Right Where I Am: 3 Years, 9 Months, 4 Weeks, 1 Day

I'm a little late posting this but I really wanted to do this RWIA post for 2014.

Right where I am today is incredibly close to 4 years since I met and said goodbye to my sweet Aiden. One thing that has not changed in all this time is that it still feels unreal to be living without him. And there is not a day that goes by without me thinking of and missing him. Grief is real. And it's hard. And it never goes away. It's always there waiting to rise back to the surface. I am still grieving my son and I will be for the rest of my life.

I think from the outside we must look pretty normal to people. There are always two amazing and active little boys floating around us. And by floating I mean running, crashing into things, laughing really loud, fighting over toys, and having meltdowns. That's floating right- haha :) Just the fact that I find things in life to be fun and funny and happy- that is a huge change from when I wrote my first RWIA post. I also think in a lot of ways we are as normal as we can possibly be. You know without our missing child.

I really have found joy again. My days are spent chasing boys, tripping over dump trucks and legos, trying desperately to find what I'm looking for in my purse/diaper bag, cooking millions of turkey dogs and chicken nuggets, giving multiple baths a day, and trying to squeeze some mama time in there somewhere (although that doesn't happen most days). I'm also working full time 5 days a week. I'm worn out and tired at the end of each day but really it is the best kind of tired ever. I love Mason and Caden so much- sometimes I look at them and immediately big hot tears form in my eyes because I love them with this huge crazy love. I am so happy they are here, and mine, and I get to kiss and squeeze them. Every smile lights up my heart. They bring me happiness I never imagined would be possible again. The only thing that could make it better is if I were chasing 3 boys around. 

Right now there are so many things I want to do. I want to be able to write again and in fact I'm making myself a promise to try to write at least once a week. Even if I don't finish it right then maybe I can try to get back to posting a little more regularly. I've been wanting to write a book forever and now seems as good a time as any to pick my notes back up and get to it. My quiet moments are few and far between these days but early early morning seems to be my best hope.  

I also am working on finally decorating my house. That's a pretty big deal for me. We built this house in 2010 for Aiden and moved in 3.5 months before he was born. The only room that was ever completely decorated before his birthday was his nursery. After he passed away I just couldn't bring myself to finish unpacking or to decorate anything else. Honestly I really didn't care about the damn house. I just wanted my baby back. Now though feels like the right time to create an even more special space for my family. So I'm busy looking at fabrics and furniture and colors as well as creating boards to plan out what I want each room to look like. I'm trying to do some of it myself to save money where I can so projects are all over the place. Anyone want to paint some curtains with me??? 

Outside of my family my BLM tribe is my lifeline. When things get bad they are there. When things are good they celebrate with me. I look forward to seeing them on Instagram every day. Seeing what is going on with of all our rainbows and my dear friends makes me smile. I can't imagine life without these women who truly get the complicated tangle of love, grief, happiness, and crazy that rolls around inside me each day. I love that they will all forever remember Aiden with me. That they speak his name and mention him in every day talks just like they do Mason and Caden. That we can have conversations about fabulous Target sales and food but also grief and sadness. I am so grateful because in the midst of my grief and sadness I'm not alone. I have friends who love me and who love each of my babies as well.

~~~~~~~~

A few mornings ago Mase was sitting in my bed eating some fruit (I'm sure that surprises no one- ha!) while we were finishing up our morning get ready routine. As he sat facing my mirror he suddenly said "That's my big brother Aiden. He lives in Heaven." My breath caught and I looked up to see him point to the picture of Aiden on our dresser. "Yes baby," I said, "that is your big brother Aiden." Mase looked at me with a smile on his face and said, "Yep I love Aiden. That's my brother." 

I wanted to cry with joy- to hear Aiden's name come from Mason's mouth and to hear that he loves him. Oh my heart. It's in moments like these that I realize I'm doing something right. My sons will always know their older brother. They will always speak his name. They will carry him in their hearts just as Nygel and I do. 

Aiden is incredibly missed and loved every.single.day. That will never change. We will never stop talking about him with each other and sharing him with those around us. And we are so grateful for the family and friends that keep his memory alive with us. 

I love you Aiden 

Happy Third Birthday ♥

Oh my sweet Aiden  ♥

Today marks three years since the day I met you and held you in my arms. It's unimaginable that three years has passed already. I remember that day with you so vividly and I will never forget. The day my sweet boy was born.

I don't know how many ways I can say what's in my heart. I think you know so well. I miss you, I love you. I wish you were here. I would give anything to have another moment with you. To see you playing with your little brothers. To know what you would be like right now in this moment as a three year old little boy. To feel your kisses, and hugs......oh the sweet hugs. To hold your hand. To play with you at the park. To snuggle together on the couch and watch a Christmas movie together. I have missed out on so much. We have missed out on so much. It will never be fair. It will always hurt. I will forever want more than what I have. And know that I can never have what I really want.

Three years......three long years.....so very long.

Today we will celebrate your life. We will celebrate how much you mean to us and how much we love you. Everything about you is love to us. So today will be filled with love my dear. Stay close to us as we will need you just like we always do.

I miss you.

I love you.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy ♥

Love Mama

::::::

"I loved the boy with the utmost love of which my soul is capable; and he is taken from me—

yet in the agony of my spirit in surrendering such a treasure 

I feel a thousand times richer than if I had never possessed it.” 

- William Wordsworth

::::::

Our Second Rainbow

Two weeks ago our lives were blessed again as we welcomed our third son into the world- Caden Alexander.

He arrived healthy, screaming, and beautiful. Caden is wonderful- a sweet little soul who made our hearts grow even bigger than ever. Even more wonderful? He looks just like his two older brothers. Makes my heart smile- my boys ♥

It's amazing to have two children in my arms. Of course two children in my arms doesn't change the longing for my first son who will be forever missed and remembered. My sweet Aiden.....he's always in my heart, mind, and soul. I am so grateful to him for helping get his second baby brother here safely. Wishing so much that I could have him here with me as well.

I love you Aiden.....always and forever my sweet boy ♥

Mama

BLM Weekend in Chicago 2013

I haven't posted here in a LOOOOOOOONG time. Too long really considering how special of a space this is for me. But after the weekend I just had it was impossible not to write about it.

From Friday to Sunday Mason and I were able to spend the weekend with some amazing mamas and babies. Beautiful rainbow babies. And not only did we get to meet all these rainbows but we were able to share the sweet little angels that brought us together.

Aiden

Cale

Andrew

Julius

Hayes

Jack

Addison

Eliza

Camille

Ava

Elizabeth

Anna

Bear

William and Ethan

It took me a few months to find the blogging world after we lost Aiden. From that horrible day in November to about January 2011 I was in a completely blinding fog. I couldn't see very much in any direction around me. And as I started to come out of the fog I began looking for someone who understood me. I scoured the internet for someone like me- who had experienced the worst possible loss in life and was still functioning. Someone who understood the insane places my mind went to every day. Someone who didn't need an explanation for the paralyzing fear I carried with me that I would lose everyone I loved now that Aiden was gone. Someone who understood my desperate need to have a living child.  Someone who just got me.

And through the blogging community I didn't just find someone. I found so many women who helped when I needed them the most. This amazing community of moms who never wanted to be a community but despite this were making the best of the horrible cards life had dealt them. I found women who supported me through my tears and sadness, who cheered for me in my small victories, who listened to the craziness that went through my head daily when I was pregnant with Mason, and who accepted me no matter what. I could be real, I could be myself.....and not be judged. That part means so much to me even today. Because there are not many situations in my life where I can be completely real and myself. Not after losing Aiden. I still have to fake it sometimes. But with my BLM friends it all the real deal Natasha.

Sad, Grumpy, Crazy, Happy, Disgusted, Pissed Off.

You name it I can be it and these ladies still accept me. No faking at all. I am so grateful for everyone I have connected with through blogging ❤

I was fortunate enough to take a trip to Minnesota in 2011 when I was pregnant with Mason to meet some BLM friends. It was a much needed trip and I spent several days letting out all my bottled up emotions with people who understood me.

Well last Friday (exactly a week ago!) Mason and I were at the airport heading to Chicago to meet some more of our friends in person. And it was amazing!

My sweet friend Caroline (Cale and Finn's mama) came to pick us up from the airport to start the weekend. Caroline and I got to meet a few months back and go to dinner with our hubbies and our rainbow boys which was great:) She took us to Brandy's house (Andrew and Benjamin's mama) where we were bombarded with love. Caroline actually carried Mason in and the first thing I heard was my favorite Southern Belle Molly (Sloane, Hayes, and Kellan's mama) say "it's Mason!" Lol!

From there it was crazy chaos! But like the best chaos ever :) Babies, mamas, toys, sippy cups, diapers, and of course......The Lawn Mower. We ended up having to hide this toy which apparently Benjamin though was just 'ehhh' but my child and Finn and a few others were seriously fighting over! I have one on order for Mason right now so hopefully it will be here soon!

Late that evening we headed to the hotel to rest up. One of my dear friends Tiffany and her daughter Juliana were our roommates. Tiffany and I have also met in person before and the last time we saw each other we were both pregnant with our rainbows who were born exactly one month apart! Tiffany is also mommy to sweet Julius who along with Aiden brought us together. Mase and Juli had a ball playing and watching cartoons on the iPad once we got settled in the hotel. Lots of fun!

Saturday was also a great day. No firm plans just a picnic in the park with a bunch of babies and mamas and some awesome dad's who also made the trip. I cannot tell you how nice it was to see all those kiddos together. Like one of the best things ever. The only thing that would have made it better would have been their sweet older siblings there with us. But I gotta tell you, I really feel that they were. I felt Aiden with me. I felt the other angel babies there with us as well. So wonderful.

It was great feeling so completely comfortable with women I had not ever technically met in person (except for 2) but who I knew so well from sharing our lives with each other through blogs, emails, texts, and pictures. Women who get me. And all my issues. Being able to hug them and share meals and laughter and tears in person? No words- just perfect. Thank you so much ladies.

And the babies. Seeing the babies that I anxiously waited for with their mamas, saying many prayers and shedding lots of tears through pregnancy ups and downs. Man, meeting and loving on them was pure joy. Again I felt like I knew them all so well already from their adorable pictures and the descriptions their moms shared of them. But their sweet little personalities in real life were enough to keep me smiling the whole weekend.

Another amazing part of the weekend was watching all the mamas mother on everyone's babies. I can't tell you how much these ladies helped me with Mason when I really needed it and I am so appreciative! The love shown to these sweet rainbows by all the mamas was just beautiful. And I can't leave out the dads! Because my friend Laura's husband (they are mama and daddy to Jack and Grace) was Mason's BFF on this trip. For real. Best friends! And Scott was so wonderful with him! Thank you guys!

Seriously I can't even name everything that was so wonderful about this trip- there are way too many. It was just what I needed when I needed it. We laughed, we cried, we shared all of our babies. It's always therapeutic to me to be able to speak openly about how I feel and not hide my emotions. Again I can only say I am so grateful for all the women who have taken me in and loved me and my babies when I needed it the most.

When Mason and I headed home Sunday I was exhausted but my heart was full of all I experienced over the weekend. I can't wait to for my next opportunity to see these ladies as well as some of my other BLM friends who weren't able to make the trip this time. Even though you were definitely thought of I can't wait to see you face to face! My heart is already ready for the next time........until 2014. Or sooner if we can manage it!

All the babies and mamas ❤ 

Haven of Hope Retreat

Every year I post about an amazing retreat held here in Texas for mothers who have experienced the loss of a child. You can see my post about the first retreat here and my post from last year here.

The third annual retreat is coming up and I hope that if you are in the area (or even if you are not) you'll consider attending. The retreat has been such a blessing to my heart and I have so many dear friends who I met there. This year it is being help March 8th-10th in Round Top, Texas. You can register from now until March 1st.  Here is the retreat flyer:

For more information on the retreat you can visit the Haven of Hope website. Susan, Marsha, and Daisy started Haven of Hope with so much love and it shows in everything they do for us mamas. If you are planning on coming to the retreat definitely let me know!

I'll leave you with their words regarding the retreat:

Haven of Hope is a non-profit ministry dedicated to walking alongside other mothers that have also suffered the loss of a child, pointing them to our HOPE in Jesus Christ.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

-II Corinthians 1:3-4

You are not alone.

It's Been A While....

My house is quiet this morning, a rare thing at 6:30 am. Usually Mason is up watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in between running circles around the dog and cats while throwing toys left and right. Usually I'm rushing to get ready for work and sneaking in hugs and kisses in between brushing my teeth and combing my hair. Usually I'm trying to feed Cam and make sure she goes out to potty while keeping Mason from running outside with her. Morning are really hectic.

But not this morning. This morning my house is quiet. My boys are sleeping and it's just me with my thoughts.

When I'm alone and it's quiet my thoughts always go to my sweet Aiden. My thoughts go to him all the time but when it's quiet I can't help but wonder what it would be like if he were here with us. I wonder if it would really be quiet right now? Or would my 2 year old be up with me. Sharing hugs and kisses and snuggles. I would give anything for those hugs and kisses. And the snuggles.......

I haven't posted since November 6th so it's definitely been a while. After Aiden's birthday I didn't have a lot to say. My thoughts were just of him constantly....of what could have been. My friend Keelen says that when it's our baby's birthday the whole month belongs to them. And I feel that way too. November is Aiden's. He was due on Thanksgiving Day and born on November 2nd. So yeah pretty much the whole month is his. And Thanksgiving (and every other holiday) will never be the same. The holidays are just hard period. Mason helps so much to give us joy during the hardest time. But not matter what it's still hard.

I'm feeling sad this morning. Yesterday I was pretty grumpy and cranky. I guess moods swings never go away. But this morning sad is definitely the overwhelming feeling. Sad for myself. Sad for some of my BLM friends who are also having a hard time.

I think so often of the last moments I had with Aiden. I wish I could hold him one more time. Smell him and feel his weight in my arms. I picture Nygel singing to him by the window in our room. It breaks my heart that I could only see it that one time. It wasn't enough. It will never be enough. I'm just sad. Heartbreakingly sad.......

I am destined for a life where my happiness and grief are intertwined forever.

I miss my son.

A life sucks moment

That's what I'm having this morning.

I am desperately trying to remind myself that despite the horribleness of losing Aiden I have a lot to be thankful for each day. But sometimes the pain overshadows everything. I don't understand why my son died. I am still so heartbroken and confused. I still miss him so much. It hurts. So bad.

Maybe it's the holidays coming up. Because I can't adequately describe how awful it is to face another holiday season without Aiden. I think this time of year just wears on me. Aiden's birthday, the fall holidays happening again, all the memories that are flooding back.

I'm not even sure of everything I want to say this morning. Not sure how to get everything that's in my head out into words that make sense.

I just miss him.

Happy 2nd Birthday Aiden

Dear Aiden,

Happy second birthday my sweet boy! Although it's so hard not being able to celebrate with you I know there are great celebrations going on for you in Heaven- with so many people who love you so much. I know that you have some amazing angel baby friends that are laughing and playing with you on your special day today too. I wish for you all the love in the universe- today and always ♥

We love you and miss you and would give anything to spend today with you instead of being so far away. Thank you for sending lots of special reminders today.....it always helps to know that you are with us.

I love you always and forever....happy birthday baby boy ♥

Love,
Mama

:::

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven 

where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are with us.

Right Now

I haven't posted in a while.....a long while. Life has been taken up with regular things. We spend our days watching Mason grow and change and be this amazing little person. And that makes me happy. He makes us happy. We smile more than I ever believed was possible again. He is an incredible boy ♥

But I still feel pain from what should have been. I feel sadness when I think of who I expected myself to be right now and the loss of who I was. I feel hurt when I remember the life that Nygel and I dreamed of for ourselves. The plans we made that have been forever changed.

Forever.

I miss this space. My space. Our space. Me and Aiden. The place where I can come to talk about him and get out all the emotions bottled up inside me. Where I can share him freely. There's so much on my heart lately. So many overwhelming thoughts and feelings.

November 2nd is so close. Closer and closer every day........

It's unreal.

Usually I reserve the word "meltdown" for Mason. He can go from happy to majorly upset in a matter of seconds. Playing with his toys and running around joyfully turns into crocodile tears and outstretched arms that only want mama 2.5 seconds later. I am always amazed at how fast his mood can change.....peaceful to meltdown.

And then I realized just how much Mase and I have in common when it comes to meltdowns. Because mine come on in a matter of seconds also. I'm happy and calm one minute and then moments later I'm a crying mess.

My own personal meltdowns.

I've been having a few lately. Meltdowns over how close his second birthday is to being here. Over how much I wish I could be doing for him every day. Over how incredibly unfair it is that my first born son is not here with us. Over how badly I miss him. So much. All.the.time.

Meltdowns for days. 

I think his birthday this year will be quiet again. Just our little family. I hope and pray that he can feel how much we love and miss him. Always.

And I try to remember that each day that goes by brings me a little closer to him again.

I love you Aiden. Always.

Ugly Horrible Grief

Grief is something that is constantly a part of my life. Constant in the life of every BLM I know. It changes but it never goes away.

I know that most people on the outside looking in think that everything is fine over this way. We have our second son who brings us incredible joy. We work. We smile. We take pictures. We spend time with family and friends.

And most days things are ok.

But grief has this insanely stealth way of sneaking back in....no matter how hard you try to escape. In the dark it slips past your best defenses and attacks you when you least expect it.

Dramatic? Maybe. But that's how I'm feeling right now.

This week as been incredibly rough. Full of ugly, nasty, horrible grief.

Monday I woke up at about 2:45 am. Not because of a hungry, teething baby needing some loving from mama. But because of memories of another sweet baby. A baby who I can only mother and love from a far no matter how much I wish otherwise.

It's funny how some memories from those first few days are so vivid. The one that hit me early on Monday morning was a conversation I had with the funeral home director the day after I left the hospital. We were discussing exactly what would happen with Aiden and the options we had at that point. What an effin conversation to have. Never in my life did I think I would be discussing my baby's final arrangements around a big walnut conference table with a box of tissue covered with a gold plated box placed directly in front of me because of my nonstop flow of tears. With everyone looking at me like I could pass out at any moment. And how in the world did I manage not to pass out? Because I was seriously ready to die with Aiden. Passing out would have at least given me some kind of relief.

As I spoke with the funeral director about what they would do with my son's body until his memorial service I lost it. I cried uncontrollably and I told her that she had to take care of him and that I was having a hard time dealing with the fact that I had to leave him. But that was only part of it. My entire thought was "what kind of horrible awful mother would leave their child?" Yep that was me- the most horrible mother in the world. I left my child. How the hell could I leave him with strangers? Rationally I knew he was already gone from this world but who the hell is rational when their child dies? All I could think was that I was the worst mother ever. I left my baby.

And that's where I was this Monday morning. Right back in that moment where I left him. Where I became the world's worst mother. Not only did I not save Aiden but then I turned around and left him in a strange place with strange people. WTF was wrong with me?

I wish I could have saved him. More than anything I wish I could have saved my son.

I hate this grief. I hate that it can take me right back to those moments that are filled with the most pain I've ever felt in my life. I recognize that the pain I feel is the price I pay for loving Aiden and for carrying him in my heart always. It's just that when it comes the grief and pain is relentless. I feel like I can't breathe sometimes. My arms long to hold Aiden just one more time.

This week has been really bad- off and on crying and meltdowns. The constant thought is my head has been "I wish I could have saved him." I can't stop thinking about why my little guy is not here with me.

My heart is breaking all over again......


Dear Aiden,

I love you so much baby boy. I miss you so much it hurts. Seriously. I cannot believe that it has been 21 months since I held you. I can't believe that 2 years is so so so close. It seems like just yesterday that I had you in my arms. I know you know how much I love and miss you but I wish I could say it with you right here. Sitting in my lap. And sharing kisses with me afterwards. 

It's so hard sometimes. Things will seem ok and then some small thing will remind me of how much I've lost- the things that I will never have because you are not here. Like having both my boys tearing up the house and getting into everything.....together. I feel so robbed of the chance to see you and Masey together. Playing, laughing, being boys. We have all lost so much.

Thank you for the sweet reminders you have set me lately. It helps to know that you are never too far away. Although it's not enough I'm grateful to have something to help me through the tough times. 

I love you Aiden always and forever. 

Love,
Mama