March of Dimes

We marched to save babies today. We raised money for the March of Dimes. One of our donations came from Anna and Shawn. I have always felt this cause was so important, but today seemed more important. Anna donated to our walk, and when I thanked her she said she wished she could be with us on the walk. March 22nd is when she donated.


My family walking to save babies


Brianna and Anna March 2010 in Safety Harbor

Well, I very much felt like she was with us today. It's been so hot. So humid. This morning it was so cool. We walked out of the house and the girls asked if we could go back in and get coats (we said no). Well, it was so breezy the whole walk. I closed my eyes at one point and imagined Anna's amazing embrace. The walk was held in Safety Harbor. Anna absolutely loved to go to the marina and see manatees. Anna and Shawn saw some their last visit to FL, and visited the Safety Harbor marina a couple of times. The kids and I talked about this, and about their Aunt Anna, and it's comforting talking about all the wonderful memories we have with her, but also so difficult when she should be here for future memories. I am really struggling with how life doesn't have her in it. I miss her more than words can express.


Mikayla and Brianna 15 days old

I am so very proud of my girls. This was our 5th year doing the walk for the March of Dimes, and they were invited to two birthday parties today. We couldn't go to either party because they coincided with the march. The girls didn't get upset and felt a responsibility to save babies. I love their hearts. I'm so proud of their hearts.

Our first family photo

Our family now~we are so blessed.

My girls were born at 34 weeks 5 days. I had a due date of November 15th. I had a scheduled C-Section of October 26th, because they were twins and breach. But, the girls had other ideas. October 9th at 6am my water broke. I ran and woke up Nelson praying that we could hold off their early arrival...but with contractions coming every 2 minutes, and baby A's (Mikayla) bag was broken...so it was time. 11:30 and 11:31 my girlies entered the world. Mikayla was 5 lbs and Brianna was 5 lbs 2 0z. They spent 10 days in the NICU learning how to eat, and growing and Brianna had a few brady and apnea issues. They got to come home without any monitors, and at their birth weight. So grateful for the care they received in the NICU, and the money March of Dimes puts into research for preemies.