I Walk the Line

Yesterday, the Little Man and I participated in the March of Dimes March for Babies. It's a cause near and dear to my heart. My Little Man was born early-at 34 weeks vs full term of 40-with respiratory issues and questionable sepsis (he wasn't!). I serve on the family advisory council at the hospital where he was born, as a way of gratitude for the awesome care he received.

It was a perfect spring day for the 5 mile walk. There were hundreds of participants, all walking for the same cause. To me, that makes my heart sing! Little Man said I was moving too slow, so he skipped off ahead of me. Guess he's growing up way too fast!

For the walk, I made a tutu to wear (this is a big trend with color runners!). Thanks to some great tutorials on Pinterest, I had one done lickety split.

You need
Tulle (I used purple & white-the March of Dimes colors)
Ribbon (use a thinner ribbon-makes it easier to tie)

Measure your waist and add 8 inches to tie.
Measure how long you want your skirt to be. Add 2 inches for knotting. Cut strips of tulle . Tie it to the ribbon.

That's it!

Je Pense a Toi

This week I had the honor and privilege to attend the Signature Chefs Tasting & Auction. It is a benefit to raise money for a cause near and dear to my heart. My son was born early and had some health issues that caused him to have a NICU stay. Thanks to the awesome care he received he is a happy, healthy 10 year old with no lingering complications.
The March of Dimes is committed to healthy babies. There are comprehensive education programs on having a healthy pregnancy and prevention of prematurity. If a baby is born too soon, the March of Dimes offers support to the families and caregivers. I currently serve as a parent representative on a family support board, organizing events and developing programs for affected families. Our group has held Halloween parties for siblings, make holiday keepsakes for babies in the NICU and help develop a charting tool for parents. It's a chance for me to give back.
The Signature Chefs event is one of the primary fundraiser for our local March of Dimes chapter. Local chefs offer tastings of their signature dishes, there are several beverage options (wine!) and amazing auction items. -both live and silent. It gave me a chance to dress up and have an elegant night out.
I tried food from three chefs, and there were wide ranging options to taste. Rocco's catering offered a blackened chicken with mango salsa and red potatoes. Dow Rummel offered a braised pork shank, and Grand Falls Casino had my personal favorite: elegant pork nachos. None of the chefs could compete with Oh My Cupcakes' cupcake bar. I love their lemon drop and red velvet cupcakes! Sheer melt in your mouth perfection!!
Unfortunately I didn't win on any silent auction items that I bid on. I really wanted the Great Plains Zoo package and the massage (this mommy's back is bothering her!) packages. However, that was okay, because bidding is half the fun. I did not stay for the live auction because the Little Man has piano lessons, but I heard it was a great time.
It was an incredibly successful event for a cause near and dear to my heart

http://youtu.be/S050_LhjqYI
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10 years gone

This weekend my son turned 10. Double digits.
He's officially a tween.
I'm not prepared.
He's definitely becoming independent and (more) opinionated about things-tv, clothing, and more.
Our tastes are maturing-gone are the nick jr shows, and in are Disney XD programs. Character shoes are gone, and in are skateboarder ones. He's growing up.
10 years ago, he was born early. He had some health complications, including respiratory distress, and had a NICU stay. He was small, and despite all that, he was a fighter. Today, he has no lingering complications from his early health issues. Im forever grateful to the staff that took care of him in those precious early days. That laid the groundwork for him being healthy today.
As a thank you, I became involved with the march of dimes. Part of their mission to help prevent NICU stays. If it does happen, they are there with support. Im grateful for that. I'm hoping that my little role can make a tough beginning for a family a little better.
Another organization I recently became involved with is Every Mother Counts. They help to educate women around the world on prenatal care, maternal health and family planning. The maternal death rates worldwide are appalling, despite advances in the first world. Something as simple as a hygiene kit to allow a woman to give birth in a sterile environment saves lives.
It's hard to believe that my little guy is growing up, and I'm treasuring each moment we have because he's only this age once.
10 years gone, like a flash.
Time flies.

Our March for Babies video, featuring the incredibly appropriate Hourglass by Mindy Gledhill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afCHJMLWEK4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Miles & miles

The little man was born premature. I could point to a gazillion reasons why, but I wasn't his mommy then. I do know that it was because of the excellent care he received in the NICU that he hasn't had any lasting effects of a traumatic birth.
Shortly after I found out he was a NICU graduate, I decided to give back and pay it forward. I had already supported the March of Dimes, but I started volunteering with them. I currently serve on the CNAC (chapter NICU advisory committee) for the NICU that took care of my son. It's a partnership between families and the staff to help improve the experience. I am proud of my involvement, and wish I could do more!
One thing that the Little Man & I are doing together is walking in the March for Babies on April 28th. If you are in Sioux Falls, come out to the Empire Mall that morning and cheer us on. If you are somewhere else, check out your local chapter for their walk info. Contact your NICU to see if they accept hat and blanket donations. Volunteer to rock babies. Donate.
Help babies!

http://m.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=4108412&ct=4&w=5242990&u=deedimemmo