If this is any indication...

So, here we are on January 8th, 2011. Officially one week into the new year, and so much has happened already! As the days pass, I think more and more about the fact that in just 3 short months, River would be 2. TWO!? It still at times doesn't seem real, that my first child was born 2 years ago, and he isn't here to hold, play with and snuggle to sleep at night.

On that note, Asher started walking this week, pushing his little toy around the living room, and he is so good at it! He is not quite 10 months, and Ben and I were just laughing, because he'd slip onto his bottom and get right back up! Through all of this I wondered, about River. When would he have started to walk? Asher is also finally getting his top teeth in the front, and I wonder what River's smile would have looked like. So hard, I will never know. I know that he is pushing me, his mommy, to do so many things. To try and help as many people as I can. He is guiding me through almost every day.

Which leads me to River's Run & Ride Rally. We have begun getting ready for 2011's main event, which happens to fall on Mother's Day weekend this year. We started soliciting donations, and have gotten some wonderful responses already!

Angel Bracelets is donating a certificate for purchase of their products, Carly is donating some of her beautiful photography, it's so amazing! The list goes on, we are going to be Franchesca's "Pay It Forward" recipient in March - which means that a portion of all of her blog designs for that month will be given to us! I don't know about you, but so far, I'd say that we are off to a wonderful start! I am also working with another amazing mommy, Melissa, on some items for silent auction. She did a giveaway a while back where I won a beautiful memory box. It is gorgeous!

The one thing all of these women have in common is that they have lost their babies. It takes my breath away, the generosity of these ladies in memory of their children. I guess it's something that comes with the pain, learning to pay it forward. I want to personally thank each of them, and I look forward to working with them on projects in the future.

The last big thing that happened this week, is that Ben and I are officially chapter leaders of The Compassionate Friends. This is a support group for bereaved families, and the closest one was an hour away. We are honored to be able to help families, and give them a safe place to talk about their children, and remember them. It is a big step, I was almost in tears. Never in my life did I ever imagine I could possibly have the strength to do something like this. I guess I never imagined that I would be a "bereaved parent" either and I somehow am moving through life with that title, so I can do this too! Our first meeting is in a week and a half! Wish me luck :)

I think that covers the first week of 2011. If this week is any indication of what's in store for this year, I have my work cut out for me! I am going to try and get some pictures uploaded of the beautiful ornaments and things we received for River this holiday season. I cherish every one of them!