114 – Sun, Jun 24, 2018, 1:15 PM
June 1, 2019
I miss those moments now, that time when I felt complete in my grief. Because now I yearn for community, and it’s missing.
Aunt Alexis
- She was my strongest support in planning for Adrian, and the person I leaned on after his death. She would have been the sweetest aunt to him. Our relationship is complicated, but I’m thankful to have her in my life.
110 – Sun, Jun 3, 2018, 9:11 AM
June 1, 2019
The first night I left the house after Alexis* left, I was in a daze. I had walked these streets playing Pokemon Go not even that long ago. It felt like another lifetime.
079 – Wed, Jan 17, 2018, 4:24 PM
January 1, 2019
I remember that last visit to the midwife. You were 39 weeks and 6 days. I sat on the table, holding my enormous belly, and I told her I was ready, that everything was ready for you to come, but I was content to wait.
054 – Mon, Nov 7, 2017, 8:10 PM
November 1, 2018
They left me alone. After you were born and we had taken pictures and they checked all my vitals and everything was as okay as it was ever going to be, they all packed their things and went away.
035 – Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 11:09 AM
September 1, 2018
I’m not living, without you. My body eats and drinks and works and sleeps. I visit with it sometimes. Sometimes I visit with you. Sometimes I feel you in my arms. Sometimes I see you in visions, memories.
034 – Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 8:28 PM
September 1, 2018
I felt the water rushing out of me. I noticed with such a detached feeling that it was almost like peeing, except I had no control. Then I looked down, and saw that it was all blood. My first thought was this was proof something was wrong with me. My second was that maybe I was dying.
029 – Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 9:50 PM
August 1, 2018
Life is coming back to me. I hate it, it makes me feel disloyal to you. I hate feeling my mind engage, hate losing my focus on everything about you.
025 – Sun, Aug 6, 2017 at 12:26 AM
August 1, 2018
I don’t sleep normally. I’m tired all day, but I have trouble at night. I often forget what day it is.
11 July 2018; Memories of Adrian’s Funeral
July 11, 2018
One year ago today, I put on a black blouse and oversized skirt, tried to put make-up on my face. I should have known better. I never made it far into the day without tears.
020 – Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 2:29 PM
July 1, 2018
I had a fantasy of how it would go. I would wake up early in the morning, and it would start. I would walk to Alexis’s room and tell her, calmly, that it was time.
018 – Sun, Jul 9, 2017 at 1:32 PM
July 1, 2018
I think your Aunt Alexis worries about me. I worry about me. I am going through the motions, but inside I feel helpless. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
21 June 2018, 4:58pm; Memories of my Last Prenatal Appointment before Adrian Died
June 21, 2018
One year ago today, I went in for my last check up with the midwives. My son was due one year ago tomorrow. They measured my belly, they checked my urine. They asked if I had any questions or concerns. Was this a formality? Because my questions were ignored, and warning signs were missed.
Suicidal Feelings After the Death of my Child
June 1, 2018
For more than a year after my son’s death by stillbirth, I experienced suicidal feelings and thoughts. This is my story of how I coped and finally chose to live.
Physical Body After Stillbirth
June 1, 2018
One of the least-talked-about aspects of stillbirth and pregnancy loss is that postpartum bodies still carry weight & produce milk, whether you have a living child or not. This is my journey with my postpartum body after stillbirth.
The First Days
June 1, 2018
After Adrian’s death, I came home from the hospital to a fully furnished nursery and without a living child. I wanted nothing more than to sleep for weeks, but I had to deal with milk, and funeral planning, and all the minutiae of being postpartum without a living child.
29 June 2017
June 1, 2018
29 June 2017: The day my son died – When she couldn’t find a heartbeat with the doppler, I think the idea started to form in my head, but I wasn’t quite ready…I remember the doctor’s face as he said the words, “I’m sorry.” My next memory is of someone screaming. It was me.
Planning, Conception, & Pregnancy
June 1, 2018
The story of how I planned for conception and pregnancy as a single mother by choice (SMC), the process of becoming pregnant, and the sheer joy in looking forward to my son Adrian’s birth.
014 – Thu, Jun 29, 2017 at 6:53 PM
June 1, 2018
I don’t understand it, little one. I don’t understand how you could be here, and then not. I don’t understand how you’re still in my belly, but you’re already gone. I don’t understand how the world makes sense anymore. I never got to hold you, and I miss you so much. My heart is broken.
012 – 39w6d(2) – So close!
June 1, 2018
I had my 40 week appointment (a day early) this morning. The midwife said you are doing well, and should be ready to join us any day now. I’m ready whenever you are.
004 – 12w1d – Your Tiny Feet
June 1, 2018
The books say you like to move around a lot right now, and you did not disappoint. At one point, I even saw the bottoms of your tiny, tiny feet. I think you’re perfect 🙂
003 – 10w2d – A Little Bit of a Belly
June 1, 2018
You’re a little over 10 weeks today….You have fingers and toes, and you’re growing fingernails right now. If I had an ultrasound today, you would look like a tiny little human being.
002 – 7w3d – Pickles and ice cream?
June 1, 2018
You are about the size of a blueberry now, and your arms and legs have started to grow. I started looking at nursery furniture. I’m leaning towards Dumbo.
14 Feb 2018 – I love you. Please.
February 14, 2018
There was a time when I was broken. (I’m still broken). There was a time when I struggled to get out of bed. (I still struggle to get out of bed). There was a time when all of this was so much harder / more immediate. There was a time when I needed help with almost everything. But not all things. I still remembered how to eat and go to the bathroom. I still knew how to put on my own clothes.
