Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mex Day for GiveMN.org

Today is Max Day for GiveMN.org. What that means is that every donation to the Preeclampsia Foundation will be matched, up $500,000. 100% of your donation goes to the organization thanks to the way GiveMN.org has their system set up.

Turn your $5 into $10 by visiting GiveMN Preeclampsia Foundation

$10 puts 10 brochures into the hands of pregnant women. You can help create awareness and make a difference.

Thank you!

Too Many Born Too Soon

November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth with the March of Dimes. November is Prematurity Awareness Month.

As all of you know, prematurity has touched our lives. Ariana was born 5 weeks too early after I developed severe preeclampsia. I was so naive and thought everything would be perfect. Unexpectedly thrust into a world where I didn't understand what was happening was so overwhelming and frightening. A's & B's, NG tubes, oxygen supplementation, etc. When one becomes pregnant, she dreams of the perfect baby and all it's wrappings, the crib, the clothes, what color to paint the nursery. Unless you've been touched by prematurity or other complications, one doesn't wonder if you'll bring home a live baby or one who needs to be resucitated at birth. Prematurity is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. These preemies face challenges that no parent dreams of when that plus sign shows up on the HPT.

There are too many babies who don't make it to take that first breath, that have to struggle to breath or to learn how to eat, crawl, or walk. Lifelong effects of prematurity such as cerebal palsy.

So for all the preemies out there, please keep them in your thoughts and do what you can to help stop prematurity by raising funds & awareness. If you are pregnant or will become pregnant, YOU are the best advocate for yourself & your child.

While I wish that our experience didn't happen at times, I am also grateful for it. It has taught me to appreciate my children and has allowed me to meet & become friends with some of the most remarkable individuals.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

10 Honest Things About Myself

1. I pretty much listen to anything for music, except for country. I can only stand listening to a few country artists out there...Tim McGraw, Johnny Cash, Faith Hill, Reba.

2. I have OCD tendencies in certain aspects of my life. My closet is organized by color, however the floor outside the closet next to my bed usually is a pile of books, jeans, and whatever else lands there.

3. I have a geographical tongue.

4. I can tell myself that I will lay in bed, wearing jammies all day, watching movies & reading books....but when it comes down to it, I can't pull it off.

5. I take responsibility for things that are not my fault or I haven't really had much to do with it.

6. I cry when I get upset and/or frustrated. One of THE traits I wish I could change about myself. I'd even be willing to stay overweight if I could get rid of this one.

7. I love to sing, but don't do it as often as I use to. Life seems to get in the way of enjoying myself that way.

8. I wish I could get my act together and utilize my wonderful D-SLR camera the way it was intended.

9. I suck at the willpower thing when it comes to staying on task. It could be healthy eating, exercise, buying gifts for the kids, whatever. I'll be strong for a while, but then cave.

10. I am afraid of the dark.