How do you celebrate your baby's birthday?

First of all, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My situation is a bit different from yours in that I lost one of my twins and not the other. I have to celebrate with my survivor each year, but one thing that we do that is special just for my other daughter is have a special flower arrangement made to "match" the decorations at the party and take it to her gravesite. It's hard because no matter how long it has been, but I try to honor her by talking about her on their birthday as well. I hope that you're able to do what you are comfortable with to honor your precious little one.

Tracy

I'm so sorry your son isn't here to celebrate his second birthday. I haven't gone through my daughters birthday yet, so I'm interested to see what others have done also. I really hope you get a lot of posts on this topic. Thank you so much for starting this!! And I hope you are able to get through tomorrow with some peace, and I will be thinking of you and your family.

Kelly

I am so sorry for your loss. I have not had to go through this horrible pain you must be experiencing. I have seen some creative ideas on this site, such as releasing balloons to heaven and traditional memorials such as gravesite visitations. I would encourage you to do what you feels right for you and your family. I wish you peace on his birthday.
Ellen

My daughters first heavenly birthday is Sunday. She is a former 23 weeker that lived to be 3 years old. She died from pulmonary hypertension. I have thought about what would we do. Its just my husband and I so there will be no gathering of any kind, but we are going to buy a dozen balloons like we did for her every year. I am going to attach a little a card with my email address and urls to both my blog here and on myspace. I am also going to request a quick email letting me know how far the ballon travelled.

I am so sorry for your loss and I hope whatever you did today brought you some sort of peace.

Take care,
Yolonda

I'm very sorry to hear about all of your losses. It is so hard, especially on those milestone days. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.

I decided to make a donation to MOD in Sam's name. For me that was the best way to make me feel better about the day, like I could help someone else who may be going through the same thing.

This morning I sang happy birthday to him and told him I loved him. Tonight I will go through the hope chest of his things from the hospital and cards we received, etc.

Yolonda, my thoughts will be with you on Sunday. Having your daughter for three years and then losing her is such an awful tragedy. I'm so sorry.

Thanks to everyone for responding!

Happy Birthday to Sam!! I'm glad you found something that has helped you on his birthday. I hope that getting out his things will help you feel close to him today. Thinking of you.

Kelly

A very happy heavenly birthday to your little Sam. I'm so glad the day was met with peace. A donation is his name is a beautiful way to honor him and ensure his imprint on this world is felt for a lifetime and more.

I'm very thankful you have started this thread. My daughter's 1st birthday is coming up in a few weeks and we have struggled deciding how to spend the day. We've finally decided on getting away to a little cottage off the beaten path where we can do what our hearts say without being under the microscope of anyone.

Lauren

I know I am late, but Happy Birthday Sam. What a wonderful thing you did in his honor! I know he is very proud of his Mommy. Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope that you had some sort of peace yesterday. Like Lauren I am very thankful you started this thread. I love reading what other mother's did to honor their angels on their special days.

Take good care,
Yolonda

I celebrate everyday as if my son was here and on Feb,5th 2009 he was born and then he died 4 days latter, Feb,9 2009 and on June 5th he would have been 5 months on and I will celebtrate on that day.