Happy First Birthday Pumpkin!

Today is Noah's first birthday. One whole year since the school bus dropped me off on the side of the road, I walked myself into Maine General in Waterville, and I found out that no, I was not having Braxton-Hicks contractions, I was going to have my baby boy much, much too early.

I was so excited last night and this morning, thinking about the post I would get to write, wishing Noah a happy birthday. It was going to include all of my most vivid memories - from the absolute terror we had wdonering if he was going to make it through those first days, to the excitement of seeing him breathe on his own for the first time, the pure joy we had when we finally took him home, and of course all of the giggles, frustrations, and milestones we have experienced since. Instead, I am sitting here sobbing as I write this, having just found out that the beautiful 17 month old daughter of another preemie mom blogger passed away last night. I never met Heather or her gorgeous daughter Maddy, but following her blog and Maddy's exploits always left me feeling more excited than ever about my family's futute with Noah. Unfortunately, like many preemies, Maddy's lungs were just not as healthy as she needed them to be, and she passed away last night, soon after being admitted to the hospital.

So instead of being able to enjoy this moment for what it should be, a momentous milestone, and the first of many more to come for my beautiful baby boy, I am reminded again of just how terrifying the ride is for a preemie and his family. I know that Noah doesn't have the same lung issues Maddy had (thank GOD), but I am reminded of how excruciatingly fast life can take away what matters most to you. At the same time, Maddy's passing also reminds me of just how lucky I am to have my baby.

More than ever, I wish I could do something to help all of the Maddys and the Noahs to be born healthy and to stay healthy. As some of you may know, my family is planning on walking in the March of Dimes March for Babies this year for the first time. I have been meaning to send out letters, asking friends and family to donate or walk with us, just like I have been meaning to find some students at school interested in getting involved too. Unfortunately, meaning without action doesn't accomplish much. And so today, in honor of all 365 days Noah has been with us so far, and the thousands and thousands of days he will continue to be with us, I am turning my intentions into action and I am asking you to please help babies everywhere and support the March of Dimes.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/michelleybelle

Walk with us, cheer us on, donate, or just forward this message along - whatever works for you! And when you do, know that you are helping another Noah, Maddy, etc. spend one more day with their loved ones.

Love,
Michelle