July 24, 2008
Tom holds Brooke for the first time 
Brooke, Tom and Aunt Debbie 
I got to do kangaroo care with Brooke the first time I held her
Brooke with her mini comfort quilt made from a block for her Seuss quilt (scent by mom to comfort her baby...an idea I got from Evergreen...they had one for me to send with her the night she was transferred to Children's...I made this one) and her matching tiger Grandma Norris bought for both girls
Brooke with Mom and Dad...we love you 
Brooke recognized my voice and opened her eyes for me when I first met her...I will miss her shining spirit.
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Last Saturday, Aug. 9th, we held the graveside service for Brooke. It was a windy, cool day, but the rain held off for us. We had decided to have her buried at Mt. View Memorial Park which is close to my inlaws' house and where Tom worked for 4 years (part of which we were engaged). The grounds are beautiful...
We had a short service with a few words (lots of tears) from me and Tom, our parents, and a few others who shared some nice thoughts. The kids all presented her with flowers. Brooke was here just 10 days, but her spirit was so strong, she left a lasting impression on many of us. 
The dress, bonnet, and pillow my mom made for Brooke
The afghan was givne to us at the hospital, donated by Project Linus
After the service, we had an early dinner presented by our ward members. They had also set up a display of our pictures a photographer had done for us the day she passed away (I am working on getting the slideshow Tom made for these posted), along with some other memoriabilia we were given by the nurses. We have had such a huge support system through this whole process...I would love to name you all personally, but am afraid I would forget someone in my current brain-state...just know that we have appreciated ALL of you and love you :)
