Macee's Birthday Celebration Part 2

Go to Part 1 of Macee's Celebration HERE

For the celebration, we all gathered at the cemetery around our baby's resting spot. It was a perfect May day, with amazingly no wind. It meant so much to us to be surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated our Macee's short but important little life.

We had a little program that our family planned. Travis and I both spoke about the things Macee had taught us in the past year, or as I called them- the "treasures of grief".  As we stood before our loving family and friends, we were both taken back with so much emotion of these beautiful people that loved our family and Macee so much. We were both barely able to get out all of our thoughts, but I thought we said just what our our hearts felt. It was good for both Travis and I to reflect on the good that has come out of the past year and how much Macee has changed us for the better. Then, Makenna and Hadley both sang the most beautiful and sweet song, "A Child's Prayer" that left few dry eyes and that I know Macee felt. It is hard for me to think of the heartache that our kids have had to endure over the past year, but I know it will make them better and softer people. And cute Camden shared a picture he drew of him and Macee playing baseball under a rainbow together. Then we finished the program with releasing balloons to heaven for Macee. Our kids were so excited to FINALLY release balloons to Macee. They had been waiting all year to do this for her. Our family had written birthday notes to Macee to tie to the balloons. It was so sweet to see those pink balloons float up to the sky to send our love to Macee.

We then went to our house for a good dinner (with the help of sweet friends), to watch Macee's year slideshow, and to blow out candles on Macee's cake. As I looked around at our home and yard with everyone talking and laughing, I saw such happiness and love. It filled my heart with joy because this was just what our family needed on this heavy day and what our Macee deserved. I imagined how full her heart was as she looked down at all the love poured out to remember and cherish her. I hope Macee felt our eternal love for her.

***I am so grateful for the sweet friend that came to selflessly take these pictures for us to have and treasure. Thank you Chris for your good heart and service!

My friend helped them to practice this song and customize it to Macee. My favorite part was when they each said something to Macee. "Macee, I love you" "Macee I am so glad you are my sister", then they went into the lyrics "You are his child. His love now surrounds you." It is so true about our baby and such a good reminder on her birthday- she is surrounded by His love.

Camden's sweet picture of him and his baby sister

THE RELEASE...

(Next time we will remember to do lighter notes to Macee. They almost didn't take flight!)

I love Camden pointing up at the balloons. It was so sweet when he chased them.

 Watching the balloons go up to Macee. Happy Birthday baby girl!

Lots of gifts were brought for our birthday girl.

 Singing "Happy Birthday" to our angel girl and blowing out her candle

Macee's Birthday Celebration Part 1

Our Macee's 1st Birthday in heaven arrived. It was a much anticipated day. It is hard to believe it's been a year, but at the same time it feels like the longest year ever.

Her first birthday should have been such a joyful celebration. We should have an adorable 1 year old running around. We should be wrapping presents, baking a cake, and dressing Macee in a cute party dress. We should have been in awe of the last year and how much she had changed.

But instead, we were planning an angelversary instead of a birthday party. Our hearts were still broken and we were still trying to figure out how to live each day with such a heavy burden of not having one of our children with us. This 1-year mark was such a heavy date to plan for. We drug our feet on planning everything. We weren't sure what we wanted to do. We went back and forth between having a celebration and just doing something quiet together.

But in the end we decided that if she were here, we would have a big birthday party for her. So she deserved the same as an angel. It was still her birthday and she deserved us to celebrate that. We decided to keep it to family and some close friends that helped us over the past year. It was hard making all the decisions. But it was healing for us to focus on her. I sent out invitations, made a beautiful slideshow, printed pictures, arranged a photographer, planned the program and dinner, bought flowers, and just hoped I had the strength to get through yet another heartbreaking milestone.

Invitation

We started the morning by cleaning her headstone and taking her fresh flowers and decorations. 

Hadley decided she wanted to be with us all day instead of go to school. I love this picture that Hadley took from the car. Travis and I were talking about who Macee would be this day and what her personality would be. 

Our family all together to celebrate our Macee's meaningful life. We love her and miss her so much.

We decorated our house with pictures reminding us of her life, flowers, and pink balloons.

To see the celebration, go to Part 2 of Macee's celebration HERE

Selfless Girl

Travis and I were super busy the night before Macee's birthday celebration getting the house clean and details finished. We didn't even think about dinner. Oops. But our responsible Makenna had it covered. She said she would make Mac and Cheese for the kids. 

When I went in the kitchen, I found the sweetest scene that touched my heart. Makenna was at the stove stirring the noodles while reading to Hadley, just like a little mommy. 

I am always so grateful when she recognizes that we need help and just jumps in to do it. I know that God sent her to our family because he knew we needed such a selfless, good heart to help us all and for us to learn from.

Camden's Preschool

Camden has had such a great year in preschool. He absolutely loves it. I was glad his teacher took some pictures so he can remember those fun memories. I am glad he gets another year in this preschool!

Meeting Baby Cooper

We got to meet the newest Pincock. Our little nephew/cousin was born and we loved getting to cuddle him. It is fun to have a baby boy in the family again after a run of girls. I love seeing Trenton and Mandy as parents. Makenna informed me that she thinks they are going to be great parents. :) It was a little hard for our family to be at the hospital again (for the first time since Macee's birth), but it was fine as soon as we saw this sweet little guy. We love little Cooper already.