Her name is Joanna, meaning 'God is gracious.' It's a fitting name for our rainbow baby, born almost 13-months to the day after I gave birth to our first child, Hannah Corinne.
From the very beginning, my husband had his heart set on the name Joanna, but it took me a bit longer to warm up to it.
In the months leading up to her birth, we poured over our list of girl names again and again: Jaclyn, Emelia (a family name), Jolene, Juliette, Adeline and more.
Once we settled on the name Joanna, we really never looked back...
And, so, we are pleased as can be with our pretty little Joanna Christine. She's full of spunk, free-spirited, fun-loving, sweet, smart AND beautiful.
Ask her to name off a few of her favorite things, and she'll probably tell you all about her kitty cat Charlotte, share a story or two about our flock of funky chickens, show off some princess dresses, put on her fancy shoes and maybe even sing and dance for you!
Of course she's a "Swifty" and a Dolly Parton fan too. And just when you think she's about
to go "all princess 👑" on you, she'll surprise you with a line or two from her favorite Star Wars movie🍿.
When it comes to playing in the snow, nothing's more fun than hanging out with your bro...
Of course, we're as anxious as you are for spring temps to arrive, but it sure has been a blast getting her out on the ice...
You know, we all love to laugh and have fun together, but we don't mind discussing more serious matters too.
Joanna often asks about the 'big sister" she's never met. Sharing stories of Hannah's birth and our short time with her has been a great way to keep her close to our hearts 💕.
Below is one of the momentos we cherish the most. Since Joanna was a baby, we've had both girls' feet framed up on her bedroom wall. The imprints on the left belong to Hannah, while Joanna's tiny toes sit to the right.
Note the porcelain Angel gazing upon them from above. She's the same Angel that used to watch over me when I was little.
Now what greater joy is there than having a good friend sit by your side?
Made even better when it's your sister who stops on by.
This precious photo of Joanna kneeling at her sister Hannah's grave was taken in the fall of 2021 in central Minnesota. I hope it speaks to you just as it does to me.
And I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about our Miss Joanna Christine. We believe the best is yet to come!
☀️Wilderness & Wildflower Wisdom:
March is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month
We encourage you to find ways to cherish and celebrate the lives of each of your children wherever they may be...
Photo credit: 1 & 3 by Tracy Walsh Photography. All others by Blue Hues For You
Such a special story! I love how you share memories your baby girl with your daughter and I think it’s so sweet how she wants to know about her big sister. I couldn’t imagine losing a child and my heart aches for anyone who experiences such tragedy. Your children may not have met her but they will always keep her memory alive. You have such a lovely family and those kids are too stinkin’ cute!!
Thank you Josie for putting into words what we know to be true in our hearts! These grandchildren are a gift from God and they are truly preci!