• Home
  • About
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy
  • Press
  • Work With Us
    • Creatives + Brands
    • Interior Design + Decorating
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

STAY AWHILE

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy
  • Press
  • Work With Us
    • Creatives + Brands
    • Interior Design + Decorating
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

A Hosting Home

Styling and Inspiration + Handcrafted Designs

Baby & Family, Coffee with Cathy, Winter

A Way to Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas

A Way To Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas / A Hosting Home Blog

Remembering Layne This Christmas

Christmas comes just 8 months after our sweet Layne passed away. And to be 100% transparent, I have been struggling with the holidays this year. As I looked forward to all the festivities and plans, I really didn’t know how I was going to get through them. I have good days and bad days. However, I think my feelings can ultimately be summed up as: a feeling of disappointment and feeling like there is something big missing. Naturally, there were so many things we were excited for and looking forward to this Christmas with Layne. To not have him here (and to have the constant reminder that he isn’t), it’s just been hard.

Let me be clear, I don’t think I’ve ever felt angry or upset with God about what happened with Layne. My tears and feelings don’t reflect a lack of faith. I actually feel like my faith is now stronger than it has ever been. But rather, I consider my grief to be my flesh’s natural response to brokenness in a broken world. I love that Nancy Guthrie says, “Tears are a gift from God that help to wash away the deep pain of loss.” If you’re the loved one of someone walking through grief this holiday season, I invite you to read this article I found by Nancy Guthrie about ‘What Grieving People Wish You Knew at Christmas.’ 

READ ALSO: Life Lately | No. 07 – Layne Thomas’s Birth Story

I know where Layne is, and I know he’s okay. In reality, he’s doing better than the rest of us. For that, I praise God for – because of His son, I have the hope and confidence that I’ll get to see mine again one day. Quite frankly, I’m even a bit jealous that He gets to go to Jesus’s birthday party. But when you endure the loss of a child, one of your worst fears is that they will be forgotten.

One of the hardest parts of going into the holiday season was just the fact that he wasn’t going to be here to be a part of them. I so desperately wanted to include him in the festivities like every mom gets to do with their baby, but I didn’t know how. One of my friends gave me the idea that I should come up with a tradition that I could realistically do to include Layne in the holidays each year. Thankfully, I had Rob and I’s family to help me — and this year we’ve started some new traditions to remember Layne during the holidays.

A Way To Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas / A Hosting Home Blog

A Way to Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas

If you know me, the holidays are my jam. They always have been – especially Christmas. So I’ve been thinking of ways to realistic ways I could still include Layne in Christmas each year since I’m not able to do any of the normal ‘mom’ things. Thankfully, I had Rob and I’s family to help me — and this year we’ve started some new traditions to remember Layne during the holidays. I hope this also helps you also remember your angel baby (or lost loved one) this holiday season.

Christmas Ornaments

My Christmas decor is very much styled. Rob and I haven’t really collected ornaments like we may have grown up. However, it is something we wanted to start doing. Last year as we dreamed of this Christmas, I had decided that I wanted to start a kid / family Christmas tree where our children would pick out an ornament each year and decorate the tree. Along with that, we talked about so many other traditions we wanted to start this year. But not getting to start that this year was one of the most disappointing things.

At first, I didn’t think I’d be able to start that this year. I broke down countless times in stores like Hobby Lobby passing by the baby boy ornaments. However, I soon realized that it was something I needed to do. So while Layne isn’t physically here with us, Rob and I decided to buy a little 4 ft tree from Walmart and start the tradition this year – and I’m so glad now that I did.

When we went to Walmart to get the tree, the coolest little God-wink happened. As we were pacing through the store looking for an ornament for Layne’s first Christmas, this little ornament (below) was sitting out in the open on one of the shelves all by himself. We walked around forever to see where it came from so I could look at other options, but we couldn’t find them anywhere. I really believe it was like God placed him right there on purpose… like this little ornament would’ve been the ornament that Layne would have picked. And it was absolutely perfect!

Family Portraits

Another thing we did this year that I would like to continue are family portraits including Layne’s memory. Rob and I actually originally decided to cancel our own Christmas card pictures this year — we just couldn’t imagine taking a family photo and having such a huge part of us missing this year to remind us of the hard year we’ve had. Meanwhile,  while we visited Rob’s family over the Thanksgiving holiday, we took family pictures with Rob’s entire family. Everyone decided to wear a yellow bracelet in memory of Layne, and it was so sweet. It made it feel like he was included even though we were unable to have him there. I really hope to continue that each time we do family portraits now.

You can read more about the color yellow and what it means to our story by reading Layne’s birth story, HERE.

A Way To Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas / A Hosting Home Blog A Way To Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas / A Hosting Home Blog

 

If you’re also walking into this holiday season with the grief of the loss of your child, I am so sorry. I’m SO sorry. I wish I could give you a huge hug and cry real and raw tears with you- because friend, I know your pain. It’s the kind of pain you wouldn’t even wish on your worst enemy. I know it’s hard to think about the holidays without your baby. The thought of doing anything this year to remember them may even be too much for you right now. That’s okay. But I hope this post, when you’re ready, helps you take that step to remember your angel this holiday season.

December 8, 2019

« DIY Snow Globes with Glass Jars
Books I’m Loving Lately (Christmas Gift Guide) »

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • Baby #3 Second Trimester Bumpdate / A Hosting Home BlogBaby #3: First Half & Second Trimester ‘Bumpdate’ (14 to 18 weeks)
  • Baby #3 First Trimester Bumpdate / A Hosting Home BlogBaby #3: Our First Trimester ‘Bumpdate’
  • Happy First Birthday, Baby Layne! // A Hosting Home BlogHappy 1st Birthday, Baby Layne!
  • The Best Walmart Christmas Decor Finds // A Hosting HomeThe Best Christmas Decor Finds From Walmart

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Atlanta based Award Winning Interior and Event Designer and Home Blogger Cathy Nugent

Hi, friends! I'm Cathy, a nationally published award winning designer of spaces to gather and southern belle writer based out of a small(ish) town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. However, most people know me as the Monica Geller of my friend group – a coffee connoisseur and dog mom with a huge heart for hosting and an eye for design. The heart behind what I do is simple. I want to help you be intentional on creating spaces to gather and celebrating life's precious moments - whether that be weddings, parties, or something as simple as having loved ones in your home. Living Simply, Loving Generously, and Hosting with Heart.

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

POPULAR POSTS

DIY Easter Keepsake Craft Ideas / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Easter Keepsake Craft Ideas

April 2, 2021

How To Make a Design Board (for free!) / A Hosting Home Blog

How To Create a Design Board (for free!)

February 20, 2021

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper / A Hosting Home Blog

Using Rub n Buff to Update Antique Hardware

February 3, 2021

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper / A Hosting Home Blog

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper

January 24, 2021

DIY Salt Dough Keepsake Ornaments / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Salt Dough Keepsake Ornaments

December 15, 2020


I’m not going to mind doing dishes with a pretty I’m not going to mind doing dishes with a pretty view like this. ✨💛 I hung these DARLING cafe curtains in my kitchen today, and I can’t get enough of the gold details with the rod, rings, and medallions. I still need to install cabinet hardware, but I’m really loving how everything is coming together in our new house. I’m feeling so inspired with embracing new styles and I hope you are too following along!  #ahostinghome 

Shared a closer look on stories today! Shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Futt #liketkit #shopltk #ltkhome

•
•
•
•
•
#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #kitchendesign #kitchen #whitekitchen #whitekitchencabinets #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousekitchen #modernfarmhousedecor #modernfarmhousedesign #transitionaldesign #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #interiordesignstyles #bhg #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhglivebetter
Building raised garden beds and planting with a to Building raised garden beds and planting with a toddler who just wanted to  dig and bury tools and throw dirt everywhere was as about as chaotic as you could imagine. (Forget wood for a second, have you seen how expensive DIRT is this year?! 🤦🏼‍♀️) Rob built me raised beds at our old house after Layne passed away and learning to garden became such a labor of love for me. We really missed having a garden last summer after we sold our old house and moved into the rental, so we were so excited to get started and plan another set of raised beds for this year for the new house. It’s a start — and we can’t wait to expand this little garden area even more as we go. 💛🪴 Are you excited for your garden this year? What are you growing?! #ahostinghome 

#raisedbeds #raisedgardenbeds #raisedbedgarden #raisedgarden #raisedbedgardening #gardening #backyardgarden #bhghome #mybhg #bhglivebetter
Can I just say that if you’ve been on the fence Can I just say that if you’ve been on the fence about a bold design decision… to just do it! After I shared the black living room wall, I had a few friends tell me they wanted to do the same in other spaces in their home and they chickened out. Especially when it comes to paint, I say just go for it! Paint is one of the easiest ways to completely transform the look and feel of your home. It’s only paint — and that’s the beauty of it! If you hate it you can always paint it back. So instead of asking what if you hate it, ask yourself what if you LOVE it?! 🖤👏🏼 #ahostinghome 

// shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3EXef

// Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in eggshell/satin in the Duration line // Walls are Extra White by #sherwinwilliamspaint 

#tricornblack #sherwinwilliams #sherwinwilliamstricornblack #sherwinwilliamsextrawhite #blackaccentwall #blackwall #accentwall #interiordesign #interiordesigner #interiordesignideas #homedecor #homedesign #homedesignideas #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #transitionaldesign #homestyling #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #bhg #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhglivebetter #mybhg #bhgcolor #swcolorlove
About the only thing I managed to get done this we About the only thing I managed to get done this weekend with a sick toddler was the little gallery wall in our dining room. I found these wireless battery operated gold gallery lights on Amazon and they are AMAZING. Comes in 3 colors, under $35, and super easy to install. I love how it just added a little something and made it look more high end. 😍👏🏼 #ahostinghome 

// shop via @shop.ltk here ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Ep2B

tags // #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #gallerywall #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #transitionaldesign #transitionalstyle #transitionaldecor #diningroom #diningroomdecor #diningroomdesign #ltkhome #bhg #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhglivebetter
My living room took a complete transformation this My living room took a complete transformation this evening — and I’m so in love! (You really didn’t think I’d part with these floral curtains did you?! 🤪) I always talk about the power of paint… but there’s also so much power in drapery, friends! I love how cozy they make our new home feel and how it just feels like “us” now with them up. ❤️ #ahostinghome
•
•
•
•
•
#interiordesign #interiordesignideas #interiorstyling #livingroomdecor #livingroom #traditionaldecor #transitionaldesign #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #traditionalhome #homedecor #homedesign #floralcurtains #livingroominspiration #livingroomideas #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousedecor #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhg
✨ Progress ✨ I’m so excited to finally be at ✨ Progress ✨ I’m so excited to finally be at the point of unpacking that I can start decorating a little bit! What do you think of the vibe in here so far? Hoping to get the kitchen cabinet hardware on this weekend! #ahostinghome 

p.s. I’ve also got big plans to refinish these table and chairs soon! 😍

•
•
•
•
•
#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #kitchendesign #kitchen #whitekitchen #whitekitchencabinets #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousekitchen #modernfarmhousedecor #modernfarmhousedesign #transitionaldesign #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #interiordesignstyles
After all the rain, we finally got the wire backin After all the rain, we finally got the wire backing, our gates done, and the fence finished this week! 😍 We had a fencing company local to us do it, and they did an amazing job. We had a fence like this at our old house, and we loved how open it made our back yard feel while still keeping the dogs in. With the dogs, the fence was project priority No. 1 after we moved in — and I must say, I’m so glad I won’t have to embarrass myself chasing a puppy around the house with a toddler on my hip in my slippers anymore! 🤪 Are you team privacy fence or team 5 row fence? 🏡 #ahostinghome
•
•
•
•
•
#farmhousefence #blackfence #fiverowfence #5rowfence #blackfarmhousefence #farmfence #modernfarmhouseexterior #modernfarmhousebuild #farmhouseexterior #farmhousebuild #houseexterior #homeexterior #whiteandblackhouse #blackandwhitehouse #blackandwhitehome #homedecor #homedesign #georgiahomes #exteriordesign #exteriorpainting #exteriorpaint
It’s been a long time coming, y’all… We clo It’s been a long time coming, y’all… 
We closed on our new house last week! It has been a crazy past few days getting moved in and the essentials set up/ unpacked, but we are so excited for the new adventure! We’ve already got so many plans and ideas, and I can’t wait to completely transform this home! 😍 I hope you’re just as excited to follow along! #ahostinghome
The power of paint (and shutters!) Adding black sh The power of paint (and shutters!) Adding black shutters and a black door completely transformed the look of our house and made the exterior POP! 😍 We’re getting SO close, y’all. We’ve got just a little finish work left inside for them to wrap up, and we have our final walk through next week! #ahostinghome 

Exterior Paint Colors—
- Siding: Extra White by @sherwinwilliams 
- Shutters & Door: Iron Ore by #sherwinwilliams 
- Cedar wood columns

#newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildjourney #newbuildprogress #newhomeconstruction #newhome #houseprogress #homeprogress #extrawhitesherwinwilliams #ironoresherwinwilliams

CATEGORIES

 

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube