Today we took Aubrey to the cemetery to visit baby Gary's grave for the first time. We brought some potted flowers and a bracelet the hospital had given us when she was born that says "I'm a big brother". It was really emotional for me to bring her there. For the first time since she was born I felt like I had both my babies with me. I always feel like he's with me in spirit but physically I feel that closeness only at the cemetery. It felt like our family was whole. Sometimes it surprises me how much I still miss my baby boy. Having Aubrey almost makes that more intense because I can see all that we missed with him... first smiles and snuggle times and hundreds of other proud mommy moments. I'm glad we brought her, though. I was always open about discussing our son and his passing before she was here and I don't plan to change that. His pictures will stay up on our family photo wall. We'll still visit the cemetery. I know it's a different reality than most kids grow up with, but I want it to feel normal to her. I don't want her brother to be a story we don't talk about. I'm so proud of both of my babies and I hope that she always knows that growing up. I wish she could have known her brother. Part of me believes that she does, in a way that none of us could ever understand. I believe that she is our gift from him, and I am so thankful for that. Sorry this became a rambling post. Thanks for letting me share.

Re: first family trip to cemetery... rainbow baby mentioned
How nice, I think that's very brave of your to teach your daughter about her brother. We plan to do the same. I want any rainbow babies to know they have a big sister in Heaven and I don't want it to be scary or weird for them, I want it to be very normal for them since they will always know about her, it's not like we'll one day tell our kids, by the way you have a sister.
My MIL believes that all new souls (not reincarnation) come from Heaven, so anyone we love in Heaven have already met them before we get to. I think that's a really nice way to think about it, so maybe Aubrey has already met her big brother. I know that doesn't work for everyone, but it comforts me to think that.
My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks. Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!
***siggy warning***
Thank you so much for sharing this. I often think about this and can't wait to take Shelby to the cemetery to see Corbin. Like you, I plan on telling Shelby all about her big brother. Your story makes me smile.
In memory of Corbin Scott 10/28/11-12/3/11. Heaven got another angel the night you left this world behind Heaven got a little better the day it took you away from me Missing you tonight, see you again sometime For now I'll close my eyes and dream of heaven tonight I'll love you forever I'll like you for always Now and Forever My baby you'll be
corbinsmommy.blogspot.com
Your day really does sound like it was beautiful, even though incredibly emotional. I'm so glad you did it and have committed to making sure Aubrey knows who her big brother is.
I often take my DS to the cemetery with me to bring flowers for Ava. He still doesn't know what it all means, but it also makes me feel good to have both of my children in the same place. It's always emotional but very healing as well.
((HUGS))
BFP#1 - 11/27/09 EDD 8/5/10, DS1 arrived 7/24/10 via emergency c-section.
BFP#2 - 6/18/12 EDD 2/23/13, sweet baby girl born sleeping on 10/4/12 at 19 weeks, 3 days.
BFP #3 - 1/18/13 EDD 10/1/13, natural mc on 2/2/13 at 5 weeks, 4 days.
BFP #4 - 8/29/13 EDD 5/12/14, our sweet rainbow, DS2 born 4/29/14 via c-section
Your story made my heart melt. I'm so glad you were able to have your whole family there and share Gary with his new sister. We also plan to tell DS and our rainbow(s) about Devon, as he will always be a part of our lives. Thank you so much for sharing that story.