Yesterday I went to my mom's to sort through the baby stuff. My dad had brought it out of the garage to the house for me to sort. After an hour or so with my Mom and sister in law Rachel helping, I had gone through all the boxes. It wasn't as emotionally difficult as I had anticipated. It was a little harder than doing Lauren's clothes but it helped so much to have Rachel and my mom by my side to keep me moving.
At the end of it I was sad to see that everything that was "Camille's only" fit easily into one small box. I had so many baby girl clothes. I sent 9 big bags to charity and still had about 3 really big storage bins of special baby clothes to put into quilts. Before we left, I went out to the garage to see what else there was to bring home.
There I found more boxes my dad had not seen. I was only half done with the job. So I went back today and finished the sorting. In this load I found all the dresses I bought specifically for Camille. I filled a laundry basket of "Camille only" clothes and felt so much better. In some ways it is nice to have so little that was specifically HERS. All our baby gear is gender neutral and has been through all the kids so it won't be hard to watch another kid use it.
On the other hand, I am glad I do have a few things that were only hers. These things I can put in a hope chest and take out on the days I need to feel close to her. I can see how small she was and remember the day I bought the outfit with her in mind and the days she wore them. They become little pieces of her. It is so good to have a nice pile of little pieces of her life here with us.
Now I just have to find an organized way and place to store all these boxes. Ah another chore for tomorrow...
12 comments:
I'm impressed you have the energy and strength to undergo a task like this. I can only imagine how hard it was to sort through those clothes. I'm glad you found more Camille only outfits. I am sure it will be something you will always treasure.
My sister had a stillborn baby at 38 weeks and another sister made her 2 white dresses and bonnets, one to bury her in, another to keep to tell her other children about their sister. A good friend of theirs had it framed in a shadow box along with a picture and mementos and it hangs in my sisters room above her rocking chair and the other kids often ask questions about her and say they can't wait to meet their big sister. When you were talking about Camille's special dresses, I wondered if you might want to do something similar to hang up?? Just a thought.
((HUGS))
Jamie in MD
Our love and support are being sent your way. Good job, Steph!
I love that you are putting some of her things in a hope chest, what a wonderful idea. After my Grandma passed away I took her nurse uniform from WWII and put it in a large shadow box with a few other small things and put it up on our wall and I love having it. Like the comment a few above this said. I don't know that you would want something like that up yet but maybe someday. All my love.
Yes I do plan on doing a shadow box for each of my girls with their blessing day dress in it. Thanks ladies!
Stephanie
I didn't even actually know Camille and I miss her.
My step mother made me the cutest shadow box of Mia's things. It has a dress, & pj's for the background. Then it has a hairbow, comb, bracelet, binky, toy and shoes. It is about 12x18 or so. I just love it. It is all glued in very tight so it doesn't move. Just a thought for you. I also have a tote full of all of my precious clothes, blankets, some toys, and other memories of her. What a great task you have completed. Love, Nicole - Mia's mom ^i^
I have been praying for you. When you wrote that you would be going through the baby clothes on Monday, you became stuck in my mind. I am so glad you had family support while taking on this feat. I am glad you have Camille's special clothes for the times you need them most. Thank you for your blog, your openness and honesty about your feelings and sharing your hope through Christ.
I'm so glad it went well for you, Stephanie.
Love to you,
Jane
I found something called a LIFE CHEST, it is smaller than a Hope Chest and I put items to remember my two babies in there. Some things from the hospt., papers, footprints, baby blanket, pics. ect.
What a wonderful thing to have done...and to keep just her special things close to you.
Love you friend.
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