Heavenly Ann

One day, my boyfriend and I made the beautiful decision to begin trying for a baby. Our hearts were full of hope and excitement when, on August 7th, we learned that our wish had come true — we were expecting.

But on October 17th, our world shifted. We were told that our precious baby had anencephaly — a severe birth defect.

Though the news broke our hearts, it never once diminished the love we felt for her. If anything, our love only grew deeper, stronger, more protective.

A few weeks later, we discovered that our baby was a little girl.

From that moment on, I devoted myself completely to her. I did everything I could to care for her, to cherish our time together, and to prepare a place for her in our lives and hearts.

We chose the name Heavenly Ann Muñoz — a name as tender and sacred as the child we were expecting.

We knew she would go on to be with Jesus, and we wanted her name to carry that peace and promise.

On February 1st, we had the joy of capturing our maternity pictures — a celebration of life and love — and throughout this pregnancy, we were surrounded by grace and generosity from those who helped us in countless ways.

Then, on the morning of February 27th, I woke at 3 a.m. with an ache in my back that I somehow knew was more than just pain — it was the beginning. By 4:30 a.m., my water had broken, and I was admitted to the hospital. Labor began in earnest, and I was given Pitocin and an epidural to help me through the 17 long hours that followed — hours filled with pain, with tears, with waiting, and with love.

At 7:45 p.m., our daughter arrived.

She was perfect.

Surrounded by her grandmas, aunties, uncles, and all who loved her, we were able to spend two precious days with her. Two days that will live forever in our hearts.

When it came time to say goodbye, we gave her a beautiful celebration of life — a funeral full of love, honor, and peace. The church opened its arms to us, and we were able to lay her to rest through cremation.

We love her more than words could ever say.

Heavenly Ann will always be a part of us — a light, a memory, a soul that touched ours forever.

Thank you for allowing me to share her story. I hope her pictures bring you the same warmth and grace they bring to us.

April

Last updated April 16, 2025