This is Sophia with her BFF N, taken a few weeks ago during a vacation we had in Western Ma.

I have talked about N a few times here as she and her parents are incredibly dear to us and are close friends. N has embraced Sophia as her little playmate and has cared for her like only a 2 year old can. While I was pregnant and on maternity leave Kristine, Neala’s mom, was a constant source of support and a great caregiver. She is an incredible role model. When we moved from Boston we knew that leaving and missing N, and Kristine and Arthur, would suck.

And it has.

When we saw them a few weeks ago Kristine and Arthur were getting ready to welcome a new itty bitty one into the world. The baby was a bit of a surprise as K and A were not supposed to be able to get pregnant the “normal” way. The were due in just 4 weeks. Our mutual friend Jess (also on vacation with us) was also preggers with their 2nd, due around Christmas. Our families were growing and we were growing together. It was a great opportunity to be able to vacation with the whole crew knowing what was in store for us all over the next year. Exciting, thrilling stuff.

Jess with Sophia, N (Jess’s son), and N reading a morning story.

-~-

We found out this morning that Kristine’s baby passed away in utero. A little girl, Baby G was somewhere around 37 weeks. She seems to have been healthy, when she was delivered they found that the cord had wrapped around her. The sorrow we feel is like nothing I have ever experienced. I can only imagine what our dear friends must feel.

Yesterday I asked for your embarrassing stories to make me feel less embarrassed.

Today I ask for your thoughts, prayers, and comforting vibes for Kristine, Arthur, and N to make them feel less sorrow. While they are aware of this blog’s existence they do not usually find their way to here. However, they may and I may share this post with them. I wish I could be there in person guys, I love you.

Can you feel the love?! Kristine, Arthur, N and Sophia, June 2007

And in turn, I give you a bit of a giggle, for even in dark times we must search for joy…

N “takes care” of S, June 2007 - picture taken after we removed the stickers from Sophia’s body.