Banks’ 2nd Birthday | Whitney Beth Photography | SLC Family Photographer
 

I can hardly believe that Banks turned two on the 23rd. The realization hit me hard as I put two and two together and it clicked that Banks should be as old as Jones was when he made his arrival. I spent the day thinking about what Banks would be like. How would he act? What traits had he inherited? My grief on this day was not based solely on losing my baby, but of all the missed experiences that he will never have and that I won’t get to witness on Earth with him.  

Danny and I ended our anniversary getaway on Saturday, Banks' birthday. After checking out, dropping our things off and picking up some flowers we went to pick up the boys from my mom's house. We then joined both sides of our family for a little picnic at Banks’ graveside. We brought flowers, pinwheels and our Banks lantern. I also brought a giant number two, blue, Mylar balloon. Last year I had a gold, number one, but my niece accidentally popped it with her umbrella about 10 minutes in. This time, I hadn’t even gotten a picture of it yet when the wind blew it off the post and into a nearby tree! (Maybe next year our number three will last longer!) We hung out with family, ate our dinners and cupcakes that my mom had made. It was so nice to be able to have Jones associate Banks’ grave as a fun place where we can make happy memories. Fields loved our set up, and in true little brother fashion wanted to play with all of Banks’ things. 

It’s crazy to me that this isn’t some dream, that it has really been two years since we said our shortest hello and fastest goodbye. We miss you little bird, wish we could celebrate in person! Until we see each other again we’ve got the best guardian angel around. Love you, little bird.