Donations

It's turning out to be a pretty good weekend. My friend, Wendi stopped over with her boys for a play date today and she brought a ton of fabric for us. (Thank you!!!) I received an email from MatAnna, over at Lost Innocents, letting us know that she has been working on some beautiful new sets for us! She sent pictures and they are just amazing! (How cute are those ducks!?!?) I also recieved a donation in the mail from the Ackley family, which will allow us to purchase our new memory boxes!!!! (Thank you!!!) We're still in need of funding for other items so take a moment to check out our fundraiser page. I know money is tight for everyone but remember that every dollar amount helps... even if it's just $5 or $10! http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?url=memoryboxes&fundraiser_id=9948

Spoken Word Blog Round-Up (Year Two)

Angie, over at Still Life with Circles, is starting up the 2nd Spoken Word Blog Round-Up. I participated in this last year and it was an amazing experience. I was still very early into my loss but I somehow found the courage to post and was welcomed into the community with love, acceptance and support. I believe it was a big turning point in my healing... just getting the words and thoughts out into the open and having someone tell me that I wasn't alone. If you are interested in participating or just want to follow along, here's the link: http://stilllifewithcircles.blogspot.com/2012/10/spoken-word-blog-round-up-two.html (Here is the link from last year: http://stilllifewithcircles.blogspot.com/2011/10/spoken-word-blog-round-up.html)

October 15th

Take a moment to read this: http://smallbirdstudios.com/2012/10/12/why-it-is-important-to-break-the-silence-about-baby-loss/

*Forever remembered. Forever missed. Forever loved.*

Thinking of and praying for all families missing their child this October 15th.

Donation Update and Angel Ornaments

I checked in with the hospital and they only have 4 of our memory boxes left. Currently, we don't have any completed memory boxes available to donate to them when they run out. I know everyone is struggling financially but if you have, even just a few dollars to spare, please consider donating them to us. Here is the link to both our online fundraiser and our Amazon wish list.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=9948&url=memoryboxes
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2WMMQ6BU9AYW9

I also wanted to let everyone know that I got an email back from Randolph Hospital and we are good to go on the angel ornaments!!! If you are interested in making some for us... let me know. We need to get these made and ready to deliver to the hospital before Thanksgiving, if possible, so that they can be mailed to the families for Christmas. If you aren't interested in making the angels, perhaps you would consider donating money towards stamps and envelopes to mail them.

Beautiful Donations

I received an email a few weeks back from Mat. Anna, over at Lost Innocents. I had come across her blog awhile back and really found the resources and advice helpful.  (There is a link on the resource page.) She sent me these pictures the other day, of a set that she made to donate to us. Isn't it beautiful!?!? I have no doubt that a family will be blessed and thankful to cuddle their little princess in this absolutely beautiful set.

Two matching blankets

Baby pouch

Two matching dolls

Baby pouch

Baby pouch with dolls

Matching set

Fundraiser

We've opened an online fundraiser page for our second memory box donation. I know that times are tough and everyone is in a financial crunch. However, every dollar donated will help. If you are able, please consider donating... even just a few dollars.

We are raising money to purchase the most expensive items, that we are in need of. Some of those items are: the memory boxes, resource books, clay molds, disposable cameras, teddy bears, printing costs for brochures, cards, ect. The cost for one memory box, is between $50-60. However, for the family who receives it... it is priceless. You are ensuring that they have a beautiful place to store the cherished keepsakes and memories of their precious baby.

If you don't want to donate through the fundraiser, we have a wish list (in the left hand column) that you can use to purchase/donate items directly through Amazon's website. I would sincerely appreciate you sharing the links (and our website) with friends and family. Even if they don't donate, they will have access to the resource links should they ever need them. Thank you!

Fundraiser Page: http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=9948&url=memoryboxes

In Memory of Matthew

Please say a prayer for my friend, Lara and her family today. Two years ago they got the phone call that no parent ever wants to receive. Their son, Matthew had been in a car accident and didn't survive. The amazing mother that she is... she has chosen to honor Matthew's life with acts of kindness. She has tirelessly been sewing (for weeks) blankets and diapers for Nathan's project. Yesterday she dropped off an amazing donation: 57 blankets and diapers sets! Wow... how awesome is that?!?! Thank you, Lara!! (Thank you to Teeny Tears for the pattern.)

Precious Moments

I came across this while catching up on the blogs I follow. This beautiful Precious Moments figure "Mommy's Love Goes With You" depicts a mommy handing her baby over to an angel. It was retired in 2007 but they are bringing it back for a limited time due to customer requests. You have to call to order and it will ship in October... just in time for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Thank you to Holly (Caring for Carleigh) for sharing. The picture is from the Precious Moments' website and belongs to them.

http://www.preciousmoments.com/content.cfm/product/Mommy%27s-Love-Goes-With-You

Language Translation

The hospital that we have partnered with, serves English and Spanish speaking patients. In addition to that, our statistic page has shown that our website is also receiving vistitors from other countries. (Not sure how they heard about us but it's awesome!) Therefore, we have added a language translation button to the left hand column. Simply select a language and the website will be translated into that language.  To return to English, click on the "show original" button at the top of the page. If there are any problems, let us know!

Seasonal Sales

As the summer season fades away, I've noticed that many stores are putting their seasonal clothing on clearance. Please take a moment to browse the infant section for preemie and newborn items that we may be able to use, such as receiving blankets and outfits. Here is a beautiful preemie dress that was recently donated. Isn't it gorgeous!?!?

Fall Fundraiser Flier

Here is a PDF of our Fall Fundraiser flier. Feel free to share with friends and family :-)
There is an orange "Menu" button, located within the document below. Clicking on it will open a menu section that will allow you to share on your favorite social media site. (Ex. Facebook)


Fall Fundraiser PDF

August 19th - Day of Hope

August 19th is a day to break down the walls of society that keep pregnancy, infant and child loss a hush hush subject. People view the death of a baby as just a sad thing that happened. These babies, that die, are not sad things that happened. They are people... much loved and wanted children. They are brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandsons and granddaughters.

August 19th is about openly speaking about these children and celebrating their short lives. By having this special day, once a year, we get people speaking about pregnancy, infant and child loss. By doing this we break those walls down so that people are not afraid to speak about these children anymore.

Today and every day I remember my baby, Nathan. I will never stop loving him and missing him. He will never be forgotten by me.

http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/international-dates/august-19th-day-of-hope

Updated Needs

The "How You Can Help" page has been updated. We have about 10 empty memory boxes available. After that, we are hoping to have the funds to purchase new boxes. We have been waiting patiently for these boxes to become available in the United States and they finally are. The minimum order is 20 boxes. They are more expensive than the "photo boxes" that we've gotten from the local craft stores, so any amount is helpful in getting us to our goal of purchasing them. Our hope is that these beautiful boxes will be durable and spacious enough allow parents to add additional items to their memory box and that it will serve as treasured space for their keepsakes and memories.

Nathan's Birthday Cake

I wanted to share some pictures of Nathan's birthday cake. Carrie did an amazing job... as always!! If you are in the Piedmont area of North Carolina and need a great baker, check out Cakes by Carrie.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cakes-by-Carrie/164809990200485 or www.mycakesbycarrie.blogspot.com

A Bittersweet Day

I had a wonderful meeting this morning and I'm proud to announce that we finally have our first hospital! I'm so excited about our partnership with Randolph Hospital. They were so grateful and excited about our memory boxes! Just talking with them, I could feel their passion and love for the families that they serve. I just know that this is going to be a fabulous collaboration, with the end result being such a gift to their patients. While it is always our hope that the memory boxes are never needed, we hope that our partnership with Randolph Hospital will be a successful one for many, many years to come!

Today has been a bittersweet day. I was so excited as I left the hospital but I couldn't help but think of how different my life was a year ago. A year ago, today, I laid on an exam table staring at my son's lifeless little body on an ultrasound screen as my OB sadly told me that he no longer had a heartbeat. I was induced on July 20th and he was born on July 21, 2011 at 2:32am. We're having a cake made for him and plan to release a sky lantern on Saturday for his 1st birthday. I will be working on assembling the boxes to see what else is needed before the first donation drop-off. Other than having him here, I can't think of a better way to spend his birthday than assembling memory boxes.

Thank you all for your love and support over the last year! It has been sincerely appreciated.

Sewing Machine

I finally got a sewing machine! My mom found one at a yard sale a couple weeks ago. A lady had passed away about a year ago and her son was selling all of her sewing stuff. She was a serious sewer... sewed her own clothes, etc. We ended up with 4 boxes and two suitcases full of patterns, thread, bobbins, latches, zippers, buttons, etc.

I've been told that as long I continue to service it, I should have many more years of use. The sewing machine I got is a Vintage 1950's Singer Touch & Sew. It came with the manual and all the accessories... all in their original boxes!

I stopped by Joann's and got some cotton flannel fabric and brown minky dots fabric.

I decided to try my hand at a self-binding baby blanket. I found the tutorial on YouTube and I thought it looked so cute and simple!

Crazy me decided to start with flannel and minky dot fabric. Wow... minky is NOT a forgiving fabric. In addition to being an expensive fabric, minky is also an unforgiving fabric. If you screw up, it will shout loudly and announce it. LOL. However, I think it turned out okay. Especially considering that I've never sewn before. (The pink minky fabric was donated by Mommy & Me Consignments.)

My second attempt turned out a little better. I used two different patterns of cotton flannel and I think it turned out really cute!!

Photography

If you are a photographer or know someone who is... please watch this video. This is an AMAZING organization! Sadly, Nathan was born too early to receive the services of NILMDTS but I know many families who have cherished photographs because of them. They are always needing more people to volunteer their skills and talents. If you are able, please consider contributing in some way to this worthy organization.

Fall Flower Fundraiser

Did you miss out on the beautiful flowers that were offered during our spring fundraiser? No problem! We are holding our fall flower fundraiser! You can purchase flower bulbs to plant in your garden this fall and be prepared for a gorgeous spring! Plus, 50% of your purchase will help 'You are my Child' in purchasing memory boxes. You can order anytime now through October 5th, when the fundraiser ends. Orders will be shipped in October or November (based on the weather and appropriate planting time in your area). The bulbs have a 100% money back guarantee! Shipping is a flat rate of $5, no matter how much you purchase. Please help us spread the word about our flower fundraiser by passing this link onto family and friends. Thanks!!

http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?q=campaign&campaign_id=11692

Boxes

Finally, finally, FINALLY... the boxes we've been looking at purchasing (since last year) are available here in the US!!!! I emailed the company this morning to order the samples and color swatches. :-)

Private Practice and Baby Grayson

Some people, on one of my support boards, were talking about this story and the latest Private Practice episode. I've never watched that show but I got on Hulu and watch the latest episode and oh boy, did I cry. I also watched baby Grayson's video, on their personal blog. He is beautiful! That baby was... IS... so amazingly loved. Yes, the pictures that show his exposed head and his "defect" are a little difficult to look at but after I saw it... I was drawn to his precious little face and completely overlooked everything else. People who haven't "been there" will just never understand (thankfully). Sometimes it feels like we, as parents who've lost a baby, are beating our head against the wall... expecting a different reaction from those around us. But that said, we ARE making a difference every single time we share our babies' stories. Out of 10 people we share our stories with, if at least 1 person is changed and moved by it... then that person will tell someone else and maybe they will be changed... and so on. Eventually, society will stop "shunning" us and allow us the respect and support to grieve the loss of our babies. 

Here's the link to baby Grayson's story, which features a link the Walker family's personal blog... Facebook Deletes Baby Pictures, Family Outraged

Mother's Day

I thank God everyday for the amazing gift of being Cameron and Nathan's mom. :-) Whether you hold your child in your arms or in your heart, I'm wishing you a Happy Mother's Day. For those who are struggling with infertility, I remember those days as well. I'm thinking of you and praying that your arms are filled soon. ♥ CDS & NAS ♥ *The picture is of me, Cameron and our "Nathan Bear" which Cameron made at Build-A-Bear on Nathan's due date.

First Memory Box

Our first complete memory box has been assembled and is on its way across the country. I received an email from a friend on Friday afternoon about a couple who delivered their baby boy early Friday morning. He was born still at 18 weeks gestation. Since their baby boy has already been delivered, I know that the memory box won't make it in time for hospital use. However, I pray that it will still bring some comfort to them as the prepare to make burial arrangements.

I went to bed last night with a heavy heart. Each time I hear of another loss, I can't help it... it takes me back to July 21, 2011, the day I delivered Nathan. It breaks my heart to think of another family having to go through that. I got up this morning and drove across town (since our post office isn't open on Saturdays) and dropped it off. It is a gray, rainy-looking morning here in North Carolina... which seemed to fit my mood and mindset. On the way, I spent most of the drive praying for the family. Right before I got off the highway, I turned on the radio (which I keep on K-Love) and the Casting Crowns song, "Praise You in This Storm" came on. It is a song that has helped me on my journey... so I kinda felt like it was a small message from God and Nathan saying, "We're here with you and we understand what you're feeling today." That made me smile... something that, 9 months and 1 week ago, I didn't think would ever be possible again. I will never stop missing him but I can feel a difference in my grief. I know that God is healing my heart and I'm thankful for that.




I wanted to include this story and picture of the memory box, so that you can see what exactly you are supporting. I want you to see how you are helping and making a difference... one family and one precious baby at a time. Thank you, thank you, thank you... to EVERY single person who has supported us either through prayer, making and donating items or with a monetary donation.

(A bereavement pouch, hat and blanket are included in this box so that

the parents may choose to have an item to bury or cremate their baby in,

as well as, be able to keep an item that their baby was held and loved in.)

(One teddy bear for the parents to keep and one

teddy bear to be buried or cremated with baby.)

April Update

 I realize that communication has been very limited on here and I apologize. It seems to be so much faster to post on Facebook, when I'm already on there, sometimes.

First off, thank you to everyone who helped with the flower fundraiser!!! We were able to earn $92.00! I hope that you are pleased with your flowers. Feel free to email some pictures, for us to share, as you plant or as they begin to bloom!! Be sure to let me know whether you think this is something we should do again next year. As always, we are looking for interesting fundraising ideas. If you think of or know of something... share it with us!! (Just keep in mind, that we are not a 501/Non-profit organization.)

I wanted to offer a short update and let you know that we're still here and still committed to giving back to the bereaved community. I checked in with our "box company" today and it looks like their April launch, here in the US, has been delayed until May. :-( I did get more information as to the sizes and colors that will be offered. There aren't as many choices as their UK line but it still looks like the ones offered will fit our needs.

Oh, well... I'm not sure that we're going to be able to cut through the red tape at my first choice hospital so I may need the extra time to start communication with other hospitals. They seemed to be more concerned about the cost of certain items in the proto-box that we took to show them. I just keep getting the feeling that they don't want any "outside" help... but that they are interested in specific items so they can purchase things themselves. A little bummed but not letting this stop me... someone, somewhere can use these memory boxes!

Thank you all for your continued support!!!

Fundraiser Reminder

I just wanted to offer a reminder that you have one more week to order flower bulbs from our fundraiser. Our goal is to raise $200 and we're about halfway there!! 50% of the sales will come back to us and help purchase items for the memory boxes. Click on the beautiful picture of flowers to your left, for the online catalog and ordering information. The sale ends April 13th.

Mother's Day in the UK

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in the UK...

Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who have
only dreamed of a child you could never conceive.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who never got to feel
your child flutter in your womb for he was gone too soon.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who went through labor to hold
a still, silent yet perfect angel baby in your arms.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who looked day by day
at your healthy baby only to find her silent, cold and gone one day.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who fought hard
and whose child fought harder for a life too short.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who knew the day was coming
when you would no longer hold your child yet you gave him a full life.
Happy Mother’s Day to those whose child was 4 or 5
and brought you crushed wildflowers last year but
who have gone on since then.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who could no longer
pick up your baby because she was too big,
but in the end you rocked back and forth invaded by grief.
Happy Mother’s Day to those of you who raised your children well
but had to bury them all too young, all too soon.
Happy Mother’s Day to all who are mothers
whether they cherish their children all on earth
or they spend Mother’s Day enthralled
by their grief for a brief moment in time.
Were we more mothers then than now?
NO! Be clear and let no one take away our right of motherhood!!

by Jean Stewart
Mother to Rebecca "Becca" Stewart
10/16/1998—1/1/1999
And Christopher Stewart
1/18/2000—1/18/2000

Flower Fundraiser

We are holding an online flower fundraiser! (I also have catalogs, for those here in NC.) You can purchase flower bulbs to plant in your garden this spring and 50% of your purchase will help 'You are my Child' in purchasing memory boxes. We are gearing up for our first donation this summer and are hoping that you'll help! You can order anytime now through April 13th, when the fundraiser ends. Orders will be shipped in April or May (based on the weather and appropriate planting time in your area). The bulbs have a 100% money back guarantee! Shipping is a flat rate of $5, no matter how much you purchase. Please help us spread the word about our flower fundraiser by passing this link onto family and friends. Thanks!!

http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=10289

Creator's Area

Just to let everyone know... I've added a link, to the website, for the patterns. It's the "Creator's Area" link at the top of the page, on the right. Just contact me for the password. Also, let me know if you like the new layout of information and the slideshow tutorials.

Just for Today

I came across this while catching up on my blog roll tonight and just had to share.

Just For Today For Bereaved Parents
By Vicki Tushingham

Just for today I will try to live through the next 24 hours
and not expect to get over my child's death,
but instead learn to live with it, just one day at a time.
Just for today I will remember my child's life, not just her death,
and bask in the comfort of all those treasured days
and moments we shared.
Just for today I will forgive all the family and friends
who didn't help or comfort me the way I needed them to.
They truly did not know how.
Just for today I will smile no matter how much I hurt on the inside,
for maybe if I smile a little,
my heart will soften and I will begin to heal.
Just for today I will reach out to comfort a relative or friend of my child,
for they are hurting too,
and perhaps we can help each other.
Just for today I will free myself from my self-inflicted burden of guilt,
for deep in my heart I know if there was anything in this world
I could of done to save my child from death,
I would of done it.
Just for today I will honor my child's memory
by doing something with another child
because I know that would make my own child proud.
Just for today I will offer my hand in friendship
to another bereaved parent
for I do know how they feel.
Just for today when my heart feels like breaking,
I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving
and the only reason I hurt is because
I had the privilege of loving so much
Just for today I will not compare myself with others.
I am fortunate to be who I am
and have had my child for as long as I did.
Just for today I will allow myself to be happy,
for I know that I am not deserting her by living on.
Just for today I will accept that I did not die when my child did,
my life did go on,
and I am the only one who can make that life worthwhile once more.