Shared Birthdays

We are a pretty unique family in that only 2 out of 8 of us have their own birthday. Which means that yes, 6 of us share birthdays with someone else in the house. Sarah & Susan being twins obviously share a birthday. Kevin & I share a birthday. And for some reason, God decided to allow Noah & his rainbow sister to share a birthday just one year apart, which in our eyes is pretty daggone special!

No one has ever batted an eye about our shared birthdays. All of us get acknowledged despite sharing the day with someone else.

I am finding out that isn't the case with Olivia and Noah unfortunately.

They were born on the SAME day through no intervention on my part. So why is it so hard to acknowledge I have 2 kids with the same birthday this year? We are planning a big party for both kids. It's been pretty obvious how much God has intertwined Olivia & Noah's story, so it only seems fitting to honor their miraculous lives together. And we've gotten a great response from many friends over the whole thing, from the cute invites to the upcoming party itself.

Sadly it's those who should be supportive who are seeming to have a problem with us having a birthday party for both our kids. I have said this time and again, talk to anyone who has lost a child and you will see what we do and how we are is "normal" in the world of dead children. This is why I post links to others blogs and posts so you can see it's not just me! I can point you to many blogs of baby loss families who have birthday parties for their kids who live in Heaven. We celebrated Noah's Birthday last year, so why wouldn't we continue to? I am not the first person to do this. I just happen to have another child who shares the same birthday with her older brother who died.

And ya know what, Olivia won't be scarred sharing her birthday with Noah. Sarah & Susan are almost 13 and they don't mind sharing a birthday. So for those who have a problem acknowledging both of my kids who were born on July 13th, you'll have to take that up with God since he gave them to us on the same day. Because every year on July 13th, we will be celebrating BOTH Noah & Olivia.

God doesn't make mistakes. He gave us both these special kiddos on the same day for a reason!

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5

In honor of Noah's birthday, I want to help remember other babies lives, you can read more here.

14 comments

  1. I think it is fabulous that you celebrate both of them on that day! A great way to remember him with joy! Thank you for sharing

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  2. I think it is amazing that you celebrate both birthdays! I am trying to figure out what I will do after Noah's first birthday to remember him! I love all of your ideas to remember your sweet son!

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  3. I love that you celebrate Noah's life!! It should be that way! People who disagree are goofy! I love all of the ideas you have shared of ways to honor your Noah!

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  4. Oops didn't mean to post twice :)

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  5. Love that so many of you share birthdays. My mom, sister, aunt and cousin share a birthday and I share one with my grandfather who i unfortunately never met. I think it's great you are celebrating Noah and Olivia at the same time!

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  6. I am stopping by from Tesha's Treasures today. I am always shocked when people who haven't lost children want to tell me how I should grieve the loss of mine. We had a first birthday party (with just my husband, me, and my son) for our angel baby last year and had a cake made. I remember several people being aghast that I had had a cake made. Every child has a right to have a birthday celebration - even if that child is in Heaven! =)

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  7. Happy Birthday Noah and Olivia! What a special gift to share your birthday with your siblings! God bless you on your birthday and EVERY day!

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  8. We'll be celebrating right along with you in spirit! And, we'll be celebrating Weston's birthday every year of our life down here.

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  9. Big hugs for standing your ground. This is where I found alot of people in my life are better left behind, even if they are close. Love and hugs to you xoxoxo Nan

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  10. OHHH that ruffles my feathers. I get the same stuff people. I love that God gave them the same birthday! I love that you stand up for your children and do what your heart knows it must. Praying it is an AMAZING blessed day and that those people keep there opinions to themselves!

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  11. I think it is wonderful that they share a birthday! In time Olivia will probably come to love it just as much.

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  12. you are so right Jenn, it is no coincidence they share a birthday together. it is through divine intervention. it is only right to celebrate them together. if some people have a hard time understanding that or think it's wrong, then they probably shouldn't be a part of this special day of celebration anyways. no life is any less meaningful than another, no matter how long or short they were here with us, our hearts still feel the same {{{hugs}}}

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  13. I came to you via Tesha as well.

    We are facing having our rainbow at around the same time as our daughter was born. I am uncertain as to how I will feel if this new baby is born on her birthday.....

    This is a different perspective, and I am glad that I have read it. I hope that Olivia and Noah's birthday turns out spectacular. How lucky she is to share her special day with an "angel."

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  14. How wonderful and special to have so many shared birthdays in your family. I hope you have a beautiful birthday celebration for Noah and Olivia. It was a privilege to stop by your blog from Tesha's link up.

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I enjoy hearing from each & every one of you! Thanks for taking the time to comment. :)