Friday, February 22, 2008, my sister in law, Ashley, drove me to see Dr. Gillespie for my weekly check-up. I went to this appointment with the intent of persuading my sweet doc into letting me have baby Ally that day. Her due date was February 29, 2008. (Funny she was due on leap year! Little did we know what a year this 2008 would really be!) My bags were packed and everyone was on stand-by, including a VERY weak Jason. You see, Jason had finally been released from the hospital after an almost 7 week stay the Sunday before she was born. M.D. Anderson had called on Thursday, February 21, to schedule a consultation visit with Jason for March 2nd. I had just a small window of opportunity to have a baby in all of this craziness! I told Dr. Gillespie of my predicament and his answer was, "let's go have a baby TODAY!" Yea! I walked into the lobby where Ashley waited for me and said, "Ash, we're having a baby today!"
Labor Room 7 was where I was assigned. Seven...a perfect number. Ashley and I called all of the family to tell them I had been admitted. Mrs. Peggy, Jason's mom, was in charge of getting Jason to the hospital at the appropriate time. I had prayed SO fervently that Jason would be able to be there when Ally was born. (Many of you prayed with me in this regard!) God didn't let us down. Labor lasted most of the day, but finally later in the afternoon things began to progress quickly and my mom called Mrs. Peggy to tell her to bring Jason, IF he felt up to it. I wasn't certain he was physically up to it, but exactly one hour before her birth my sweet Jason walked into the Labor Room 7. I was elated and overwhelmed with emotion that he was there! Ally could come. And she did. She was perfect. She was 7lbs and 7oz. Seven...a perfect number!
Jason was the only one to hold her after her birth besides me for a very brief moment. No one would dare ask him to hold her. He just held her and stared at her perfect little face that strangely enough looked just like him and still does! Jason had a little over 2 weeks with Ally before he had to go back into the hospital for more chemo besides a quick 2 day trip to M.D. Anderson. He soaked up as much Ally time as he could. She was just what we all needed. A little bit of JOY.
Ally was almost 5 months old when Jason met Jesus. Some days I ponder who I hurt for more...Anna Lea and Jon Brent, who knew their daddy well and miss him incredibly or Ally, who will never have any memories of her own of her daddy. Regardless, how thankful I am that he did live to see her and hold her for even a few months. I am well aware that he could have died during his initial diagnosis and induction therapy. I praise God for each day he had with her. I will tell her one day how he would just sit and hold her and stare into her face for hours and hours. I will tell her that when she was fussy that he would wrap his big arms around her and immediately she would settle down.
It is too soon to know whose personality Ally will have...mine or Jason's. My prayer is Jason's! :) She does look so much like him and I pray each day that remains. That is a gift to me! I know God has to have great things in store for little Ally. I can't wait to see what they are! Sometimes when I look at her I think to myself, she has no idea all that has transpired since her arrival. She has no idea the pain we've felt. She has no idea of all the ways God has showed up and been so faithful to all of us during this incredible loss. All she knows is the love and smiles we give her day in and day out. Of course, she is now experiencing some "no, no, Ally!" :)
So, Happy Birthday, baby Ally! Thank you for being a picture of God's love for us.
I pray you will grow to love our Savior and walk the path of righteousness all the days of your life. I pray you will seek Him in all you do. I pray you will have a deep love for God's word. I pray you would have compassion and show love for others the way Jesus does.
I pray you would be content with whatever circumstances come you way. I pray you would love the church as Christ does. I pray you will be gentle in spirit. I pray that you will always have a heart full of gratitude.
I pray you would be a woman of great integrity and humility. I pray that your lips will ever praise Him. I pray that you never turn your back on the ONE who died so that we might LIVE! For by trusting in Jesus ensures that one day you will be
united with our Savior in heaven and
reunited with your sweet daddy. This is a reunion I don't want to miss!
Friday, February 22, 2008, my sister in law, Ashley, drove me to see Dr. Gillespie for my weekly check-up. I went to this appointment with the intent of persuading my sweet doc into letting me have baby Ally that day. Her due date was February 29, 2008. (Funny she was due on leap year! Little did we know what a year this 2008 would really be!) My bags were packed and everyone was on stand-by, including a VERY weak Jason. You see, Jason had finally been released from the hospital after an almost 7 week stay the Sunday before she was born. M.D. Anderson had called on Thursday, February 21, to schedule a consultation visit with Jason for March 2nd. I had just a small window of opportunity to have a baby in all of this craziness! I told Dr. Gillespie of my predicament and his answer was, "let's go have a baby TODAY!" Yea! I walked into the lobby where Ashley waited for me and said, "Ash, we're having a baby today!"
Labor Room 7 was where I was assigned. Seven...a perfect number. Ashley and I called all of the family to tell them I had been admitted. Mrs. Peggy, Jason's mom, was in charge of getting Jason to the hospital at the appropriate time. I had prayed SO fervently that Jason would be able to be there when Ally was born. (Many of you prayed with me in this regard!) God didn't let us down. Labor lasted most of the day, but finally later in the afternoon things began to progress quickly and my mom called Mrs. Peggy to tell her to bring Jason, IF he felt up to it. I wasn't certain he was physically up to it, but exactly one hour before her birth my sweet Jason walked into the Labor Room 7. I was elated and overwhelmed with emotion that he was there! Ally could come. And she did. She was perfect. She was 7lbs and 7oz. Seven...a perfect number!
Jason was the only one to hold her after her birth besides me for a very brief moment. No one would dare ask him to hold her. He just held her and stared at her perfect little face that strangely enough looked just like him and still does! Jason had a little over 2 weeks with Ally before he had to go back into the hospital for more chemo besides a quick 2 day trip to M.D. Anderson. He soaked up as much Ally time as he could. She was just what we all needed. A little bit of JOY.
Ally was almost 5 months old when Jason met Jesus. Some days I ponder who I hurt for more...Anna Lea and Jon Brent, who knew their daddy well and miss him incredibly or Ally, who will never have any memories of her own of her daddy. Regardless, how thankful I am that he did live to see her and hold her for even a few months. I am well aware that he could have died during his initial diagnosis and induction therapy. I praise God for each day he had with her. I will tell her one day how he would just sit and hold her and stare into her face for hours and hours. I will tell her that when she was fussy that he would wrap his big arms around her and immediately she would settle down. 
It is too soon to know whose personality Ally will have...mine or Jason's. My prayer is Jason's! :) She does look so much like him and I pray each day that remains. That is a gift to me! I know God has to have great things in store for little Ally. I can't wait to see what they are! Sometimes when I look at her I think to myself, she has no idea all that has transpired since her arrival. She has no idea the pain we've felt. She has no idea of all the ways God has showed up and been so faithful to all of us during this incredible loss. All she knows is the love and smiles we give her day in and day out. Of course, she is now experiencing some "no, no, Ally!" :) 
So, Happy Birthday, baby Ally! Thank you for being a picture of God's love for us.
10 comments:
Happy Birthday Ally. My first thought looking at her pictures was"She looks just like Jason." What a wonderful gift you have in her.
Keeping you in our thoughts,
Lori Brown
Happy First Birthday Sweet Ally!!You look more and more like your daddy every day.
What a beautiful memory post and treasured keepsake for Ally's First birthday Stephanie. I remember this time last year very well as if it were today. Yes, I prayed that Jason would be there for her birth and to have sweet time with his second daughter. May she grow up to be a virtuous woman like her mommy. Sweet and gentle day today is my prayer for you today Stephanie. I love you so much.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
5th pic up from the bottom brought a huge smile to my face! Ally that was your daddy when he would really laugh!
Ally, your momma and family will tell you about ALL who have gone before you, faithful and kind and true...and you will hear only love and admiration for a Saviour, whom one day you will know as your very own! And then you will met your daddy!
And momma, you are going to do a great job of pointing this little one to Jesus!
The HERITAGE we leave thoe who go after us is the richest thing we could ever give. Joy Sweetie, Love Ms Debi
Happy Birthday Sweet Ally!
You are so loved.
Tina A. Evans
Happy Birthday Ally. You are a beautiful little girl.
That was so beautiful Steph.
Love ya
Happy Birthday "Baby Lally!" We sure do love you!
Should have read this before I put on my makeup. Love you!
Kristen
Happy Birthday baby Lally. In some ways, it seems like yesterday you were born. In many other ways, it has been a long year for you and your mommy. Hope you quit puking soon, but if you continue, be sure to aim one at Uncle Brad for me!
Love you,
Uncle Scott
Ally does look so much like Jason! What a blessing that is. I'm keeping ya'll in my prayers.
Happy Belated Birthday, Ally! Stephanie, I love the picture of Jason looking down at Ally. What a precious memory for your family to have. Your post was so touching. I hope you are all feeling better.
Sincerely,
Shelley Putnam Burge
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