Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas and pictures

 When Stephen and I got engaged, I received the sweetest email from Corine at Studio Tran Photography.  
But a little back story first- I've been drooling over her and her husband's photography for years.  They are so good.  I love their style and I love their pictures. Not to mention, they are just the cutest couple with the cutest little family!  The email said that she and her husband wanted to offer to photograph our wedding for us.  At no cost.  I was in awe.  It was such a humbling offer after I had spent years admiring their work.  

But our wedding date that we had in mind had gotten postponed due to some issues with my annulment through the church, so when we had finally set a date (kind of last minute), I let Corine know and they were already booked.  I was so bummed.  But being the kind heart she is, she instead offered to take engagement pictures for us because she said she wanted to do something.  It had been a little over 2 years since Tripp had passed away... and here were two people, still offering to do something to make me happy.  
It was humbling, to say the least.  










I LOVED how our pictures came out and I am so grateful that we have them to look back on (especially since our wedding photos turned out to be a disaster!)  But Corine and Beebe at Studio Tran are not just good at what they do, they are an amazing couple with such kind and generous hearts.  Because about 3 months after our wedding, when we found out we were going to to be parents again, I anxiously awaited my 20 week U/S so I could share the news with all of you here, who have so wholeheartedly loved us and our story... and as soon as I did, I received another email.  Corine again offered to take my maternity pictures.  I was in shock and just felt so grateful.  Especially since I probably wouldn't have taken them otherwise.  She told me to bring Tripp's special toys and pictures of him so that we could include him in our session.  
I just can't tell you how much these pictures mean to me... 
I will treasure them forever. 

















Corine and Beebe, I know you guys wanted to do something special for us. 
But you really did SO much more than that. 
Thank you for capturing the love, the sadness, and the new joy all together. 
You guys are incredible people. 

As Christmas approaches, I am feeling so many emotions.  
I'm feeling really sad that another holiday is passing and my sweet boy is not here with me.  
I'm feeling sad for my fellow mommies and daddies who have lost babies like I have.  
I'm feeling some expected guilt over being happy about becoming a mommy again soon. 
But I am also feeling grateful for what God has given me and for the amazing people who have come into my life.  The friendships I've made and the love I've been shown reminds me every day that Tripp's life was not in vain.  His 2.5 years here on Earth was successful and fruitful.  
He did so much more than I even realize.  

Merry Christmas to you and your families. 
I hope aside from all the gifts, that everyone remembers the "true" meaning of Christmas while being able to spend special time with the people you love the most.  

And again, thank you all so SO much for loving us and for loving my sweet Tripp.



Love, 
Photobucket


52 comments:

  1. Your pictures are beautiful! Merry Christmas to you & your family. Tripp will never be forgotten & is thought of often. :)

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  2. You look stunning! This new baby will be so BLESSED to have YOU as his/her Mommy!

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  3. Beautiful... Everyone of them! So happy for you Courtney, you are a great mommy and your new baby from Heaven is blessed beyond words! You will most definitely see Tripp in your new baby and I can only imagine what a JOY that will be for you! Merry Christmas sweet girl <3 Meme

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  4. Those pictures are amazing...our family wishes your family nothing but eternal happiness. I don't photograph weddings but do newborns. I would be honored as you and Trip have touched my life beyond measure. If I can give back to you one last time to say thank you for touching my heart and faith I would be over the moon. www.lindaleaphotography.com

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  5. What a beautiful family! Tripp changed my life forever <3 Merry Christmas

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  6. Gorgeous pictures and what an amazing couple to offer you the photography sessions. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I love when you blog. You continue to be an inspiration to me. Merry Christmas! I hope to hear more about the new baby!

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  7. Congrats Courtney and Stephen. I am so happy for yall :)

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  8. I can't help but believe that Tripp has had a hand in your blessings. He is watching over you and your family and his soon to be little brother or sister. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and the very best New year! :)

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  9. These pictures are amazing! You are beautiful and this was an awesome Christmas Eve present to all of us! Praying for all of you as the big day approaches! Merry Christmas!

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  10. These pictures are all stunning!!!! And CONGRATULATIONS on expecting!!!!!!! That little baby is going to be so blessed to have you as their Mommy and so incredibly loved. Merry Christmas

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  11. May God bless you, your new hubby and your new baby. Tripp is surely smiling down on his new little family. Merry Christmas!

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  12. Beautiful pictures, of course. So happy for you and your family with the approaching birth of Tripps brother or sister. Merry Christmas sweet family and please keep us posted. xo

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  13. Wow- you had me tears...happy tears this time! You are beautiful inside & put! Congratulations to you & Stephen. Merry Christmas. I crochet & will be anxiously waiting to find out if you have a little sister or brother for Tripp & will be in touch to bring you some baby items as a loving gift from another Louisiana nurse mommy 😍 I'm overjoyed for you!!! *PS-I'm married to a 'Steven' too 👍👍

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  14. I've had you on my heart and am glad to see this new post. The pictures are just beautiful and I love how Tripp was included in them. My prayers continue for all of you and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

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  15. I love the pictures, and the dresses that you're wearing :-) You look so pretty!!

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  16. We still put a little cross on our Christmas tree every year that says "Believe" in memory of your precious baby. In this home, your family is thought of every year. Merry Christmas!

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  17. Congratulations on your marriage and your new baby. Thanks also for continuing to keep us updated on how you are doing. You and Tripp touched so many people including myself and I think of you often and wonder how you are. Merry Christmas. Hugs from Virginia :)

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  18. Beautiful pictures! I love how Tripp was incorporated into the pictures. I still think about you and Tripp often and how you both have changed my life for the better without ever meeting you. Looking forward to seeing those newborn pics!

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  19. Congratulations!! You look beautiful!! I am so excited for you! You are a great mom and I can't wait to have your new little one in your arms. God bless you and your family!!

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  20. Beautiful photos & beautiful post. I hope your family has a Merry Christmas!

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  21. Courtney, these beautiful photos bring tears to my eyes! Tears for Tripp no longer being with us, yes, but joy for you and the anticipation of the love your new little one will bring into your home. Congratulations again and Merry Christmas! Much love and many blessings to you in the new year. <3

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  22. I miss Tripp. I never met him or you in person, but I miss him. I love these photos and I'm rejoicing that there has been beauty that has come, even with the pain that will never leave your heart until heaven and you sweep your boy up in your arms again.
    Hugs.

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  23. Oh your pictures are beautiful! And you are just the most beautiful pregnant lady I've ever seen!!! Congrats on your marriage and new little babe.

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  24. These pictures capture some incredible moments! Congrats on all the good things!! New marriage and new baby..2015 will be fantastic!

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  25. Gorgeous! You are radiant and so is your husband. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures. I'm glad you are finding happiness. I know it's not always easy. You know Tripp would want you to be happy and would definitely approve of having a little brother or sister.

    You look stunning in your maternity photos. You chose a perfect dress.

    Thank you for continuing to blog. I'm so excited that you are going to be a mom again. Your husband has shown he's an excellent daddy.

    My prayers are with you as you prepare to bring this new little life into the world.

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  26. I am so Happy for the both of you. Know that little Tripp is watching over you with Joy. You deserve all the wonderful things and moments that come your way.

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  27. You are radiant! We've never met, but you and your sweet Tripp have had a profound effect on my life and my outlook. Thank you for sharing your son with the world. I wish you every happiness!

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  28. You said it: "Tripp's life was not in vain. His 2.5 years here on Earth was successful and fruitful.
    He did so much more than I even realize." And I agree with Rose Casell who commented above…I never met Tripp and I miss him, too. These pictures are beautiful and I love how they welcome new life and honor Tripp as well. Thank you for sharing.

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  29. The pictures are beautiful! I teared up looking at the beautiful tribute to Tripp.

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  30. What beautiful photos, and what an amazing way to honor and remember Tripp while you celebrate the upcoming birth of your new little one! I'm so, so happy for you all. Can't wait to meet the new baby!

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  31. Beyond happy for you & I'd be willing to bet sweet Tripp is too:)

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  32. I miss Tripp so much. You look beautiful and Im very happy for you:)

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  33. I wish you all a very Happy Healthy New Year. I fell in love with Tripp the moment I found your blog, years ago, and look forward to seeing and hearing about your new baby. Congratulations to you both. I continue to keep you in my prayers.

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  34. Amazing, Tripp's story continues in your story and in the lives of all those who loved him.

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  35. Courtney, Congratulations on so many things, engagement, wedding, pregnancy, and one more thing sharing with us all these amazing time and pictures with everyone. Thanks so much, there are hardly a day that goes by still that I don't think of you and Tripp and wonder how you are doing. I can't wait to see your new addition and hope that you will be able to blog because I will be your follower as with Tripp. Good Luck with all in 2015 and on,

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  36. Good to see Elmo again. I miss Tripp but am excitedly awaiting seeing the baby. Continued prayers from California.

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  37. Like others, I was in tears seeing these photos. The love you and Stephen and Tripp share is so obvious and wonderful, and the new baby will be so blessed to be born into your family! Many prayers and happy wishes for you all.

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  38. Watching Celebrity Apprentice tonight and Ian Ziering raised money for his charity EB! It instantly reminded me of you and Tripp. I haven't been on for a while. Congratulations on the marriage and expecting! That's wonderful! It's really nice to see you blogging again. I really enjoy your posts. Wishing you love and light in the New Year!

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  39. Did she say what she is having?? Ive been following her blog since the beginning, I am so happy for her & her growing family. Im sure sweet Tripp got to meet his brother or sister before he/she chose her =) <3 always in my thoughts & prayers.

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  40. Did she say what shes having? Anyone? Ive been following her story since the beginning. I couldnt be more happy for her & her growing family. I bet sweet Tripp met his brother OR sister before he/she chose her =) <3 Always in my thoughts & prayers.

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  41. I'm so happy to see this! A piece of you will always be missing, but I think Tripp would want his mommy to be happy too. I wish you all the best <3

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  42. My grandson Elijah Weaver has junctional.eb .He is 3 month's old.He is in pain all the time.I feel so bad because all I do is cry.I want to be strong for my 21 year old daughter and grandson but I feel like I'm failing.Please someone help...

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  43. I think of you and the little one you lost. No one knows but you what the loss truly means. Sincerely hope there are infinite happy days ahead for you.

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  44. I just saw in my FB memories a post I had shared asking for prayer for you and your family on this day in 2011. It made me wonder how you were doing. Thankful that your FB page for Tripp led me to your blog. God is good! Happy that you are blessed with a new family. I enjoyed seeing your wedding and maternity pics and also your sweet boy Crew! Wishing you all the best with the upcoming baby! God Bless You All!

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  45. Wow this is such an amazing journey between you and your kids esp. with your son Tripp. Your story reminded me of my eldest sister. My sister also lost her first born at the age of 5. I saw how devastated her life was at that time, it truly hurts. She didn't join us in some celebrations like Christmas, New year. Instead, she locked herself up in her room and cried. She always tells us that the wounds may/surely heal but the scars will always remain in her heart and will forever stay there, together with the memories of her son. We would always see my nephew as a sweet lil' boy in pictures. Now, my sister is blessed with 4 amazing kids. :) God bless you and your family. :) Your kids are adorable.

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  46. Hi ! I have known about her story for years ! I read about her and her little darlin in a digest I was subscribing to years ago ! It is so cool that she and Tripp were so close and even cooler that he is a big brother even though he is with Jesus now ! She has gone through so much with Tripp that I know that what ever the future has for her and her babies that they all will make it through it ! Cool photos too ! Take care and thanks

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