A Woman with Hobbit Feet: May 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

Chaos

Life is chaos at lately. And I feel like I'm failing at most of life.

Pretty much sums me up at the moment.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month and in cities in the US and Canada, awareness walks are taking place. Join a walk near you, walk in your own neighborhood virtually, or donate in honor of someone you know who has been affected by preeclampsia.

For more information check out: May. Hope. And Preeclampsia

A question that will never be answered

I went to good old Wally World the other evening and got struck by the express lane capers. You know, those people who clearly have more items than the express lane is meant for.

A-holes.

Why? Why do you think it's okay to get in the express lane when you have a cart full of crap?

Myself and my 4 items had to wait in line for a couple who had 37, yes I counted, items. Make-up, shampoo, about 100 packets of Crystal Lite, hair color and tampons were among the highlights.

The signs says "20 Items or Less". 20 vs 37. Take your beauty products and tampons to lane 13 where everyone else and their full carts are headed. The problem is I'm much too damn nice (or perhaps polite) to actually throw a public stink about it. I'd rather bitch about it to everyone else. Although I did entertain the thought of speaking with the store manager about having their employees come down on those who abuse the express lane. But, then I remembered where I was shopping at. Where some of the employees lack manners.

And just came home to bitch.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Ariana's Birthday Celebrations

Our guppy turns SIX. She was over the moon to receive her slime gun, the pink fishing pole, and a beluga whale....

Her first "Friends" party....theme: Under The Sea

Some more randoms

Ariana receiving her Citizen of the Month award

Taking Steps Against Violence - 5K Run/Walk

Argh....it's a band of pirates!

Randoms

Some fun with flowers

This is my son, while pretending to be Cruella DeVille, washing dishes. We sure are proud.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Heartbreaking

Kayleigh's fight was lost yesterday. My heart just aches for her family, they have been through so much. Kayleigh touched many lives and will not be forgotten. She was born prematurely due to preeclampsia and had some major battles that she faced.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Happy 6th Birthday

My dearest Ariana,

Today you turn six. Wow, has time flown by. You came into this world a bit early, but feisty as can be. You are one of the most special individuals I know. You definitely have a mind of your own. Your imagination is as wide as the ocean. Your love and zest for life continues to amaze me. As does your loathing of shopping. You love to feel the grass on your toes and shoes & socks don't last long. You find delight in the tiniest bug and have a voice that has a big future. You are our special baby girl and we love ya.

Love,
Mommy

Barefoot Ana

So grown up yet still so young

All out silliness

Just a piece of your imagination, captured forever

Jammin'

Friday, May 1, 2009

May. Hope. And Preeclampsia.

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month.

May is a month of celebration at our home with both kids being born in May. They were supposed to both be Junebugs, but were Mayflies instead. Most of you know our story. Ariana born just prior to 35 weeks due to HELLP Syndrome, 4lbs, spending over two weeks in the NICU. Phoenix born at 37 weeks due to gestational hypertension, 5lbs 6oz. Because of their May birthdays, I feel especially tied to this cause.

I'm immensely thankful that both my babies were here with me. Some are not so lucky and my heart breaks for each baby that is lost to complications from this horrible condition. Preeclampsia has been around for thousands of years and yet there is still no cure. And the cause, while theories abound, is still unknown. We made the choice to not have more children due to preeclampsia concerns. The risk is just too great.

I hate knowing that my daughter, should she grow up and decide to become a mommy herself, will have to be concerned about preeclampsia due to family history. I HOPE there is a cure before then. I hope a cure is found soon, so moms and babies no longer have to suffer. My heart aches each time I learn of someone who has been tragically touched by preeclampsia.

Our family invites you to walk with us as we raise awareness for preeclampsia on June 6th. I have braved my fears and hesitation to host our own local event, which I am incredibly excited for. Even if you can't make it with us that day, you can walk where ever you are or even virtually with us. Please consider making a donation to help find a cure. To register or make a donation, visit:

Wausau Preeclampsia Awareness Walk

I know times are lean for many, but even $5 makes a difference. In honor of my children and those fellow preeclampsia survivors, some who experienced unimaginable heartbreak. Thank you.

Denise & Family
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