Birth Announcements...

[Cheryl Haggard]

Ok, Here is another important subject...
Birth Announcements
When your baby dies, can you still send out birth announcements?

YES, you can!
Remember, though, that this still is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer. You, as parents must decide.

I sent out birth announcements with ALL my children. I am an extremely proud mother. I wanted everyone to see my new babies. I felt no different about Maddux. He is my baby, and I am proud of him. I wanted everyone to see him. My urge to send out an announcement was perhaps stronger with Maddux, than the others. His birth deserved to be announced, too. I just had to figure out a different angle. And by sending his announcements, I did not have to call everyone personally and explain what happened.
(Remember, I didn't want to see or talk to anyone during this time...) This allowed me to share Maddux and his photograph with ALL my friends and family, (most only receiving Christmas Cards from me once a year.) And, the most important, helped me avoid the dreaded telephone conversations...

Now, I searched the internet, and could find alot of birth announcements. Beautiful Custom made ones, (ones I liked up in the $3.00 range and more per card, by the time I got done with special paper, ribbon, colored ink...) I never had purchased anything over the internet, and was very leary of doing so. So this route was not an option for me. (remember...I could barely log on to AOL and find my mail. Ever hear the joke of the blonde sitting at her computer and hearing "You got mail...over and over...?" She would keep getting up, go outside and check her mailbox? Finally after doing this several times, the postman comes by and she asks him where her mail is, and he replies, "You don't have any today." She gets this funny look on her face, and says, "Well, that's odd. Because my computer keeps telling me I got mail...") Picture me sitting there, but with darker hair...LOL:p (really, I'm not that ditsy...)

Then, I walked into a local boutique here in Evergreen. Before I even entered into the store, the tears had started. The "sales lady" walked slowly towards me, asking if she could help me. Through my sobs, I told her what I was looking for. She was totally dumbfounded. They didn't have anything like that, she said. I sobbed again, trying to get out my words, asking her if they did custom announcements? Could I use any wording that I wanted? Well, of course they offered that. "Could she help me?" again, sobbing I cried.

Do you know what she did next? She pulled out a book full of beautiful baby birth announcements, set it on a table, and said I needed to pick a style. I sat down at this little table, and started flipping through this large book. (Mind you now, "Sales Lady" had walked away...) Bunnies, Choo Choo Trains, Flowers, Toys, Baseballs and Dolls started jumping out at me. Little babies with wide eyes, smiling faces, or dreamy peaceful sleeping faces literally started mocking me. Phrases, and wording such as "Jim and Jane joyfully announce the arrival of their new little girl..." or "Jack has a new brother to play with..." or even yet, "Lullabies and Laughter, Cuddles and Joy, we're proud to announce, our new baby boy." So on... and So on... and So on...

Come on!!! Here I am trying to figure out something to announce the birth anddeath of my baby! I needed help! Could she not empathize with me, and atleast try to help me? I am a grieving mother, a heartbroken mother, a grieving~heartbroken mother on the edge... Could she not "think out of that tiny little box?" Did I get angry? Not then. (but boy, oh boy...after this organization was started, birth/bereavement announcements were one of the first priorities on my list.) I left that store, just sobbing. And have never walked back in there. (I believe that they have since gone under, or are under new ownership...) I will NEVER forget that day. I was broken, even more so after walking out of there (I bet the sales lady was glad to get rid of me...) Living through a death of a baby, NO PARENT should ever have to experience that.

What did I do next? I went to a Christian Book Store, called Mardels. I looked up and down all the cards, thinking, hoping, that I would be able to find something. I did. I found blank announcements used for weddings. I bought the cream colored ones. 50 large and 50 small with 100 envelopes. Ok. I will use the large ones for the announcements and the smaller ones for thank you cards. $24.99. ALOT cheaper than custom announcements. Then I bought Vellum paper, and beautiful blue/teal ribbon. (I did use Ivory ribbon on some...) I wanted all the bells and whistles!

My brother was coming, and he is a computer genious. He will help me. I KNEW I could count on him. He can do anything on a computer...I can now, too.:)

What we made, was just incredibly beautiful. They were as nice, if not nicer, than anything I could have purchased. I owe my brother Kevin so much for doing this for me. Our thank you cards used Maddux's footprint-actual size. How special is that? I also used those when I ran out of the announcements, for people that I just didn't know well enough to send an actual photo.

Below are the original copies that I sent out.
The announcement did what it was supposed to do: Announced the arrival of our baby, with the date of his death.

Our thank you card was also perfect. I did not have to write out an individual thank you to everyone. The wording "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, kind words and prayers. The outpouring of love shown for our family has been owerwhelming."
Simply stated.

It was very healing for me to send these out. And very important. Almost urgent. These were sent out before I left for Florida in the beginning of March.

Did you all notice, that I used the "NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP" Prayer on both of my cards? BEFORE this organization was ever formed? Things truly happen for a reason...

Again, I would like to know what some of you have done along this line...
Many blessings to all of you.
Cheryl

on a side note: We have come in contact with many people, some are listed on the site, that will help ANY family create a custom birth/bereavement announcement, and will work within your budget. Jenny and Joy, (I have met with them both) are incredible. They have put together a few samples for NILMDTS. Parents, please...If you feel overwhelmed and would like help in this department, please call them. They are there for you. Let them know your budget, and I am sure you will be pleased with what they suggest. Here is the location: http://nowilaymedowntosleep.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=154&EXPAND=154

[Kirk Kief]

Cheryl,
This is a beautiful story. You showed me these cards this afternoon, and I thought they were very touching. But, when you connect them with your story, they become something beyond very touching, and something very special. Today was special, some of the things that we discovered, as a group. This is the second time today that my eyes have gotten a little heavy in the humidity range. This story, though, is most touching. I'm looking forward to seeing what the others share, and I'm really looking forward to what the future of this little organization holds with people like yourself in the forefront!

[Scott Hays]

I pray that all of our parents have the courage to visit the forum. Cheryl, I can't say enough how wonderful you are, and how inspiring you can be for others. I wish NILMDTS would have been there 19 years ago. So many wonderful ideas. I know that our parents have to make these decisions as to what feels right for them, but if they can take the time to go through the forum, they will find so many great healing ideas. You are pretty wonderful.
Thanks

[Erica Stone]

This is something that would never have occured to me had it not been for Cheryl. I took her advice and contacted Jenny and Joy who couldn't have been more wonderful! I really had no idea what to do, and decided on something similar to what Charlene had done since Matthew was stillborn and a seperate birth and death announcement didn't work for us. The printer was able to use one of Sandy's photos and I was pleased with the result. It was just what I wanted and the ladies spent forever with me helping me figure it out, getting me tissues and water while I was crying, and talking with me. As soon as I scan it in, I'll post copies of it. I second Cheryl's comment about not wanting to call and talk to everyone. What has been a pleasant surprise is that there have been various recipients who have either displayed the card (friends, and even the nurse at my OB's office!) or who have told us that they have visited the website (I included nilmdts info at the bottom of the card)!

[Deb Stoner]

I didn't think of sending announcements when Marah died. I really wish I would have. We called everyone and had to tell the story over and over. Thinking back, it would have made sense to ask a good friend to call others for us. We didn't think of it at the time.
Another idea is to send remembrance cards for your child's first birthday. Some people I know have included a candle with the card to light on that day. It just serves as a "gentle" reminder to friends and family that your baby is still the love of your life.

[Megan Kitchin]

We too sent out birth anouncements, Cheryl. It was something we were looking quite forward to when our boys arrived. When they arrived early, in line with our wanting to make everything about them positive, we sent out announcements to family and friends. At the time and in our hearts, Grayson and Zane were and may have been our only children. Thus, it was important to us to show everyone how beautiful and perfect they were. You see for us, Grayson and Zane were healthy, yet my body could not hold them in (incompetent cervix) and so they were born early. Many, many people commented how it must have been for the best, as something is usually wrong when they were born early. Or some version of this. They would have been perfect regardless, as all babies are, but for some reason this struck a chord. Probably because at the time, all I could think was that my body failed my sons.

Anyhow, we really wanted to show everyone how perfect they were. A friend of ours who had also lost twins helped with the photo ideas. She helped us merge the individual photos of each boy into one photo of the boys together. I had seen a sample blurge in a pamphlet we were given and sort of made it more personal to us. As you were, I was also on a mission. I couldn't get myself to leave the house, so I forced myself to sit in front of a computer until I figured it out. After all, it was something tangible I could do for my Zane and Grayson. So I have attached some examples of what we sent. There were two versions (well really four, two with each saying), one to those closer to us and one to those who may not have heard. We printed on blank notecards we purchased at Michael's for like $4.99. What you see is the inside. On the front cover, we attached wallet sized photos (also attached) of either the boys or their footprints. Depending on who it was going to and which saying was on the inside of the card. The photos were backed with a pretty bluish/purple card stock square. It was simple, but worked for what we could manage at the time. I was determined to get them sent, ASAP.

Many people didn't respond, many said the card opened the door for them to call, and others were excited about it! I will say that there were those people who were upset we had sent the annoucements. Mostly older generations, who found it inappropriate to speak of babies dieing, let alone send pictures or footprints of them. At first we were hurt by these comments, but then let it go. The announcements were sent because we needed and wanted to send them. To us, sharing our sons was the most precious gift we could give. And I am so happy we sent them.

[Cheryl Haggard]

Megan~Thank you for your response. I am so glad that you sent the announcements out. You're right. It was so important to me to let people know that Maddux had finally arrived. Just not with the outcome that we had all expected.
I have found that in speaking with older woman that lost babies, ( I will call this "old school" ) The medical profession, really discouraged mothers from holding, touching or even seeing their babies. The subject was really 'swept under the rug.' Better to forget, and try again. Really suggesting a replacement. Now, the women that I have talked with, and have seen the images of the babies from the website, all of the emotions come flooding back. Saying that they wished someone would have suggested to them to create those memories of their babies. They were never given the chance or opportunity to heal from the death of their child. So, now here they are 20, 30 years later, still trying to find that healing. One lady at a conference I attended, had looked at an image of a baby born too early, and said to me, that her baby had been born at around the same gestation. So, here she is crying, and holding my hand, saying, that she could imagine her baby looking the same way, and seeing the pure beauty in that baby. Being so thankful that there is an organization that provides this healing for other parents. Wishing that NILMDTS had been around 30 years ago. For her...

Can you please try to scan one of your announcements, and post them on this site? It would be great for parents to see other ideas and options that they have. If you don't know how to, you can email me and I can give you my address, then I can do it. Try not to send me the only one you have though. Maybe just an extra. I know I kept several for Maddux's scrapbook.
Thanks again for sharing...
You are a gift to so many others...:)

[Kirk Kief]

If you do not have a scanner, you can accomplish the same thing by simply taking a photo of the announcement with your digital camera. Just use something as a plain background and get in as close with your camera as the lense will allow and remain in focus. Make sure the lighting is even, such as outside in the open shade.

[Deb Stoner]

Megan, Love seeing your precious little boys again. They brought a smile to my face this morning!

[Tammy]

We did not send birth announcements either. We did send a small picture of Chase along with our thank you cards to members of our family.

[A&JPearce]

I have been thinking about what to do. I am in the process of sending out thank you cards for all of the support and donations. I was confused at first, do I send birth announcements or do I not. I decided not to and now I think I will add a small picture of Vince in all of the Thank you's. Thanks Tammy!!

[Charlene Lopez]

Megan,

Thank you so much for sharing your announcements, I had not seen them before. I love that you sent them out to everyone and I'm glad that you didn't let those that were upset about receiving them bother you. They are your babies to share with the world.

We sent Daniels announcements in the form of thank you cards because we got such an amazing amount of support from so many people that we wanted to share his image and our gratitude. We got lots of positive response from them.

[Erica Stone]

I finally got it scanned into the computer...

[Sandy "Sam" Puc']

Wow Erica,
I have never seen your memorial card before. It is gorgeous. What wonderful ways that all of you have handled this delicate situation. I am sure that your family and friends appreciate you sharing your little one's portraits. I truly believe that having these images makes it easier for your loved ones to handle the sometimes awkward moments that happen after the loss of a child. It is so wonderful to know that your memories do not fade over time. For all of you that I personally worked with, I can remember so much about your children. Each of them had a profound impact on my life. Thank you for letting all of us share your special moments.
peace-
sandy

[Tammy]

These birth announcements are simply beautiful. I now wish I would have thought about doing something like this, but I really like Deb's idea of sending memorial cards on the 1st birthday along with a little candle.

Cheryl, Would Jenny and Joy donate a percentage back to NILMDTS if I were to order something from them?

[Cheryl Haggard]

Yes, they are donationg back to NILMDTS.
I like the idea of sending out memorial cards on baby's birthday.
I also just made thank you cards again with Maddux's footprint to send to everyone that remembered his birthday. Hey-better late than never is my motto these days...

[Erica Stone]

Sandy, I'm sorry you hadn't seen it before... I could have sworn I sent one to your studio.

Like I said earlier in this thread, I liked what Charlene had done and just wanted something simple but meaningful for us. I didn't want to force the images on anyone but wanted to acknowledge the support - on all levels - we had received.

[Megan Kitchin]

Charlene,

Thanks so much for the encouragement! These are just the photos on the outside of the cards. One of these days I will get the entire announcement scanned and posted.

Sending photos in "Thank You's" didn't even occur to me at the time. What a wonderful way to share your Daniel with those who supported you! I see it as a gift to others (sharing photos of our kids)!

Erica, love the announcement!!! I just want to kiss Matthew's little tootsies!!!!

[Tasha Nicholls]

I have a good friend whose sister-in-law was scheduled to have a c-section next week and just lost her baby due to placenta previa. This was so devasting (as always). I was working with her on creating birth announcements for her little girl and now have changed gears to try and provide something that will help them spread the news and avoid the dreaded phone calls. This will be my gift to them. I hope she'll like this design, but if she doesn't I'll work with her until she loves it.

At this time they have declined NILMDTS services, so I designed a double-sided card without a photo.

(Erica, I loved your note and hope you don't mind that I "borrowed" it.)

Note: I changed the last name to protect their privacy.

[Rayna']

that is very pretty!

[Cheryl Haggard]

Very Pretty...

[Tara Roberts]

I am working on some announcements/breavement/thank you cards with Joy and have become obsessed with the project. I want and need everything to be perfect, this is my first ode to Christian... I am waiting for the proofs on pins and needles. I am sending different pictures with the cards - dependant on the relationship. The difficult thing for me right now is trying to reconcile this need with my husband, I need to announce and acknowledge Christians birth to the world, he views it more of a thank you note. Everything is a compromise right? I haven't had the courage to post My Story, I am really scared, the thought of it leaves me breathless, but maybe after I am done obsessing over the cards I can start that process...

[Rayna']

Hopeful,

I would like to see your announcements when you finish!

[Cheryl Haggard]

We all would...

[linda]

I was so thankful for Tina Gunn to suggest it and even make one herself to show us. It took about a week to even talk through what I wanted but it was beautiful and I will forever be thankful she helped us. We received so many thoughtful cards of care and love in the mail. It made it easier to not have to call. Then sadly my friend Jesse 9 weeks later lost her precious little girl Drew and she too found strentgh in sending out book marks. Drew's book mark is in my bible with Ethan's announcement. I'm certain the Lord introduced them when she arrived. Sharing how special a bond her Mommy and I have.

[Tina Gunn]

Per Linda's request here is the card she sent out. I found it so special that they added the letter to Ethan. I feel so close to Linda and her family. I was so glad she sent these out.

[linda]

Thanks Tina!! I'd like to blame my computer but I'm sure it's operator error. I had pictures loaded on my avatar and then one day I decided to change it up and wala the picture disapeared and he new one never loaded. Kirk said he'll work on helping me one of these days. I still need to load pictures from Christmas, what a mess I am! :~)

[Tina Gunn]

No problem any time call or email if you need help with pics!

[Tasha Nicholls]

Here are little Jake's announcements/thank you cards... many of you probably remember following Mandy's updates at:
http://www.nowisleep.com/showthread.php?t=2089

Mandy wanted me to go ahead and post these. She ordered cards with a linen finish so she and Chris could sign them individually and send them out.

[Cheryl Haggard]

Tasha,
These are beautiful.
C

[Kerry]

Tasha,
I love the announcments! Your creativity is breath taking. Everyone will love them. I wish I would of done something like that. The family will be honored to give out to their closest family and friends. You do such nice work I will give the word of mouth out to others what you can do to touch other people's lives.

[anr0014]

Tasha-

Thank you again for creating such beautiful announcements for Jake. Our family is so excited to see them and we can't wait to send them out. They mean so much to us to be able to share Jake with our friends and family.

-Mandy

[Lindzy Foster]

I guess i never noticed this thread before or i would have posted the announcements Tasha made for us...Jakes announcements are beautiful, she does such a wonderful job...here are the ones she designed for Kaydence...just thought i'd show everyone her's.....

[Kristen Morton]

Wow, those turned out so nice! How pretty!

[Cheryl Haggard]

I like too...Very beautiful.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Thanks, Kristen.... you did such a beautiful job taking Kaydence's portraits.... they're gorgeous.

[Jennifer Harder-Finley]

Tasha,

Your work is absolutely breathtaking. Do you create all of the backgrounds yourself? I try to do something special for each angel I photograph, but in my opinion, mine all look bland and generic. Any suggestions?

[Brooke]

Tasha & Lindzy,

Those are just so incredibly beautiful of Kaydence. I love her name too by the way. I wish I would have known about doing something like that for my little angel Emma. Oh well. You do such a wonderful job Tasha for all the parents here that utilize your services. Keep up the good work.

Brooke
Mommy to Carter, Ethan, & Angel Emma

[Tasha Nicholls]

Jennifer,

I did create Kaydence's background myself in Photoshop.

I purchased some commercial background textures and stuff from www.scrapgirls.com. There are some great free tutorials at http://www.scrapgirls.com/SG_University_main.htm and I highly recommend the Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed video tutorials available for purchase (links to these are on the right-hand side of the University page).

The videos are available for download and are very comprehensive and an excellent price. I have only purchased the advanced "More Scrapbook Secrets" video set, and was worried that it wouldn't really have much that I didn't already know, but was quite pleasantly surprised and pleased that I learned a few great/important tips. Very well worth the money spent.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Thanks, Brooke. :)

Perhaps you could do something this upcoming October for National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

[Brooke]

Hi Tasha,

Maybe I could. I guess I'll have to see how busy I am. I am expecting once again and my due date is actually Emma's 1st birthday, October 10th, so Lord willing, I will be very busy that month with a new baby at home. Do you do birth announcements for "living" babies as well? That sounds really bad. I hope you know what I mean. Sorry. Maybe I could use your talents to do a birth announcement for this baby. I'm going to have Heather Lombardo do a pregnancy photo shoot for us sometime in September and also come to the birth and take pictures there also. So should have some good pictures to choose from to use on a birth announcement. What do you think?

Brooke
Mommy to Carter, Ethan, & Angel Emma

[Tasha Nicholls]

Yes, I do regular birth announcements, too (and really need to update my webpage because they're outdated and I don't like most of them anymore, lol.)

I'd be happy to work with you, but we'll have to see if Heather would be willing to send me a photo or two for birth announcements... most photographers don't provide their images on CD and I will only use their images if they send them directly to me or if you have a signed copyright release and a high resolution file.

[Jennifer Harder-Finley]

Okay Tasha, I'm hooked! LOVE the scrap girls site. I know I will be spending even more time on my computer but will definitely be more pleased with the results. Thanks for sharing.

[Brooke]

Thanks Tasha,

I'll keep all that info in mind and get back to you in October if we decide to go forward and order birth announcements with you. I have a long road a head of me. Thanks again.

Brooke
Mommy to Carter, Ethan, and Angel Emma

[Deb Stoner]

Brooke, I've seen some families that do birth announcements of subsequent babies similar to this--
Celebrating our new arrival _name weight etc_____
while remembering angel Emma (in smaller print at the bottom)

[Lindzy Foster]

Brooke thank you for the comment about Kaydences name her daddy picked it out and her middle name is hope which we picked out together when we found out about her heart condition. Thats exciting that your expecting another baby!

[Brooke]

Hi Lindzy,

Thanks for aknowledging my pregnancy. Yes, it is exciting but so scary all at the same time. I'm counting down the weeks until I can hold a healthy baby in my arms once again. I can't wait until I reach that point.

Brooke

[Lindzy Foster]

I understand that...Darin and I have talked about having more children in the future but the second i think about it i am gripped with fear....during my six week checkup after Kaydences birth I discussed it with my doctor and was told that i probably would only be able to carry a baby once more...i had some problems with Kaydence's pregnancy, i tend to carry my babies very low and it creates some major problems...But i hope to someday try again...when we are ready....but i pray for you and everyone else who is struggling with pregnancy after loss to have strength and that you get to hold that healthy baby in your arms...i know i will be thinking of you when that 20 week mark comes and you get your first ultrasound...im praying for everything to be wonderful for you....
Lindzy

[Cheryl Haggard]

I sign every Christmas Card, with 'and our angel Maddux' on it.
Here is what we sent.

[Brooke]

Hi Deb,

That is an excellent idea. Especially if this baby happens to share Emma's Birthday which is very possible, since that is my due date, October 10th. Thanks for the idea once again.

Love,
Brooke
Mommy to Carter, Ethan, & Angel Emma

[Tasha Nicholls]

I've been wanting to design a tri-fold card for quite some time and Kim wanted me to create something special for Jordan's service next month, so this is what we put together. It folds from both sides so you see the front, and open it to see the inside flap, open that to see the three inside panels. Turn it around and you can read Alex's page on the back.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Here's the back and what it looks like all put together. I'll post some pics when I get the actual cards in hand so you can get a better idea how they fold. (Oh, and my copyright isn't on every page, it's just there for web posting)

[linda]

Tasha,

As always your work is amazing!!!!!!!! I love them!

[Lindzy Foster]

Tasha, they are gorgeous, very beautiful!

Kim, these are so beautiful! thinking of you!

[jaiew]

wow!!! who came up with the poem "tears....." it rings so true. i cant thank you enough for our cards everyone that has received them thinks they are wonderful.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Pics of the actual printed cards....

[marylouise]

Tasha,
The cards are beautiful.What awonderful way for the family to remember.
Thanks for your help this afternoon. I'm working on the slideshow now, but having a problem with one of the tittle pages- it don't do what I want it to do!!!

[Kirk Kief]

What is it you want it to do?

[marylouise]

I want a black page with white type. Finally got it-don't know how or if I'll be able to do it again. There must be an easier way. It seemed simple when Tasha walked me thru it! Photoshop for dummies here I come!! Just got finished with my 1st slide show! Only 6 more to go. Hopefully I'll post in the morning or when I get up, can't beleive it's almost 4:30am!

[Aurora]

Wow those are both really stunning, I had heard of them but wondered about how you would impliment them now I've seen it done beautifully, thank you for sharing.

[Estrella]

I'm a little late posting to this thread, Lindzy just mentioned it to me. Tasha was so very nice to make these special announcements for me. I thought I would share her great work with all of you! Tasha, I hope you do not mind.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I received the cards in the mail today, they are beautiful! I will get ready the other things that I am mailing along with them(thank you's and our story), and I will hopefully be mailing them out this week. I can hardly wait to share Anthony and his story, with so many people!
2669

2671

[Tasha Nicholls]

Of course I do not mind, Estrella. It was my pleasure. Anthony is absolutely beautiful and I am glad I could help you share him with your family and friends.

Take Care!
Tasha

[Shelly]

Cheryl and Megan, Your announcments are so beautiful! How creative you were at such a difficult time in your lives.

I have attached the birthday remembrance card (it was small folding note) that Chris and I sent for Madeline and Monique's first birthday. We sent them without "warning" people. We hadn't talked about what we'd named the girls with anyone so people were surprised that these babies were "real people" with names, I think. Many people were shocked and surprised that we would send them out at all. Pretty stationery and cards are my "thing" how could I not send out something honoring my precious babies? I haven't looked at the card in years...thank you for nudging me to take it out.

[Shelly]

Estrella and Tasha, Anthony's announcements are amazing! I'm so pleased that people are sharing their tributes to their precious babies. Estrella, I hope Antony's announcement encourages people to talk about him with you. Take good care.

[Tasha Nicholls]

That birthday remembrance card is so sweet, Shelly. I think that acknowledgment of babies is a big part of the healing process and it's great that you did that for your darling girls' birthday despite what other people thought. Good for you!

[Estrella]

Shelly, Thank you for your comments. Your card for your Madeline and Monique is very precious...what a great way to honor your Angels. Thank you for sharing!

Tasha, you are so right. And with your beautiful work, you have made yourself a part of my healing process! Thanks again!
GOD BLESS!

[Lindzy Foster]

Estrella they are gorgeous, Anthony is so handsome!

Shelly, what a wonderful way to remember your girls, just beautiful, i have been thinking about sending a card out to our family and close friends for Kaydences 1st birthday in January, i have a special angel birthday poem in mind...hopefully i will find something i really like...

[Tasha Nicholls]

Here's a trifold design I just created for a mom of quints. She didn't receive NILMDTS services.

[Tasha Nicholls]

The last one and front & back view:

[Shelly]

Tasha, Incredible! What an amazing family~their love, grace and strength shines through!! Thank you for sharing.
Shelly

[Estrella]

Tasha,

That is incredible! I will pray for this sweet family. Thank you for sharing!

HUGS--Estrella

[Tasha Nicholls]

Here's a new design I just created for a mom who did receive NILMDTS services. (Posted with her permission)

I really like these and think they'll look really beautiful on linen paper. (She wanted to see the back in both colors) I think the photographer's name was Jessica... little Grace had Trisomy 18.

[Tammy Councilman]

Absolutely beautiful. Do you use templates from Scrapgirls or another source? You are extremely talented Tasha!

[Tasha Nicholls]

Thanks, Tammy, but it's all been learned through trial and error and there are many more talented people than I. :)

Yes, I use Scrapgirls.... in fact, I've recommended that site on this board. The rose background above is party of the Legacy 2 commercial use paper templates and I also used several other textures layered on top of it which I set at different blending modes and opacities.

[Tricia Hackney]

Tasha - one word -
WOW!!
okay, more than one, I'm sorry lol
AMAZED - that's my new word, learned about it at church and this whole announcement is AMAZING, the story is AMAZING; their strength & love, your self-lessness, this group of wonderfully gifted big hearted individuals - all of it -- SIMPLY AMAZING

[Cheryl Haggard]

Tasha, as always, beautiful. I need to start working on ours for Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month in October...I think I want to use the teddy bear that we had made for him for the image...I am going to think about this one...

[Tasha Nicholls]

Cheryl,

As always, I am more than happy to work with you on this. I know your Photoshop skills have grown a lot, though.... you may not need my help! Let me know. :)

[Tasha Nicholls]

NILMDTS photographer, Mary Burns, took photos of sweet Marian. Special thanks to Marirosa for helping me with the Spanish translations. Mom didn't speak any English, so most of the communication was done with Dad over the phone.

[linda]

Simply Beautiful!!!!!!!!!

[linda]

Thought I'd bring this back to the front so new members could view it ~ in case they were thinking of doing something like this!!

[MadiAidMak]

When our twins passed away we didnt send out annoucements,I wished that we would have.I would have loved for friends and family to see how perfect and beautiful they were. All of the annoucements are beautiful, such precious angels

[motherofthree]

I sent out announcements that I made myself because I didn't know that anyone provided things like these and I was worried about having a bad experience if I went into a stationary store. So I bought pretty cardstock paper from Kinko's and wrote something up myself. If I knew I could have done something so beautiful incorporating Kavya's pictures I would have loved to do it!


When our twins passed away we didnt send out annoucements,I wished that we would have.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your twin angels. How long has it been since you had your sweet babies? Maybe you should consider sending out announcements for their next birthday (or their first if it hasn't been so long) or maybe even during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (October).

[MadiAidMak]

They were born and passed on September 23, 2007. AIden William and Makayla Anais. I didnt think to do anything like this or if it would be appropriate to sign their names on our Thank Yous and Christmas Cards.We are getting a family picture taken,I also have a six yr Old little girl!! and I was going to have her hold the two teddy bears that the hospital gave us. DO you think that it would be alright to send a card or some thing for their first birthday? I was also worried abou ttaking the pictures anywhere to have them touched up or framed,I actually warned the film developer about what was on the photos(I didnt want them to throw any away)I wish that I would have taken more pictures of us (my husband and famly) holding them.But again I didnt think of it. Kavya is so beautiful and the picture is wonderful.

[linda]

Absolutly! I love the idea ~ Cheryl has a family picture with pooh bear in it in rememberance of Maddux. We always have something ~ normally I wear a necklace or somesort of jewlery that has been made for me. My favorite is a necklace with Ethan's name on it.

[motherofthree]

I think it would be entirely appropriate to send out some sort of remembrance announcements on their first birthday. I bet you could find some examples somewhere. I was thinking about doing this despite the fact that I sent out announcements! I'm so worried that people would forget about my sweetheart. You should wait for other people to confirm this though - maybe I'm just a fruitcake (I don't think so, though).

I think having your daughter hold your angels' teddy bears for a family portrait is a wonderful idea. I hadn't thought of that - I will definitely do this for future family portraits! I have been so worried about how all of our family portraits in the future will be lacking a member, and it is a wonderful idea on how to represent our angels when they can't be there. I'm SO glad you mentioned that!

[MadiAidMak]

Thats another wonderful idea,I have a necklace that a good friend of mine gave that simply says "FAITH". I am also going to get their footprints tattooed next to my daughters footprint with their names.

[MadiAidMak]

You're not a friutcake,I think that alot too!!! I was wanting a way to have them be a part of the picture, i'm glad you found it a good idea. I too am afraid that people will forget,almost all of my family and friends missed me being pregnant since I live in AL and the live in MN. My mom did get a chance to see me for a couple days before and thank goodness she was here when they were born.She actually took the only pictures that I have of me pregnant with them. I am so thankful that I found this site and poeple that understand me,I was beginning to think that I was going crazy

[amburke2]

We didn't send out birth announcements, but my mom made some that she sent to extended family and friends. She did an excellent job. We also asked her to make us the thank you cards we sent for flowers and gifts we got following the funeral, and they were a black and white picture of us kissing Timothy--my avatar, as a matter of fact. We thought it was a good way to share him with many people.

And as far as including babies' names on family thank you cards: I figure if you would have written it on there had they lived, then it should be there. We got a sympathy card from a couple we went to college with and it contained the names of everyone in their family, including their infant twins, only one of whom lived. I found their acknowledgement of their son comforting, like it would be OK if we did the same thing in the future.

[Marcus Momma]

We sent wallet sized pics of the pics from the nilmdts photographer took , in the thank you cards from his funeral. He was buried the day after thanksgiving this past November so we didn't have time to do much. But on the back of the pics we wrote all his information about weight and height so the family could have the wallet pic to remember him. And when we sent out christmas cards we still put his name on them too and always will.

[MadiAidMak]

Those are all great ideas.Thak you so much to all of you.I feel like I am truely found peple that I can get ideas,support,coments etc from and they really understand. Thank you

[Marcus Momma]

And right now I am waiting on a necklace to get back that I sent off to have his pic engraved on it. And with some of these ideas I will always wear it in family pics so he can be there with us and his face will be in them too.

[Cheryl Haggard]

http://www.nowisleep.com/showthread.php?t=1172&page=4

Here is a thread regarding Remembrance Announcements, for birthdays, or October...

[Dottie Di Liddo]

Need help... Is there an announcement out there for twins, one who lived & one who died at birth. I just finished a shoot tonight, and would love some nice quotes, & announcement suggestions. Thanks, Dottie

[momma to 2+ an angel]

I too have Cameron's photo on a dog tag style pendant - I then found a necklace that had butterflies on it and altered it to how I wanted it, length wise and now it only has 2 butterflies... I am so happy to have it.

In my thank you notes, I included a photo of Cameron as well - The people that have received them are very happy that I did because it allows them to also have a little piece of him to remember.

I am also now leaning very much toward a formal birth announcement. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate or not... I think I would like to do it to honor my sweet baby. Thank you for all of the shared stories - Jenn

[Kerry]

I wished I would have but is was right after x-mas and just sent x-mas cards out. So I sent a letter out explaining what had happened instead of waiting the following year to tell out of towners what had happened. Most people were glad I had told them instead of waiting. I also had a 4 year old at home so I just did a birth announcement with her and Sarah. Had in memory with Mallory name. I do have poems about twins in another post if you need it email me and I will send it. It was a difficult time and tried to pace myself when I ready for things.It is hard to be happy but sad at the same time for that long of period of time and try to please yourself and others of what they think you should do. Sorry I wasn't more helpful.

Kerry
Mother of Olivia,Sarah,Lane and Heavenly Angel Mallory

[Cheryl Haggard]

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore...
Only the winds of the heavens dance between you
- Kahlil Gibran

[Cheryl Haggard]

Hearts Entwined
Twenty fingers, twenty toes,
two sweet babies with cheeks of rose.
Born on the same day, two gifts from above,
lives entwined, two babies to love.
- Unknown

[Dottie Di Liddo]

Thank you, the first one will fit well I believe. Dottie

[imralphy]

Wow is right. Beautiful!
I wish I had thought of doing something like this.

[imralphy]

Our precious girl Jaidyn was born prematurely at 26 weeks on Aug 1, 2008. She was in the NICU and had many complications along the way. She became quite ill and passed away on Nov 4, 2008. We were lucky in a way because we were able to spend 3 mths with her. We did have NILMDTS photos done but I am just now looking at them.
We have already sent thank you cards and thank you christmas cards but I had always wanted to do an announcement and never did. I expected to do one once she came home from the hospital but I guess that wasn't the universe's plan.
My question is, is it too late to send something to people showing the birth date and the date she grew her wings?
It wouldn't really be a thank you or an anniversary. Any suggestions?

[Dottie Di Liddo]

I think it would be a wonderful way to honor your little girl & show your family and friends how much she is loved.

[motherofthree]

is it too late to send something to people showing the birth date and the date she grew her wings?

I don't think it is too late. You could make it as a remembrance card, or an announcement - our announcement was a little bit of both. I say go for it...it's a wonderful way to share your precious Jaidyn with family and friends.

[Christine Barrack]

My question is, is it too late to send something to people showing the birth date and the date she grew her wings?
It wouldn't really be a thank you or an anniversary. Any suggestions?

I don't think it is ever to late. When you decide is the right time to do so.

[bcangelrae]

My mom had actually asked me about sending out announcements and I originally told her I would decide later because I didn't know how to go about it. I knew that I wanted to acknowledge her but at some point I thought maybe it was too morbid. But after reading all of these, I am just waiting for my pictures to show up then I will be able to make some. The more I thought about it the more I thought it is just a great way to honor there presence in this world.

[Amy W.]

I had made an announcement on my computer already that I was going to use for our baby and when we found out that she had died I still wanted to send something. To let people know without having to talk personally to everyone. In this case we decided to just send it out electronically through email instead of printing them all. We did print some for family members and people that came to the memorial to have. I've attached it here (I took out our last name for security purposes).

I'm really big into digital scrapbooking and making other announcements for babies and weddings. I would LOVE to make announcements for any family that has lost their baby at no cost...they could then just email it or just pay for the printing...you can print them at a place like www.vistaprint.com for really inexpensive. Anyway...Cheryl you can offer my services to anyone that may need it if you want.

[Christine Barrack]

I think it is beautiful! Your angel daughter is simply stunning, so precious.
If you wanted to make some templates I can upload them to my boxnet to share with the parents. Such a nice offer from you. Your scrapbooking is wonderful.

[Madge]

I had made an announcement on my computer already that I was going to use for our baby and when we found out that she had died I still wanted to send something. To let people know without having to talk personally to everyone. In this case we decided to just send it out electronically through email instead of printing them all. We did print some for family members and people that came to the memorial to have. I've attached it here (I took out our last name for security purposes).

I'm really big into digital scrapbooking and making other announcements for babies and weddings. I would LOVE to make announcements for any family that has lost their baby at no cost...they could then just email it or just pay for the printing...you can print them at a place like www.vistaprint.com (http://www.vistaprint.com) for really inexpensive. Anyway...Cheryl you can offer my services to anyone that may need it if you want.

I have samples of announcements/memorials at my babydekar site. Could I please use this as a sample? If you are okay with it, I could also refer them to you---but that is up to you. I'm not sure how "out there" you want your information. The card is beautiful! I love it.

[Amy W.]

Yes feel free to you our announcement as an example...I would love for it to help anyone that it could. And yes you can refer people to me. I would love to help anyone that needs it. I would prefer to be contacted through email.

[Laine]

You folks are incredible! I have so many thoughts on how to do this now that I won't sleep all night and that's with the sleeping pill! I just need to figure out how to do this delicately so that it addresses all of the other children although we were not married. Also, anyone know how to get it translated into Danish for me once I figure out what I want to say?

[Susan K Shelbrock]

Also, anyone know how to get it translated into Danish for me once I figure out what I want to say?

Laine, there are online translator generators, so to do this will not be hard. Just decide what you want to say and then someone could quickly translate it to Danish for you. I know whatever you decide to say will be perfect.
I am so sorry for your loss. BIG HUGS

[Benjamin's Mommy]

I had made an announcement on my computer already that I was going to use for our baby and when we found out that she had died I still wanted to send something. To let people know without having to talk personally to everyone.

This is the most beautiful birth announcement I have ever seen - for a living OR deceased baby. It is stunning.