Story highlights

The baby was born to a dying woman via emergency C-section

The grieving father plays "Blackbird" for his infant son, Lennon

The baby died one day later in his father's arms

CNN  — 

Ashley Picco was a mother for only a few short hours before she died November 8. She left behind “harmonies that will continue to resonate in our hearts and memories,” her family and friends posted online.

She also left behind her newborn son Lennon and her husband, Chris.

In August, Ashley and Chris Picco celebrated their 7-year wedding anniversary by posting a photo to Facebook. In the image a tiny pair of fur-lined baby booties stands empty between them. “Coming Soon” is inscribed above. It is still Ashley’s cover photo.

Lennon James was born by emergency C-section three months early, “fighting for his life” Chris posted. Although Chris was grieving Ashley’s loss he thanked those who had reached out in several online postings.

“It’s impossible to sum up what has happened in the past couple of days,” he said. “My wife, best friend and mother of my child passed away. I have a lifetime to grieve this unspeakable loss, but I know that right now she would want me to focus completely on baby Lennon James Picco…”

On Wednesday, a friend posted a video of Chris in the hospital singing to his newborn son. The video shows Chris seated next to a whirring, clicking incubator, baby Lennon swaddled in blankets and surrounded by tubes. The video was recorded Tuesday, when Chris had posted, “Ashley would often feel Lennon moving to music, so I brought my guitar today and gave him a little concert.”

The song Chris chose, “Blackbird,” was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney during their time with the Beatles.

The song begins:

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”

Little Lennon James Picco died a day later in his father’s arms.

Later on Wednesday Chris posted this update:

“Dear friends, family, and supporters; it is with an unbelievably heavy heart that I write this. My little fighter, Lennon James Picco went to sleep in his daddy’s arms late last night. He was surrounded by family, friends, and the best doctors, nurses and hospital staff in the world. He was dressed in an outfit that Ashley bought for him, with little guitars on it, and wrapped in a blanket made by a dear friend. I am so thankful for the four unforgettable days I got to spend with him. His mommy would have been so beyond joy to see him and to hold him, touch him, bathe him, sing to him - as I have had the privilege of doing. I have been so blessed and honored to love him before he was formed, to cherish him while mommy carried him, meet him face to precious face, and hold his perfect little body while we said ‘goodbye for now’. There are no words, but I wanted to keep you updated, as your love and support has meant more than anything in the world. All you need is love.”

Chris, speaking through a spokesman, said he wants to tell his story but needed time with family and friends for now. A memorial is planned for November 15 at the Piccos’ church Loma Linda University Church.