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

STAY AWHILE

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

Happy 2nd Birthday in Heaven, Baby Layne!

Happy 2nd Birthday in Heaven, Baby Layne!

Yeah, I know you’re in a better place
And one day I’ll see you again
But it’s killing me we can’t be face to face
I miss my best friend
So, tonight I’m gonna pull out pictures, ones with you in ’em
Laugh and cry a little while reminiscing
By myself
I can’t help
That all I think about is
How you were taken way too soon
It ain’t the same here without you
I gotta say, missing you comes in waves
And tonight I’m drowning
— Drowning by Chris Young

 

Dearest Layne,

I’ve survived another year. I’ve been hearing that Chris Young song “Drowning” on Pandora a lot lately. I won’t lie, it makes me bawl my eyes out every time I hear it come on. Because especially this time of year, that’s exactly how I feel. I feel like I’m drowning. When it comes on, your little brother sure looks at me confused. I just smile through the tears and tell him that it’s okay. I promise one day I’ll tell him all about you.

I can’t believe you’re already two years old. I still have vivid flashbacks to that day often. I thought they would fade over time, but I still vividly remember every second, every emotion, and every ounce of pain that week brought into my life. While I know you’re in a better place, I still find myself angry that you can’t be here. It’s something that I still have to seek Jesus about and surrender daily — trusting God’s heart when I still don’t understand His hand.

This year has been just as hard as last year. Because the struggle and weight of grief doesn’t end once you have a rainbow baby. In a way, I feel like it just made it all evolve into something even deeper. Not only do I miss you, but I also miss what our family should look like. The questions from strangers have shifted from “Do you have kids?” to “Is this your first baby?” To be honest, I still don’t really know how to respond to that one. I often just stare at them for a minute — because I so badly want them to know you too. Sometimes I wish people would stop asking questions like that. Other times I crave the thought of telling people about you. Because while life has moved on for everyone else around me, you existed. You were mine. And I never want you to be forgotten with the passing time.

Your little brother looks so much like you (an a lot chunkier version of you – HA!), and I see your face in his every time I look at him. I so badly wish you could be here to snuggle him with me. Every day I imagine what our family would be like if you were still here. I think about how excited you would have been to find out you were getting a little brother. I think about us all cuddled up in my bed watching cartoons or taking a nap together. I think about you running around and showing your little brother all your cool toys and tricks. You would have been the best big brother, I just know it. With how much you look alike, I often wonder if you two would’ve had the same personality. He’s got the cutest little open mouth grin — and your daddy’s sense of humor. I really think you’d love him as much as I do. My hope is that you are able to watch your little brother grow from heaven. I hope you’re proud of him — and I hope you’re proud of the mom I’m trying to be. But most importantly, I hope you know that no one could never replace you and what you mean to me. The love I have for you is unlike any other.

I saw my first yellow butterfly of the season the other day floating around the back yard, and I pray that I see many more of them this year. I really miss them during the fall and winter. While I know you’re not here, I feel a little closer to you when I see them. I hope when you see yellow butterflies in heaven, you also think of me.

Today may be your birthday, but I pray that you know it isn’t the only day I celebrate you or think of you. I thank God for you every day. I pray so often that Jesus would give you a hug and a kiss for me. I love and miss you so much, little man. More than I could possibly put into words. I’m so proud of you. Today I celebrate your 38 minutes of life here on earth and praise God for your eternal life in the place we all long to be. I can’t thank you enough for making me a momma. I can’t wait to see you again one day. Happy 2nd Birthday, my sweet baby Layne.

Love always,

Mama

READ ALSO: Layne Thomas’s Birth Story

READ ALSO: A Letter to Layne on His Due Date

READ ALSO: Happy 1st Birthday, Baby Layne!

March 28, 2021

« Simple Spring Tablescape Inspiration
Baby’s First Easter Basket Ideas »

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • #AHostingHome’s Top 10 Blog Posts From 2018
  • Our Big Announcement! // Introducing A Hosting Home
  • A Hosting Home // Second Trimester Bumpdate // A Hosting Home BlogFirst Half & Second Trimester Bumpdate
  • Layne Thomas Birth Story // A Hosting Home BlogLayne Thomas’s Birth Story

Comments

  1. Aunt kathy says

    March 28, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    I understand how you feel. It’s ok to cry, AFTER 39 years I still do. I still wonder if she would be a red head like Annie or tall brunette like Dusty. She will always be in my heart. Big hugs to you and Rob.

    Reply

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

Dark and Moody Study Lounge Design Plans | A Hosting Home Blog

Dark and Moody Study Lounge Design Plans | Study Mood Board

September 29, 2022

DIY Moody Staircase Shadow Box Trim Molding / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Moody Staircase Shadow Box Trim

September 21, 2022

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


James Kayleb Nugent January 20th, 2023 💛 James James Kayleb Nugent
January 20th, 2023 💛

James was born last Friday morning, and spent the first 5 days in the NICU for some breathing issues and fluid in his lungs. While those days were extremely rough, trying, and brought back a lot of emotions from Layne’s birth — God is so good, and my heart is just overwhelmed by His faithfulness. My favorite moment in life thus far was surprising John before bedtime the night we were finally discharged to come home. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I walked through that door. Thank you, Jesus, for my babies. 🦋💛 #ahostinghome
10/10 recommend just going for it and painting the 10/10 recommend just going for it and painting the entire room black. ✨ #ahostinghome

Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint (Marquee, Eggshell) from @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

Wallpaper : @wall.blush (See the full mural on the other wall on my stories saved to the ‘STUDY’ highlight bubble!) 

#diy #diyprojects #diyproject #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomedecor #diybuilds #diybuild #diybuiltins #builtins #builtinshelves #bhghome #bhg #mybhg #bhglivebetter #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #diyideas #diyhome #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle
✨ STUDY REVEAL ✨ I got a lot of nervous respon ✨ STUDY REVEAL ✨ I got a lot of nervous responses when I said I wanted to design an all black formal study right off my entryway, but I’m completely obsessed with every detail of this space. Rob has always wanted a study, so my goal with this space when it’s finished is to have almost like a moody, swanky cigar lounge feel. When we moved into this house this spring, I told Rob I was done playing it “safe for resale” with designing projects. Here’s to more of doing whatever the heck I want design wise in 2023! 👏🏼✨ Next up: let’s get this space styled and furnished! #ahostinghome

// Paint Color: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint Marquee (satin on built ins, eggshell on walls) at @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

// Wallpaper: @wall.blush 

// Light Fixture linked via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Yy4l #ltkhome 

#diy #diyproject #diyprojects #interiordesign #homedesign #builtins #diybuilds #diybuild #diyideas #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomeprojects #diyhomedecor #diylikeamother #diydesigntherapy #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomestyle #homerenovation #bhg #bhghome #mybhg #bhgcolor #bhglivebetter #bhgstylemaker
It’s been a year. ✨ & I can’t wait to see wh It’s been a year. ✨ & I can’t wait to see what the next one holds. #ahostinghome
“And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end. “And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end.” ✨🎄 When do you take your Christmas decor down? The Christmas decor got put away earlier this week, and the house always feels so empty every year when it gets taken down! I was going to wait till next week to take it down, but with only 3 weeks left until baby arrives I’m finding myself in total nesting mode right now. Behind the scenes we’ve been putting finishing touches on the study while Rob was off work for Christmas, so I’ll be sharing all the photos and updates on that to the feed soon. In the meantime, who wants to come organize closets and baby stuff with me?! 😜 #ahostinghome

#bhghome #bhg #bhgholiday #bhghowiholiday #bhgchristmas #bhgcelebrate #homedecor #christmas #christmasdecor #christmastree #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomemagazine #homedesign #interiordesign #tablescape #tablesetting #tabledecor #tablescapes #centerpiece #tablecenterpiece
✨ Christmas Karen-ing ✨ It’s like caroling, ✨ Christmas Karen-ing ✨ It’s like caroling, but from your least favorite neighbor. #ahostinghome 

#christmas #funnyvideos #funnymemes #funnyreels #momsofinstagram #christmasdecor #christmastree #christmastime #karen #bhghome #whodatwithponderosa #bhgholiday #bhghowiholiday #bhgchristmas #bhgcelebrate #sourhernliving #hgtv #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #countryliving #momlife #momreels #christmaskaren
Merry Christmas Eve Eve, friends! ❤️🎄✨ I Merry Christmas Eve Eve, friends! ❤️🎄✨ I hope you all have a cozy Christmas weekend inside out of this cold weather! We’re kicking it off cuddled on the couch watching  Christmas movies eating through the mountain of treats that have accumulated on the kitchen counter. What’s your favorite Christmas movie that’s a must-watch every year?! Ours are Elf and Christmas Vacation! 👏🏼😍 #ahostinghome 

#christmas #christmasdecor #raedunn #raedunnchristmas #homedecor #christmasdecorations #christmasdecorating #bhghome #bhg #bhgholiday #bhgcelebrate #bhgcelebrate #bhghowiholiday #southernliving #farmhousestyle #farmhouse #farmhousechristmasdecor #farmhousedecor #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousedecor #southernliving #hgtv #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #chinacabinet #chinacabinetdecor #shelfdecor #shelfstyling
Baking Christmas cookies with my little helper! ✨ Growing up, it was my favorite tradition. I hope baking cookies with mom will be one of his favorites too. ❤️🎄 #ahostinghome 

#christmas #christmascookies #momsofinstagram #bhg #bhgfood #bhgholiday #bhghome #bhghowiholiday #bhgcelebrate #imsomartha #southernliving #hgtv #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #traditionalhomemagazine
✨ Pretzel M&M Chocolate Bites ✨ Perfect salty ✨ Pretzel M&M Chocolate Bites ✨ Perfect salty and sweet treat for this time of year at home or for small treat boxes to share! Warning: These are extremely addicting! 😍 #ahostinghome 

Preheat oven to 200° F. Arrange Pretzel snaps (or minis!) on a baking tray and top with a Hershey Kiss. Bake for 5-6 minutes until glossy (but not completely melted!) Once out of the oven, immediately press M&MS lightly onto each kiss. Let chocolate cool and harden completely before packaging. 

#christmas #christmasrecipes #christmasrecipe #recipe #recipes #recipeshare #recipeoftheday #recipevideo #recipeideas #recipeidea #easyrecipe #momsofinstagram #christmascookies #dessertrecipe #bhg #bhgfood #bhghome #bhgholiday #bhghowiholiday #bhgcelebrate #bhgchristmas #southernliving #imsomartha #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #traditionalhomemagazine #traditionalhome

CATEGORIES

 

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube