Sweet Baby James

 Getting some normalcy back into my life, so decided to get back to blogging and sharing photos. Before I begin though, I'd like to let everyone know that things are going well with my family and I. My father is doing well. In fact, I think he is ready for some normalcy as well. He told me today that he is going to start participating in activities where he lives. I took him out today, and got him back just in time for him to attend an afternoon coffee and cookie social hour. And tomorrow night he is planning on going to the weekly "Happy Hour"at the pub! I am really glad that he has decided to get back into his routine and getting back to being social. It is the best thing for him.

Okay, now lets get to sweet little baby James. I had the pleasure of doing his newborn photography session almost five weeks ago. It's about time I shared the images with you here on the blog. James' mommy Amanda is one of Miss J's good friends and I was honored when she asked me to take his newborn photos. As soon as I walked into their house and saw the beautiful fireplace, I knew just where I wanted to place that little bundle of joy! I didn't really get to use my wooden bowl that I purchased for Ryleigh....she was such a big girl that she was too big for it. :-) But not James. James fit nicely in that bowl and it went so well with the whole rustic feel I was after.

Isn't he so beautiful?????? Love him!!!!!!

He's telling us "Sshhhhh....I'm trying to get some sleep here!" 

Look how nicely he fits into his Daddy's baseball glove. He was so tiny!!! But he was giving us the wink letting us know how really cool he is!

Ryleigh likes her new friend!!!!!

Thank you James and Amanda. I hope to get some time to spend with you both again! xxoo

A Valentine Love Story

Let me begin this blog by saying that I had no intentions on writing a blog post today. It was the furthest thing on my mind. I'm not one who would want to share a personal loss on this blog at such a sensitive and fragile time in my life. However, sometimes life throws us the unexpected, so I would like to share a very special valentine story here. And now.

Allow me to back up a bit if I may. My last blog post featured my parents recovery from pneumonia at a rehabilitation facility. In that post, I wrote about the deep connection that my parents shared. You can read the blog post here:
 http://www.carolsviewofnewengland.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-pneumonia-twins.html

The day before my parents were to return home together from rehab, on January 25th, my mother had a stroke. She never recovered and I'm so sorry to say that she passed away at four o'clock this morning, on St Valentine's Day. My mother was so full of goodness and love. It doesn't surprise me at all that God called her home on a day that is all about love. To quote my good friend Nancy....."The Lord is all about love and when he sends one home, he does it with the greatest of His love." I know that God loves her very much, and that God appreciates and acknowledges all of the love that my mother has given during her life. She was an amazing person....full of grace, dignity, and most of all, love.

My sister Kathleen and I arrived at my fathers to tell him of our mothers passing at 7:30 this morning. We walked in the door and greeted my father to tell him the news. However.....he already knew. He told us that he was woken up by a woman standing at his bedside during the wee hours of the morning. He was awakened by her and he felt refreshed...... he was not the least bit groggy. It was my mother at his bedside letting him know that she was okay.

And so the love story continues even through death.

I can not even begin to tell you how much I feel at peace knowing this.

Happy Valentine's Day Mom. I love you with all of my heart.