I have always loved Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I’d probably choose it as my life’s lullaby. It brings comfort and hope. Each time I hear the song, it calms me. In fact, I’ve collected every version of the song that’s been recorded. I currently have 15 versions on my iPhone. At my wedding, I danced [...]
For having the worst possible initiation, the Babyloss Club is filled with the most awe-inspiring and lovely people. This week I've done some networking for Pregnancy After Loss Support and gotten to learn more about two amazing families and connect with the mamas, who are doing great things in the loss world. I got to talk to [...]
Last weekend my side of the family descended upon Wichita, Kansas for the baptism of my newest nephew, Baby E, who was born in November. Oh, how I love that little boy. He has brought so much joy to our family. He was a pleasant surprise, one that spurred uncharted territory for our entire family. [...]
Last week I wrote about the flower arrangements we took to the doctors and nurses who delivered Patrick, as well as the presents and handmade elements of his birthday celebration. Today I'll wrap up how we celebrated the day. I've known since I delivered Patrick that we'd celebrate him each year by eating Key Lime [...]
Reader’s Note: If you’re coming over from Crazy Mom Quilts, I want to give you a head’s up that this post talks about loss, specifically the celebration of the first birthday of my son, who was born still. If you are triggered by pregnancy loss, neonatal loss, or child loss, I will completely understand if you [...]
I wanted to write a recap of Patrick's birthday for the blog today, and as I started pulling everything together, I realized I had too much for one post. I continue to be amazed at how much space this little boy occupies, and not just in my heart. When I started his scrapbook, I figured [...]
March 18th starts the countdown of the last few "firsts" of Patrick milestones. If the recent other firsts--Patrick's due date and Christmas--are any indication of what I can expect, the countdown, the anticipation of the milestone, proves far worse than the actual day. I can tell I'm in that zone. My anxiety is almost unbearable. I [...]
Today is Patrick's first Valentine's Day. I should be dressing him in a probably-really-too-girly "Love Bug" onesie and showering him with love and snuggles. Instead, I've spent the last couple of weeks contemplating what he's taught me about love. Patrick has taught me so much--about loss, about grief, about strength, about survival--but I think the [...]
We survived our first Christmas without Patrick, even experienced joy through the holiday, which we weren't sure was going to be possible. A big part of that survival was communicating our needs and making new traditions that include Patrick. I made a stocking for Patrick (actually, I made three stockings this year. I'll be posting [...]
Capture Your Grief Prompt: Day 1: SUNRISE. Let us honour the beginning of this healing month by waking up early to watch the sunrise wherever we in the world. This will be a beautifully, poignant way for us all to feel connected and energized for the month ahead. When you go outside to watch the sunrise this [...]
