Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE BABIES. Yeah, I know that they spit up, poop and cry... it's just part of the package. They also smell great, can light up an entire room with a smile and learn SO quickly, it's just an honor to see how much they grow and change.
Over the past few years I've gotten to know a sweet client, turned friend, Andee, who has two precious kiddos of her own (even if they aren't babies) and have had so much fun photographing their entire family for each major milestone. Through Andee I was able to meet her sister Brooke and take some adorable (BABY!!) pictures of her son Carter.
All this is being shared with you because Andee has another sister that touched my life and I have never even met her. Over a year ago Erika was pregnant with triplets. A beautiful and touching journey that she shared on a personal blog. Because of Andee and Brooke, I followed the blog and even Erika's Facebook posts weekly to keep up on the news.
As often happens, the babies were born much too early and faced challenges from day 1 of coming into our world. Baby Sloan, Lane and Jens had such a tough road that first month of life, and unfortunately for his family, Jens went to be with our Lord shortly after arriving to meet his parents. But God is good and he allowed the family to find peace and joy in the blessings that Lane and Sloan brought into their lives. It took many months and the support and help of doctors, nurses, The Ronald McDonald House and many friends and even strangers to bring the twins home, but everyone rejoiced when Erika and her husband were able to say "We are Going Home!".
It's been nearly a year since Sloan and Lane went home to start their lives with their parents, but no one that has touched their lives has forgotten what a miracle they both are. So when Andee called me this week to help design invitations to a March of Dimes event they were participating in, I jumped on it. Of course I wanted to be involved and to help!
What is the March of Dimes? They are an organization that helps moms have full-term pregnancies and researches the problems that threaten the health of babies. What a simple but overwhelming mission to accomplish!
Why walk? When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies. People have been walking for this cause since 1970 and have raised an incredible $2 billion to benefit all babies. This year, more than 7 million people will join their family, friends and colleagues in 900 communities across the nation to raise awareness and funds.
How can you help? The Stedje, Edwards and Condry families (and MORE!) are participating in the March of Dimes Walk for Babies to both remember and celebrate the little ones that have blessed their lives. They are inviting you to join them by either walking or making a donation to their team. You can visit their website HERE for more details.
March for Babies is a wonderful and worthwhile cause to become involved in.
“Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
