Tiana arriving on a magical unicorn.. I do believe that our angels helped to create a miracle for us. Thanks to Argnesh for this pic of Tiana and our angels. Its priceless. See more of her work here  and also here

another year passes this week

Its 8 years since my girls lost their battle with prematurity and became angels…

… I still feel like it was only last week, the excitement of knowing we were having twins, then “everything happened”

… I still will “never” get over their loss

… I still often look into the back of the seat and think there should be 3 little girls laughing and giggling

… I still cant go past the hospital where I had to leave empty handed… I will never forget that drive out of the carpark, it was the hardest thing in my life.  I wanted to run all the way back inside and get them

… I often stammer a little when a stranger asks “oh, how many children do you have?” do I tell them I have 3? and fear their reaction or lack of, if I tell them that only one lives at home as 2 have passed away? or do I not tell them and feel I have done an injustice to my girls?

… I still feel the softness of my girls and can smell their scent when I close my eyes

… I still cry, and sometimes really sob when I hear the song “fly” by Celine Dion.   

… I still remember that first mothers day… with a heavy heart and empty arms. The pain all over again. Read a bit more about that here

… I still feel the loss so terribly

… I still visit the cemetery every week and pop flowers in their graves and clean their plaque, and wonder  “what if….”

… I still get angry at ladies in the supermarket who yell or smack their kids for just “being kids”… (If only my girls were here)

… I still cry when listening to the news… at the abandonment of babies, and the neglect and the emotional and physical trauma many kids go through

… I still feel very close to my girls and always use their names when talking about our family. They ARE part of our family.

… I still have a photo of them up at home, and no longer feel I have to make other people feel “comfortable”

… I still talk about them and answer questions as they arise by our 6 yr old daughter.  She has grown up always knowing, and knows she has 2 gorgeous special angel sisters watching over her

… I still feel angry about some of the management at the time

… I still feel saddened by how some friends “left me alone” feeling I needed time.  and how one friend took 6 years to talk to me, see me and talk about it as “she” was uncomfortable

… I still remember being so so scared… more scared than anything in my whole life

… I still miss a heartbeat and hold my breathe when I hear a friend having dramas in pregnancy

… I still wish, I REALLY wish ….things were different

.. I still long for and wish my girls were here with me

Warmly Elizabeth xx
mum to 3 beautiful prem girls

“some can only dream of angels, we created 2, and they sent us an earthly miracle”

 soon…  one day… will tell the whole story….

 remember July 31st is the NATIONAL PREMMIE DAY we are giving a % of sales to

and also National Premmie Foundation

  please support your local group or www.prembaby.org.au

Introducing  Little One Baby  Magazine

Offering inspiration, Beautiful idea’s, Great nursery design, Stylish solutions for mum, stylish solutions for baby, Sharing stories from real life mums, ideas for living your best life and the best for your little one.  The pages are full of quality and stylish designer baby clothes, amazing baby gifts and trendy, classical and eclectic baby furniture and items needed for a new baby. Amongst the pages you will find stylish and affordable baby products from gorgeous baby boutiques and businesses Australia wide.  Not only will there be the quality baby fashions, but also amazing real life nurseries in real homes. 

Simply stunning and inspirational.

Australia’s newest baby magazine.  Out Now

You’re heading from Hermes to Huggies

Your conversations are a little one-sided now

You’re packing a few more bags for weekend outings

Your new favourite furniture piece has toys hanging from it

You now know more about a bottle of formula than a bottle of shiraz

You’re more impressed by the Silver Cross than the Mercedes CLK these days

You’re loving the look of Oobi Baby like you once loved Sass & Bide

You’re embracing life in a way you never thought possible

You are loving the new world that you are in

wow… what a publication!  If you are looking for inspiration to set up your baby nursery, then this is a great publication full of amazing photography and great articles.  With a clever unique style this is sure to become a book you will want to keep.  Full of Great ideas, tips and inspiring real life stories of mums around Australia. 

Your new favourite magazine

is Little One Baby

in newsagents across Australia

 *** GIVEAWAY! ***

La Toriana has teamed up with Little One Baby magazine and we are giving you a FREE COPY of this magazine with all orders over $50 (excl. postage) from June 19th til July 20th (or whilst stocks last)

FREE MAGAZINE only available at

Should you like a subscription please email the publisher e.amy@littleonebaby.com.au
“Enjoy the very first issue of Little One Baby – be inspired, encouraged, motivated and excited by what the world can bring to you and your Little One.”  Amy, Publisher

check out La Toriana’s inclusions here too.  We just love this mag and know you will too.

Warmly

Elizabeth xx

…..must end SOON.  Be Quick!!

Well done to the people who picked up some great bargains… a Vanchi nappy bag for FREE, some bibs and 20% off, 60% off vouchers scored.

There is still a couple more vouchers, 50%, 60% and more 20% off out there… I have removed all that have been used.  The ones still here are still available.  They will be updated and or removed as they have been found.

plus also newly added today is

• a Buy one/get one FREE  item (5 up for grabs)
• 3 x FREE items floating about (min spend $20)

don’t forget… many angel hearts will have the code when you hover your icon/mouse over the image.

some codes you will need the newsletter for the codes.  we will give you the first letter of the code… see the newsletter for more details.  Next newsletter out Thursday.

BONUS

• have 3 friends sign up, pop your name as a referral source and you score a free gift to value of $15.  one per customer)

don’t forget all details of the quest are HERE

remember… once you found the icon and used the code… post here so we know…

warmly

elizabeth xx

oh  a clue?  … c’mon… “mums the word”

TikiBoo Kids designer Jeans comp….   Kathryn just emailed me… “Ok!  I wrote all the names of piece of paper and asked Alexandra to draw one out.  She took two out, I said which one is the winner, her response was “This one is the winner AND this one is the winner”.  It was too cute for me to argue, so we have two winners:-D

Justine and Monique.”

Well done girls…

you are the chosen couple to have a pair of jeans designed over by TikiBoo….  wow… please… we would love to see a before and after shot!!  and we will feature them back here soon.

SLIPPERS PROMO

we have chosen 3 to receive the most comfy slippers…  they are:

Sharyn Sutton, Sylvia, and Tracie

will be in touch re: sizes and addresses.

well done everyone.

now you all can get in on the act with free giveaways starting  from Wednesday….   watch this blog for more details… and the more clues in the newsletter!  so if you haven’t signed up….   best do it now.

First newsletter on Wed   SUBBSCRIBE HERE

You will also go in the draw for the annual $250 shopping spree.  One lucky person will receive this in Dec… ready for Christmas.

warmly

elizabeth xx

Featured Blog/Business

Do you want TikiBoo Kids to revamp your old jeans and create a designer jeans for your little one?  have you entered?

oooh   you must hurry!  You have til midnight to get your entry in.

See here for full details.

This is a great project to turn your old jeans into a designer creation… c’mon… you can do it!  Look through that pile of clothes you are about to turf or giveaway….   got a great old clothing that’s too small for your little one… but love it still?  use it to create these gorgeous designer jeans.   Even better is… it can be classed as your own designer label too!

Are you like me… not good with the creativity or sewing?   Enter into the blog comments and you could be a winner!

Tikiboo kids will notify us after closing date who the lucky one is!!   oooh so exciting!

warmly

elizabeth xx

Since La Toriana has started, and with customers, friends and strangers hearing my story, I have conversed with many of you who have been in a similar position I have.

I remember after our twin girls passed away, the first Mothers Day approached.

A “friend” came by for a cuppa.  She had been at the twins funeral, known the rollercoaster ride we had before and after,  and as she was leaving left these cutting words  “Oh… I bet you cant wait to be a mother”

I know she meant no ill feeling, and I hold no grudges at all and we are still the best of friends, but those words still haunt me. I am so conscious of many other women this Mothers day who have such full hearts of love… and of tears, and who also have empty arms.  This special moment I dedicate to these mothers this Mothers Day.  No matter what loss a mother has had, be pregnant a day, a month … or loss of a new born or of a child 40 years old…. I know of your pain and its something that will never leave.

Sure… it may be less raw, but its always there.

For many who dont know, La Toriana is made up of our 3 daughters names…. 2 of whom were born premature and now are our angels, and one… who is a very special premmie girl too, who is now 6 years old.  Our logo is of 2 angels and a baby…. we are all together.

Here are a couple poems dedicated to these special mums.  I am not very spiritual, but it does give me some comfort when I read these.

To all mums out there… who have such heavy hearts and empty arms….  I hope your day is very special.

What Makes A Mother?

I thought of you all, I closed my eyes
and prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
and I know I heard him say,

“A Mother has a baby.
This we know is true.”
But God can you be a Mother
when your baby’s not with you?

“Yes you can!” He replied
with confidence in His voice,
“I give many women babies,
when they leave is not their choice.”

“Some I send for a lifetime
and others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
but there’s no need to stay.”

“I just don’t understand this God,
I want my baby here.”
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat
and then I saw a tear.

“I wish I could show you
what your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile
with other children and say..”

“We go to earth to learn our lessons
of love and life and fear.
My mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here.”

“I feel so lucky to have a Mom
who has so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quick
My Mommy set me free.”

“I miss My Mommy oh so much
but I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
on her pillow’s where I lay.”

“I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
and whisper in her ear,
Mommy don’t be sad today
I’m your baby and I’m here.”

“So you see my dear sweet one,
your children are OK.
Your babies are here in my home
and this is where they’ll stay.”

“They’ll wait for you with me
until your lesson is through.
And on the day that you come home
they’ll be at the gates for you.”

“So now you see what makes a Mother.
It’s the feeling in your heart.
It’s the love you had so much of
right from the very start.”

“Though some on earth may not realize
that you are a Mother until there time is done
They’ll be up here with me one day
and know you’re the best one.”

~ unknown~
A Mother’s Day Poem
For Mothers Who Carry Their Children In Their Heart,
Rather Than In Their Arms

So many months I carried you
and I couldn’t wait to see
What a wonderful a little person
you would turn out to be.

I had my dreams of how it would be
just to watch you grow
But now those dreams are faded
because I shall never know.

For God in His great wisdom
looked from His throne above
And saw how beautiful you were,
so He carried you away with love

Now the rocking chair sits silent
and the lullabies won’t be voiced
But in heaven there’s a celebration
as all of the angels rejoice.

My tears, they won’t be quiet,
they flow like a river roars
And I know my life is forever changed–
to be the same no more.

I must be a special mother
because I have been set apart
Some mothers carry their children in their arms,
but I carry you in my heart.

-Unknown

warmly

Elizabeth xx

Dont be afraid. It soothes my broken heart, and sings to my soul.”

The Easter bunny is almost here.  we are busy decorating, making chocolates, cakes and Easter presents.

We cant wait to hear all your Easter adventures, but til then we wish everyone a wonderful Easter

Happy “Hoppy” Easter

Warmly

Elizabeth xx

La Toriana and KidStyleFile have partnered up with our own small initiative:

Become a KidStyleFile fan on Facebook and we’ll donate 20 cents to the Red Cross Appeal for every person who signs up between now and 22 Feb 2009. Become a La Toriana fan on Facebook and Elizabeth will donate 20 cents to the Red Appeal for every person who signs up between now and 22 Feb 2009.Ok, then, let’s see how much money we can raise in the next two weeks – tell you friends and family, and let’s go for it! -

We all have been touched by the devastating news, and our own community here in Bendigo has lost over 58 homes, 1 life and many more injured and have burnt areas of their homes.  I cannot after seeing the devastation in our own town begin to fathom the towns in the Kinglake area.

The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund has been set upt to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria.  If you are able to donate, please head on over to the Red Cross website and make a contribution no matter how small.

anything you can do will be greatly appreciated by all.  If everyone chips in… collectively we can do a lot.

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