Baby Bucket List

A couple of weeks ago we had someone wonderful people come visit us from a group called Angel Watch. They talked with us about specific things that other families have done when faced with a challenge like this. One of their ideas really resonated with us. It was to do things together as a family while Eli is with us. That means right now!
We started a list of things we want to do that is now affectionately referred to as the baby bucket list.  It has made us feel a sense of purpose and empowerment because we are trying to do things that will bring us closer together as a family while Eli is with us. It helps us not to take one day or minute for granted because that is all we might have. And really, that is all that any of us might have with each other. We have the blessing of knowing this and have the opportunity to act on this knowledge, instead of being blindsided by it.
When we started talking about what things we wanted in the list, they were very ordinary. No sky diving (obviously) or exotic trips. It was everyday moments that we wanted Eli to be a part of. Going to the raspberry patch and picking raspberries, going on a picnic, playing in the leaves. Each member of the family had input, and it was fun to understand what each member valued a little more than I had realized.
We plan to post pics about these fun memories that we are making with Eli and will make a book so we can remember our adventures together.
We also came up with a list of foods he needs to try. This was a little more interesting. Ethan is sure he need a corn dog (GROSS!) and Jason is sure Eli will like hot wings! Ha ha! I will happily comply with all of these requests as long as he gets to try some of his mama's favorites too : )
We know that Eli will always be part of our family and we want to remember this time with him as a happy time instead of a time of dread and anxiety. Living in the moment one of the most powerful things we can do for others and for ourselves.