Owen Jude was born at 3:08 am on 1 April 2014. He was a whopping 7 lbs. 14 oz., and he was 20.5 inches long. Upon hearing these measurements, his proud papa exclaimed, “That’s pretty big for a dwarf!” He had brown (!) eyes, light brown hair, and the most nommable double chin that you ever did see.

Owen was diagnosed with a form short rib polydactyly syndrome early in my pregnancy. We knew that he was sick, but we hoped for the best possible outcome and wanted to give him every chance at life possible. Unfortunately, Owen’s small lungs and poorly functioning heart meant we had to let him go very shortly after birth. He died sometime between 7:30 and 8:30 am on the same day he was born, held by his family as we all watched the sunrise.

We are heartbroken that he isn’t with us, but we are so grateful for the 38 weeks and 4 days I carried him and the 4.5 hours we held him on earth. He was loved dearly from the moment he came into being. He only ever knew love, and he was never, ever alone. Whenever we feel the sunshine, we know Owen is still with us.

You can read more about Owen’s birthday and see pictures of him here.