Seton Wonders Team

Our March of Dimes family team is a bit unique. We're family, just not the kind you usually think of.

Our family was born in the spring of 2006. Each of us gave birth to a baby (or 2) too early that spring.

We found each other in the rocking chairs next to the isolettes and warming beds in our NICU wards; in the hospital elevators; queued up for a turn in the pumping room; sprawled on the waiting room couches during shift changes and in the next seat at the March of Dimes support group meetings.

We found each other and held each others hands through terrifying moments where loss seemed imminent. We celebrated each others joys, the thrill of a gained ounce or reduced oxygen. We spoke medical jargon like trained professionals and parceled each day's schedule according to the NICU's closures.

We celebrated each baby that was finally released to go home, but inwardly, we felt envious and despaired that we'd never be that lucky. After the NICU, many months for some of our family, we battled the isolation of parenting medically fragile children with carefully planned, germaphobic playgroups and night's out for the mothers.

In 2006, during the March for Babies, we were all struggling to survive on the top floor of Seton hospital.

Now, each spring, we memorialize and celebrate our children by walking in the March for Babies.

Our family team is solidified by experiences we wish on no one. Ever.

Our team is built on loss and gain.

We walk for Angels, there are 3.

We walk to raise awareness and celebrate life.

We walk for our victorious and courageous children.

2010 March for Babies

This year's March for Babies was another win. Because it's so close to Roo's and Em's birthday, it's a tangible reminder of how far we've come and what we're giving back to.

Each year, we ask that our friends and family make a donation to the March of Dimes in lieu of giving a birthday gift. It is such an incredible blessing to walk with our fellow NICU survivors and honor the wonderful children they are today.

It is also a poignant reminder that several of our numbers did not get to go home with their mothers, fathers, twins. And that is why we march.

Thank you thank you to all our family and friends who marched with us in body

Aunt Kak, the Bests, our NICU family

and in spirit

McGrands, Mammaw and Pappaw, Nannie, families of Laura, Kristin, Jennifer, Jackie, Vanessa, Jenny, Betty, Mitzi, Susanne, Erin, Andrea, Aunt Joy, Aunt Becky

Aware

It’s Prematurity Awareness Day®.

The Rowdy Girl family is aware. First hand aware.

If you haven't already, I hope you'll visit the March of Dimes Web site and join the fight for preemies.

Team Seton Wonders

We had a great walk today! The March for Babies was well attended and inspiring. Thank you to everyone who supported us through your donations, your time, your thoughts and your prayers!
It means so very much to us. From the bottom of our hearts... Thank You.

Team '06 Seton Wonders heading to the starting line...

...and pausing for a photo at the half way point of the Walk.





After crossing the finish line, Em headed to the "jumpy house"

While Roo played in the music tent off and on.
Meaning. She'd play, go check on Em, then grab one of her grown ups and take them back to the music tent.
The RGs had such a great time that leaving was a little tough. Thank goodness for that lollipop tent on the way out!
Thank goodness for you... and the March of Dimes.

Why I March

Tomorrow is the annual March for Babies walk to support the March of Dimes.
Once again, we will be walking with our NICU friends, forming Team '06 Seton Wonders.

We've been out of the NICU for 2 years, 11 months and 19 days. It still seems like yesterday. I continue to get a bizarre mixtures of feelings when I drive towards the hospital. A combination of nostalgia, panic and urgency. I've been told the latter two feelings start to fade as you near the 10 year graduation-from-the-NICU mark.
We'll see.
One thing I do know. In 10 years, we'll still be marching.
_______________________________

reprinted with permission from The Twin Spin

I march because 3 pounds is heart wrenchingly small.

I march because after waiting so long, no one should have their baby whisked away from them after only a 5 second hello.

I march because it's heartbreaking to be told that you can't hold your own baby.

I march so that fewer parents have to become familiar with the terms "apnea," "bradycardia," "gavage," "bilirubin," and "PICC line." Those should be reserved for doctors only!

I march because I know too many women who have delivered at 35, 33, 32, 31, 28, even 24 weeks.

I march because some of these women have had to say goodbye to their babies and give them to God.

I march so that more women can become educated on how to have a healthy pregnancy.

I march so that all premature infants can get the utmost care and their families can rely on the support and information provided by the March of Dimes.

I march for Creed and Truman, Mallory, Kelby, and Evan, Megan and Morgan, Em and Roo, Owen and Brody, James, and, of course, Rachel and Claire.

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, 2009, we march for all the babies and the families that have greatly benefited and will benefit from the support of the March of Dimes. We appreciate all of the loving and generous support of our friends and family both in the early days, and now in our fundraising efforts.

MARCH FOR BABIES!

Kicking it Off

Today was the grand kick-off for the March of Dimes' March For Babies. Our NICU buddies, Abigail and Porter invited us to join them at the luncheon at the Four Seasons.

Because I relied on my (now) faulty memory instead of my calendar, we arrived fairly early. So, to kill some time, we took a nature walk on the grounds that border the lake.
Em was pretty disappointed that there was no swimming allowed (for her). She was determined to get into the lake and meet the ducks up close. I had to challenge her to a race as a distraction. Me in my high-heeled boots and Em in her Keds. Guess who won?





Once the luncheon began, both Em and Roo were more than ready to meet the food. No booster seats or high chairs here. Just ladies who lunch. The Rowdy Girls pulled it off beautifully!

Our table was in a back corner by the speakers. Which turned out to be a great place for short people who might not stay in their seats. Especially if the music rocks.



We're pretty excited to participate in our annual walk in the March for Babies.
The March of Dimes is such a worthy cause and Em and Roo are living proof.