Sunday, April 19, 2009

Happy Birthday my Angel Girl!

Two years ago right now I was feeling much the same as I am feeling right now -- VERY PREGNANT.  I was at the hospital all hooked up to IVs and monitors starting the induction process. I was just a few hours away from my first sight of my sweet little Camille.
What a day of pain relief that was. The pregnancy had been by far my most painful, especially in those last 3 months. Even this one has not compared to it. And my epidural only worked on one half of my body so the labor was also one of my most painful. Her birth was a glorious healing event for me.

Yesterday was a very long day. We began early with the planting of our Camille tree. Our other tree was bent over beyond repair by a storm this week. So my dad brought a truck over and hooked the tree to it and pulled it out with my husband's help. 

He and my mother took me to the nursery to look for a replacement. We went to Davis Nursery which has been around as long as anyone here can remember. The owners have known my family for generations. My grandfather used to spend his lunch hours walking through the nursery enjoying the plants. 

The owners mother was there and she knew my grandfather. When she asked if I would be naming the baby I was having Morgan after my dad who was standing next to me I said "yes, his name will be Morgan Noble."

"Noble?" She said. "As in Noble Waite? The one who..." The next 15 minutes were filled with a complete history of Noble Waite and his complete family tree. She told me fun stories about his wit and humor. While I have never met the man, all her stories sounded very consistent with everything I have heard about him. 

I had brought a leaf of a tree in our neighborhood that I liked. As we were going to go look at them, she suggested I look also at a red oak. She showed me pictures of how beautifully they grow here and how colorful they get in the fall.

We looked at both kinds of tree. I chose the red oak for a couple of reasons. First we wanted a strong tree that could withstand the heavy winds that life will throw at it. Oak trees are some of the strongest on earth. Secondly, since this tree is in honor of Camille for her birthday, I thought I ought to get a really beautiful tree. And I think this is a beautiful tree.

Also, the fact that this tree will change colors in the seasons will remind us that this life is but a season of our existence and after the winter, spring will come again. It will grow tall and wide and shade our house from the heat of the summer. We will treasure its red, orange, and golden leaves in the fall. And in the spring it will remind us of the new life we are promised with our Camille when Christ comes again.
Here she is freshly planted outside the front window. That is the window to the blue room that I decorated about a year ago now inspired by my sweet little Camille's eye color.

More tomorrow or later tonight on how we have spent today celebrating the birth of our angel sister.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

For Camille's b-day present I made sugar cookies with my kids (something they love and I hate cleaning up after) so we could give them away to neighbors we haven't met yet. I messed up the recipe and they weren't good enough to give away. So we made some oatmeal cookies and gave those away to the nursery leaders at church. We'll soon make cookies again to deliver to neighbors and it will still be in the name of Camille.

Diana Lesjak said...

Happy Heavenly Birthday Miss Camille!

Anonymous said...

For Camille's b-day present I took my child and we went and visited some of the widowed in our ward. We took them treats and let them know we were thinking of them. We also read a few extra stories this morning and we made a donanation in Camille's name. Thank you Stephanie.

Anonymous said...

For Camille's birthday I spent the morning taking care of my sick husband, making sure he had everything he needed, even though he said was capable. I am also donating my time and talent to a family that can't afford to have family pictures taken. We are doing them at the Temple! All my love

Anonymous said...

My Camille bracelets arrived about a week ago. I got one for me and one for my 3 year old daughter. I love the reminder it is for me. (Faith, Love, Hope, The Savior, Family) I hope you feel all the love, thoughts and prayers that are with your family (today especially!) Thanks for yours and Camilles gift of sharing.

Kiwi Catherine said...

Hi Stephanie. I have followed your blog from NZ having come across it one day. Right now it is autumn and our large oak tree out front is shedding it's leaves and acorns. After your post that tree now carries a different meaning to me. As it is very old perhaps it was planted for a similar reason - we will never know. Happy Birthday Angel Camille. In your honour I baked biscuits and muffins and shared them with my widowed neighbour. Catherine

Anonymous said...

For Camille... We visited the elderly at a local nursing home and brightened their day in Camille's honor.

Anonymous said...

For Camille's birthday when my daughter asked to me to read her "Where the Wild Things Are" twice in a row, after her bedtime, I said yes. And then we snuggled, and I thanked God for what a wonderful little girl I get to take care of.

Happy Birthday Camille.

Mel said...

I am taking pictures for my fraternity today, and for Camille's birthday I have not let my impatience show when people cancel or show up late.

Anonymous said...

In honor of Camille's birthday today when my 14 month old baby interrupted my work instead of sending him away. I picked him up took him to our family room and rolled around on the floor with him. I also helped my husband prepare our Primary lesson even though it was his Sunday and he had waited til the last minute :) I didn't say a word just jumped in and helped. (we alternate Sundays to teach) Happy Birthday beautiful angel girl...you are very loved and missed!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Camille! Today, I have tried to be much more patient with my sons. Because of your blog I have made a conscious effort to absorb more of the good moments with my boys, every day. Today I've tried even harder! Thanks for encouraging positive behavior!

Anonymous said...

In Camille's honor I donated blood yesterday.

Hoskins Family said...

Happy Birthday Camille. The tree is beautiful. What a wonderful symbol of her strong presence always upon your home. Our love and prayers with you today.

Anonymous said...

for camille i called my mom, we'd been arguing & not talking. we're both stubborn & don't want to be the first to "give in". i knew you'd do anything to talk to your daughter, so it humbled me & we ended up having a great conversation. thank you and most happy BIRTH day to you. you're so good with symbolism- the tree uis perfect!

Heather & Greg said...

Happy birthday sweet angel Camille, may your presence be felt by your family on this day and many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you (stephanie) and your family. I hope this day is filled with many glorious memories :)

Bacardi Mama said...

For Camille's birthday, I spent most of the day with my grandbabies, so their mommy and daddy could get away for some much deserved time to themselves. Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Unknown said...

How appropriate and beautifully rich with symbolism.
I am especially happy however, that it is an Oak Tree.
Dana

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Camille. In her name, I made a donation to our local children's hospital.
The thought occurs to me that perhaps the goal I have of raising good daughters (I have 5) should be overshadowed by my goal of being a good mother. For not just her 14 months of living, but for two years now, you have been a good mother to Camille, and your blog has inspired me to shift my focus and improve my own efforts.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Happy birhtday, Camille. I am just a young 19 year old girl who stumbled upon your blog months ago and have been hooked ever since.While I don't have any children of my own, thank you Stephanie, for your beautiful words that have strengthened my own testimony at times when I've needed it the most. Today I made an extra humanitarian aid offer on my tithing slip for sweet Camille. My thoughts have been with your family.

Jan S said...

What an amazing post, Stephanie! We don't know each other, but you (and especially Camille) have greatly impacted my life...not to mention my faith!!!

In honor of sweet Camille, I made a donation to the LDS General Missionary Fund. (I would have sent you notice of it, but did not have your address, I'm sorry!)

I have also called my parents tonight and told both my Mom and Dad how much I love them and thanked them for giving life to me. (I've had some major health issues these last two years, so they were surprised to hear that coming from my mouth!) I know Camille is loving you from heaven today and SO thankful she received you as her earthly parents!!

All my love and prayers are going out to you and your wonderful family today!

Brittany said...

thinking of you today and always. but especially today.

Anonymous said...

My youngest (8) has been begging me to let her give me a manicure...
So, today, in honor of Camille's birthday, I let her. I have bright pink nails with big beautiful flowers on my thumbs! I also gave her a pedicure... she loved all of the attention, and I loved it too!
hugs to your family and thank you for the reminder of how precious our children are.

Stephanie said...

Happy Birthday Camille!

EvaMarieva said...

Happy Birthday Camille! For your birthday we donated to the missionary fund as well as to the march of dimes for a friend who is walking in a few weeks. We also are having a special fast for a dear friends family and hope to find ways each and every day to show kindness and service. You are always in our hearts and we have been blessed by the sweet example of you and your family.

Jill said...

Thank you so much for posting that photo of Camille in your arms for the firt time. How beautiful!
It is the perfect reminder that our babies grow quickly and our many todays turn into yesterdays before we know it.
We are thinking of you.

Jennie said...

I hope that your day was as sweet as ours. I posted already anonymously about our service, but just wanted to add that I have thought of you and your family, and prayed for peace for you today. Thank you for your inspiration.

Sarah said...

We spent the day together, instead of going off in different directions and activities. We also made goodies and put them on cars in the temple parking lot, thanking them for the service they were doing (Saturday).

Thank you for your blog. No words can express the change it has made in my life.

Anonymous said...

In Camille's honor I let my kids stay up an hour past their bedtime so we could dance and sing to music. Bedtime is usually strictly enforced, but I must say that I really enjoyed myself.

Anonymous said...

For Camille I am spending extra time with my 3 year old. We are playing games, reading books and playing "house" even though playing pretend is not my favorite thing :).

Anonymous said...

For Camille's Birthday present I substituted my son's Sunbeam class, even though I taught Sunday School as well. I actually really enjoyed myself and my baby was so good for me during both classes! Thanks for inspiring me to be a better person and mother. I appreciate your blog. It has helped me a lot. Happy Birthday Camille.

Kathy said...

this may seem trivial to some, but I took my 15 year old twin daughters driving. They just got their permits and have constantly begged me to get time behind the wheel. I also held my tongue and resisted the temptation to critique their driving. However there were several trips to the imaginary brake pedal. You have so much to look forward to!!

Anonymous said...

In honor of Camille's b-day, I picked the most beautiful roses out of my garden and took them to a good friend. I also spent extra time with my kids that night! I hope you had a great day with your family! We thought of you all day! :)

s g said...

Happy Birthday to Camille, what a wonderful way to honor her. I am sure she is smiling hearing all of the wonderful things people are going to do in her honor.

We made some cookies with the kids to bring to our neighbor battling breast cancer, and thought of Camille. I love the tree idea and it will be a wonderful reminder of Camille every time you leave your house or come home. Perfect.

Good luck these next 2 weeks, I have 5 weeks left until my little guy comes too. I have had both kids naturally (because they come so fast) and I am SURE you can do it too :)!! Sending good labor vibes your way!
Sara G.

Anonymous said...

In honor of Camille's Birthday, I spent a few extra moments hugging my baby, truly breathing in the smell of her, and telling her how much I loved her.