We had a terrific first pregnancy after 2 years of infertility treatment. At my 5 month doctor's visit, Brody and I both were on track for a great delivery. However, 12 days later, July 12, 2008, I woke up with contractions. Brody was born 10 hours later, after the doctors did everything they could to stop my labor. It was later determined that I had a placental infection that caused him to be born so soon. He had no illness or defect. Though it behaved contrary to my heart, my body expelled him to rid me of infection. He lived for the best and worst 35 minutes of our lives while my husband and I sang to him and marveled over every detail of his perfectly formed body. We wanted a family so badly, and these pictures remind us, that though it was only for a half hour, we got to all be together. It was neither a dream nor a nightmare, but for real. Thank you, Vernon and NILMDTS, for helping us realize the beautiful when it's too easy to remember the pain.