Two Years of Olivia

A lot has happened since the last time I posted something here (19th of September 2017). Eloise, Olivia's little sister, was born safely at the end of November and our lives have never been the same.

I've been wanting to write many times about all the insane ups and downs of pregnancy after loss, hoping that someone out there might feel comforted by reading what they are most likely feeling. I survived those 9 months by holding on to those success stories and now that I finally had a pregnancy with a living daughter to take home to, I wish to do the same for others. I just simply haven't had the time or headspace to do it.

There are a million things that I've been neglecting since Eloise was born, Olivia's second birthday won't be one of them.

This year I've changed a few of the prompts and made them less about Olivia and more about general kindness towards ourselves and others. I didn't have the capacity to print, prepare and send packages like last year, but I did manage to create the actual calendar and that deserves a high 5 on my book!

For those of you who are new here, HELLO AND WELCOME! On the 19th of June 2017 my first daughter, Olivia, was born. Unfortunately, she had died three days before due to placental insufficiency. My life is literally bittersweet since that day, and everyday I juggle to strike a balance. June, however, is all about the sweet side that Olivia brings to my life. I have created the idea of a June "calendar of kindness" to celebrate her birthdays. Olivia's death is by far the worst thing that has happened to me, but I will not let her life be defined by her death; instead I want to try and spread the happiness and smiles that she brings to my life.

If you're up for it, please be a part of the "Olivia Project" and during the month of June follow the daily prompts and make the world a better place. I don't think I'll be able to write much in here, but I will promise to post one picture a day on my Instagram account. You don't need to send me or anyone the things you do if you don't want to; this calendar is all about kindness that doesn't need to be flashy or it can sparkle and have glitter if that's what you want. Whatever your style, I hope you take part so that Olivia feels the great things that happen because of her existence.

Happy second birthday Gasinettica amada!

*Every 19th of the month, we leave yellow flowers on Olivia's bench with an inspirational quote for a stranger to find and hopefully bring a smile to their faces. This 19th of June I invite you to do the same and drop flowers somewhere special to you