Noah's Memory Garden

My grandparents came up last night to spend some time with us, love getting to spend some time with them. Today we were able to plant Noah's memory garden we've been planning. Gardening is not one of my gifts so I was very glad they came up to do this for us. We planted a peony and lily of the valley bulbs but while we are waiting for them to sprout, we planted some periwinkles and million bells. I'm excited for everything to start growing now. Here are some pictures of our project. I'll share more as things start growing as well. Hope everyone is having a good Saturday!

Before

Filling in the hole

 Flowers planted

 Mulch added - Finished!

The World Keeps Spinning

Just another small update since I have been slacking on this blog. Aaron and I are continuing to heal. Easter was hard for both of us. The first holiday without Noah. I sometimes wonder when or if things will ever get easier or better. I just keep hoping and praying that someday it will. For now, it feels like the world keeps spinning and I'm stuck standing still, not able to move with it. 


One bright moment over the past week, our nephew, Gabriel Ryan, was born last Wednesday. He looks just like my brother. It seems the Shores side of our family is continuing to stay dominant. I had so many mixed emotions when he was born, but one thing is for sure...he is a blessing, a little healing life in the midst of our sadness. 


As far as future plans go for now we're keeping it simple. Small goals to work towards. I'm continuing to lose the pregnancy weight,  27 pounds down, 9 to go. I'm planning a new hair style as well and am looking forward to that. I also have my 6 week post pregnancy doctor's appointment next week so hopefully we can talk to the doctor about future plans. Also looking forward to wearing my yellow shirt on May 6. 


Just a small glimpse of our lives right now. We hope everyone is doing well in their own lives!

Day by Day

Just a small update on how we're doing. Aaron is back at work this week. While I enjoyed having him at home with me I know he's glad to be back at work, staying busy helps.  


I'm continuing to improve physically, moving around is easier every day. Unfortunately, I'm either coming down with a cold or allergies are kicking in full force. All I've done today is cough and sneeze. Which, if you have ever had a c-section, you know is very unpleasant. Throw in the sore throat and I thought it best to take it easy today. Hopefully whatever I have passes quickly.


I'm trying to slowly increase the exercise to lose the pregnancy weight. It's hard because I want to dive right into the exercise and I can't do as much as I want to right now. I've found that having some goals for down the road helps me deal with the day to day living without Noah. Right now my goals are to walk a mile without hurting, losing the pregnancy weight (so far I'm down 24 pounds!), and attempting to stay on top of the laundry. After that I'll figure something out. 


Emotionally, things are coming along more slowly, which is probably normal. It's easy to get out of the house and be around strangers, people that don't know my story so they don't ask questions. It's harder to be around people I know, who want to give a hug and ask how I'm doing. Please don't be offended if I keep my answers short. Right now it's easier to handle if I'm not asked about it. Someday I will be able to talk in person about everything, about Noah, but right now it's easier to not. I'm still waiting on the day that I make it 24 hours without crying. But I will get there. I will say that not all days are filled with ugly crying. Some days I make it through with just a few tears. For now I'll take that improvement.


I also want to mention Wishbone Day on May 6. Wishbone Day's purpose is to raise awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. You don't have to go anywhere or spend money. All you have to do is wear yellow on May 6. If you are interested, just click on the little wishbone man on this page and it should take you to their webpage for more information. 


We are so thankful for the prayers and support we are continuing to receive. Right now just pray for our families and our continued healing. Also please remember my brother and his wife, they are expecting their first baby anytime, just pray that everything goes smoothly for them. 

Where Joy and Sorrow Meet

It seems right now the only type of post we've had have been sad ones and with the way things have been, I don't think anyone would blame us. We have our happy moments mixed with the sad. For example, Aaron and I are playing some classic Mario on the Wii that he got for his birthday today (I'm winning right now, better enjoy that while it lasts!) Talk about taking you back a few years. 


I'm doing pretty good as far as recovering from the c-section is going. I've been up walking around quite a bit. My mind is ready to do more than my body is allowing though.


I wanted to share one of the songs we had played at Noah's memorial. I have loved this song since I first heard it. I cried through most of the service, but listening to this song brought some peace because the words are so true. I hope in sharing it might bring some peace to someone that needs it.

Where Joy and Sorrow Meet

There’s a place of quiet stillness ‘tween the light and shadows reach
Where the hurting and the hopeless seek everlasting peace
Words of men and songs of angels whisper comfort bittersweet
Mending grief and life eternal where joy and sorrow meet


There is a place where hope remains

In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus’ feet
Where joy and sorrow meet


There’s a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat

Full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing, strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet


There’s a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep

And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep
There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat
At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet


There is a place where hope remains

In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus’ feet
Where joy and sorrow meet