What to do with her clothing?

[Deb Stoner]

I have the fuzzy, pink outfit that Marah wore at the hospital and I've often wondered what to do with it. I hung it in her closet for a while on a pretty satin hanger. Then Marah's room became Gretchen's room. Everytime I opened Gretchen's closet, Marah's outfit was staring at me. Once, I thought maybe I would put it on Gretchen, just to see what it would look like. Afterall, Gretchen is wearing all of Marah's "handmedowns". Then, I came to my senses and knew that it would send me into crying hysterics. Another thought came to mind...I'll frame all of the children's outfits that they wore at the hospital. That would be cute. However, reality says I'm really running out of wall space and I love photos so much more. Sooooo, I found the Tammy Bear link on the site (not the Tammy we all know, she makes cakes, not bears.:) ). I decided today to send for a custom bear that will be made out of Marah's clothes and blanket. I don't want Marah's clothes to be in a box or hanging in a closet. I decided that when the time is right, I will give that bear to Marah's sister, Gretchen. Perhaps it will help her understand the love we have for her sister and when she snuggles it, she will know that her sister was actually those clothes! I'd like to hear what you all have done with your children's clothing and other items.
www.tammybears.com (http://www.tammybears.com)
ps Part of the proceeds go back to NILMDTS

[Megan Kitchin]

Hi, Deb!!!

What a wonderful idea!!!! Gretchen will love the bear!

Grayson and Zane did not wear any clothes as they were too small. I have the hats they wore sealed and in a memory box. Not very exciting, but they still smell like the boys, so I don't have the heart to do anything else with them.

I can't wait to see the bear!

Megan

[Cheryl Haggard]

Deb-I have this beautiful cream and baby blue silk blanket that I bought for Maddux. I laid it inside his crib, waiting for him. (I am going to see if I can scan the embroidery work on it.) It is beautiful. I did not donate this with his other stuff. And he was never able to use it. But I didn't know what to do with it. I have talked with Tammy several times, and had wanted to send her the blanket that we wrapped Maddux in, but just can't bring myself to part with it, SO I AM GOING TO TAKE YOUR SUGGESTION AND SEND IN THIS BLANKET:D I am so excited.

Also-if you are interested-(I don't know how much more it would cost-) But Tammy can weight the bear close to Marah's weight at birth.

Below is the image of his blanket. It says Cuddle Me~Laugh with Me~Grow with Me~Dream with Me. The images are- A baby with a curl on top of his head ~ a Star ~ A Heart ~ and a Prince with a crown ~ and then 2 Little Foot prints -

The maker of this blanket is "Barefoot Dreams." We should look them up and see if they would donate...to our families?????

Deb-Again-Thanks so much for this idea:p

[Cheryl Haggard]

P.S. I got off my hiney for a few minutes today, and sent the blanket off to Tammy. I am really excited. This is something that Tammy and I have talked about for awhile now. Deb-Is she doing an actual bear for you, or is the entire bear going to be clothing. Mine is going to be all clothing. No bear parts...

[Deb Stoner]

I want mine to be all clothing so it is " all Marah's things". She said she could make the facial expressions so I decided to do sweet and smiley--but not too smiley. I don't think I will do Marah's birth weight--it would wigg me out too much. I'll post the photo when I get it back.

[kelly bennett]

did either of you get these bears back? Id love to see them.

[Cheryl Haggard]

Here is my little bear...
Deb, Please post an image of Marah's bear...It is beautiful.

[kelly bennett]

omg that is just beautiful! Thank you for posting it!

[motherofthree]

I don't know if I could have Kavya's clothes cut up. I didn't wash them after we got home from the hospital, and they still smell just like her. It's the same with her blanket. I open up the ziplock bags I have stored them in and just inhale. It takes me back and gives me chills every time. I will never forget her beautiful smell.

But the memorial bears are beautiful - a beautiful idea. I wish I had something else I could do one with. Maybe one day after the smell fades and I heal a little more...