Terri Lynn + Hannah Grace = Love ♥

Here is a bunch of pictures of Terri Lynn and Hannah.  You can see Terri Lynn's love for her baby sister Hannah Grace. 

Terri was just so in awe of her baby sister's hand and fingers!

You can see her love for Hannah!

 "I love you! Hannah"

Terri Lynn thinks finally it is my turn to hold Hannah all by myself!

"What's a matter? Hannah? Don't cry!"

"You are beautiful and I can't wait to hold you!"

"You have a soft head!"

Here is Terri Lynn so happy to have a baby sister!

These pictures were take by the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation. 

I love you so so so much, Hannah!

Love, Terri Lynn (Hannah's youngest sister)

Celebrating Jesus' Birth With Hannah: Day 19 (12/25/10)

Hannah received gifts from all her siblings.  Here is a couple gifts from Nathan. 

Here is a sweater that Aunt Jill made for Hannah.  This sweater so cute on her.  This sweater is so small compared to Terri Lynn's sweater that Aunt Jill made for her. 

Heidi lost her tooth on Christmas day!  Another tradition is to take a picture of the child holding the tooth in a plastic baggie

Beppe and Pake gave Cassie a dress for Christmas!

Nathan got a soccer ball to paint from Beppe and Pake!

Terri Lynn got a Birthday Cake to play with from Beppe and Pake!

Beppe and Pake gave Valerie a dress and a scrapbook.

Heidi got a Friendship bracelet making kit from Beppe and Pake.

Celebrating Jesus' Birth With Hannah Grace

Today we get to celebrate Christmas will Hannah Grace.  We are so thankful that Hannah gets to be with us at home for Christmas. We give God all the glory! 

Today, Hannah had another blow out!  (just recording memories)

Today, After we opened presents with our family we went to grandma's house for the first time with Hannah. We had lunch with grandma and she got to celebrate Christmas with her grandchildren.  We are so thankful for Grandma (Rick's mom). She was always so good about buying groceries and bring meals for us.  She is such a blessing to our family.  She was always wanting to do more for me and the family; but with older children and other helpful friends, I never could think of things for her to do that hadn't already been done when she'd just stop over to help :-(.  Grandma helped so much by just helping with groceries and meals. We love you, Grandma!

Today,  We all opened gifts.  The children all give gifts to each other.  Because of this tradition each child will end with 7 gifts and that doesn't include the couple of gifts from mom and dad.  It is so neat to see the children be so giving with their gifts and treasures.  They all gave Hannah a little gift.  Hannah gave each of her siblings a gift too! 

Today, In the evening after dinner,  Hannah had her 3rd bath.  She loves the bath!  She will just sit in the water so content just looking around.  I love, love, love seeing her in the bath.  What a princess she is! 

Today, We celebrate our Lord's Birthday.  We love you, Jesus so much!  I want to share with you the Christmas story.

Luke 2: 1-20  The Christmas Story

¹ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,^[a] who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
       ¹⁴ “ Glory to God in the highest,
 And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely^[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

In Christ's love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

The Day Before Christmas: Day 18 (12/24/10)

Hannah Grace!  We love you!

Hannah in my arms in front of the Christmas tree.  I'm so thankful for all the pictures I have with Hannah!

Hannah's weight:  4lbs 9oz! Michelle's scale

The Day Before Christmas

I know this is silly but hey It's a memory , we treasure every memory!  Hannah had another blow out today.  This time her blowout was bigger!  Her poop made it on to the blanket she was wrapped in.  The blanket was one Valerie made for her and gave her in the hospital. Here it is the picture to remind you of the blanket.  Valerie really thought it was so funny for Hannah to do that on the blanket she gave.  I'm thankful for a very funny memory.      

Valerie and the blanket that she made for Hannah.

Today is Thursday, the day before Christmas. I want to share a Christmas tradition that our family does each year for the month of Christmas.  I know this tradition is very unique and special.  This is now the tradition came to be.  During the Christmas on the year 2002,  we were moving out of our house and into a rental and putting 80% of our stuff into a storage unit until our new house would be ready for us to move into it.  We were to move out on Dec 23. But all month long I was making trips to the storage unit bringing things we would not need for a couple of years.  Of course our Christmas stuff was part of the stuff that would be put in the storage unit. Yikes!  How can we make Christmas special, while we were so busy moving and packing? I was just trying to think of ways to make Christmas and our move extra special.  I thought of hiding each child's stocking somewhere in the house.  So each night before I went to bed I'd hide the stocking with something very little inside of the stocking.  Then each morning the kids would run around the house looking for the stocking with some sore of treasure inside.  I would start hiding the stockings December 1 and end December 25.  This is how the tradition began and is a favorite for the whole family. 
The tradition of hiding stockings had a rough spot when Hannah was born on December 7 and  while she was in the NICU for another week.  I had  asked Sam to be the stocking filler and hider while I was gone in the hospital with Hannah (at the time we did not know how long we'd even be in the hospital).  Sam was willing to do this for however long that he needed  to.  Heidi, Valerie, Cassie and Nathan also took turns choosing their own things to put in the stockings as gifts to their siblings.  When Hannah, Dad and I got home from the NICU,  I was again in charge of the stockings and, I would try to remember to make sure the stockings were filled and hidden.  Usually I did remember because I love filling the stockings and hiding them.

This is a special memory:  the kids even made Hannah a stocking and put things in her stocking.  My children are so giving and they love each other so much!

Thank you to Leslie for your visit!  What a blessing your visit was to us!

Romans 12:3
 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

In Christ, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Heidi's song played by Valerie, Nathan and Terri Lynn

Here are Valerie, Nathan and Terri Lynn playing music for Heidi as she sings her "Hannah is so Cool" song!

Heidi wrote this song:  Hannah's so Cool!

Lyrics to my song:

 I love Hannah Grace Kwant she's so beautiful to me.

She is awesome just like I am awesome. 

 "she's so cool" 

 "she's so cool"

I can't explain how I feel about her

Cause "she's so cool"

"she's so cool"

"she's so cool"

"she's so cool"

 She passed away on February 8, 2011.

"she's so cool"

 But she was born on December 7, 2010.

 "she's so cool"

 But I am glad we had 64 good days with her.

Cause "SHE'S SO COOL!"

Love, Heidi (Hannah's sister)

Heidi's Song "Hannah's so Cool!

\

Heidi wrote this song:  Hannah's so Cool!

Lyrics to my song:

 I love Hannah Grace Kwant she's so beautiful to me.

She is awesome just like I am awesome. 

 "she's so cool" 

 "she's so cool"

I can't explain how I feel about her

Cause "she's so cool"

"she's so cool"

"she's so cool"

"she's so cool"

 She passed away on February 8, 2011.

"she's so cool"

 But she was born on December 7, 2010.

 "she's so cool"

 But I am glad we had 64 good days with her.

Cause "SHE'S SO COOL!"

by, Heidi ( Hannah's sister)

The Blessing of Friends and Visitors: Day 17 (12/23/10)

Rick's Aunt Jill comes to visit.  Aunt Jill  was always so good to come visit.  She was so supportive as we faced having a special needs child.  We love you, Aunt Jill!

Lyndsee came to see Hannah!  Lyndsee is very special to our family!

Nadalee came to see Hannah in the NICU and the nurses thought she was Hannah's sister so they didn't mind her coming in to see her.  At the time we did not know only siblings were allowed in the NICU to see the babies in there.   Oh well!  Nadalee is a special friend to our family!   Nadalee gave me one of the most special gifts I have ever received.  She had made a scrapbook of all the pictures she had of Hannah.  I treasure this special gift!                                         



Dalee is my very good friend.  She was very supportive.  She helped me stay positive and helped  me keep my  focus on God and not the fears that kept knocking on my doors with all the we faced with Hannah. 

The Blessing of Friends and Visitors

Hannah was so cute tonight but a little frustrating to me.  I enjoyed her so much but I was also tired!  What she did was she was very contently awake for 1 hour looking around!  The good thing was she was so cute and I treasure all the cuteness I can get but the bad thing was she was a awake so I am awake.  So when I have to feed her every 3 hour and it takes close to 1 hour to feed her and then she is awake for another hour of it. That means I only get 1 hour of sleep then I must awake up to feed her.  I know it was God but I really didn't feel tired during the day. 

I had a friend offer to give me breast milk for Hannah. I had to time to run down south to pick up this milk so she offered to ship it to me in a cooler.  Today it arrived and the milk was still frozen.  What a blessing this was to me and to Hannah.  Thank you so much!

Today was the first day we had a lot of visitors.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  I love people and I love visitors and I love to talk and visit.  I love sharing Hannah into the arms of my friends and their children. I felt like I was blessing others by sharing my baby.  Hannah was so little and what a blessing to me to see her blessing my friends.  Wow, I feel so much support from friends and family.  We have received so many meals, cards, gifts, emails, messages and visits.  We have felt so much love and prayers.  God has truly blessed us with awesome friends and family.  I thank God everyday for all my friends and family. 

Thank you to Aunt Jill, Jennifer, Simon, Sabina, Yohan, Dalee, Nadalee, Lyndsee, Olivia, and Julie Good for your visit.  We are truly blessed to have you love on us and our family. 

Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

In Christ's love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Cassie and Hannah Grace!!!!!

Hannah  in a doll car set. She looks like a doll. She fits better in the doll car seat than a real baby carseat.

This is me lifting Hannah in the doll car set. She looks so calm.

Another one of Hannah in the car set.Terri is holding Hannah with my help Terri Lynn really wanted to carry Hannah and play babies with Hannah play like she was Hannah's mom. She wanted to carry Hannah around in the car set like Hannah Grace was a doll. There was little straps in the car seat Terri buckled Hannah in some times.

With Love Cassie (Hannah's oldest Sister)

Hannah's 2nd Video

Here is Hannah's 2nd video. She was still in the NICU.  She is in Rick's arms. It is so tender to me to hear Rick talking to Hannah so tenderly.  Hannah, We love you! 

Romans 12: 1&2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hannah + Nathan = Love ♥

Nathan says, "Hannah is awesome!"

Nathan says also, "Love you Hannah so much!" 

From, Nathan (Hannah's youngest brother)

Heidi and Hannah

This is me (Heidi) and Hannah's foot.

Hannah and her hook finger in the bath.

I love you, Hannah Grace!!!

by Heidi (Hannah's sister)

Hannah's Looking Around: Day 16 (12/22/10)

The only picture that got taken today was on Martin's cell phone.  Martin is Hannah's biggest brother!

Hannah's weight: 4lbs 6oz (Michelle's scale)

Hannah is Looking Around

Hannah was so very cute today.  She was just looking looking looking around!  It was such a blessing so see her so content and looking around.  What a joy to my mother's heart to see my baby doing baby things.  She is such a peaceful and content baby.  What a joy she is!  Thank you Father God for my precious Hannah Grace! 

For some reason today, I did not take any pictures!  I can't believe that I forgot to do that. (well with the amount of sleep have been getting I guess there is a good reason!)  I had in my mind I would be taking pictures everyday.  I did this because we did not know for sure how long we would be blessed to have Hannah in our arms!  Well Martin Hannah's biggest brother came through for me.  He got his cell phone out and snapped a picture!  Thank you Martin! 

One of my very good friends sent us a package; actually it was a cooler.  Yes,  a cooler came by Federal Express!  In this cooler my friend ,Michelle, had sent our family a meal! She also sent some extra breast milk, so Hannah could have 100% breast milk and no formula.  She also sent us a baby scale. This scale was so I could weigh Hannah and feel the piece of mind that; Yes!  Hannah is growing.  What a blessing it was to have this scale!   Thank You, Michelle!

Hannah enjoyed her second bath tonight! She loved it once again!  I love seeing her lay in the bathtub and just totally enjoying her time in there!

Thank you to Dorie, Cheryl and Sean for your visit today.  Our visit truly means so much to us!

Isaiah 41:10

 Fear not, for I am with you;
      Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
      I will strengthen you,
      Yes, I will help you,
      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

In Christ (a servant for Him), Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)



First Trip To the Store: Day 15 (12/21/10)

Hannah already to go to Walmart.  I love this picture as she looks so peaceful!

Rick, Terri Lynn and Hannah exercising together!

Terri Lynn just loving on Hannah,  She wanted to hold her hand.

Terri Lynn showing us she is holding Hannah's hand.  Hannah looks so good and so happy!

Hannah's First Trip to Walmart

Today was a very uneventful day.  She was real content, happy and relaxed.  She loves her family so much.  Hannah did go on a little outing today.  Sam had an appointment and Hannah went with.  It was fun showing her off at his appointment.  When we were done Sam, Hannah and I went to get a few things at Walmart. This was the first time Hannah as been in a store. She slept the whole time while I or Sam carried her. 

Later that evening when Rick was done exercising, he took Hannah and Terri Lynn to stretch next to him. It was so cute the see all three on the floor.  Rick loves his little girls!

Hannah has been doing so good on her feeds.  She doesn't really ever spit up unless we have just upped her feeds.  And that is only for a day.  She is thriving, happy, content, growing and loved. 

We love you so much Hannah Grace!

Thank you to Bobby and her children and Dana and her children for your visit.  I'm so thankful that you got to meet Hannah!

Proverbs 20:11

Even a child is known by his deeds,
      Whether what he does is pure and right.

Love you Hannah,  Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

By Valerie part 8

I made these things for Hannah. Heidi made some of these things too!

I made this flag for Mom and Hannah. I made it before Hannah was born!

I made this for Hannah!

Hannah laid her head on this while mom changed her diaper. I sewed this all by myself!

I made these pillows for Hannah!

I love you Hannah so so so so so so so so so so so much!

love,Valerie (Hannah's sister)

Some First for Hannah: Day 14 (12/20/10)

Hannah's first  blowout!

Nathan enjoying watching over Hannah

I love this picture.  It shows his love for her!

Valerie made a new blanket for Hannah!

Hannah in Sam's arms!

I love her new face expressions.

So cozy in moms arms!

Hannah's first bath!

Hannah in the bath and her hook finger is at work!

Sam really wanted to do Kangaroo care with Hannah.  Finally he got too!

So sweet!  another one of my favorite photos of love for Hannah!  Hannah even has drool on Sam's chest!

This photo is one of Cassie's favorite photo because her hook finger is showing and her face is so sweet!

Of course Terri Lynn had to get in on the bath time too!

Hannah's Weight:  4lbs 4oz

Some Firsts for Hannah

1.  Dad went back to work for the first time today since Hannah was born.  Rick's boss was so kind to let Rick have 2 full weeks off for Hannah.  We are truly blessed by Ricks place of employment!

2.  Sam got to do Kangaroo care with Hannah.  He had been asking for a few days to do it,  I am so thankful that he did do it.  I'm so thankful I took the extra effort to get Hannah ready for Sam and Sam ready for Hannah.  I'm thankful I did not wait one more day!

3.  Hannah had her first bath.  We came to learn that she loved loved loved her bath so much!  If ever she was a bit fussy before her bath, when she got into the water. She calmed down and sat there peacefully enjoying the arm water!  Hannah had a crowd of her fan club watching her first bath in the bath tub!  All her siblings were so amazed at her naked in the tub!  I usually gave her a bath every other evening after dinner. 

4.  Hannah had her first blow out!  We had to get a picture of it too.  Of course a poop blow out is worth documenting!  Hannah was a pleasure to clean up too!  We love you so much, Hannah Grace!

5.  Hannah for the first time showed us how smart she was.  She let Martin, Sam and dad know when she wanted them to stay standing and not sitting!  She would start to fuss when they would sit down!  I was amazed because according to the doctors she would be severely mentally impaired.  She was not acting mentally impaired here!

6.  Hannah had her first doctor visit with Dr. Levine without dad but with all her siblings.  Hannah's brothers and sisters were excited to show Dr. Levine Hannah.. Of course one of the kids got to hold her while we walked back to the room.  Hannah was weighed and doctor was happy she was gaining weight!  Her oxygen levels were good. Dr. Levive thought her heart murmur was quieter.  I was hoping her VSD hole in her heart was fixing itself!  We walked out if the doctors feeling good at how well Hannah was doing!  Praise God!  He is answering out prayers!  Did you know the average Trisomy 18 baby lives 6 days.  So Hannah is doing well!

1 Peter 5 :6&7

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Love you sweet Hannah, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)