Finally our new site is up and running. Thanks Brady for making it just how we wanted. So from now on all entires about Jackson, Bailey, Brooklyn, and anything else about us will be at www.theverdells.com.
This site will remain up at least for another year until we can get it printed and made into Jackson's baby book.
Last Wednesday Aunt Raain turned eight. We couldn't do much on the 16th so we saved all our partying for Saturday at Build a Bear. Nanny had everything all set up about a month ago so it was very hard on all of us to be there with out her. Raain had such a blast which made my heart smile. She has had such a hard time so this was just what she needed. I told Josh that as soon as I get to heaven Nanny will be in trouble for leaving me to do the party without her. It was quite an adventure. A little more than I anticipated and I even had to go into their break room to feed Brooklyn, Jackson didn't want to be there with out his Nanny, and it took what seemed like FOREVER for all 12 kids to make bears. It was quite a day but Miss Raain is worth every bit of it. Here are some pics from her special day.
This past week has been so difficult for our family. Before all of this happened we went to Maggie and Mimi's new house. Since then you have asked several times to go back and have even asked if we can live on the same street. You guys played so cute together. Here are some pics. We have been having lots of talks about heaven..especially at night. You are going through a lot right now. You won't eat much, you get angry, and you don't want to leave me much. You asked why Jesus just can bring Nanny back to us and when is he going to bring her home. You wanted to know where she is sleeping, what she is eating, who she is with, is Raain going to have to live by herself now, what does her new house look like, is their toys there, is kids there, and I could go on and on. Saturday was Aunt Raain's party and you were very excited about it. It was at Build a Bear. You ran into the store but then got upset and ran out of the store. Daddy had to chase you down. You then said you wanted to go to the car. You spent three hours in the car with Daddy. You told me that you were mad and sad that Nanny wasn't at the party. This just broke my heart. I'm trying to be so strong for you guys but it is the hardest thing ever. Every night before you go to bed now you ask me to talk to you about Nanny and how she went to heaven. You loved her so much and miss seeing her face everyday. Bailey is picking up my phone a lot and pretending like she is talking to her and also picking up her pics and saying Nanny all the time. I know she misses her too. I'm just glad she is too little to understand the way you do. You and Bailey are playing so cute together. In fact yesterday you put on one of Daddy's ties and said "come on Bailey..I'm the Daddy and it is time for dinner" You guys played in your room for an hour in your own little make believe world. Little Brooklyn is doing great. She is now 6 weeks and eating and sleeping like a champ. She has given me so much comfort over the past week. She is my little cuddle bug and I have a hard time putting her down because she is just that sweet. She is eating every three hours during the day and is sleeping around 6 hrs. then eats and goes back to sleep till 9am. It is wonderful. Last night was the first difficult night we have had and it was due to reflux. She smiles and smiles and smiles at anyone that gives her the time of day. She loves to watch her siblings already. I just don't know how I could survive right now with out my babies. Please continue to pray for strength for our family and my grandfather and brother and sister who were dependant on Nanny.
Before Nanny passed you and Bailey started a two week swim class at the community center. You loved it so much. We went everyday and your favorite time was lifejacket play time. Mommy was very proud of you because you were the youngest by one year in your class. You have no fear of the water. You didn't get to go to the second week of classes but hopefully in June we can make it up. Bailey loved the first class but then after we went under in the second class she didn't want me to hold her in the water. She wanted to do everything by herself which is a problem since she doesn't know how to swim. She is too independant sometimes for her own good. Here a few pics I got of them.
If you know me then you had to have known or heard me talk about the wonderful woman that raised me. My Nanny, Pat Bailey, suffered from a brain anurism on Sunday while attending her grandson's baseball game. She was 71. We got her to the hospital as soon as she started to feel funny but it was massive and wouldn't stop bleeding. Within two hours she lost all brain activity. She died on Monday. I'm in shock, feel empty, and am experiencing pain like never before. I know I need as much prayer as possible. Please remember in prayer my brother and sister who were both living with her as well as my grandfather that depended on her every second since he is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. Josh and I are going to have our hands even more full. The funeral is Friday at 1pm and visitation is Thur from 6-8 both at Griffin-Leggitt (Rest Hills) in NLR. I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful woman raise me and guide me to the Lord. I do have peace about where she is now but words can't say how much I miss her. She prayed the entire way to the hospital even though she couldn't lift up her head and the nurse said the last words she said is "I'm going to the light" and then repeated it again "I'm going to the light". What a testmant to me and everyone else that she touched.
Jackson today you woke up and told us that you were very mad. I asked you why and you said you wanted Jesus to bring your Nanny back home and then started crying. It is so hard trying to explain this to you. You are hurting very much. You have also asked where she is going to sleep, will she have a home, does she need bandaids, and many many more questions. I know Nanny is smiling down on you and your sisters right now. This will be the hardest thing to date we have had to endure as a family. I couldn't do it without the three of you and your Daddy to keep me breating. Love you.
Wednesday was Me-Me's Birthday. Miss Brooklyn you had to show off your new trick of smiling. Mommy was talking to you and you just give me the biggest grins ever. You also smile a lot when we sing to you. You are such a pleasant little girl. We had a fun night. Jackson wanted to have another princess party for Me-Me and Bailey sure did like the idea too. Last night was a pretty scary night here. A tornado came very close and we had to take cover. We were worried it would scare the kids since we had to wake them up but they handled it so well. Daddy and I actually heard the tornado which was a first for both of us. The high school we both went to down the road from us got hit pretty bad. We are just thankful that no one was hurt. Jackson asked lots of questions today about storms. I'm sure the first of many. Here are some pics of Me-Me's party. We love you Me-Me!
