A beautifully painted box for Pax

So, Chad and I found a beautifully painted red and yellow box for Pax.

The box is from India and it is called a Shekhawati box. "In 18th Century India, wealthy merchants built beautifully painted Havelis (mansions) in the Rajasthan area of India. Over time, the artisans began painting every day household items. This box is an excellent example of the hand painted style in both the color and the delicate pattern."

We thought the box was absolutley beautiful and that it would be the perfect place for us to place the few memorable items we have of Pax. We would like to invite anyone who would like to add something, like a note or card (or whatever) to the box to please feel free to help us do so. If you want to add a letter, but don't want us to read it, that's fine with us too. We'll leave it sealed in the box. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is not a big box. Only 11 x 8'' on the inside.

Items we are currently keeping in the box:

When we first found out I was pregnant, we started a journal with the intention of writing in it over the years as our child grew up and someday, when they were grown we would give it to them. We've decided that even though Pax is gone we're going to keep this journal in the box and we've both agreed that we will still (and have since) continued to write in it to help with grieving process and to help us remember Pax, and the ever so short time we had him in our lives.

We're also going to store all the wonderful cards, letters, and notes that we have recieved from friends.

We're going to add a couple of the Jones Soda bottles that we used to announce him to the world.

At Nancy's request, we added the "I love my Grandma" bib that she got him after she found out she was going to be a Grandma.

Future additions:

We will get copies of all of Pax' ultrasound photos and add them.

Many people have pledged to plant trees in the near future in Pax honor (the response has been amazing and we're very excited to see people follow through with this) and we are hoping to get pictures of as many of the trees as possible after they are planted and we'll add those photos to the box too.

Also, I intend to announce on the blog whenever I find out that someone has planted a tree or has donated money to one of the charities. So, please, PLESE, keep us updated on the tree plantings and the donations you've made so that we can share with everyone the positive things that are coming out of this experience. It means the world to Chad and I, but also all of you family and frineds that are grieving with us. It helps Chad and I more than people can ever magine.

Thanks to everyone for all your love and support.