Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Most people, myself previously included, would never have cause or reason to think about today unless they (or someone close to them) had lived through the loss of a pregnancy, baby or child. There are so many out there who belong to this "club"(for lack of a better word), and all of us, if asked, would prefer not to belong. But that was not the path that was chosen for us, and so we remember our Aaron today, along with so many others.
In memory of those babies who have gone Home, take some time tonight to light a candle in your window at 7 p.m. Most people won't notice, but to those who truly "know" the meaning of today, the light will mean something very special as they smile and remember their little one.
What Makes A Mother
by Jennifer Wasik
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
And I know I heard Him say.
A Mother has a baby
This we know is true.
But God can you be a Mother
When your baby's not with you?
Yes, you can, He replied,
With confidence in His voice
I give many women babies
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
But there's no need to stay.
I just don't understand this, God
I want my baby here...
He took a breath and cleared His throat
And then I saw a tear.
I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile
With other children and say
"We go to earth and learn our lessons
of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a Mom
Who had so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quickly
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow's where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And whisper in her ear
"Mommy don't be sad today
I'm your baby and I'm here."
So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are OK.
Your babies are here in My Home
And this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with Me
Until your lesson is through
And on the day that you come Home
They'll be at the gates for you.
So now you see what makes a Mother
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
Though some may not realize
until their time is done,
Remember all the love you have
And know you are a special MOM.
Levi also enjoyed spending some quality down time with some of his favorite girls... :)
He tried to stare down the candle to get the flame to go out...it didn't work. So mommy helped...
Everyone enjoyed their cupcakes!
Levi had so much fun on his birthday that last night he said he wanted to have another one. I think we'll wait another year on that. ;) 
Scott had fun playing in the hay with Levi, although there was a bit of a yelling match about jumping...
The pink one was pretty fun, too!
I wish I could've gotten some great action shots, but every one I tried to get was blurry. I'm hoping there might be a new camera in my future...an anniversary/birthday/Christmas/new baby camera, perhaps? :) (Scott, if you're reading this, that's a hint!).
He also LOVED the petting zoo. They didn't have any pigs this year, but there were tons of hungry, friendly goats. At first, he was a little timid offering up the carrots to his new friends...
Then he decided he liked for the goats and sheep to lick the carrots out of his hand.
We just finished celebrating Scott's birthday last week and are gearing up for Nanny's birthday next week. Levi will celebrate his THIRD birthday in a couple of weeks. It's hard to believe he will soon be three, but it's been a very fun ride to get here!
