WalkAmerica 2007

Just so you all know...

March of Dimes WalkAmerica 2007 is April 28th. I will be hitting you all up for donations again this year, so if you are feeling generous, you can beat me to the punch, and follow the link below to donate.

In case you have been on Mars for the past two and a half years, the reason we so actively participate in this event is because the March of Dimes is very near and dear to us. Without the research and work they have done, and continue to do, Sarah and Benjamin would NOT be here today, and would never have had a prayer of being as healthy and wonderful as they are.

Again, in case you have been on Mars, here is our story...

After 15 weeks on bedrest for pre-term labor, Sarah and Ben arrived via emergency c-section September 25th, 2004, 14 weeks 1 day too soon (that would be 25w6d gestationally for all of the mathematically challenged.) Sarah was born at 1 lb. 11 oz and 12" long. Benjamin was 2 lbs. and 14" long. Benjamin's odds of survival were so-so, Sarah's were not good. We spent 102 days in the NICU and went through a rollercoaster before going home to an even bigger one. Long story short, Sarah and Ben beat the odds in more ways than one. Not only are they here with us today, but they are healthy, which is more than we could have ever hoped for. That is not to say that they don't still face some challenges, but they will lead "normal" lives (if we don't screw them up too bad.) The picture with my hand is of Benjamin when he was 23 days old. The picture with the pink blanket is Sarah at 15 days old.

Unfortunately, that is not the norm. Too many people have babies that don't survive, or survive with lifelong, severe disabilities. That is why the March of Dimes is so very important. They have worked for years for our kids. All of our kids... Your baby may have been full term, but chances are someone close to you has been touched by the horror of prematurity. At the very least, your child received the Polio vaccine which was developed with funds from the MOD.

Anyway, I will get off my soapbox (for now). Just remember, every dollar helps and is appreciated, so buck up! Additionally, Northside Hospital (where they spent the 1st 3.5 months of their lives) is matching any money our team raises dollar for dollar, so your money will really stretch. If you want to do even more, consider walking and raising money on Sarah & Benjamin's team. You don't have to be local. Almost every area in the US has a walk. Look on the website to find where the closest one to you is. When you register, search for "Sarah & Benjamin Jacobstein's Team," we would be honored to have you walk with us in their honor!

For the longer version of our story visit www.shareyourstory.org/webx/.eec7405/1

Why do you have a blog AND a website?

You guys are probably wondering why I have both, right? Simple... This is easier, and easier is good right now.

All is well here in Jacobstein Land. Kids are all healthy for the time being... Sarah and Benjamin are naughty little things. Typical two year olds. Thank God! Emma is smart as a whip and super sassy. She has a nice little relationship with Tabasco these days.

The holidays were good. We didn't do gifts with adults this year, but instead made donations in charities of each person's choice. We all have too much, plus it kept me out of malls with three children. Santa visited the children, Mommy and Daddy took them to Disney World. We had a big meal (fiasco) here on Christmas day. It was quite fun for everyone (else).

David is doing the NCAA Bowl circuit right now, and will be back on Wednesday. When he gets back with the camera, I can post some of the Disney pics.

Well, hopefully I can keep up with this... You are not allowed to hold me to it though.