Max Lowell 

Anthony and I decided to add on to the family.  In June 2012 we found out we were pregnant, and at 15 weeks, learned that we would be having a boy.  We were excited and even Ryann was okay with the baby being a boy and not a girl.  At about 19 weeks we learned that our son's hands were tied up in the cord and that his hands would not be developed normal, they would be imperfect.  Anthony and I accepted this, and we were ready to take our son's hands into ours and face the world, face whatever challenges would come his way.  I was so ready to be a mom to such a special little guy.  I was ready.   However; God had a different plan, and on Nov. 6, Max returned to live with our Father in Heaven. It was Max's Perfect hands that took ours and has helped us through this, as well as blessing us in so many ways.  As I was sitting in the hospital trying to get a lifetime worth of holding my sweet boy, my heart breaking, a feeling of peace was with me.  I have always believed Families Are Forever, but that day those words became so much more, as did many more things that I have known to be true.  I love this picture, and this is how I picture my son, as he is patiently waiting for me.  

One day while I was looking for stories of other Angel Mom's I came across an organization called Teeny Tears.  It was started by an Angel Mom, and has blossomed over the past few years.  Teeny Tears is perfect in so many ways, and has been a perfect way for me to keep Max's Love Alive.  These little diapers were sewn by me, I know Megan and a sewing machine, and donated to DRMC, which already has a beautiful bereavement program, just adding to it.   There are 2 diapers for each set, a set will go to a future Angel Mom, 1 diaper will be for the beautiful Angel Baby, and the other will be for the mom, something special to hang on to.  I have enjoyed sewing these diapers, on days where the tears just come, or when I find myself on my knees begging to wake up, these diapers in a small way helped me.  I will continue the sewing, I "adopted" DRMC, and must keep them stocked.  I LOVE IT!!! I LOVE YOU, MAX. 

Ryann being "stylish".  This is her "Little Talk" look, she loves the band Of Monsters and Men.  I love her stylish skills.

Ryann turned 4 on the 16th of August.  She was super excited about her birthday, especially the presents and eating her carrot cake.  I can't believe she is 4.  She is super independent,  loves to play, and LOVES to tease her mom and dad.  She is also excited to become a big sister, and a GREAT big sister she is going to be.

For Labor Day the Sampson clan decided to go camping on the Boulder.  Ryann was excited to be camping at her "boy scout camp", no idea where that came from, and to be sleeping in a tent.  The weather was as normal, cold and wet for the first 2 days, and perfect on the day we are leaving.  With the exception to the weather it was nice to get to a cooler place and to enjoy the out doors.

 

Ryann's 4 year old pictures.

She loves to pose, and do the complete opposite of what the photographer (her dad) is asking her to do, I love it.  The pictures capture Ryann's personality and who she is.

We decided to go and visit Zion today, Ryann wanted to hike in the river so we went and hiked part of the Narrows.  It was definitely a cool way to spend a HOT day.