Monday, December 14, 2009

The Beautiful Cradle

I think I have mentioned before that my brother made us a beautiful wooden cradle when we were expecting our first son. It has been well used, as we are now passing it around the family when the time arises. Each baby born and to use it has their own gold initial plate embossed on the side of it. I will forever be sad that Nicholas' initials will never appear on such a family heirloom... although, one day, I think I will get an "In Memory" plaque and find a special spot on the cradle for it.

I have now prepared it for "Little Miss Sunshine". It sits ready and waiting for our new arrival to come home, as it has done for all of our children. I remember pleading with my brother to come and get it out of our house when we found out about Nicholas' diagnosis. I knew I wouldn't be able to bare looking at an empty, yet so ready, cradle when we got home from saying good bye to our son.

It was difficult to get it back, put it in the same spot in our bedroom, clean the linens and prepare it all over again, but also somewhat healing. In the next few weeks it will be filled with a gorgeous baby girl... at least that is our eternal hope.

Here is a preview of the Before.....



After to come in a few weeks!

23 comments:

The Blue Sparrow said...

Your brother is really talented! That is georgous! *HUGS*

Once A Mother said...

stunning. i had a co-worker make a cradle for me when i was expecting peyton. everytime i look at it, it breaks my heart. I look forward to pics in the future of your little miss sunshine in this cradle.

Lindsay said...

That is a precious heirloom. I can't wait to see pictures of the 'after'. All this worry and fear will be replaced with a healthy little girl.
I believe you should put Nicholas' name on the cradle along with your other children.
Kenny is planning on making this little one a cradle. I won't let him get started quite yet, but if all keeps going well, I may give him the go-ahead. I figure if he makes props for movies, he can make a beautiful cradle for our child. Seeing your's has me excited now..

With love,
xo

Bree said...

Wow! What an awesome family tradition. I'm so sad Nicholas didn't get to use the cradle. I love the idea of adding an in memory plaque for him. I can't wait to be introduced to LMS. :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. I'm sorry for the mix of emotions you must be going through.
(((Hugs)))

Nan said...

awww hugs! xo

Courtney said...

What a beautiful cradle indeed.

Anonymous said...

it's beautiful. I think the "in memory" plaque is a good idea....hugs

Paige said...

Amazing. Can't wait for the "after" photos and I love the idea of adding a plaque for Nicholas. Sending love in these final 4 weeks. xo

Kelli said...

Very beautiful..I can hardly wait for the after photo with your beautiful little girl! And I agree, Nicholas' name should find a very special place on that cradle. He deserves it. :o)

Caroline said...

Very beautiful and saying a prayer for you.
Caroline

Mrs. A said...

What an awesome family tradition! I do hope that you add a plaque for Nicholas, he should not be left off. I am thinking happy thoughts for you and Little Miss Sunshine every day! Thinking of you!

Mackenzie's Mommy said...

It breaks my heart that Nicholas' name is not on the cradle. I definitely think you should add him :) Looking forward to good news in the coming weeks!!
xo
Ashley

Debby@Just Breathe said...

The after will be so nice to see.
Have a beautiful Christmas.

Beth said...

BEAUTIFUL! definitely get an engraving for nicholas. our family tradition is a little step stool with the child's name in puzzle letters. all the cousins and grandchilren and cousin's children have gotten one since 1987. my mom still ordered one for kathlyn... i should be getting it by christmas. i still wanted it.

Jill said...

What a beautiful cradle!! I am sure your sweet Nicholas will be happy that his little sister gets to use it.

Thinking about you in the weeks to come.

xx

Karen said...

The memorial plaque is a lovely idea. What a beautiful heirloom cradle. Lovely!

Andrea said...

Lea,

The cradle is so sweet....I do hope you add a little plaque for "Angel baby Nicholas". Just because he never used it doesn't mean his name can not be added. Add his sweet name along with Little Miss Sunshines :)

Sending you love and hugs as you prepare to meet her. I'm so happy for you.

Hugs and Love,
Andrea

Christmas with Kasey said...

beatuiful! I too would add a plack I can't wait to see Little Miss Sunshine in it soon!

Nicolle

Christmas with Kasey said...

sorry about the spelling :) My fingers are faster than my mind!

Christy said...

The cradle is absolutely beautiful. Just beautiful. Looking forward to "meeting" Little Miss Sunshine :)
I love the idea of the plaque for Nicholas. You are amazing in so many ways.

Fireflyforever said...

It is a beautiful cradle - and I agree with everyone else, Nicholas' name should be there. We prepared Jurgen's bassinet a couple of weeks ago. It is heart-breaking and heart-healing all at the same time.

I am so looking forward to "meeting" Little Miss Sunshine.

Holly said...

Your brother does great work! The cradle is a beautiful piece. I wish that Nicholas could've slept in it too. Little Miss Sunshine will look so precious in it.

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