37th street

Last night we took the girls out for dinner and then to meander down 37th street on a Christmas lights stroll.

Cheeseburgers and curly fries at EZs.

Then, on to 37th. A 3 piece band was playing at the end of the street and we feared Roo would not budge. Because, drums! trombone! And, behind the house there was a stuffed animal petting zoo ringed in lights. She had to be carried away.

Moving on...

Sparkly lights everywhere they looked. Em said all the homes looked like gingerbread houses.

A sock monkey nativity scene? My absolute favorite!

(lost a little with the flash on this one)

Behold. Paul Frank monkey moped in red? Yes, please. Roo had to be carried to the car at this point. Fortunately, we were finished.

Then, we listened to Christmas music all the way home. By that I mean we listened to Alvin and the Chipmunks sing about hula hoops... on a loop... all the way home.

It was a fun night. I really mean that!

window shopping

We met some twin friends for a little window shopping on a lovely Friday morning.

After Starbucks treats and lots of pennies in the wishing fountains, we set off on a meandering walk.

The kids peered in every window. The only store they asked to go inside was the Apple store.

Smarties.

At the end of the long sidewalk was the biggest tree Em and Roo have ever seen.

They spent at least 45 minutes exploring every nook and cranny.

Next, a walk on the opposite side of the road. New windows to peer into and neat-o surprises on the ground. The last stop, Neiman Marcus. They have a magical installation piece above the escalators. Dancing butterflies that shimmered in the sun beams streaming through the skylight. We rode up and down 3 times and could have stayed a lot longer.

But, we had a lunch date.

butterflies in action

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

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!

this time last year

Around this time last year, the girls were just trying out their walking skills.