Continuing my dedication to Prematurity Awarenss Month

What everyone should know....

Babies born at 23 weeks gestation have a 17% chance of survival.
Babies born at 24 weeks gestation have a 39% chance of survival.
Babies born at 25 weeks gestation have a 50% chance of survival.
1 in 10 premature babies will develop permanent disabilities, such as lung disease, cerebral palsy, blindness, or deafness.
50% of babies born before the 26th week are disabled; 25% of those severely so.
There is a greater risk of severe disability and lower cognitive function results for boys compared to girls. This supports the theory that male sex is an important risk factor in extremely premature infants.
In 2004, 12.5% of US babies were premature (less than 37 weeks). That is an 18% increase over the rate in 1990.

I know when friends and family are pregnant, I can get a little neurotic with how many weeks gestation they are and I get paranoid about preterm labor etc. The risks are real and the outcomes unpredictable.

I just want every baby to have a Healthy Start!!!

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE...

It's Superman X 2!!!!

Premature Birth - It's Personal To Me!

November is Prematurity Awareness Month.

As you all know this cause is near and dear to my heart. Too many babies are born too soon and way too many just don't make it.

Here are the startling facts...

Prematurity has been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. One out of eight babies is born prematurely in the United States. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman. In fact, more newborns die from premature birth than any other cause.

Today alone in the U.S. 1400 babies will be born to soon.

A baby born in Cuba, Cyprus or Slovenia is more likely to survive than a baby born here in the US - despite huge economic disparities.

These babies take months, and often years, to catch up to their peers. Some never can. Babies born too soon face developmental issues, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, respiratory issues, learning disabilities. Your child may be healthy - but these children will be in your child's classroom. 1 in 8, remember? Premature birth isn't just "something that happens to someone else". It isn't a distant, far away problem. It's effecting over 1/2 million families each year. And these mothers - they aren't drug pushers or alcoholics. These are regular families who get prenatal care, who do everything right - families like mine. But it doesn't have to be that way. Change is possible. But first, you need to be aware.

Please help the babies by signing the preemie petition I have posted in the sidebar and feel good that we are saving babies, together!

Introducing My Guest Blogger

I have a very special post this evening. My dear husband, Mark, has kindly asked me if he could put a post on my blog. I actually think he thinks this is "our" blog. I told him to make his own blog if he has so much to say. I think a good title would be "The world according to Mark". Anyway, here it goes (I am a little scared)!!! Introducing, my loving husband, Mark.

"Five Seconds"

When I was playing high school sports, my coaches at the end of every practice would say "Five Seconds." It was a time for us (the students & players) to focus on our goals and reflect on ourselves as "Men for Others." I went to an all-boy Jesuit high school.

I have carried the "Five Seconds" to today. Every now and then I give myself "Five Seconds" to reflect on how I am as a father, husband, athlete, nurse, and person. I also use the "Five Seconds" as a time to think about and pray for others.

With everything going on in today's hectic world we have much to worry about (family, money, work, etc.). But when you think about your problems, there is always at least one other person that has it worse than you. Give "Five Seconds" to say a prayer or give positive thoughts to those that are having bigger problems than you. Give "Five Seconds" and thank God for all that he has given you.

After William & Thomas were born I did alot of "Five Seconds." There was a baby in the NICU about 20 feet from my boys who went to Heaven. I spent all the time thinking about my wife and boys and forgot there were other families in the same or much worse predicament than Karen and myself. I spent "Five Seconds" on that family that lost their child.

You would be surprised on what "Five Seconds" can do.

This post is dedicated to newborn baby Lindsey and her family. God Bless!

Call me Crazy

My husband has been after me to post something new on my blog. I think it is quite funny that he even cares what I have to say on here. He even has some of his co-workers reading this. So for all of you that work with Mark, please post a comment every now and then. You can come out of hiding. I hear so much about all of you andI know you are out there reading this!!! LOL

Anyway back on topic, You can all call me crazy but I have had a burning desire to get a dog. Not just any dog but I want a....Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Aren't they just so cute!! I have eyed them for years!

I think most women my age crave having another baby. Not me, a dog would suffice.

Realisticly, I know this is not a good time. I don't have time for a new dog. My life is crazy enough as it is. Having a 150 pound pooch should be enough. I truly am trying to simplify my life so why is my heart longing for a new doggie???? I keep thinking that I don't even need a puppy. An adult dog would suit me just fine. I am hoping this feeling passes quickly.

I even have names picked out. I like the names Honey or Olive depending on the dog's color.

Sometime's the fun is just in looking so I will settle to desire from a distance right now.

So that's what has been on my mind lately!!! Call me Crazy!

HIT THE BUTTON, HIT THE BUTTON

It amazes me how kids just enjoy the simpliest things. As many of you know, my boys are speech delayed. They have their own twin talk but have not put 2 words together until our vacation. There is nothing like an elevator to bring words out. One of the highlights of our trip (for the little dudes) was the discovery of elevator buttons. As soon as we would open our hotel room door they would go running out "hit the button, hit the button, hit the button". i almost cried when they put 3 words together.

i think being a momo mom really makes every little milestone feel like a huge major deal that deserves celebration. Way to go Liam and Tommy. Won't be long now until i can't wait for you to shut up. Until then keep those words coming!!!!

Here are more vacation pics as promised. More Florida details to come.....

MUCH NEEDED FAMILY TIME

As many of you know, Mark and I work different schedules so we don't need full time childcare. It works out well for the little dudes but not always the best thing for us as a family. Sometimes we both feel like single parents. With that said, we decided to take a much needed family vacation. Planning it was difficult as i wanted to fly and stay at a resort and Mark wanted to drive and stay at a motel 6 (LOL). We were going to Fort Myers Beach Florida where i lived for 2 years (1997-1999). It is a place near and dear to our hearts.

Anyway, we negotiated and decided to drive but stay at
the pink shell resort. I think both our ideas turned out for the best. We had 20 hours each way of family time. The boys did fantastic in the car. Mark and I got to talk and just be together.
The resort was fantastic and even met Mark's expectations which is not always easy to do.

We stopped in Savannah Georgia for a day. I always wanted to visit Savannah after reading 'midnight in the garden of good and evil'. Great book!!! neat city!!!

Here are some pics of our trip. I'll post some stories about it in the next week so check back....here is a preview of what is to come.... 'hit the button', 'catching up with friends', 'pickles', 'chasing the birds' 'Gerardo' and 'boating with bobby'.

All i can say is this vacation totally exceeded my expectations. We will definitely do family trips more often!!!