New Year Wish

Saturday, April 30, 2011

It is almost here!!!

Tomorrow morning is the big day!  Our 6th March for Babies walk.  I've been packing us up to head down to Ohio tonight. 

Every year we stay at my aunt and uncle's house and enjoy a cosmo (or two) in the evening and then a big breakfast in the morning.  We wear our Team Superbaby shirts and lace up our shoes! 

I just got some goodies off of etsy to begin using bottle cap embellishments and my first two made will be sporting our team logo (pics on Monday)!  I went with a purple for preemie theme to match my shirt and Lila's outfit.  She will be wearing a flower clip/headband and mine is a flower pin.

Check back on Monday for the full report!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Blossom Magnets

When I first made a couple of the ribbon blossoms my mom loved them and asked if I could turn some into cute magnets for her.  She was adding some spring-y touches to her kitchen and picked out some bright pretty colors.





These turned out so cute and gave me the inspiration for some other types of ribbon magnets.  These are the two I have made so far.
Purple for Preemie Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness

A few of my latest creations

A custom rainbow blossom for my niece

Lila's Easter blossom

Purple for Preemie Awareness Magnets

Sunday, April 24, 2011

March for Babies Monday: The walk

In March 2006, my best friend had talked to me about how her work was collecting donations for March of Dimes and I decided to look into forming a team for Brendan.  After a little research and family on board, we formed Team Superbaby.  Our first walk was in April 2006 and Brendan was not quite 3 months old. 
We had a small team, the turn out was small, and the weather was cold and rainy.  It was wonderful to be walking in honor of all the babies we knew that were born too early.  I put together a poster of pictures of Brendan in the NICU and Brendan at almost 3 months.  What a difference a few months make.  I also talked to the local news channel about our experience and why we walk.  I am not sure if they used it or not.  I was choked up the whole time.  We just knew this was an event we would want to be a part of each and every year.

Each year the walks have gotten larger and it is an incredible experience to be around so many others that understand your situation, to see all the little miracles, and to walk for those who now have wings.  We are so blessed that our family and friends have continued to support our team each and every year.

 2007


2008



2009






 2010


How sweet are our "superbabies"?

I look forward to our walk next Sunday and holding Brendan's hand as he walks those 3 miles.

Our superbaby who started so small.

We walk for him.




Monday, April 18, 2011

March for Babies Monday: Our first few weeks at home

Here is a glimpse at our first few weeks home with Brendan...

My mom was waiting for us when we arrived home that night with Brendan.  We couldn't believe they let us bring home something that small!  Thanks to Jason our new apartment was all ready for our little family of three. 
We had a strict feeding schedule with Brendan and were advised to set our alarm clock at night for every three hours.  Jason and I alternated feeding him throughout the night and were both able to get 6 hours of sleep at a time.  I had a habit of feeding him and then just holding him and watching him sleep and I know Jason would have lots of cuddle time on the couch after his time as well.

We took Brendan on his first outing to the pediatrician.  He did very well and slept most of the time.

He looked so cute sleeping in his bassinet.  I took many pictures of him like this and this bassinet is on wheels so we would just push him around the apartment to whichever room we were in and watch him sleep.
He spent lots of time with Daddy in the living room.  They are best buddies!!!



Brendan had his first visitors.  His Aunt Jaymie and Uncle Joe and cousins Xavier and Nola.  We also celebrated Xavier's 4th birthday.  Brendan's first party!
Brendan spent a lot of time sleeping in his papasan seat as well.  He was not ever fussy or sad.  Just content to be cuddled.

He had his first bath time at home.  He was not excited by it but looked so cute wrapped up in his bath towel!

My brother, Hailey, my grandma, Brendan, and I

He had his first trip to Ohio (after a couple of weeks home) to visit his new cousin Hailey!  He was lucky because he had lots of cousins born shortly after he was born! 

Our first family walk.  Brendan slept the whole time but it was nice to get out and enjoy the fresh spring air!


The first month or so at home we were told not to take him out to public places (stores, mall, restaurants, etc...).  We had our regular doctor appointments, opthamologist appointment, and synagis shots (once a month) and visited family.  I did not return to my teaching job and took the rest of the year off.  My six week leave would have been up 2 weeks after he came home.  He needed me at home and that is where I wanted to be. 

I always felt I was cheated out of those last 10 weeks of pregnancy until just recently I read on another blog a mom describing her "bonus" time with her preemie.  I loved that statement.  We were blessed with 10 weeks bonus time with Brendan and I would not trade this experience for anything.
My bonus time



Sunday, April 17, 2011

Blossoms for Babies blog sale (part 2)

Here are some more blossoms for our fundraiser for March for Babies.  These blossoms are all hand sewn ribbon blossoms on a ribbon lined alligator clip.  They range from 2-3 inches in diameter.  All ribbon is heat sealed to prevent fraying.

Here are some available styles...
Sheer ribbon blossoms (3in) $4.50 shipped
Strawberry blossom (3in) $4.50 shipped
Turquoise blossom (3in) $4.50 shipped
Mini blossoms (2in, various colors) $3.50 shipped
Mini blossoms (2in, various colors) $3.50 shipped or $6 per pair shipped

Mini blossoms (2in, various colors) $3.50 shipped
Cupcake blossoms (2in) $3.50 shipped
Spring stripes blossom (3in) $4.50 shipped
Berry stripes blossom (3in) $4.50 shipped
We have two weeks to our walk!  Please help us reach our goal!!!