For Healthy Babies

Gary, Lydia and I are Marching for Babies again this year.  We've walked this 5K for the past few years to raise some money for March of Dimes.  As you all know, Lydia was born at 28 weeks weighing 2lbs 7oz and 14 inches.  Today, she is 3 feet tall weighing in at almost 29lbs!

If you have donated to our cause before, please consider donating again!  If you haven't donated before, why not this year?  Any amount is welcome and here's the link to donate online:

 http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1739619

This past year has been one of healing for our family.  The first two years were miraculous... and they were also rather frightening.  We held our breath every step of the way, wondering what being born 3 months early meant for her.  She has fought fiercely to not only live, but to thrive.  Those who meet Lydia see her as a happy, easy-going girl.  She's smart, funny and, of course, stubborn.  She's an instigator and a bossy boots.  She told me at dinner one evening, 'I'm so frustrated with you.  I don't want to talk to you right now!'  I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or give her the 'serious' face!

It's amazing to have conversations with other parents these days.  We talk about our kids not going to bed, potty-training, their eating habits, and what their favourite toys are.  These conversations seem so surreal to me.  I'm so glad that we're able to talk about Lydia like she's a normal three-year old.  I am always learning how to live, love and laugh from Lydia.

I really feel like we owe March of Dimes and the MUSC Children's Hospital so much; Lydia would not be alive today without their dedication to preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  If you donate to the March of Dimes, you support research and services that help mothers have full-term pregnancies so that babies can begin healthy lives.  They also provide comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

Please donate to support a worthy cause!  For Lydia, for your children, for health babies everywhere,

Sonia, Gary and Lydia