Miah Jane Beckman

On September 15th, just before midnight, Joanne (with her sister and mother by her side) welcomed her beautiful baby girl into this world. Weighing 8 lbs. 5 oz. and a lengthy 21 inches, Miah Jane Beckman was happily united with her mommy who has waited 9 long, hard, trying months for this very special day.

I got the chance to meet Miah Jane today and she's absolutely beautiful. She has the most beautiful color skin, just the perfect button nose, oodles of dark brown hair and the longest, skinniest toes I have ever seen on a newborn! She's perfect in every way.

Adrey was VERY intrigued with the squeaky being that was sitting in front of him. It was the cutest thing to watch them.

All babies are special, there's no questioning that, but I think Miah Jane is extraordinarily special. Jeremiah and Joanne tried to conceive month after month with no success. I remember Joanne calling me, crying, because she didn't understand why they weren't getting pregnant. Trying to conceive is not always an easy task, that's for sure!! It was six months of trying before Joanne got pregnant. Both Joanne and Jeremiah were so excited!

On February 13, 2009, Jeremiah was tragically killed in Costa Rico while on a "guy's trip". It's the most devastating thing imaginable. My heart, soul and every ounce of my being ached for Joanne. I believe Joanne was only 8 or 9 weeks pregnant at the time. Over the last few years, I have become a firm believer in "everything happens for a reason". And I truly feel that Joanne got pregnant when she did because of what the future had in store. It's a terrible, terrible story, with a beautiful light at the end of the tunnel.

Joanne is blessed to have the most amazing family. A family that molds together and supports each other with everything. They have been there and supported her beyond measure. There is so much love in that family. After the accident Joanne moved in with her sister and brother-in-law, Tanya and Jordan. They have been there for her every step of the way and have sacrificed a lot (willingly and happily) to help Joanne through this most difficult time. A couple months ago, Tanya and Jordan purchased the condo next door to theirs, and are in the process of remodeling it. Joanne and Miah Jane will move into that condo and a door will be made to join the two condos. How amazing is that? I can't think of a more perfect scenario.

Joanne, truly amazing and beautiful, inside and out, is going to be the best mom imaginable. Joanne is a somewhat soft spoken person, wittier than anyone I've ever met, absolutely hilarious and just the most sincere, genuine person. Miah Jane is so blessed to have such an amazing mom. They are blessed to have one another.

Writing this post breaks my heart, but at the same time I have on overwhelming sense of joy for Joanne. I have been brought to tears (wiping the tears from my eyes). I want nothing more for Joanne than for her hurt and pain to go away. Joanne, with the help of Miah Jane, will discover a "new normal". Time will certainly play a role in the healing, but Miah Jane will be the one to really get Joanne through this. The bond these two will have as the years go on, will be incredibly strong. I know this.

Joanne, I am here for you and Miah Jane always. I love you with all my heart.

This post is dedicated to Jeremiah Beckman, in remembrance of his life, and in honor of his daughter and the beautiful life he helped create, our blessed Miah Jane.

Oh dear Lord... BRING ON THE TISSUES.