Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Ellie's Name Book

Dave definitely wins the award for Christmas present giving this year! He started working on mine in July! I was so shocked when I opened it! I couldn't believe how much work, thought and love had gone into it. And the fact that so many other people helped out makes it that much better. And I seriously can't believe that EVERYONE kept it a secret- especially for that long!

For Christmas, Dave put together a huge book full of Ellie's name in various places throughout the country and the world! It's so beautiful- I can't even fully describe it! So many of our family, friends and even strangers sent in pictures. Her name was written in several states including Minnesota, Iowa, NYC, New Hampshire, Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nebraska, Alaska, etc. The countries where her name were written include England, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Australia, France, Cyprus, Austria, South Korea... I'm sure there is more. Dave took a lot of pictures out at the Arboretum where we had our only family pictures taken a month before Ellie died. There are so many pictures! Here are a few...

The cover of the book- it's so pretty!

This is so cool! These pictures are on the shore of an island that is at 79 degrees latitude N. Practically the north pole. One of Dave's customers is a company that does tours of extreme places. They went ashore to take a picture for the book and found these caribou antlers! I hope they left her name there- it's so remote that I'm sure it will stay there for a long time!

Such a cool picture. Another of Dave's customer that lives in NYC overlooking Central Park.

This picture is of my grandparents old house in Iowa. They sold it and moved up here a few days after Max was born. I've always been a little sad that my kids will never get to experience being there- especially for a big family Christmas. One of our friend's friend was in the area and swung by the house to get this picture. It's definitely a favorite for sentimental reasons, but it's also an awesome picture!

I really can't say exactly how much this book means to me. It means a lot the Dave put so much thought and love into this for me and for Ellie. I love that he took the time to take a bunch of pictures himself- he even said that he liked doing this for Ellie too! The fact that so many people in our lives cared enough to take the time to do this for us is amazing. They planned it out, they took many pictures and made sure they got them to Dave. Time was taken out of vacations, honeymoons and family trips for my Christmas present- to remember a little girl who was only here for nine months. To know that Ellie's name was spoken, written and that she thought of in so many places around the world by so many people going about their lives is probably the greatest gift anyone can give a Mommy who has lost their child. I love that Ellie's name remains in some places and will for who knows how long. It's like Ellie left her little mark across the world.

So to my wonderful husband and Ellie's awesome Dada- I don't know how you are ever going to top this one. Seriously. You've set the standards pretty high now! It's perfect. It's more than perfect. Thank you. Thank you for loving Ellie and I both enough to do this for us. I think that every time I look at it, I will continue to be in awe of just how amazing it is.

And to everyone else who helped out- damn, you guys are good secret keepers! I didn't think some of you had it in you! Thank you so much for taking this request to heart and putting so much love into your pictures. It's something so simple, but means so much to me.

I hope this link works... Click HERE to see a copy of the book. There are some really breathtaking pictures!

19 comments:

Kelly said...

Amazing! This reminds me (on a much lower scale!) of the scrap book my sister made of the "Adam Cow" that went all over the country. It is incredible the time Dave/my sister took to coordinate such a gift and that so many of your/my family members participated. (I hope that bringing up my book here is ok.) Completely amazing. What a great gift!

Lj82 said...

I love this. I love Dave's dedication, and he has demonstrated his love for his wife and kids through this book. Breath-taking is right.
xox momma.

Ashley said...

OMGosh how neat! An amazing gift :)

Lisa said...

Wow. No words for how amazing this is.

Caroline said...

So very amazing !!

Laura said...

This is amazing! I saw a post on a message board asking for help with this project a LONG time ago... I cant believe that it was your husband! He didnt mention your name (but did mention Ellie) so I wasnt 100% sure if it was you. I wish I would have participated.

This is something you'll treasure forever. Ellie truly has been all over the world and touched SO many people's lives!

~Laura

Samantha said...

What an amazing gift!! What a great Dada!

Robin said...

The book turned out great! We didn't have any doubts he would do a fantastic job! We sent in the photo of Ellie's name by The Packer Stadium. Now my husband and daughter always know who I am talking about when I bring up Ellie. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I'm so glad you love your special book. You have a very special daughter, and what a great way to honor her. Praying for you always!

Harlowe said...

Wow, Dave definitely wins with this one, what an amazing gift!

Debbie said...

what an amazing gift! I tried to view it with the link but was unable to open it. You have such an amazing hubby!!

SG said...

Wow! That's so sweet <3

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

Stunning. What a wonderful husband that obviously has so much love for his wife and daughter. <3

TanaLee Davis said...

Your husband is so charming and sweet to put this book together for you and ellie. made me cry.
hugs-
Felicia

Beth said...

amazing! what a gorgeous gift. the intro is so nice too. such a great guy you have.

Tiffany said...

i helped, i helped! and i was more than happy to do anything for my buddy and birthday twin, ms. Ellie! :)

Tiffany said...

i just checked out the book. absolutely amazing!

Katherine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katherine said...

The book is beautiful. Your husband did an amazing job. I came across a post in my babycenter birth group about the project and contributed a photo. You and your husband are doing an amazing thing in sharing Ellie with everyone. In bringing her light to others you also help open hearts to live more in love and less in the chaos that everyday living brings. Thank you for that. In reading your blog I've realized you must live quite close to us (We buy pumpkins at the same garden center!) If you need an extra pair of hands for an Ellie project, please let me know!

ferfischer said...

wow wow wow. I just love this. precious.

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