Emery E. Lavender

In the days, weeks and months leading up to your birth we were scared, nervous, and most of all excited. We couldn't wait to be out numbered parents of three and to see your siblings meet you for the first time. The day you were born we could not have been more excited and your father said it was a fathers day he would always remember. We would hug, cuddle and love on you. We pictured in our minds how it would be, in the beginning we saw our sweet Emery contentedly laying in our arms, belly full while Charlee and Dallas kissed your head and cooed words to you that we don't always understand. But you would understand them.We pictured you starting to sit up and crawl and most blessedly smile at us. It wouldn't take long before you knew which cabinet held the snacks and how to get Dallas and Charlee in trouble.
We saw you playing dress-up, your first day of school, learning to ride a bike, dance classes, crazy nights with cousins, holiday madness with your brother and sister and most importantly the cuddles. We dreamt of the day you would shop for your first prom dress with mommy and daddy walking you down the aisle to marry the man you would share your life with.
This week is not normal. We met you on Saturday one of the most beautiful babies we had ever seen. Saturday night was just you, mommy and daddy. We marveled at your head full of hair, giggled that you had grandpas nose, one minute you looked just like Dallas and the next just like Charlee. We held you and talked to you and picked out an outfit for your first photo shoot. This night was truly magical and went by to fast. Sunday and Monday are still a blur, we remember every second of those unbelievable days. It seemed you were only going to stay with us for a short time. But, our Emery, you accomplished much in your short life.
Some people say we are put on earth to love each other. If this is true the love you have spread will continue to affect people forever. Because of Emery, friends and neighbors know we have to care for each other and be strong for the ones who need it. Because of Emery, families realize how very important they are to each other. Because of Emery, the doctors and nurses that fought so hard for you will continue to fight for other babies. Because of Emery, couples remember why they love each other. Because of Emery, parents hold their children closer and realize how truly precious they are.
Life will continue, there will still be invisible boo-boo's, mountains of toys and late night viewings of Minions. But we will all love each other more, hold each other tighter and this will become our new normal, because of Emery.
So our sweet little one, Fly High and Daddy and Mommy will see you again soon.
Emery is preceded in death by her grandparents: Charles Wilcox and Nick and Bernadette Leinen. She is survived by her parents, Nathan and Caitlyn Lavender; one brother, Dallas Lavender; one sister, Charlee Lavender; grandparents: Mary Wilcox and Dorothy Stehr; several aunts, uncles and cousins.