Celebrating the Firsts

Losing a child during pregnancy can make you feel like you lose all of the "firsts", too. First smiles, first steps, first words, and first birthdays. It is easy to focus on those firsts we lose because we were planning a whole lifetime of firsts, seconds, and more. While they may not be the traditional "firsts", it can be comforting to think about, share memories of, and maybe record in a scrapbook the firsts that you did get to experience with your child.

• The first time the line turned pink on the pregnancy test.
• The first time you told someone you were expecting.
• The first names you started thinking of for your child.
• The first doctor appointment you attended.
• The first time you lovingly patted your belly.
• The first baby item you wanted to buy for your child.
• The first time you imagined your child's face.

Cherish these firsts and others that remind you of the joy of parenting your child. What ways do you honor the memory of your child?

---