Friday, December 3, 2010

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Today has been the best day of my life... 

Here she is...  Rachel Alice Aube!!


She is 15 1/2" long and weighs 3 lbs 7 oz... and still was too big for the preemie clothes we bought!  So thankfully, Nana got her newborn size clothes for her birthday - which she looks SO cute in.

Thank you for all your prayer... let's see, I'll try to give you the "quick" version and will get more detailed later.  Everything as far as my surgery went excellent.  The doctor was surprised at how quickly my uterus went back down - apparently that's not likely when you have that much fluid.  My pain hasn't even really kicked in yet, so please keep praying for that.  During the surgery, I heard the doctor say " can you get me a blanket for my feet?" (she was serious - I could hear my fluid literally spaying and pouring out) and I said "what, you forgot your galoshes?" :o)  We actually had a lot of laughter in the OR.  God is amazing. 

We were blessed with 43 minutes with our girl and have spent the rest of the day throwing her a birthday party, holding her, making memories and praising God for His unbelievable faithfulness to us.  Today we experienced the peace that passes understanding in a way I never knew existed.  After she passed away, Matt & I were snuggled in with her and waiting for my stitches to be done - and we were just quiet.  I hadn't been paying any attention to the music (they had put on contemporary Christian music for us) and my ears...and my heart... caught the end of the song "Word of God speak"  It says "I'm finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is, it's OK"

For those of you who got my first email when we informed everyone that Rachel wouldn't live long, you may remember at the end, I asked that people use the Word of God to encourage us because, I said,  "the Word of God speaks"  - Imagine that, God tied that together too...  He knows exactly what I need.

My nurse is the best and the doctor was great.  We have had an awesome experience here so far.  The kids did really well with Rachel and I just talked to them and they seem to be having a good time at home with Nana, Kim, Auntie and their cousins. 

As they were preparing me for surgery, there were a bunch of people in with me before Matt & Meg were able to come in... I asked "Have any of you ever met a baby with anencephaly before?"  and they said that Rachel would be the only one they met alive.  I said "She's pretty cool...if I do say so myself"  The nurse said "well, yeah, look at who she came from" and I said "yeah, straight from God"

She is our gift, straight from God.  I don't know what I'm going to do without her, but I am so grateful to have been able to know her.  I love her so much.

More pictures coming soon - Kelly Roy from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep spent most of the day here capturing our memories.  She got some really nice ones. 

Love you all - I'll post again soon!!

49 comments:

  1. God Bless You all. I am moved to tears...God Bless

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  2. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow....I am rejoicing with you for your time with your beautiful girl! She is sooooo precious! :) I am rejoicing with you that God's peace and grace filled you today and I know that He will continue doing so for you in the days to come! God is SOOO GOOD! :)
    I am weeping with you as you mourn the loss of your beautiful baby girl!
    I am so glad that you had and awesome nurse and doctor! It is awesome how you were able to share with them today even of God's amazing grace! :)
    You and your family will continue to be in my heart and prayers forever....
    I LOVE that song "Word of God speak..."
    I am looking at your prayer requests to the side of your blog and see that you prayed that your heart would not harden, but stay pliable to what God wants to do through you in this.....WOW is all that I can say! That is a huge YES!!! I will continue praying for you in this.
    God bless you tonight.....still praying.....

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  3. She is abso1utely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your journey and story with us. God bless you and your family. I am praying for you all.

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  4. Praise God! We are so excited for you. As always, God has answered prayers in really amazing ways. Thank you for sharing so we could see this too. I am really looking forward to seeing more beautiful photos, especially of Rachel with her family...Isn't that great that she's too big for most of the clothes brought for her?! Woohoo!

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  5. She is gorgeous!! What a wonderful, beautiful story..... Congratulations and Happy Birthday Rachel. Stacy, your words are an inspiration to us moms everywhere.

    Carmel Casey

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  6. Happy Birthday, Baby Rachel and a most amazing 43 minutes on earth. God Bless you, Aubes. We love you.
    Denise

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  7. Congratulations on the safe delivery of Rachel. She has the cutest little fingers,love the dimples, looking forward to seeing and hearing more.

    I have followed your story, cried, and prayed, shared it with friends.

    A huge cyber hug to you. hugs

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  8. You are a wonderful mommy. So glad that the medical staff has been amazing. I have been praying for you, Rachel and the rest of your family all day, can't seem to get you off my mind. God bless you all.

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  9. Happy birthday baby Rachel Alice. I know that you did not suffer, but that the time you spent with your family here on earth was meant to be. You should know that your Auntie Ange will always be touched by your life.

    My sweet Aube family...Ma-Matt, Stacy, Des, Isaiah, and Sam...you are all amazing. I'm so glad that you had the time you did with Rachel. I hope that your faith grows stronger and that you continue to heal. Know that you are in my thoughts and that I love you. Your strength, faith, and words continue to be an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work. We love you!

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  10. Not sure if this is replicated, but if it is...it's worth it to say it to the world a thousand times more!

    Happy birthday baby Rachel Alice. I'm thankful that you did not suffer and I know that the time you were able to spend here on earth was meant to be. You are beautiful. And your life will not be forgotten.

    To the wonderful Aubes...brother Ma-matt, Stacy, Desirae, Isaiah, and Sam...you are all amazing. You remain an inspiration to me. I hope that your faith grows stronger and that your healing brings you closer together. Thank you for sharing. We love you all.

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  11. Tears flow as I read today's blog...in praise for our God, amazing love and sorrow that Rachel's time with you was brief. Stacy, you are an inspiration to ALL Christians to keep faith and trust in God in times when our walk here on Earth gets hard. The love, faith and humanity you have expressed these last few months are a testament to the power of God in our weakness if we will just allow Him to carry us. And I hope that your beautiful family and your journey of Rachel Alice's life here can touch the soul of at least one person out there that may not know Him as Lord and Savior... to give God a chance to prove His love for them, as He has proven His love for you all!

    Love and prayers are sent to you from South Carolina! Jeannie

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  12. Congratulations Matt, Stacy & family! Happy Birthday Rachel <3 You are such a pretty little love bug!

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  13. I prayed for peace that passes understanding for you today and I was so glad to read those exact words. She is so beautiful and loved. God bless you all.

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  14. Congrats on your beautiful baby girl! So glad you had a good dr & nurse that the whole day went wonderfully. Celebrating with you and praying for you.May His love, comfort, and blessings "pour down like rain" on you. Love to you all!

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  15. I just found your blog today, someone shared a link with me. I am reminded of a couple we knew from our church who had a little boy, James, with anencephaly about 3 years ago. We attended his memorial and found a great presence of the Lord there.
    Your strength is amazing to witness. Your Faith in the Lord is astounding. What a great blessing to have your precious girl for such a great time. Hope you continue to feel his Love around you. We have love around you, too.

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  16. I have held many newborns in my life, but Rachel is the most beautiful one I have ever seen. Her very face speaks of God's love and faithfulness, and the joy and hope we have in Him.

    :hug:

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  17. Aube family- Inspiring is not a strong enough word to describe your story. I am truly humbled by your hope, your faith, and your love. God works in wonderful, mysterious ways. Blessings to you all during this holiday season and always, and Happy Birthday Rachel!

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  18. Praise God for your amazing journey and praise God for Rachel. She is absolutely adorable. Love to all of you and your entire family. Thank you Stacy for sharing this time with all of us. Please know that all of us from TCCA are with you today and always. God Bless. xo

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  19. I am so glad you were all able to meet you sweet baby girl today. Your blogs about your road to getting to this day have touched my heart in ways that words cannot even describe. I hope God's love continues to fill your heart with peace. I am so sorry that Rachel can no longer be with you just know that she is in a great place safe in God's arms. He will ALWAYS take care of her. You are so very strong and I admire that. Your family will always be in my heart and I am going to continue to pray for you all each and every day. God is so good.

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  20. Dear Aube family,
    Congratulations on the birth of your dear Rachel. I weep as I read this, tears of joy for the time that God allowed you to have with Rachel and tears of sadness for your great loss. You will be in our prayers for some time to come. Thank you for sharing your journey with us...you are such a wonderful testimony of the grace of God poured out on His children.

    1 Cor. 1:3&4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God..."

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  21. Hi, I just found your blog today. Happy birthday to your little baby girl! I have to say you are the most courageos person I have ever seen! God bless you with all his light and I pray happy and beautiful things to come to your family!!

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  22. May God continue to fill you with His presence and peace. What a beautiful story. Born on earth and into Heaven on the same day. God is so wonderful and merciful. Our prayers will continue for your family.

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  23. And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them: Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Mark 9:36,37

    I myself will give food to my flock, and I will give them rest, says the Lord. I will go in search of that which had gone wandering from the way, and will get back that which had been sent in flight, and will put bands on that which was broken, and give strength to that which was ill... And I will give the rain at the right time, and I will make the shower come down at the right time; there will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:15,16a; 26

    Dear Stacy and Matt,
    Congratulations for Rachel Alice´s Birthday! I´m happy with you for the blessing of her life, for all special moments you spent with her and all special memories you´ll have forever in your hearts. And I hope someday we´ll be together in Heaven when you´ll meet her again, full of live, an amazing little girl and she will be able to say ´I love you so much mommy and daddy! thank you so much! It´s a privilege to be your daughter!

    All peace and joy you felt comes from God´s heart and He´s so happy and proud of you, when you received Rachel you received Jesus. And He will be with you all the time, He will never abandon you, He loves you so much, and He will wipe off all your tears.

    I´m so sorry that Rachel´s life was brief. But I´m sure now she´s in Jesus´ arms waiting for the day Jesus will give her back to your arms again.

    With love,
    Joana, Marcelo and Vitoria

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  24. The Lord takes care of me as his sheep; I will not be without any good thing.
    He makes a resting-place for me in the green fields: he is my guide by the quiet waters.
    He gives new life to my soul: he is my guide in the ways of righteousness because of his name.
    Yes, though I go through the valley of deep shade, I will have no fear of evil; for you are with me, your rod and your support are my comfort.
    You make ready a table for me in front of my haters: you put oil on my head; my cup is overflowing.
    Truly, blessing and mercy will be with me all the days of my life; and I will have a place in the house of the Lord all my days.

    Dear family,
    Sharing a psalm God wrote for you, maybe you are already reading and hearing it, but I know God´s word is always amazing and never too much. Thank you for sharing the blessing of Rachel´s life with us. She´s so pretty and delicate. Congratulations!

    With love
    Joana

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  25. Congratulations! God bless you and your family. Your story has made me realize that even in my time of need, I am thankful for all that I have. You will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts in the future. Happy Birthday Rachel!

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  26. Thank you Stacy for thinking of all of us waiting to hear from you. I know I have been in and out of your blog all day waiting. I thank you for sharing your day with us, I thank you for sharing Rachel with us! We ALL have been touched by your beautiful little girl and your incredible strength. You have had a c-section and an extrememly challenging day and still you think of posting for us. I am praying the healing (physically and emotionally) process goes smoothly. Much love to you, Matt and your family!!

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  27. I've thought of and prayed for you all throughout the day. The first thing I did when I got back home this evening was to check your blog.
    Happy Birthday Rachel! Congratulations, Aube family!
    She is an angel, so delicate and beautiful.
    God is good.
    Have a peaceful evening in the company of your loved ones.

    Ivana

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  28. I don't think I can say it any better than Julie did. I have a... well, let's call it "strained" relationship with God, but I found myself so drawn into Rachel's story and your unwavering faith in Him. Your strength has amazed me throughout your journey. I am so happy that you got 43 amazing minutes with your little girl and that you got to laugh during the delivery. I can't wait to see more pictures of Rachel... Bless you all...

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  29. I just want to quickly say that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I followed your link back from a random post on Babycenter and have read a bit of your blog.
    She is precious and beautiful and born on my birthday! I am honored. : )

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  30. Praise God, for Rachel's life! I'm so glad that you had time to touch, hold, and dress her (how cute!) I can imagine how sweet her little cheeks and hands felt on your lips as you kissed her, you will always remember that feeling on your lips.
    I'm so thankful that God's presence was so over you these last days. His grace and peace is so amazing. You have blessed so many with how you've shared your experience of it so perfectly. I pray that his face continues to shine down on you in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. And why wouldn't it, he has Rachel with him!

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  31. I lack words somehow. Just know, that i am deeply touched and many People around me are...
    Rachel is wonderfull, her Life, her existence is Full of wonders!
    I carry you in my heart, Not only today.

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  32. thank you God for putting the Aube family in my life. I will neve be able to express what I have received.

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  33. Aube family....baby Rachel is beautiful,your story is so inspiring,i can not even begin to imagine the emotions that you are all going through during this transition. Please know that i am praying for you and your family.May you find peace knowing that you will always have an angel smiling down upon you all.

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  34. matt & stacey, we have been so moved by your journey and your faithfulness to the Lord through it. rachel is so beautiful, and we are so happy that God has granted you immeasurable peace and the joy of getting to meet your precious one. our love and prayers for you continue... adam & gina h.

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  35. I came accross your sweet story from a friend on Facebook and am very moved. I, too, lost my sweet baby boy to Anencephaly and my heart aches for you as I know what you are going through. God is the only way to make it through this sorrowful time. I am touched at how you have treated her life - as the celebration it should be. God gives us special gifts and Rachel is is His special gift to you and your family. Stay strong and keep trusting in Him - he will never fail you. God bless you and your family.

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  36. Stacy and all of the Aube family - Rachel is SO BEAUTIFUL!! God be with you all. I prayed all day yesterday for you. You are an amazing family and such a Christian witness. Thank you for sharing your story here (I have followed it and sit here in tears reading it and seeing your beautiful baby girl) and I am praying now for God's peace for you. Rachel leaves an amazing legacy of Christian love behind her. She is such a beautiful Christian and now residing with Jesus. God Bless you all! and now sit with

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  37. Oh my goodness. Sooo adorable! Dave noticed her knuckle dimples, love that!!

    You all popped into my head yesterday morning while I was in the middle of a sight word test with one of my first graders and I said a .5 second prayer :-) I told you laughter and peace on our babies birthday was possible! Praise God!

    Can't wait for the long version - love that song!

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  38. You're family is so inspirational, the Christian faith is encouraged as we watch you walk through this time in faith! You all are partakers in Hebrews 11 (though not only because of this situation, but there is something incredibly special about it, of course) and the passage between verses 13-16 shows how those who are remarked as having faith never received what they were hoping for. Through distress and extreme loss they pushed forward in faith and in verse 16 it says "Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God." I am sure that the same is for you, God is blessed by your lives and that you are still trusting in him. Keep the faith and remember that you are loved!

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  39. Stacy and Matt, I have followed the blog off and on and have been reading it for the last few days. I have been so blessed by your faith and love for Rachel! Know that right now she is being carried in the arms of Jesus and he is in joy because of her!!! I pray for your ease in physical healing Stacy and I pray for the continued healing of your family's hearts. God bless you!
    Kim

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  40. Happy birthday, sweet Rachel. And a very heartfelt godspeed. My prayers are with you, dear Aube family.

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  41. Happy birthday, little Rachel. Though your time on earth was only a precious few moments...I'm glad that your Mommy and Daddy got to hold you for those! Rachel, you have touched so many people with your story...hopefully this will inspire more people to be led to the Lord! HOPE and many blessings to you Aube family! You are truly courageous!

    Isaiah 49:15-20

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  42. Good night baby Rachel

    In the cool of the evening
    I think of you Rachel ..the things I would tell you as we rock in the moonlight
    About flowers and trees and and how GOD sees your perfect pure heart
    As the shadows fall on the wall in my room
    Goodnight my dear Rachel goodnight mr moon
    Hear the evening noise all around can you hear them?
    The cicadas and treefrogs the nightingale calls us
    The crickets they sing us to sleep with their tune
    Goodnight my dear Rachel goodnight mr moon
    I so long to touch you to feel you to hold you
    To smell your sweet fragrance like a rose newly bloomed
    Goodnight my dear Rachel goodnight mr moon.
    Until that new morning when we all walk together
    We all will see glory from over the shadows
    The tears will be dry and jesus will greet us
    I know its descending real soon
    Goodnight my dear Rachel sleep tight my dear Rachel
    Not long my dear Rachel goodnight mr moon

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  43. So, so, so happy that you got to meet your sweet girl and send her to be with her savior. I am thankful for those moments that you had with her. Praying for that peace to continue. The days following get tough, but knowing that you walk with our savior, you have a hope for your future.

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  44. Congratulations, Stacy! She is BEAUTIFUL. And the first thing I noticed was her nice, round CHEEKS (I want to call them "Sammy cheeks") that your daughter Desirae wanted her to have :-) Thank you so much for sharing Rachel with us and for being open to share your heart through this journey too. We continue to pray for you, Matt, and your children. I understand well how this affects Nana's and Papa's and I pray for them too and all those walking closely with you through this.

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  45. Happy Birthday Rachel!~ I was just brought to your website the day Rachel was born. I was unaware of anacephaly until now. My prayers were with you and your family. I just wanted to say congratulations to you and tell you I admire you for all your strength and faith! My prayers will remain with you and your family. God bless you and your beautiful Rachel!

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  46. Dear Aube family,

    I just wanted to share one of the readings for December 3rd from "Streams in the Desert" devotional:

    E'en for the dead I will not bind my soul to grief;
    Death cannot long divide.
    For is it not as though the rose that climbed my garden wall
    Has blossomed on the other side?
    Death does hide,
    But does not divide;
    You are but on Christ's other side!
    You are with Christ, and Christ with me;
    In Christ united still are we.

    I thought of you when I read this and hope that it will be but one more way that God will surround you with His love, grace, and comfort.

    May God continue to bless your family in this season in your lives.

    Stephane

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  47. Congratulations and Happy Birthday Rachel (I know this is late, for that I apologize). I am glad that surgery was such a blessing and that you were able to enjoy Rachel for 43 minutes. My thoughts and prayers are with you *hugs*

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  48. Congratulations! Sorry this is so late ( I have had internet problems all weekend). She is absolutely beautiful! I am so thankful for the time you got to spend with her. These are sweet memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. I am praying for you all as you embark on the next step of this journey. Love you! <3

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  49. congratulations to Rachel's birth Stacy and Matt. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us.

    I'm so sorry about her death.

    “Not lost, but gone before!”
    Corrie Ten Boom

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We so appreciate your words of encouragement!
Thank you! ♥ The Aubes