Start adding friends by visiting your favorite BabyHomePages.net sites and clicking on the green plus sign (+) below to send a friend request to the person who updates the site you are visiting.
It's that time of year again!! Help give babies everywhere a healthy start, walk with us or donate to the March of Dimes here: Marchforbabies.org/MatthewJacksonMiller
Yesterday marked 3 years since we said good-bye. 3 years since we were told you would no longer be there with us to celebrate life or grow up with us around you. It is so hard to believe that 3 years have already passed. We wonder so much what you would be like, who you would look like, how you would behave. Would you love going to daddy's softball games as much as your big sister does? Would you be as impressed with the baby on the way as she is? Would you like coloring? Would you prefer crayons or markers? Would you be a good listener or have a stubborn streak? Would you have the patience yet to sit through a whole movie or much rather prefer to run and jump and play?
It's hard not to feel as though we were robbed of our life with you. We were. I can understand that you are always with us, I can feel your presense and know that we keep your memory alive every single day, but it isn't the same as having you here to give hugs and kisses too. It isn't the same to take you you decorations to make your grave site look like Halloween and fall as it would be to take you to the pumpkin patch and let you experience Halloween and fall. I bet you would have loved climbing over the huge pumpkins we saw last week. I bet you would be absolutely all boy, tough, strong and independent.
Every day we miss you. Every single day we wish you were here with us, even if it sounds selfish to prefer that you were a part of our Earthly lives knowing it cannot begin to compare to the beauty I have no doubt you enjoy every single day. We love you so much our little prince.
Comments Matthew will always be missed. Hugs and kisses - Patty
3 years and 6 hours ago, I woke up in intense pain. My room was fairly dark and Dusty was asleep in the corner on the fold out couch. The light streaming from the hallway showed the monitors next to me. I was tempted to strap the monitors to my stomach myself to see if what I was feeling were strong contractions or something else. 5 minutes later I didn't need to, the pain and the tightening of my uterus made it clear that this was it, this time it was real.
I pushed the button for the nurse to come in and whispered, so I wouldn't wake Dusty quite yet, that I was in labor and they needed to call the doctor. The nurse came in, in my 10 week stay, I had met her for the first time at 7:00 PM the night before. She didn't want to call the doctor yet, she wanted me to get on the monitor. Sure enough, I withered there in pain for an hour with contractions every 2-3 minutes apart, shooting off the 100 scale they use on the monitors. I asked for pain relief, she called the doctor.
An hour and a half after the first pain the doctor called and I could have some pain medication and some benadryl to see if this was real labor or not. It was real. There was no mistaking it. This type of consistent pain didn't happen without progress. It couldn't. The medicine helped a little bit and I was still asking them to whisper, just in case they were right, why wake Dusty? It was in the wee hours of Monday morning and he had work to go to!
Another hour passed with contractions right on top of each other. We were 2 1/2 hours into this, it was 4 AM. I told the nurse I knew what this pain was, I knew what the pressure was. It was time. He was ready to be born. No, no, no, they said. You weren't dilated at all last night, we have to know for sure before we do another sterile spec exam. I told her I had pressure. At 4 AM, she relented. There he was, 10 cm dilated, at a +3 station, butt first. Now, we woke Dusty up. There was no denying it, he wanted out, right now, one way or another.
Dusty put his shoes on as they put in my IV and the nurse called for help. They didn't have time to call my perinatologist and have her there to deliver me. There just wasn't time. They were wheeling me into the OR before Dusty had his second shoe on. In the hallway, I was excited, dazed, confused and medicated. They happened to run into my regular OB in the hallway and grabbed him. At 4:20 AM, we heard the most amazing sound, the baby we had been fighting for, the baby we were told wouldn't make it, the baby we were told would have minimal, if any lung development came into this world and cried. After a quick look he was whisked off to the NICU with daddy following him.
August 6, 2007 Matthew Jackson was born into this world at 33 weeks gestation, weighing in at 4lbs 14 oz and 18 inches long. He had the proudest parents and most loving big sister. That was the first day of his short 70 day life, each day he was loved, cared for and appreciated in so many ways.
Happy Birthday Matthew. We love you and miss you more than words could ever begin to express. We talk to you and of you so often. We wonder how you would look, how your voice would sound, how you would react to the puppy, what kind of birthday party you would want, what kind of toys you would ask for, how you would feel about becoming a big brother, if you would be ready to start playing sports or preschool, and what you would want to do today to celebrate. We never have to wonder how much you would be loved, spoiled and cared for. We never have to wonder how different our life would be if you were still here.
Today, daddy, Kaitlyn and I will go to the cemetery. We will take you balloons and flowers and wish you a happy birthday. Our hearts will be heavier today, knowing how much harder days like today are without you here. Knowing how much hope and promise we had on this day 3 short years ago.
Tomorrow, the friends and family whose lives you touched, who love you and carry you in their hearts will send you balloons. We will celebrate your life with those that mean the most to us. We will remember how happy we were when you were born and we will wish you the happiest of birthdays as you watch down on us.
We love you.
Comments Beautifully written, Denise! I am misty-eyed. I swear it feels like just yesterday he was born and we came to see him. Matthew touched so many and continues to do so, as do you and your amazing family. - Jamie Arellano
We love you guys so much. Thank you for sharing Matthew with us and for forever changing our lives. - Trepp Family
Matthew has touch so many lives including mine. I never got a chance to meet him but I feel like I have. Such beautiful words about a beautiful baby. I feel blessed to know you and your amazing family. - Amanda Bonham
This weekend we were able to decorate Matthew's site for Christmas. We put up his tree, lights, ornaments, wreath and all of his knick knacks. I think next year we are going to get a new tree, a more "real" looking tree.
Matthew would have been 2 for this Christmas. The age when Christmas starts becoming so much more fun!! There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think about and talk about Matthew. Christmas time is always a little bit harder. As we run out to buy the stores for Kaitlyn our neices and nephew, we don't get to spoil Matthew in the same way. I find myself wandering through stores looking at things I think he would like this year. I wonder if he would be into Cars or more into Monster Trucks. Would he love books as much as Kaitlyn did or Movies as much as Kaitlyn does now? Would he want new toys or big boy furniture? How cool would it be for Santa to have a little motorized ATV under the tree for him to actually be able to use? Or to be able to give him a candy cane out of his stocking?
Kaitlyn has been talking about Matthew a lot. Her Christmas wish is for him to come down and see her for the day. And even though it is absolutely not possible, I can easily find myself making that same wish.
To our little prince, we wish you the best possible Christmas. We know you have the greatest view and are going to the greatest celebrations, we just wish you were here with us. We love you so much.
Comments Were you able to take pics of his Christmas decor? I'd love to see them and I won't have a chance to get over there before New Years. :( - Drea
This would be Molly''s second Christmas. I really miss her. I like how you decorate Matthew's headstone. I think I'll have to do that for Molly's next year. - Bridget O'Connor bhp/oconnortwins
Today marks the anniversary of the hardest day of our life. The day that we had to say good-bye to someone that was so special to us, so important to us, and who was a vital part of our lives. We did not say good-bye willingly, we did not let go without a fight, but at the end, we were not given a choice or an option.
Matthew lives with us each and every day. He remains in our constant thoughts and is still very much a part of our family. Matthew would have turned 2 years old this year. It is so hard knowing that he isn’t here with us to run, jump, play and wreck havoc on everything.
Our family lives a life that is less than complete. We are reminded every day that our family will never again be together on this Earth. Never again will we take a family vacation that the whole family can enjoy, never again will we take a family picture where we try to get both kids to smile, or at least look in the general area of the camera.
Not only do we miss him during the big milestones, the birthdays, the holidays, events and fun times, but trips to the mall, the pumpkin patch, family giggle time in the living room, playing hi-ho-cheerio with Kaitlyn. While Kaitlyn is always a big sister, she does not have the great joy of living with her brother, playing with him, kicking him out of her room, showing him all the things she learns and having a real live student when she plays school.
We are blessed in knowing that Matthew lived on this Earth far longer than we were told he would, we are blessed to know that Matthew was so very loved and cared for, he had a mommy and daddy that idolized him and a big sister who worshipped him. We can take solace in knowing that he never went without or ever lived a day where he wasn’t absolutely loved and adored and treasured. We can find peace in knowing that while he may not be with us, he is surrounded by loved ones who have passed before us. We can see Matthew in so many things in so many ways. We can know that he is above us, shining down and bringing us love.
There is not a day that passes that Matthew is not missed beyond word or measure. There is not a moment that passes that he is not loved. There is not a breath that passes that the pain and emptiness in our hearts is not felt. Matthew is simply irreplaceable. We must wait for our time to be together again. Until then, we continue to love him, think of him and honor his life in any way we can.
Two years ago we went from being able to hold you in our arms to only being able to hold you in our hearts.
We love you Matthew and miss you so very much.
Comments This is so beautifully written...my heart breaks for you every time I think about how immeasurable the loss is for all of you, all I can do is say we love you and are here for you anytime you need anything! - The Brandusa Family
Miller Family, you are truly amazing parents. You have been through so much and it brings me to tears and breaks my heart to think about what you have and are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers and always in my heart. -
Miller Family, you are truly amazing parents. You have been through so much and it brings me to tears and breaks my heart to think about what you have and are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers and always in my heart. - Alana
Two years ago today, a miracle happened. The unthinkable, according to medical science, happened. After 10 weeks of being told that he wouldn't make it, we should terminate the pregnancy, and he had no chance, our little prince was born, and he was born crying, determined to meet his family and leave his footprint on the world.
The magic of that hot summer day is not one that will ever be forgotten. The excitment of finally seeing what and who our gift from God looked like was surreal. I got a brief glance of him before he was whisked to the NICU, but in that brief glance it was easy to tell how beautiful and amazing he was. There was no physical pain that could keep me from seeing our beautiful baby that afternoon. I was so eager for Dusty to wheel me down to where he was. He was so small, not larger than a sack of flour. We got our course in NICU care and enjoyed every possible moment with our much wanted son.
Every day we had with Matthew was truly a treasure. He was a blessing. He had a life filled with love, admiration and happiness. He was the perfect addition to our family and he is forever missed. There are no words to describe the heartache of him not being here with us. There is nothing we wouldn't give to have him here to enjoy his birthday with us, to see him run, jump, play, sing and dance. There isn't a single day that goes by where he isn't thought of, talked about, remembered and missed. We wish him the happiest of birthdays and send him hugs, kisses and loves all the way from Earth to Heaven until we are joined again.
Love, Mommy, Daddy and Kaitlyn
Comments Happy Birthday Baby! We miss you! - Love, Andrew, Andrea, Daniel, and Isabel
Today, we are mailing out everything for Matthew's 2nd Birthday Balloon release. We're doing a Monkey Theme with blue and yellow :)
If you want us to mail you the balloon tags, balloons and all of that, make sure I have your address :)
You're also welcome to print your own balloon tags, or create anything you'd like :)
This year, for friends and family that are in the area, we're going to have the balloons, blown up at the cemetery. We're getting several helium tanks to make it nice and easy. Cupcakes and water will be at the site. After, we're going to have lunch and swimming at our house :)
Comments We'll take the balloons and tags! Let me know if you need any help. - Drea
Matthew is 22 months old today! And I bet he'd be all boy. I can see him with a big cheesy grin, dark hair, beautiful gray eyes, playing with trucks and full of laughs.
Matthew is missed so much on so many levels by so many. His life touched so many and forever left an imprint on our hearts.
Today, Matthew would have been 21 months old. He'd be 1 3/4 years old. I can only imagine all of the things he would be doing, exploring, learning and sharing with us.
There isn't a moment that goes by that Matthew isn't missed or thought of. There isn't a moment that goes by that he isn't longed for or his presence desired.
Just the other day, in the car, out of no where, Kaitlyn said "Thank you for letting me kiss and hug Matthew, I liked that."
It absolutely broke my heart. Kaitlyn is so good with kids younger than her and it is incredibly unfortunate that her time on Earth with her baby brother was so short lived.
We love you Matthew.
Comments That is so sweet. - -Marilyn
Good morning. Good luck in the future. Help me! There is an urgent need for sites: We have carefully chosen an assortment of styles and.. I found only this - turbo tax. Whatever your style is traditional or hip and trendy you will have the nursery you have from which dreams are made in our select lines. She needs to take care of the various factors while choosing a baby bedding blanket for. With love :eek:, Santana from Iran. - Santana
Kaitlyn is awsome. She was the biggest help with Hunter when i watched her. I could only imagine how awsome she was with her baby brother. :) - Tammy S
Another month has passed since we last held you in our arms. There is nothing we wouldn't do or give to have you in our arms. We want so badly to have you to watch you toddle around, figure out how to walk and eat some pieces of yummy Easter candy.
As we prepare for another holiday without our son, our hearts weigh heavy.
Tomorrow night we will be having our first annual fundraiser in Matthew's honor to benefit the March of Dimes. I am so honored by all of those that have supported us in this endeavor. It is going to be an amazing night.
I just finished working on Matthew's Easter basket from the Easter Bunny. It was so hard to pick things that I think he would like now that he just turned 20 months!! He's out of the teens! I think I did good though.
There isn't a minute that Matthew isn't missed. There isn't a minute where I can't feel his soft dark hair, or smell his sweet baby smell or remember all the sounds he made. How I wish he were here to celebrate his second Easter. And although I know he is having the best possible celebration this weekend, it just isn't the same as having him in my arms.
Grandma had Matthew's wall and foot imprint mounted and framed. Daddy put it on the wall the other night. I am going to update pictures this weekend to show you :) And to all of my BHP friends, I created a "Matthew" garden in the backyard with his beautiful stepping stone. It looks so beautiful. Thank you so much.
Look for some new pictures coming in the next few days.
As your 19 month birthday passes, you are missed so much!! It's so hard to believe that you're nearly 2! Yesterday Kaitlyn asked if we could go shopping for balloons for your birthday. She is so excited to send you a letter this year and ask what the clouds feel like and if you have bunk beds in Heaven.
We miss you and love you so much our sweet angel prince.
Comments Happy 19 month birthday lil Mathew. I wish I cold have met ur mom sooner so I could have met you. Thats just so sweet and cute of Kaitlyn. Shes a awsome big sister and is going to be such a big help when ur next baby comes along. - tammy Siters
Last night, Matthew was joined in heaven by his baby brother or sister. I am sure that he is being a wonderful big brother to the baby we will be proud to meet. We miss you Matthew.
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard Him say.
"A Mother has a baby"
This we know is true
"But God can you be a Mother,
when your baby's not with you?"
"Yes, you can," He replied
With confidence in His voice
"I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay."
"I just don't understand this God
I want my baby to be here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,
And then I saw the tear.
"I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child's smile,
With all the other children and say..."
We go to earth to learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear,
My mummy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a Mum,
Who had so much love for me
I learned my lessons very quickly
My mummy set me free.
I miss my mummy oh so much
But I visit her every day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillows were I lay
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear
Mummy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here."
"So you see my dear sweet ones,
Your children are okay.
Your babies are born here in My home
And this is where they'll stay."
"They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lessons through.
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you.
So now you see what makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realize
You are a mother.
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day
and know that you are the best one.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Wings & Halos
I was so excited when I woke up today
I heard my Mommy was coming to play
I washed my wings and my halo too
Cuz that's what Mommy likes me to do
I went to the place where I knew she'd be
It's where she comes to visit me
She comes for comfort in her despair
Oh Mommy, can't you feel me touching your hair?
I'm by your side all through the night
I never let you out of my sight
I was your baby but I couldn't stay
But soon we can be together and play
You know we'll never be apart
You'll never let me leave your heart
Mommy I'm not there in the ground,
lift up your head and look around
The clouds, the birds, the raindrops too
these gifts of life were given to you
Don't cry for me Mommy, I know you're here
Please let me wipe away that tear.
I was sent to you from up above
And you showed me the ultimate love
Instead of giving me all of your years
You freely gave me all of your tears
Remember your relatives, the ones who have died?
They brought me here, I'm by their side
They watch over me and help me to see
just how much you really love me
(Daddy is there with your baby Cuz)
So don't be unhappy when you come visit me
I'm the angel above you, up in the tree
And when you leave, you'll never be through
You'll always be my Mommy
And I'll always love you
Today marks 16 months since that horrific day Matthew left us to find his place in Heaven. There isn't a second that goes by that he isn't missed and loved. He is forever in our hearts and forever in our lives.
This month, Matthew would have been 18 months. This is one of my favorite stages.
There isn't anything I wouldn't give to see him toddling around everywhere, pulling himself up on the furniture, playing with all the boxes that we unpack with, playing will all of Kaitlyn's old toys and all of his own.
There isn't a day that Matthew isn't missed, thought of, loved, cared for, talked about and with us.
You might have noticed some of the guestbook entries are missing. I e-mailed tech support and got the following response:
I'm sorry. There was an error on one of our servers and it looks like the Guestbook comments left after 1/2/2009 are lost. We've recovered as many comments as we could. We've never had a problem like this before and we have taken steps to ensure that we can restore anything that might turn up missing if something like this happens again. If you are using the option to have the Guestbook comments emailed to you, you can forward those emails to me and I can put them back on to your site (don't forget to look in your Deleted Items). Again I am really sorry. Do you know approximately how many comments are missing?
Thanks,
Eric
I am truly sorry that they are missing, there were some truly beautiful entries that I really enjoyed reading, unfortunately, I don't keep the e-mails so I cannot add them back onto the site :(
Contact This Site's Owner