It's absolutely crazy to think that we are approaching her one year birthday, my heart and emotions know the day is coming. Grief spikes at the one year mark, I thought I would be exempt. Not because I'm so tough and strong, but because of all the healing that has taken place, as the days continue on though, I realize that I'm not exempt and that's okay. I feel like I'm not only grieving the loss of Arabella, but the loss of Baby Feeah, and the months that have gone by with an empty womb and empty arms. I feel I was created to be a mother, and when the clock keeps ticking and I'm trying really really hard to do what I can to help the process (and yes it's fun, thank you God for inventing things the way you did, wink wink) it's tougher on me emotionally. Mayla is adorable, but she wears her emotions on the outside too (poor Will having to deal with two of us), and when she lies in bed at night and we are praying for God to open mommy's womb for another baby and you see your three year old sobbing because she wants a sibling, it's really really hard! Grief has been real, raw and JUST like the books say, random!
I've been thinking for months about her one year birthday, and playing around with a lot of ideas, but this idea that I've borrowed from a dear dear friend of mine SETS ME ON FIRE with excitement!
You're invited to celebrate Arabella Nani Elli's birthday with us! The theme we learned during Arabella's life and death was to #CELEBRATEEVERYTHING! It's tough some days, but we are doing it! And we would like your help to keep it going! Since Arabella isn't here to shower gifts upon, we invite you to bring us gifts, in honor of Arabella, that we will forward on to a place that is near and dear to our heart, Alpha Women's Center (https://www.alphawc.org/). I have been there a couple times and it's an amazing place. They care for pregnant mommies, unplanned and planned, and care for the babies and the needs they have after birth. Part of their vision is "Changing Hearts, Changing Lives. Changing Generations". Since losing Arabella, this place has meant more to me; Those going the distance to help others realize that every life matters!
SOOOOOOOOOO It's Party time.............
In remembrance of Arabella on her birthday, August 19th, we will go to Alpha Women's center and drop off the gifts. I can not tell you the giddiness I have spiraling through my body at the thought of this. Gifts can be dropped off to our porch (or inside my home if I'm home and maybe we could have cookies together and chat), mailed to me, or I can pick things up or meet you somewhere! THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can PM me if you are interested in coordinating a drop off or for my mailing address. Email address is keri.ellis22@gmail.com in case you want to communicate that way!
So what can you give? Good question. Here is the list: SO FUN!!!!!!!!
NEW AND USED ACCEPTED:
• Children’s clothing – preemie to 6T
• Maternity Clothing and Nursing Bras
• Winter coats, hats, mittens, scarves, boots for all sizes
• Infant Bedding
• Burp clothes and Bibs
• Socks and tights for babies and children
• Children’s bath towels, wash clothes and bath toys
• Toys and books – new or like new for our Christmas Shoppe
• Batteries any size to repair toys
• Children’s utensils, dishes and Sippy cups
• Back packs and school supplies
NEW ITEMS NEEDED:
• Diapers size newborn-6 (most needed: size 3, 4 and 5)
• New infant outfits, booties, toys, blankets, onesies
• Baby bottles and nipples
• Feminine products and toiletries
• Shampoo for women and babies
• Pack-n-plays
• Gift cards to Target, Staples, Office Max, Meijer, Family Fare, Gordon Foods, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, Michael’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Baby’s R Us, Toys R Us, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club or other stores in our area.
Today I ran over and visited my girl. I told her what I was up to and the huge celebration that is to come! The image that plays through my mind, as if it's on a big screen, is the one when she was leaving this world and had a huge smile on her face! I can picture her smiling like that in heaven! Oh the surrendering, oh the relinquishing, and OH the JOY!!!!!
 |
| We prayed for all of you too as we shared peaceful time alone this morning. |
There's a party goin' on right here
A dedication to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate and party with you
Come on now, celebration
Let's all celebrate and have a good time, yeah yeah
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
It's time to come together
It's up to you, what's your pleasure?
Everyone around the world come on!
Yahoo!
It's a celebration
Yahoo!
It's a celebration
Celebrate good times, come on!
(Let's celebrate come on now)
Celebrate good times, come on!
(Let's celebrate)
