomplete life. I cannot put into words how each and every one of us feel, but Jesus in John 11:35, understood our sorrow, sympathized with the loss of a loved one. It states when Jesus went to a funeral for Lazarus “Jesus wept.” Because Jesus had our humanity and was touched with the feeling of our suffering, when he went to the cemetery, He wept – in spite of the fact he intended to restore Lazarus’s life.

In the Old Testament, David in 2 Samuel 12:16-23, said after the death of his son, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live. But now that he has died, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” David knew that he was with God and that someday by death, he would be with him forever. If we could only see how blessed Emma is at this very moment, it would reconcile us to the loss of Emma in our hearts. For in Luke 18:16, Jesus said “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Emma is special to all of us. She was so small, but her influence was so great; her life was short, but the memory of her is long. As I said before, I* was afraid to leave Emma and go home after she was born.

However, by faith, I know the next time I see her, I will not have to go home for I will be home.

Thank you and God bless.
From Uncle Rick

When I Must Leave You

"When I must leave you for a little while

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years.

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name

Live on and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!"

~Author Unknown

Read by Aunt Kelli Bynum graveside. 32 pink ballons were released in honor of Emma's 32 days of life on earth.

From Great Aunt Laurie & Great Uncle Sandy

Emma Rose, so many here in Syracuse never knew you in person but knew of your gentleness and spirit that you shared so much. We have cried tears of sadness but do rejoice as you are with God. Remember on easter I told you the story about the little boy asking his baby sister to tell him about God because he kept forgetting? Well you did teach us/ show us a lot about God's love and now you are there basking in God's love. We will always love you, Emma Rose, Great Aunt Laurie and Great Uncle Sandy

From Aunt Jenny and Abby

Dear Emma,
Today you have your wings. Sweet little girl... I know your in a place where you will feel no pain. And while Jesus and God are rocking you to sleep tonight also know that there are many arms around you holding you just as tight. We will miss you so much. We have been so lucky to have this special time with you. We got to know you and learn and see your sweet and amazing little personality shine. We also felt your strength. You have been such a strong little girl who defied the odds and came home with a Mommy and Daddy and to a sister and brother who all love you so much. It hasn't been easy for you but you stayed as long as you could. We remain so proud of you little girl. You are so sweet, fragile and delicate yet you filled all of our lives with your presence. While you were here it seemed so natural and special, You have been such a good little girl... It has been easy to forget that we might not have another day with you. Now that you have gone there will be no forgetting. Your time here has made sure of that. God bless you little girl. You are our special star in heaven and they are lucky to have you there....

Love always, Aunt jenny and cousin Abby.

From Grandma and Poppy

Dear Emma,

It was great to finally meet you. You are so tiny and so beautiful. I wish I had more time to spend with you. Time to hold you and cuddle you and sing you more songs. You are so loved little one by so many. Poppy put your cradle together and it looked so comfy. You have an extra special mommy and daddy, big sister and brother. I miss you baby girl. Poppy and I wish we lived closer to see you more often. Bye for now; love and kisses......

Grandma and Poppy

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

Hi little Emma, You are with me so constantly in my heart and mind. My tears stain a lot of things here, I wish I could hold you, and I am glad my little blanket can warm you. You are a miracle little one and you are reminding us we are all miracles from God. We will never be the same because of you, love "the Original Aunt Laurie"

From Auntie Laurie

Hi Sweet Pea! I loved Meema's last post. It said it all. I too am sorry I dampened you with my tears. You didn't seem to mind. I even got a few smiles out of your beautiful self.
It hurts to see you struggling. It hurts to see your parents giving all the strength they can muster to be strong for you. It hurts knowing that the hugs and kisses you're getting from brother Joshua will not go on forever. It hurts knowing that one day i won't be able to cradle you in my arms and shower you with kisses. It hurts my heart in a way i could've never imagined was possible.
I long for understanding of this. Perhaps i just got a glimpse. As i'm typing this at work, with tears streaming down my face, the song "I can only imagine" came on. A song about meeting jesus. I believe with all my heart that god sends us messages.
Just remember what Auntie told you this morning....when you do meet God poke him for auntie with your long pointed index finger on your left hand. Auntie needs a good poke from God.
I love you with all of my heart! As always...endless smoochies & huggies!!
Auntie Laurie

From Aunt Jenny

Dear Emma,
Today you are 3 weeks old! What a gift you are and what a fighter. We are all so proud of you and love you so much. Your Daddy told me that you started taking lasix today because one of your nurses heard fluid in your lungs. I hope it helps you breath easier little girl. Keep fighting and we will all continue to treasure every minute that we have with you.
Love, Aunt Jenny and cousin Abby

From Meema & Da

You are such an oh so special gift to us. Just to hold you and feel your
warmness and hear your sweet little baby sounds is such content. I'm sorry that
we dampen your blanket with tears but it is only because we have loved you so
much from the minute your daddy first told us mommy was having another baby and
you were a little girl. Someday we will understand this but for now we can only
take every second we have with you and store them up for our special memories in
our hearts. Sleep well tonight little one, see you in the morning. All our
love, Meema and Da

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

Hi there little girl. Today I had a hard day, I made plans to go to the hospital to get my x rays and then went into a panic attack, finally realized, it was the time of the day when my accident happened, I would be headed toward the same destination on the same route. Obviously I didn't go then, but did later,allowing someone to drive and we went the route. I did it, but am drained. Then I come home and here are these beautiful pictures, you give me such hope. How precious to have your little brother holding your hand. Everyone loves you so much , every one I meet, I tell them about you and they are praying hard. Keep on little one, Love "OL" the original Aunt Laurie

From Auntie Laurie

Hi sweet pea!! You had another doctors appointment today and are continuing to astound and amaze everyone!! You've grown one inch and gained 9 ounces!! That's my girl!! I love you sooo much!!! Meema sent me these pictures. She said they'd make me cry and indeed they did. Your mommy took them while they were on the way to drop your big brother Josh off at school on the way to your appointment today. Meema said your mommy looked over and he had grabbed and was holding your hand. That's what big brothers are for...looking after their baby sisters! He loves you soooo much and I know you love him right back. I could go on and on about your mommy and daddy, but words can't even come close to describing the love they have for you and the insurmountable strength they possess. I love them both dearly. I may have told you this before...but your Daddy is my baby brother. Big sisters look after their baby brothers too!
Tons of smoochies and huggies!!
I Love You!!
Auntie Laurie

From Great Aunt Debbie and Great Uncle Terry

When Great Uncle Terry and I moved into our house, there is a tree at the end of our driveway where half the trunk had decayed away. Since the leaves were lush and families of birds were living there, we would could not take it down.

We were going to take it down the following spring before it had new birds living there. There is a lot of yard work to do here and by the time we took a look at the tree it was in full foliage and birds.

Uncle Terry and I stood back and decided as long as the tree had leaves we would never take down the tree. That was 8 years ago.

Last fall I took these pictures, figuring there is no way this tree would survive another winter, the snow plows throwing road salt and stones so close to it. I walked out to the tree yesterday and sure enough there are buds waiting to burst through. We're expecting close to 70 degree weather today so we may have leaves by this evening.

Emma Rose, you are like this tree. You have beat all odds of surviving, yet you continue to thrive. There have been many times when I pass this tree, I think "How can this be?"

Always in our prayers,
Uncle Terry and Aunt Debbie

From Meema & Da

Hi Emma or our sweet Little Miss. You continue to surprise us all with your progress but then maybe we shouldn't be surprised with all the people that are praying for you. My day is complete when I get to stop by and hold you. You have such sweet mannerisms and are such a snuggler. Your mom says you got to go outside for a walk and feel the warm breezes on your face. Hopefully the sunny days will soon be here to stay. I can't believe how much you are growing. Your tiny clothes will soon be too small. Big brother Josh realizes that you are now here and wants to play with you. Unfortunately he can be a little rough but he really loves you. He is such a cutie and has the most wonderful smile. You've blessed us with a sweet almost smile and your beautiful eyes just sparkle as you look around. We are so glad you are in our world Emma Rose, our precious Little Miss. With much love, Meema and Da

From Meema

Hi Little Miss, Your mommy tells me you don't much care for your bath. I bet you would soon love it as much as Josh does. You were all done with your bath, wrapped snug as can be and looking very content when I saw you in daddy's cradle with all your animals around you. You take up a very tiny part of the cradle. Looks like a perfect place to snuggle too. I didn't get to cuddle you either because I had to leave quickly. I was in such a hurry to get to see you I forgot to do something important -- like go pick up our income taxes. Oops. Fortunately I was at your house and not over here across the river so it didn't take too long to back track.

Tomorrow I can see you longer. I'll bring you your cap for the day. Love you so much Little Miss. You certainly bring the smiles to our faces. xo Meema

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

Happy Easter Little one. Today I thought of a story my bishop likes to tell. It is about a family welcoming a second child , a little girl home to join her 3 year old big brother. They wondered how he would respond to her. Soon after they found him in the nursery, on tip toes looking into bassinet and saying, "Tell me about God, I keep forgetting."
I bet you can tell us so much about God, Emma Rose, you all ready have by showing us much God loves us all. Love Great Aunt Laurie, "The Original Aunt Laurie"

From Meema & Da

You gave us a little scare yesterday. But you have so many wonderful people taking care of you that things were soon settled. It must have been funny to see your nurse come roaring up on her Harley. You see, everyone cares so much for you and your family. There aren't enough hours in the day for everyone that wants to hold you to do so. And you are learning to like to snuggle. You make the sweetest little baby sounds.

It's Easter weekend, the time when God gave us his greatest gift. We are praying for another miracle this Easter Sunday. He gave us our Easter basket a little early this year and guess what? You were in it!!!! Praying for healing this season - most especially for you but also for the rest of us as well. We love you little one, Meema and Da

From Auntie Laurie

Hi Sweet Pea!!! It's Auntie Laurie's bday day today. It'll always be my favorite bday (shhh...don't tell anyone, i'm 41!) because you here to share it with me. And your bday is only eight days before mine! You are an Aries. Just like Auntie Laurie. I'm with your cousins Christopher & Erin and Uncle Chris visiting grandad in Tampa. Words can not convey how much I long to look into your blue eyes, snuggle you and smell your precious scent, and plant kisses on your beautiful face. I miss you sooo much. But you know what? All i have to do is close my eyes and i can feel you, see you, and smell you....always and forever.
Auntie loves you Sweet Pea...smoochies and huggies!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Meema & Da

Sweet little one, another day and another gift to us. Just to stand and look at you is such a miracle. I can't believe that you are such a precious Easter gift to us. I wanted to tell you that I have two new heroes. Your Mom and Dad are two of the most special people in this world. They love you so much and are giving you absolutely the best care you could receive. I should take picture of them when they are with you. You can see the love in their eyes. We are all so grateful of the gift of time we have been blessed with. You are such a fighter and have passed that on to us. All our prayers are for a special Easter miracle that our time with you can be extended.

Baby Josh who by now should be called Toddler Josh is walking now and doing his best to keep your parents busy. He knows how much they love you and works to put smiles on their faces. You will love him and he will be your biggest champion. Nobody will mess with his Emma. Big Sister Sam loves you too. She's a teenager - that's a life phase we all go through and it's not the easiest but we know she is worried about you and your mom and dad and loves you so much. You are so tiny, that I think you scare her alittle.

Baby girl. We love you so. I know you can feel that you are wrapped in all this love cause sometimes I see a little smile on your face. You are our baby and God's too. And we can feel his caring on us all.

Hope you have a good night tonight and that means mommy and daddy too. See you tomorrow. Love and kisses to our little one. Meema and Da.

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

Dear Little Emma! So long we have all waited for you to be with us and here you are now a week old! Haven't you always been here? I wish I could be there to have my turn holding you. I use to love to hold your daddy when he was a baby, he had the sweetest smile. I am so happy you like to snuggle in your blanket, I just wanted some way to be there, and I knew you had to have your own special blankie. Take care little one , we are sending lots of prayers and kisses to all of you. Love, 'The Original Aunt Laurie"

From Great Aunt Debbie and Great Uncle Terry

I see your pictures and cannot believe how perfect you are. I am amazed by how strong you are. Your Meema, Da, Aunt Laurie, Aunt Jenny keep all of us so far away of your miracles. I hope to meet you face to face very soon. Know that your Great Uncle Terry and Great Aunt Debbie pray for you and your Mommy and Daddy everyday. A candle will be lit for you at the Easter Vigil (Saturday night) and Easter Sunday serices.

Love,
Uncle Terry and Aunt Debbie

Happy Birthday Sweet Emma from Aunt Jenny

Dear Emma,
Today you are one week old. You continue to touch and amaze so many people with your courage and strength. You have a plan and a purpose that only you and God know. And you have so many people that love you and are praying for you. My birthday wish for you is that you feel nothing but the love that surrounds you while you continue to give us all the gift of time. You are so special little girl and we are all so blessed to have you in our world.
Love, Aunt Jenny and cousin Abby

From Great Aunt Carolyn

Dear Emma Rose,

What a blessing God has given to your family in your arrival. I am so happy to hear you arrived safely and how brave you have been. You are such a beautiful precious child. You and your mommy have been in your Great Aunt Carolyn and Great Uncle Gene's prayers and our Sunday School class has been and continues to pray for you.

I'm your mommy's aunt and your Grandma Mary's sister that lives in Grayson, Georgia. That's about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta. We haven't had the opportunity to see your mommy in quite a while but we're always asking your Grandma Mary about her. Reading all these messages about your mommy and daddy are beautiful and makes me want to see them even more.

Little one you are loved. Oh, how I praise God that He is giving you time to spend with your family. God bless you child.

With great love and admiration,
Great Aunt Carolyn

From Uncle Rick, Aunt Sharla, and cousin Hayley

Dear Emma,

We are so happy to have been there when you were born. We just want to tell you how much we all love you. You are a precious little girl. You have the greatest mommy and daddy in the world. We are in total awe of both of them. They love you so much and so do we. You are such a blessing to us all. You are the strongest little girl we have ever met. Even though we had to come back home to WV, you remain in our hearts. We will always cherish the time we were able to spend with you while we were in VA. Please know that we love you very much!!!!

Love Always,
Uncle Rick, Aunt Sharla, and cousin Hayley

From Meema & Da

Oh my sweet one. At last we have a teeny little person to hold and love on. You were brought into this world surrouned by the love of so many people. The tears were flowing as your cries accompanied your birth. Oh so many prayers were answered. I think that in additiion to all the family members, there were extra people from the hospital in the room to see our little miracle. The joy on your mommy's face was radiant. I feel so blessed to have been able to baptize you.

Your first couple of days you didn't spend much time in the bassinet. We all wanted our turn to cuddle with you. And when you did make it to the bassinet, we all kept our eyes on you. You are a beautiful little person.
We don't know what plans God has in mind for you, but you have already blessed us all just with your presence. Now we have you home with your mommy and daddy and big brother Baby Josh. Welcome, Miss Emma Rose. We are so glad to see you at last. With more love than anyone can imagine, Meema and Da