Friday, October 23, 2009

Johanna Raye Carswell

This is Nikki's dad giving you a quick update regarding Johanna. That will follow in a moment, but while I am here, let me thank each one of you who have been such a blessing to Nikki and Chad during these difficult days. Your prayers and support have been an encouragement and strength to our children. Please continue to pray for them during the days ahead. Now for Johanna...

Johanna was born at 8:09 AM this morning. She weighed 3 pounds, 13 ounces, she was 16 inches long. She has a headful of curly black hair. Outwardly, she was perfect. Internally, her condition prevented her from staying with us here. She left earth for Heaven at 9:12 AM.

Her Mom and Dad are grieved by her passing, but they rejoice in God’s gift of her to them. They got to spend some time holding her, loving her and were with her when she left for glory. They are doing well and are thankful for your prayers over these past long months. Please continue to pray for them as they say goodbye to Johanna. I am posting a couple of photos of Johanna Raye Carswell.
Alan




34 comments:

Pam said...

Oh Nikki and Chad,
My heart is hurting for you today. I have been hitting refresh all morning waiting. I praise our Lord for the moments that you had with her. I praise Him for what He has done. I can not imagine where you are and what you must be going thru but I do know this. One day, you will see and hold Johanna again. I'm here if you need anything!!!!! You will be in my prayers and thoughts in the days ahead. Johanna is beautiful, just like her Mom, Dad, and big Brother!!!!
Loads of Love and Prayers,
Pam in Greensboro

Tracey said...

A perfectly beautiful Angel.

Again let me say...prayers are overflowing for you all.

Adrienne said...

I am in tears over the loss of your sweet baby girl. But I know she is healthy now and wrapped in the arms of her Heavenly Father.Praying for peace for you all during this difficult time.

Andrea said...

She is just so beautiful and perfect....I have been waiting all morning to hear the news of her birth. I am so sorry for Jo's passing, but I rejoice with you knowing she is with Jesus now! I am so happy you were able to spend a precious hour with her here on earth. Please feel free to let me know if you need to talk or anything! We will be praying for your strength and comfort during this difficult time. God Bless you all!

Frugal Jen said...

What a beautiful little angel. My heart breaks for your loss. You are such an inspiration and I've been following along for many months.

I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. May God Bless and and rain down the many graces of heaven upon you both.

Kelly F said...

She is absolutely perfect.

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. May the Lord hold you all in the shelter of His wings during this difficult time.

Carrie said...

Johanna is precious! I am so sorry that your time with her was not longer, but so glad that you were able to love on that sweet baby for over an hour. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time and know that one day you will hold that angel in your arms again. Will keep you all in my prayers.

Kelly said...

She is perfectly beautiful! I am so thankful that the Lord gave you some time with her to hold her and love her. My heart is broken for you. I pray that you will know the strength and comfort of our Lord Jesus.
Much love and prayers,
Kelly

Erin said...

Oh Nikki she is beautiful.

Praying as words just don't give it justice.

((hugs))

A said...

She is absolutely beautiful. She takes my breath away.

Praying for you, Nikki (and family) and celebrating Johanna's life today!

Myra @ My Blessed Life said...

Oh Chad and Nikki, my heart is grieving with yours. What a beautiful gift from God! It is such an answer to prayer that you had time with her.

"Underneath are the Everlasting Arms."

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Myra

Kenzie said...

Nikki-
Precious mama, sweet friend...there are no words right now, just prayers being lifted up for you guys and your families. As soon as I read the post, my heart broke because I immediately went back to the place that we were just under 2 years ago. You might be okay right now, smiling even because God has totally covered you with His peace. You might be a total mess because that is exactly what is called for, and so much more, because you just let go of your precious baby girl. Either way, let yourself feel what you are- no guilt either way. God has you in the palm of His hand, and now your precious Johanna in His arms. I want to congratulate you on the arrival of your sweet second baby, your first little girl. And I want to tell you that I am so sorry that she doesn't get to stay. I wish I could be there to just hug you.

She is absolutely gorgeous and I can't tell you how amazing she looks. PLEASE let me know if you need anything... I am praying for you and definitely will continue.

So much love,
Kenzie

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid." John 14:27

BMooney said...

Little Johanna's life was and is for the glory of God! We rejoice with you in her life, and we sorrow with you in her leaving your arms. We are proud of you going through with God! May He be all your strength and comfort as He promises.

Rebecca said...

I was praying for you all at almost the exact same time that Jo was born. She is beautiful! Thank you for the update. I praise Him for the 63 minutes that you got to spend with her here on earth.

Sending you much love & hugs.

Monica said...

Such a beautiful baby girl. I have been praying all day and will continue to pray.

The Tylers said...

I have been a "silent reader" until now, never commented before, but I have so enjoyed reading your blog and following your journey. Johanna is absolutely beautiful. I am so sorry you couldn't keep her here on earth longer, but am glad you got to spend that hour with her.

The Welch Family said...

Nikki, Chad & Family,
Praying for you all today! May God put His hand of comfort on you as you go through this trying time.

She is very beautiful!

Lindsay said...

we don't know each other, but i want to let you know that i'm thinking of you and your family. johanna is beautiful... what a precious angel! i don't have the right words for you, but know that your loss is felt by so many. sending prayers your way!

krueth said...

I want to extend my most heartfelt sympathy to you all...Johanna is an absolute little doll....Those little feet are so precious...I had tears as I read the updates, and was praying for you, and I will continue to pray....

Cori said...

She is beautiful. Praying for your family..I found this blog through another forum I read. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers!

God Bless!

Beth Herring said...

Nikki and Chad,

As my heart just aches for your loss, I am amazed at our strength in our Lord. I shouldn't be amazed because I know that God is the God of the impossible. I know that when WE can't do it - HE can. He is the only thing that we can rely upon and stand on. Your faith is a testament to our precious Father.

I pray that God will continue to minister to you both through the power of His precious Holy Spirit. Know that you are being lifted up mightily and prayed for fervently in the days to come.

Love to you both ~~ Beth

Jennifer said...

what beautiful pictures. May the LORD of Hosts give you strength for the days ahead. Praying for you in TN.

Anonymous said...

Aww she is adorable! I am so sorry you didn't get to spend more time with her but you will be able to spend all of eternity with her later on. Know that she is safe in the arms of Jesus and that we are praying for you. You have hundred of people who love you and are praying for you. God can still use little Johanna for his will and I'm sure he will.
Love you soo much!
Steph

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Nikki and Chad, I am so sorry to read that Johanna passed. I am also so happy that you got to spend time with her.

She is a beautiful tiny angel!

dogmom said...

Dear Nikki and Chad~I've been more of a lurker, but have always had your family and Johanna in my thoughts and prayers from the beginning and read your blog on a regular basis. I am sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace and one day you will see her again. She is an adorable angel.
God Bless to all of you.

Pam said...

I wrote for you on my blog this evening.
Love and prayers
Pam

Sara said...

Nikki and Chad, First off..Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!! Johanna is absolutely precious..tiny, sweet and just perfect!! What a little angel face she has.

Nikki...you are amazing!!

Will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

It sure sounds like you have a wonderful family to lean on...what a blessing!!

How sweet of your Dad to post for you...one can just feel the love he has for you :-)

Lastly...get your rest, take extra good care of yourself.

Emily said...

What a beautiful treasure.

Know that you are being lifted up tonight by a mom whose baby girl is there in Heaven, at the feet of our Savior, with your Johanna.

His grace is sufficient, His joy is your strength, His gift to you is her life, and He will carry you every step of the way.

Your pain is deep, your sorrow overwhelming, your gratitude for having been chosen to love her is great. Take it a breath at a time and know you'll never have to live through these current ones again. Every day will not be like this one.

He'll carry you... and her... until you are together again.

Lee-Ann said...

You are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.

Mrs. Mother said...

What a beautiful child she is. We lost our baby last year to Trisomy 18. Big hugs to you and your family as you go through this difficult time. Nothing I can say will help.

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

Jo is beautiful and so perfect. Our hearts are hurting with you today and our prayers are with you all. Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with us. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

I so sorry for your loss, to only have gotten to be with here for the past nine months must have been one of the biggest blessings. Although her purpose on earth was fulfilled in an hour, I am sure she touched more lives than you ever will know. I pray for you and your family. You will rejoice with her in heaven oneday. Blessed are the little blessings that touch us for they are just as important as the big ones.
Luv in Christ
Donna
Johnson City TN

April Bryant said...

Praying for your family!!

sharon mauney said...

HI CHAD AND NIKKI AND SON
MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR BLOG AND WE BOTH ARE SO VERY SADDENED BY THE LOSS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GOD GAVE YOU THESE PRECIOUS MONTHS THAT YOU CARRIED THIS PRECIOUS LITTLE ANGEL JOHANNA AND ALSO GAVE YOU 63 MINUTES WHICH WAS A VERY SHORT TIME BUT WITH EVERY SPECIAL MINUTE THAT PASSED WAS TIME TO SNOODLE AND HUG AND KISS TIME AND TIME AGAIN THESE ARE TIMES YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER AND SEE HER PERFECT BEAUTIFUL FACE THAT GOD CREATION GAVE YOU AND TO KNOW SHE IS IN HIS LIKENESS AND WE PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULTY TIME AND SHE IS NOW PRAISING WITH THE OTHER ANGELS IN HEAVEN AND WHEN SHE CAME THROUGH THOSE BEAUTIFUL PEARALY GATES THE ANGELS AND GOD WHERE THEIR TO WELCOME HER HOME SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND MY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.