Unique Christening Gowns

quote ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:43:00 +0000

But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.

~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

quote by John Harrichar

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:24:00 +0000

The caterpillar dies so butterfly could be born
And, yet, the caterpillar lives in the butterfly and they are but one .
So , when i die , it will be that i have been transformed
from the catterpiller of Earth to the butterfly of the universe .

Inspirational quotes

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Not only should we be unashamed of grief, confident
that its expression will not permanently hurt us, but
we should also possess the wisdom to talk about our
loss and through that creative conversation with
friends and companions begin to reconstruct the broken
fragments of our lives . . . We should not resist the
sympathy and stimulation of social interaction. We
should learn not to grow impatient with the slow
healing process of time . . . We should anticipate
these stages in our emotional convalescence: unbearable
pain, poignant grief, empty days, resistance to
consolation, disinterestedness in life, gradually
giving way under the healing sunlight of love,
friendship, social challange, to the new weaving of a
pattern of action and the acceptance of the irrestible
challenge of life.
-- Rabbi Joshua L. Liebman

Heartfelt poems written by my friend x

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:44:00 +0000

I dream
by Kay Nelson
I dream that you're in paradise,
A very perfect place,
And that you are taken care of,
Better than I ever could,
I pray that you know only good,
And never come to know harm,
Where life is pure and simple,
Unlike the chaos down here,
I hope that you never miss me,
The way that I miss you,
That you are happy,
And know no fear,
I'll always be your momma,
You'll always be my baby.

They
by Kay Nelson
They ask me why I cry,
Even though they know you've gone,
They say its time to move on,
All though I never will,
They tell me I'm not the same,
I'll never be who I was,
They tell me you've gone to a better place,
But you aren't here with me.

Understanding
by Kay Nelson
Please just understand,
These tears must fall,
I wear a mask to hide the sorrow,
You don't have to fix my problems,
Just understand my tears.

Untitled by Monika Konski

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:32:00 +0000

“Once upon a time…” Sophie read aloud as she rocked back and forward in the old battered rocking chair overlooking her young daughter’s bed. The cliché was immediately recognisable: greatly overused and indicative of a story which is likely to be, in all honesty little more than the confected relation of a moral lesson. As she read through the children’s fairytale, laden with confected realism and a cliché in almost every sentence, another cliché came to Sophie’s mind: the claim that “everything happens for a reason”. But how, after what she had been through, could it ever be remotely possible that things happen for some higher beneficial reason.

Images flashed through her mind’s eye: crisp white sheets, bright iridescent lights, soft pink skin, a heartbeat, numerous tubes and beeping machines, giving readings that neither Sophie nor her fiancé, a corporate lawyer in his mid-twenties, could find any meaning in.

“What’s wrong mum?” And it was gone. The sound of her daughter’s cautious voice had broken through Sophie’s brief moment of reverie. In her daze, Sophie chose not to answer the question in her daughter’s vivid blue eyes, continuing to read the bedtime story. Her thoughts drifted to another pair of bright blue eyes – but the memories were still too raw. She remembered the pain like it was yesterday and not twelve years ago; the pain that made her feel like her heart was being ripped out of her body. The knowledge that this wondrous being who had been a part of her for so long would never again be a physical presence in her life threatened to send Sophie down a steep spiral into the darkness that was all too familiar to her. The confusion at her mother’s sudden lack of composure during such a trivial task as reading a bedtime story was still evident in that piercing gaze, a gaze which belonged more to a twenty year old woman than a six year old child.

Sophie, having finished reading the story, was gently extricating herself from the rocking chair, hoping to quietly leave the room without disturbing her daughter, who had fallen asleep. But as she reached the door, her daughter’s voice, drowsy with sleep, called out to her. “I wish I had a big brother, like the girl in the story – to look after me.” Sophie gently closed the door and as she did so, whispered quietly to herself “You do.”

It was late and her husband had called her to join him in their master bedroom. Sophie obliged, climbing under the warm blankets into their comfortable bed; his strong, comforting arms wrapping around her as he fell asleep.

Sophie lay there tracing the patterns of her blanket, her thoughts far away from the childlike star embellishments her fingers were following. Her mind drifted back to the day, thirteen years ago, when she had discovered she was expecting a child with her fiancé. She recalled the excitement and joy she felt as she carried the child in her womb; the hopes for the future; the sudden jolt as she felt the pressure of its first movements. Sophie remembered with fondness her husband’s smile, the exuberant glow in his eyes when the ultrasound technician told them that she was carrying his son. He was going to be the spitting image of his father; successful and ambitious. She smiled as she recalled her fiancé’s voice, joking that “he’ll have my looks and your brains”.

They were living their own fairytale, awaiting the arrival of their son, but they soon realised that fairytales cannot last forever. He was born three months early; his lungs did not work on their own, his beautiful blue eyes could not see any of the world around him. Sophie realised that there was little wonder in the world of respirators and monitors, yet she still yearned to hold her son’s tiny body in her arms, so that there might be a moment of recognition between him and his parents who love him dearly. “There is still hope” the doctor said as he checked the numerous neonatal monitors and recording data onto his charts. Sophie and her fiancé clung to this glimmer of hope, praying with every fibre of their being that their beautiful son would have the strength to pull through this enormous challenge in his tiny precious life.

Sophie vaguely remembered hearing someone say that “life is like a rose”. Her recognition of the truth in this statement changed somewhat after the loss of her child. Life is like a rose. It is beautiful to look at, but with thorns of difficulty, heartache and unimaginable suffering which are generally overlooked. Those metaphorical thorns in an individual’s life impact on the growth of their inner self, these experiences shape the person they become.

It was a moment that she would never forget. No words she could find would ever be sufficient to explain the feelings of desolation, the absolute terror, the chill that reverberated through her whole body as she looked down at her unmoving child. His listless blue eyes gazing into the distance; his tiny precious body still connected to the tubes which had supported his short earthly life. It was a moment that Sophie did not want to remember, but willed with her whole heart not to forget. For this was the only time that she would be able to see her child.

As Sophie lay in her warm bed, an uncharacteristic cold shiver traveled down her spine. Sophie shuddered as an enormous wave of remorse washed over her, as she tried to recall if something she had done during her pregnancy could have contributed to the early onset of labour, which she willed herself to believe had cost her son his life. The familiar torrent of unexplainable guilt came in currents of “what if’s”: what if she had taken more time off work to allow her body to care for her son properly? What if she had led a healthier lifestyle, with a better diet so he would not have wanted to leave her body so soon? What if it was her fault, that her body was not good enough, or strong enough, or she was not worthy enough to carry her son to full term? What if his death was a punishment for something in her past, that made her unworthy of being a mother? But her anxieties seized as, in that very moment, she felt the connection with her son’s spirit that added reassurance to her heart – she is in fact his mother, an earthly mother to her own precious Angel, whose life was too beautiful for this earth.

Though fairytales cannot last forever, memories remain. Memories and love. So when this new child was born into the world, Sophie appreciated it so much more, but in the back of her mind she always yearned to hold that one child, for whom she would forever mourn. She wished that she would have the strength to tell her daughter that her big brother is the brightest shining star in the sky; the Angel sibling who will forever brighten and protect the path ahead of her. But the time would come.

Grieving Parents support foruum on Our Angel Baby site

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Welcome to Angel Baby for this is a place where we can honor the memory of our own angel baby and help to bring about peace in our lives. We are honored to have you here and are grateful that we have a new friend amongst us.

This site was created to help unite families with others in our situation. It is our hope that you will find others who can help you heal and ones that in turn you can help through your own experience. We come from all different backgrounds, races, and religious aspects. We each have our own story to tell. Some have lost their child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, others were born sick, and some have passed on from SIDS. Though we are all different we each have one thing in common we are now a part of an exclusive group one that none of us wanted to be a part of. However it is through our experiences, our friendships, and our strength that we can help one another to grow and to come to terms with our losses. We believe that in connecting one with another we can and will find a way to mend our hearts and forge new friendships with others that understand.

Angel Baby has opened its door to a brand new

Angel Parent support forum

we invite you to join our online community . You choose your own screen name and this adds a new privacy factor into our on line community xox hugs xox Dana and Angel Baby community

Quote

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:04:00 +0000

"...The tears fall, they're so easy to wipe off onto my sleeve, but how do I erase the pain from my heart ?... "

Please light a candle in loving memory of your angels

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Mary Nelda has created an online memorial group for everyone to light a candle

in the loving memory of your precious angels.

Group *P&IL*

This link takes u straight to it

You press a free candle and place initials of your child on it with the facility of special message as well.

Once the candle is lit by you going over the candle with your mouse will bring up the msg you posted.

Angel Baby candle

I have lit Angel Baby candle in loving memory of all precious angels

xox hugs xox

Thank you Mary mum to precious angel Kimberly JuneBug xox

To Where You Are by Josh Groban

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Who can say for certain Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration Can it be
That you are mine Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far To where you are

Are you gently sleeping Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday

'Cause you are mine Forever love
Watching me from up above
And I believe That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up To where you are
Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight
To see you smile If only for awhile
To know you're there A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there A breath away's not far
To where you are

Josh Groban

Angel Baby grieving parents support

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Stillbirth - The Wall

☆:´¨`:..:´¨`:.☆ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ☆:´¨`:..:´¨`:.☆

You are walking along fine with everyone else and the sun is shining and all
is going ok and then you walk SLAM into a brick wall. And it hurts – really hurts.
It hurts your head and your chest where your heart is and your stomach.
And it shocks you as only slamming into a brick wall can. Stops you dead in your tracks.
And you stand there thinking “How did I not see that coming ? What the hell happened ? How could someone just do that to me ?” And you look around and everyone else seems to be walking round the wall. They are carrying on like nothing happened and the sun is still shining for them. They don’t even see the wall. They don’t even know its there.

And you realise you didn’t know it was there until you hit it – you didn’t even know there was a brick wall you could hit – not now, not at this stage. And slowly you pull yourself together. The pain in your stomach goes away but your heart still hurts and your mind is racing with questions about this brick wall – how, what, where, why ?? Mostly why ?
Why on earth would someone make you walk into this wall – why did they have to put it in front of you and no-one else ? And you can walk again now the pain in your stomach and maybe your legs has subsided. So you slowly make your way round the wall and to the other side. But it doesn’t look the same on the other side. It’s greyer and emptier.

And you know you’ve left something behind – something very precious and you want it back. So you turn round and there is the brick wall behind you and it seems to hit you with the same force again when you realise you can’t go back. Its blocking your path and it will always be there. You pummel your fists on it and cry and shout at it but it’s unbreakable and absolute. It won’t let you get your precious bundle back – that has to stay on the other side and you must carry on without it.

You can’t go back to the path you were on before you hit the brick wall – it’s impossible.
So all you can do is go forward and walk on from it. But its hard-going and your legs don’t seem to want to walk away from it. You know when you look over your shoulder
it will always be there. It may fade a bit from view but if you look closely you will always
be able to see it – even in the distance. And you look around you again and see all the people who never hit the brick wall carrying on too. You tell some of them about the brick wall and they sympathise – it must have hurt they say. You are looking well despite hitting this brick wall – you have no cuts or bruises on the outside because those heal. So you must be doing ok then now they say ?

But my wounds are on the inside you feel like screaming. How can you not know about this brick wall – why couldn’t you walk into it instead of me ? And then you feel bad – you know you wouldn’t really want anyone else to walk into that wall. Some people are ok – maybe they have seen the wall themselves in the past or come close to it - maybe they are really good friends and family who close their eyes and do try to imagine walking into the wall.
They are the ones who help you keep walking away from it. People tell you that you’ll never hit this brick wall again – it only appears once in your life. And you want to believe them even though you can’t be sure.

Up ahead it looks like maybe your path does cross back into the sunshine again – the same sunshine that everyone else is basking in. And you can just maybe make out another bundle waiting for you to pick up and carry with you for the rest of your life. And maybe if you are strong and keep moving forward then you’ll reach it one day. But it’s not the same bundle as before – it can’t be. That one is behind the wall. The wall that’s always there if you look over your shoulder. And written on it in forever more is the message in letters a mile high, that only you can see – My darling baby. RIP

Rachel – written for my much-missed daughter Rhianna

who was born sleeping 16th October 2005.

Grieving Fathers

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Dear Daddy,
*
I know I touched your life so deep
I wish I hadn’t made you weep
Like a beautiful rainbow, I had to fly away
My time with you was brief, I was not meant to stay
Thank you for giving me life and for loving me
I know how much you wish to hold me,
have a baby the world can see
But know that I am with you always
In the comforting warmth of the sun’s rays
I’m in the stars and the waves of the ocean blue
You are my daddy and I love you
Listen as my voice whispers to you on the breeze
My song will take flight among the trees
Even though we’re apart
I’m really with you, snug in your heart
I’m your little girl, I’ll be with you forever
I’m your angel girl and I have the best daddy ever!
Love,
Your Baby

Angel Baby grieving parents support site

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:16:00 +0000

the most cherished memory of my precious angel is....

Jessica C. From the time of the pregnancy test to seeing Roman for the first time, how beautiful & perfect he was and how nervous i was to see him but how relieved and glad i am that i did, the short time in hospital we got to have him with us, the precious short time of viewing his details and trying to keep every bit in my memory ♥
Barbra S. the time i spent with my sleeping angels alone to say my hellos and goodbyes,i will never forget how they looked,smelled,and how precious they are.from the moment i found out i was pregnancy i talked to them in my belly felt there little movements i will never forget the conversations i had with them before they were even born.R.I.P Shauna and Cheyanne
Lauren R. holding him in my arms and taking in every detail of him
Robyn S. The day I found out I was pregnant and right to the day Jesse grew his wings x x x
Candice H. Holding my little man for the first and final time, kissing his head and telling him I'll love him forever
Simone B. Everything i saw, held, kissed, cuddled, n the pain fadin away from my little girl Xx
Kay N. D and I laying in bed together, and D would get so into telling Daniel the most ridiculous crazy stories. So cute. Such a precious memory
Kirsty H. kissing his tiny hand before we left the hospital , precious memories xx love you little man xx
Mandy K. the day i found out i was having my 1st and only gorgeous little girl xxxx love u with all my heart Kiera xxxx
Amber H. everything.. My time with Kailah was so short that i cherish every single second. Today marks the 4th year of her birth/death and i miss her everyday. Please when u say your prayers tonight, say one for my little angel ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ thank u
Vicky H. Seeing my son for the first time telling him i love him and not to be scared and that mummy daddy Jordan and ruby will never forget him x x x miss u so much Sammuel xxx
Jeda S. I remember her cold lips, i would kiss them and it was like she was breathing ice they were so cold.. i would put my warm lips to hers to try and give her my breath. Kayla was my chubba bubba born sleeping at 41
Helen C. holding Shannon for the 12 hours i could and kissing her face and telling her how much i loved and wanted her xx
Charity R... ...Simply... him. my precious boy Lenny.
Michele H. holding my Johnny is my arms the hour he was alive is my most precious memory
Jeanie W. My most precious memory is that of my wiping Zoe's tiny little bloody nose. She was already gone but that act of mothering means so much to me......
Angela O.F......Wrapping him in a blanket, and combing her hair.
Crystal D kissing her cold little head, holding her tiny hand for so long that when my mom came into visit she said "shes not cold at all" Its because i wouldn't let her go.What I would give to feel her again.
Melanie N. remembering her gawjus smile that lit up the darkest rooms-nanna loves you Brookie † forever.xxx
Colleen M. Seeing him smile; even after a tough day of chemotherapy; and his giggle could warm your heart in seconds. He had a wonderful happy outlook on life; we all learned so much from him...he was such a young teacher. Who knew we could all learn from a baby. Forever missed, loved and cherished.I miscarried a baby at 6 months; I felt "Bubbles" kick a lot before then. Bubbles often got the hiccups, and it felt like he/she was dancing inside...never forgotten and forever missed.
Amber B. Seeing his amazing little feet and marveling at the perfection of God's work. The day he had hiccups while he was on the ultrasound screen. The first time I felt him move around in my belly. The way he moved away from the needle when the doctor did an amniocentesis. Seeing him sucking his thumb in so many ultrasound photos-- just like his daddy did! Singing to him when I took a shower at the hospital... all the nurses thought I was funny!
Connie W,. Mine is when we brought him home and to my aunts house to see my mother who was really sick and wanted to mean Kyler before she went to heaven. And she held him so tight and they were just so centent. She passed away a few weeks later.
Aimee W.....Everything about her. Can't pick just one wonderful memory xxx Megan xxx
Carissa M.... .when i held her hand for the first time, it was the first time i touched her, in the humid crib
Kristie L.C. The day I found out he was in me and also the day I got to hold him and dress him. I will never forget how peaceful he looked and also 2 days later when I went to say my final goodbye to him he had a little smile on his face, I will take that smile with me wherever I go, I miss you beautiful boy xo
Cath M. When they put him in my arms after I woke from my emergency caesar. He was the most beautiful little baby I have ever seen, he was so warm and soft and it felt just beautiful to have him skin to skin on my chest.Love you lots baby Finn..xoxo
Emma B. I can't pick just one he was just so perfect. I loved him from the beginning of my pregnancy. Still love him and always will. Love both my angels.
Emma S. The day I found out about her. The fear and the amazement of a new life was incredible. And how her memory has changed peoples lives. That makes it special
Pauline S........ everything to do with him
Caroline B .....I remember how heavy Hayley was, she was my biggest baby. How she looked exactly like her older sister. Even though she was very pretty much bald she was my only baby that red hair like me. I remember holding Hayley for the last time and telling her how much I loved her and always will.

Post copied from Angel Baby

A poem for Austin

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Hayley Hogan mum to precious angel Austin

Austin how we wanted you,
we waited night and day
for you to come into the world
so we could all say 'hey'.
A little brother for Lissy to hold.
A son for daddy and me.
But now you've flown into the clouds,
it wasn't meant to be.
Our hearts are truely broken.
Our world a dark dark place.
I can't believe I'll never see a smile on your cute face,
or start to sit up on your own,
or even start to crawl,
or get your dinner everywhere,
or even kick a ball.
I wonder what you would be doing
every minute of every day.
I realise you'll never be here with me
no matter how much I pray...
not in body anyway
but I know you'll always be
a little angel who I can't see
but sits right next to me.
I just thank God I had the chance
to grow you in my tummy,
keeping you safe and warm inside
and knowing IM your mummy.
For nine long months we looked forward
to that special day
when you would come to meet us
but God took you away.
He thought you were just too special
to live on this cruel Earth,
knowing that is what gets me through
because I know your true worth.
God has a special job for you
up in that bright blue sky-
look after all the other
angel babies when they die.
Your presence here though has not been missed
because your Daddy and me
have realised how much we'll love each other
for all eternity.
We wont take things for granted,
not one single kiss.
We've simply, truly realised
just how precious our love is.
Be a good boy, won't you?
Until Lissy, Daddy and me
come play with you in Heavens playground
for the rest of eternity.
So, for now, sweet dreams precious little man,
you've really done us proud.
Austin, our little angel baby
dancing in the clouds.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Angel Baby united parent support community Our Link Exchange Buttons

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Please add this Angel Baby button to your site and link us to you :)

http://www.ourangelbaby.org/

currently I am working on putting together parents comments on our new AB page titled Anxiety and Panic Attacks ... have around 30 replies to my fb post and I'm sure everyone will appreciate the honesty with which they are expressed xox hugs to all your precious bubba Angels xox Dana

"The Smallest Angels are changing lives every day"

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:51:00 +0000

"The Smallest Angels are changing lives every day"

For so many of us seeing a positive pregnancy test creates a level of excitement within us that it is hard to contain oneself. Many of us can't wait to see the first scan, to see the heartbeat, to see our baby. Seeing the tiny precious bean on the screen makes it all real. It validates the reality of pending parenthood. It makes us feel 10 feet tall and flying on cloud nine, buzzing with excitement and our hearts are filled with so much love for the little human being, our baby. Our hopes. Our dreams. Our future.

Sadly a lot of pregnancies don't fill parents' arms with healthy bouncing babies. The world can and does come crushing down unexpectedly. So many lives are shattered due to early pregnancy loss and birth of angels without a single breath. A new kind of ‘normal' takes over. Pasting a 'happy smile' for the family and friends is a daily chore for so many grieving parents who would like nothing more than to be able to talk openly about their precious angels.

"...The moment that a mother finds out that her child has died is one that she will never forget. Time stood still, my heart stopped beating, and a big part of me died with her. No words can describe the feelings of looking down at your baby and seeing a sleeping angel. Even though you don't want to remember that day you never want to forget. Every moment, every detail, every tear is etched in your heart forever..."

~ Mary Nelda Williams, mum to precious angel Kimberly June

Our society needs to open its eyes to the impact and the ripple effect each angel baby brings into this world regardless of their age or weeks of gestation. The world's smallest angels are touching hearts of their parents, siblings, grandparents, family and friends. Why is it so hard to mention the name of an angel? Why do people expect parents to get over it and move on? How does one get over it? How can we ask parents to forget their precious babies? How is one to 'get over ‘holding their lifeless baby in their arms? How can anyone ask parents to forget their hopes? Their dreams? Their child? No parent should ever have to walk the path of grief on their own. Instead we as society should ask ourselves how can we help those walking in the mists of their darkest hours.

Article written by Dana and submitted to Mum Zone Baby Parenting site xox

Special thank you to Emma for publishing it within 7 days of receiving it xox

Thank you you are the first parenting site willing to do so

for Angel Baby parent support network xox

Quote by Molly Fumia

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Grief is a journey, often perilous
and without a clear direction
that must be taken.
The experience of grieving
cannot be ordered or categorised,
harried , controlled, pushed aside
or ignored indefinitely.
It is inevitable as breathing,
as change, as..... love.
It may be postponed
but it will not be denied

I read this quote on Louisa's blog today ...
please visit Harry Line Helping Parents.

Parents grieving together by Cameron Tait 9/09/09

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Werribee Banner

ANY parent who has suffered through the death of a baby will tell you it's a pain like no other - nobody expects to outlive their children.

From a time of unbridled excitement and joy at seeing the first ultrasound and feeling on top of the world, the profound grief and overwhelming devastation can become all too much.

The news of impending parenthood fills hearts with love as children represent hopes, dreams and futures.

However, for some parents it all comes crashing down and their lives are shattered due to unexpected early pregnancy loss, or the birth of their precious miracle without a single breath.

Suddenly, they feel they have to put on a brave face for their family and friends, when all they really want to do is talk openly about their loss of their baby.

It's a personal and tormenting journey and a never-ending nightmare that is often endured alone.

As reported in the Banner in January, Dana Konski, who runs a business making baby clothes, has helped many local parents by producing special gowns and burial cocoons in which to bury their little one following a miscarriage or still-birth.

Ms Konski has donated dozens of these garments to hospitals across Melbourne.

She discovered the need for the service after joining a Facebook group called Angel Babies Gone Too Soon.

More recently, the Hoppers Crossing mother has co-founded a website that provides a support network and forum for bereaved parents. "It's a group nobody wants to belong to," she said.

"The loss of a baby never goes away and it often creates a strong sense of helplessness.

"We provide a chatroom where parents can talk with other parents, ask questions and generally help each other through the grieving process."

To visit the website go to www.ourangelbaby.org

Angel Baby parent grief support community

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:23:00 +0000

Angel Baby Chatroom is to be used freely by angel parents, family and friends.
We welcome visitors to pop in and say hi , you are welcome to ask questions.
Be mindful of the parents feelings ,
No rude remarks or comments will be tolerated .

NOTE
If you are wanting information from Angel parents for research purposes, please remember that this is a very sensitive subject. You are free to email one of the Admin on the Contact Us page and we will pass it on to the parents.

Create Gmail Account

enter the chatroom using that new gmail address and your password

having problems ?

you may need to update your browser to Google Chrome

are you using Firefox browser ?

allow cookies and

try this direct link

Chatroom

I was tagged in this note this morning

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Fertilization - Life Begins!

Life truly begins at fertilization - when the sperm and ovum meet to form a single cell, a new human life is created. Characteristics of each person - sex, eye color, shoe size intelligence, etc. - are determined at fertilization by the baby's genetic code in the 46 human chromosomes.
Every person begins as a separate single cell; nothing new is added but oxygen and nutrition. If the process is not interrupted, a human being will live about nine months in the mother's uterus and decades outside it. That person has never existed before and will not exist again.

Within one week of fertilization, a new human being implants in the mother's uterus and is nourished there.

Day 1: Sperm joins with ovum (egg) to form one cell – smaller than a grain of salt. The new life has inherited 23 chromosomes from each parent, 46 in all. This one cell contains the complex genetic blueprint for every detail of human development – the child’s sex, hair and eye color, height, skin tone.

Days 3-4: The fertilized egg ("zygote") travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where the lining has been prepared for implantation.

Days 5-9: The zygote implants itself in the rich lining of the uterus and begins to draw nourishment.

Days 10-14: The developing embryo signals its presence in the mother's body through chemicals and hormones, preventing the mother from menstruating.

Three Weeks - A Beating Heart!

Now attached to the wall of its mother's uterus, the former zygote is considered an "embryo."

The heart is formed at 20 days and beats at three weeks. From then on it will set the rhythm of life for this small kernel of humanity.

Foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are already established.

Day 28: The backbone and muscles are forming. Arms, legs, eyes, and ears have begun to grow.

Day 30: At one month old, the embryo is 10,000 times larger than the original fertilized egg – and developing rapidly. The heart is pumping increasing quantities of blood through the circulatory system. The placenta forms a unique barrier that keeps the mother’s blood separate while allowing food and oxygen to pass through to the embryo.

Five Weeks - Tiny Fingers Form

Now the four primitive limb buds appear, first the arms, then the legs. Five fingers can be discerned in the hand.

At this stage toxic substances such as Thalomide may alter or hinder limb development despite the highly-protective placenta.

The head, disproportionately large at this time, is flexed on the rest of the body, about a quarter inch over all. The eyes darken as pigment is produced.

The umbilical cord joins the embryo to the placenta and to the yolk sac, which manufactures blood cells during the first weeks of the embryo’s life.

The front of the primitive neural tube is enlarged into three parts that very soon will become five: it is the future brain.

Six Weeks - Brain Waves
Brain waves can be detected and recorded with an electroencephalogram.
The end of a human life can be defined as the cessation of brain waves, but many ignore the scientific evidence of brain waves in unborn babies.

The liver is now taking over the production of blood cells, and the brain begins to control movement of muscles and organs.

The mother is about to miss her second period and has probably confirmed that she is pregnant.

7 Weeks - Already Kicking!
The embryo begins to move spontaneously.

The jaw forms, including teeth buds in the gums.

Soon eyelids will seal to protect the embryo's developing light-sensitive eyes, and will reopen about the seventh month.

8-9 Weeks - Fully Formed
At a little more than an inch long, the developing life is now a fetus – Latin for “young one”.

Everything is now present that will be found in a fully developed adult. The heart has been beating for more than a month, the stomach produces digestive juices, and the kidneys have begun to function. Forty muscle sets begin to operate in conjunction with the nervous system.

The baby’s body responds to touch, although the mother will not be able to feel movement until the fourth or fifth month.

Fingerprints are already evident in the skin. The baby will curve his fingers around an object placed in the palm of his hand.

10-11 Weeks - All Systems Functioning
The uterus is now doubled in size. The baby can now squint, swallow, and wrinkle his forehead.

The baby is now about 2 inches long. Urination occurs. The face has assumed a baby’s profile, and muscle movements are more coordinated. At this age, he or she will seize an object placed in the hand.

12-13 Weeks - Baby Can Smile
The baby now sleeps, awakens, and exercises its muscles energetically - turning his head, curling his toes, and opening and closing his mouth. The palm, when stroked, will make a fist. The baby is breathing amniotic fluid to help develop his respiratory system.

Fine hair has begun to grown on the head and sexual differentiation has become apparent.

Month 4 - Baby Hears Mother's Voice
By the end of this month, the baby is eight to ten inches long and weighs half a pound or more. The mother will probably start to “show” now.

The ears are functioning and there is evidence that the baby hears quite a bit: the mother’s voice and heartbeat as well as external noises.

18 weeks: The child at this age has almost reached viability. Viability is the time when the baby is able to survive outside the mother’s womb.

Not long ago, viability was at 30 weeks; then it was 25 weeks. Now viability is
even earlier. What will it be tomorrow? Science is constantly making progress in this area.

Month 5 - Half Way Home!
Half the pregnancy has now passed, and the baby is about 12 inches long.

The mother has definitely begun to feel movement by now. If a sound is especially startling, the baby may jump in reaction.

Babies are routinely saved when born prematurely at 21 to 22 weeks after fertilization, and in some cases, even younger – babies have lived when born at 19 weeks!

Months 6-9 - Growing Baby
6th Month:Oil and sweat glands are functioning. The delicate skin of the growing baby is protected from the fetal waters by a special ointment called “vermix”. If the baby were born at this month and given proper care, he would survive.

7th Month: The baby now uses the four senses of vision, hearing, taste, and touch.
She can recognize her mother’s voice.

8th Month: The skin begins to thicken with a layer of fat stored underneath for insulation and nourishment. Antibodies increasingly build up. The baby absorbs a gallon of amniotic fluid per day; the fluid is completely replaced every three hours.

9th Month: Toward the end of this month the baby is ready for birth.The average duration of pregnancy is 280 days from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period, but that varies. Most babies (85-95%) are born somewhere between 266 and 294 days. By this time the infant normally weighs six to nine pounds, and his heart is pumping 300 gallons of blood per day. He is fully capable of life outside the womb.

Note: All babies develop differently. Thus, the timeline above is a representation of the average baby's development during the first 9 months of life. Images are the work of photographer Lennart Nilsson, and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Doctrine.

Born Angels

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Born Angels

This site is dedicated to, and in memory of Adam Donald,
who was born an Angel on July 27th, 1995.
Also dedicated to all of our precious babies, who were born Angels.

CAN NOT use my facebook functions

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Morning everyone !!!

For the last couple of days I have been restricted restricted as to the functions of my fb profile. I can get into pages but not post . I can get into mail but cant open emails :( Don't know whats happening, hopefully this is just fb having issues.

Do feel free to email me dana@ourangelbaby.org

I am continuing work on Angel Baby website . Should you have anything you wish to add or share please contact myself or any of the admins listed on the Contact Us page of the AB xox

Sending you all loving angel hugs xox Dana

Quote

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:35:00 +0000

A wife who loses a husband is called a widow.

A husband who loses a wife is called a widower.

A child who loses his parents is called an orphan.

There is no word for a parent who loses a child.

That's how awful the loss is.

- Ronald Reagan

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:59:00 +0000

An Angel never dies - By suteishiijein 2008

Don’t let them say I wasn’t born,

That something stopped my heart

I felt each tender squeeze you gave,

I’ve loved you from the start..

Although my body you can’t hold

It doesn’t mean I’m gone

This world was worthy,not of me God chose

that I move on..I know the pain that drowns your soul,

What you are forced to face

You have my word,

I’ll fill your arms,

Someday we will embrace..

You’ll hear that it was meant to be,

God doesn’t make mistakes

But that wont soften your worst blow,

Or make your heart not ache..

I’m watching over all you do,

Another child you’ll bear

Believe me when I say to you,

That I am always there..

There will come a time,I promise you,

When you will hold my hand,

Stroke my face and kiss my lips

And then you’ll understand..

Although I’ve never breathed your air,

Or gazed into your eyes

That doesn’t mean I never was,

An Angel never dies..

By suteishiijein 2008

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:37:00 +0000

" Stillborn Sister "
Authur Unknown

How do you love a person
Who never got to be,

Or try again to see a face
You never got to see?

How do you mourn the death of one
Who never got to live,

When there's nothing to feel good about

And nothing to forgive?

I love you, little sister.
You're a person of the wind,

Free to be the memory
Of all that might have been.

I love you, little sister
My companion of the night,

Wandering through my lonely hours,
Beautiful and bright.

hat does it mean to die before
You ever can be born,

To live the lovely night of life

And never see the dawn?

Ah! My little sister,

You lived like anyone!

Life's a burst of joy and pain,

And then, like yours, it's done.

I love you, little sister,

Just as if you'd lived for years.

No more, no less,

I think of you,

The angel of my tears

Declan Galbraith - An angel

uniquegowns13@gmail.com (Unique Gowns) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:20:00 +0000

An Angel
YouTube song

Thank you Chez for sharing the link

to this amazing song... ♥ angel hugs ♥

Unique Christening Gowns

quote ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

quote by John Harrichar

Inspirational quotes

Heartfelt poems written by my friend x

Untitled by Monika Konski

Grieving Parents support foruum on Our Angel Baby site

Quote

Please light a candle in loving memory of your angels

To Where You Are by Josh Groban

Angel Baby grieving parents support

Stillbirth - The Wall

☆:*´¨`*:..:*´¨`*:.☆ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ☆:*´¨`*:..:*´¨`*:.☆

Rachel – written for my much-missed daughter Rhianna

who was born sleeping 16th October 2005.

☆:*´¨`*:..:*´¨`*:.☆ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ☆:*´¨`*:..:*´¨`*:.☆

Grieving Fathers

Angel Baby grieving parents support site

the most cherished memory of my precious angel is....

Post copied from Angel Baby

A poem for Austin

Angel Baby united parent support community Our Link Exchange Buttons

"The Smallest Angels are changing lives every day"

Quote by Molly Fumia

Parents grieving together by Cameron Tait 9/09/09

Werribee Banner

Angel Baby parent grief support community

I was tagged in this note this morning

Born Angels

CAN NOT use my facebook functions

Quote

Declan Galbraith - An angel

☆:´¨`:..:´¨`:.☆ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ☆:´¨`:..:´¨`:.☆

☆:´¨`:..:´¨`:.☆ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ☆:´¨`:..:´¨`:.☆