New Years Resolutions

Are you going to do the same old resolution, and break it by the second week of January??

I got one for you :) (come on, if you know me at all, you knew where I was going with this)

How about you sign up to walk with us, on our March for Babies March of Dimes team, Devoted to Dylan??

You don't even need to be in Wisconsin!! If you remember, we had 27 different cities last year! I'd love to have even more this year!

How do you sign up?
Go here: http://www.marchforbabies.org/jen102279

Select "walk with me". Once you enter in your info, you can scroll the page down a bit and see your event info.  Click on "change my event" (for Non-Milwaukee people)

Find your state, then city and you're all set!!

Go big or go home???
Make a goal to raise at least $50! You've got just about 4 months to make that happen. That's just over $11 a month! You can do it!!

If you really don't feel like walking, you can of course donate to the cause :)

But what a great New Years res, right?  Not only will you be exercising (ok the walk is only one day, but still!), but you will be helping babies and their families! How rewarding is that??

Come on, you know you want to!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you are all able to spend time with loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading my blog and all the support this year! See you soon.

Take care of yourselves and of each other.

What can you do???

Ok so many, many people have been asking us recently if there is anything they can do for us or if we need anything.

Usually I answer this with, "No, but thank you and thank you for the thoughts and prayers"

We do appreciate the thoughts and prayers SO much.  The outpouring of love and support that we have, feels like a huge hug.

But after reading one of Ronan's mom's posts and hearing the phrase "be the change you wish to see in the world" in my head over and over, I've changed my mind.

So, what can you do??

Do something nice for someone else.  Buy the person behind you in line their cup of coffee, donate a pair of gloves to a shelter, Give someone a hug.

Do it because of us, or Dylan and Noah.

Do it because it will brighten up someone's day.

Do it because it's the holiday season.

Do it because you want to.

Do it because you want to be the change you wish to see in the world.

Sandy Hook

Stories like this should never exist.

Innocent children should never be shot at or feel in danger.  But none of us should.

Please take the time to think about all of these grieving parents and families.

So many are so quick to say, "that's it, get rid of the guns"

But is that REALLY the issue???

If you take away guns, people will find other means.  The deadliest US school shooting was in Michigan in 1927 and he made homemade bombs...

The issue is how we deal with mental illness.  These men and women who start off as innocent children too, need help.  A woman came out and wrote a story about how her son is just like these other kids who then turn into shooters... and she gets no help from the schools, doctors, our healthcare system...

Do I also agree that gun control could and should be tighter??  Yes absolutely.  But I think people are focusing on this instead of the real problem.

How do we stop people from wanting to kill innocent people?

Please keep those families in your thoughts and prayers as many of their funerals are today.

Life

Life is never really fair is it?  We (at least I do!) can hear our parents telling us as children that life isn't fair.  But at that time it's because we can't go to this concert or eat ice cream for dinner.

It's later in life when you realize that it really isn't fair, not at all.

Patrick and I were Blessed with our sweet Dylan.  He was a miracle in so many ways, the first being that the doctors couldn't believe he survived the pregnancy.  As a science person, I get it.  If something isn't right, cells have an internal mechanism, that goes "whoops something isn't right here, time to self destruct"  and our bodies do this too with pregnancies.  That's why the high occurrence of miscarriages.
But that didn't happen with Dylan.

We had a decision to make.  The doctors couldn't tell us what caused Dylan's issues, so we held out hope that maybe, just maybe it was a one time fluke (which does happen). As it was, if it was a genetic issue, we were told that it was a 1 in a MILLION chance that you would find someone in the population with the same defect (we ALL have genetic defects in our DNA).  We knew the risks and the possible outcome, and we made a decision.

What did we want more than anything? A biological baby between the two of us.  So try again we did, and we got pregnant right away (just as we did with Dylan)...again evidence that life is unfair.  We have no issues getting pregnant, while I have family and friends that struggle with that alone.

We were and are excited and were and are terrified.

We found out a few weeks ago that our little boy, Noah Dylan, will have the same issues as his big brother, Dylan.

Again, Life is unfair.

We are doing our best to stay positive and enjoy the moments we have with Noah while he is with us.  Taking bump pictures, taking him to a Packer game, and listening to actual rock-n-roll music.

Please if you have them to spare, keep my little family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you

Thank you for all of the pictures sent to us by text, facebook, or photobucket :)

It's amazing to think about how many flames where burning across the country for our sweet boy.

This time of year is very difficult for us.  Everyone else's lives continue on. Buying holiday gifts for their children, or the new ornament of the year...whereas we dread going into stores and seeing all the baby Christmas clothes and the baby's 1st Christmas ornaments that we haven't been able to buy.

I walk around my neighborhood with Vedder at night and all I want to do is rip the lights down from other people's trees.  I won't! I Promise.  But I can't help feeling that way.

That's one of the hardest parts about grief...seeing everyone else carry on like nothing happened.  I just want to shake them and say don't forget what you have. Don't take a second for granted.

Worldwide Candle lighting reminder

Please don't forget to light your candle this sunday, December 9th to honor all of our children that have passed.  7 pm your time.

"It’s just one little candle 
One tiny flickering light 

A challenge to the darkness
A small beacon in the night
It could be just a gentle touch
A reminder that you’re there
Or a warm, compassionate hug
That shows you understand and care
Maybe it’s a helping hand
A thoughtful, practical deed
A casserole, some laundry
Whatever meets the need
Sometimes it only takes your smile
To encourage and uplift
And should that smile lead to laughter
You’ve shared a precious gift
There’s comfort in shared Silence
Or in a softly spoken word
Or in taking time to listen
To feelings that must be heard
Yes, it’s just one little candle
Softly glowing in the night
But it can overcome the darkness
If it will only share its light
Just one little candle at a time
Each one giving from its heart
Reaching out to those nearby
Asking them to do their part
To make sure the light keeps growing
Reaching out to those in sorrow
Offering comfort, warmth, and hope
Strength and courage for tomorrow"

by Carol Dunn

 

March for Babies 2013

logo compliments of nellie*design

Well, it's that time again folks!

The Milwaukee Date for March for Babies is April 27th, mark it on your calendars!  (I keep telling them to move it into May! I try!!)

Please visit the team page here to sign up to walk with us, or to make a donation to the team:
http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1935117

And please remember to light your candle December 9th at 7pm YOUR TIME to remember and honor all the children that have passed.  

Light a candle for all children who have died.
7:00 pm Around the Globe The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting

Held annually the second Sunday in December, this year December 9, 2012. The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting unites family and friends around the globe as they light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time, creating a virtual wave of light, hundreds of thousands of persons commemorate and honor children in a way that transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries.The Worldwide Candle Lighting is a gift from The Compassionate Friends to the bereavement community allowing us all to join together in unity to remember and honor the memories of all children so they may never be forgotten.

December 9th, 2012

Please take a moment at 7pm YOUR time to light a candle for all the children who have passed away and were taken too soon.

And please share this information with other friends and family to create a wave of light around the world to honor these children.

Patrick and I have decided that we wanted to name our first child that we lost.  We lost this baby very early on in the pregnancy, around 5-6 weeks and we never learned the baby's sex.  We named Dylan's big brother or sister, Taylor (as it works for either a boy and a girl). This year we will light our candles for our sweet children, Taylor and Dylan, as we love and remember them always.

Breaking Point

I give up.

There's only so much one can take.

We wake from one nightmare only to enter into another one.

I try to grasp ahold of something, anything only to be pushed, shoved and  beaten down to nothing.

I'm no ones hero,  nor do I want to be.
I'm not strong. I can't feel anything.

I don't  want to be someones inspiration, all  I've ever wanted to be was someones mom.

Thankful Day 28

Sorry folks, I've been pretty busy!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Family and Friends.

Today I am thankful for family.  And not just mine, my husband's too.  We really lucked out in that department.  Sure there are arguments or drama every once in awhile, but when you need them, they're there.

When we lost Dylan, they did too.  It was harder for others to call and/or check in with us, as it was painful for them.  We understand that.  And this post is by no means blasting the members that didn't, so please don't take it that way.

It was right around this time of year, last year when my phone rang.  Usually it beeps, signaling a text message. I am a BIG texter and that's putting it mildly.  So I was surprised to hear the actual ringtone.  I looked at the caller id, and it was my cousin Greg.  Greg and I have talked about how we feel like we have more of a big brother/little sister relationship and that's still how I feel about it :) He lives miles and miles away.  And for him to make that effort, to reach out and call me at that time... still brings tears to my eyes.  I'm not trying to get all sappy. But it meant SO much. A simple phone call.  To ask how we were doing and coping with the holidays, and he even asked about Dylan.  People to this day struggle with saying my son's name in front of me.  So Greg :) Thank you, I love you and I'm mad as hell you aren't coming home for Christmas ;)

I think people rely too much on technology with emails and texting.  Simple phone calls are now a hassle or a pain in the ass to do.  But that simple gesture can make someone else's day, or week.  

So try to remember that the next time a family member or a friend are going through something, or even just because...pick UP the phone and DIAL the number.

Love to you all, take care of yourselves!!

Thankful Day 20

Today I'm thankful for my boss :)

Not everyone likes their boss.  I know that I'm lucky because I do.  He makes it easy to work for him.

so YAY for great bosses!!

Have a wonderful Turkey Day everyone!! I hope that you are all able to share the day with family and or friends and that you have a lot to be thankful for!  Hug and kiss your kiddos extra for me and remember to tell all your loved ones how much you love them!! Even if you're mad at them! Just tell them!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful Day 18

Today I'm thankful for our pets.

They are both big time lovies that love us unconditionally (as most pets do).  They can tell when we are down in the dumps or when we are sick, and they never leave our side. 

They can be pains in the you know what at times (Vedder has no idea how powerful his tail is, and if anyone rings the doorbell, he destroys our hardwood floors.  And Tigger is the biggest talker I have ever seen with a cat.  He SCREAMS at 430-5pm until he gets his dinner) 

But how could you stay mad at these faces???

Vedder with his piggy

and Tigger in his favorite spot... Our bed.

They are really the best pets <3

Thankful Day 16

Today I am thankful for "newer" friends :)

In December 2010, I decided to join  a group of women on the bump, more specifically The September 2011 birth club (as we were all due in Sept).  Little did I know at the time, how important these women would become.

With over 300 women in the group, there was always a fair share of drama and craziness... I mean come on, 300 pregnant women??? Hello hormones! But aside from the drama, this group became a HUGE source of support to each other.  57 of them joined our March of Dimes team and walked in their cities, wearing Dylan tshirts. And many that didn't walk, donated to our team.  They sent me cards at Christmas time, flowers on Mother's day, and showered me with love on Dylan's birthday.

If you remember, I am very vocal about how some people avoid us like the plague because they don't want to be reminded that bad things happen to good people, or because they don't know what to say.

Did it stop these women?? Most of whom have never met me face to face. No.

They were a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and even without being able to physically, a daily bear hug.

I am still in touch with many of these women, as we still have an active board going.  Some days it's incredibly hard to see where Dylan would and should be in his life, and sometimes it's healing.  There's still drama from time to time, but when there's someone in need--from help for a photo contest, to raising money for women who are having tough times--this group of women rally together.  It truly is amazing to be apart of such a wonderful group of women and I'm proud to know them. I hope that I am able to meet more of them, in person as time goes on.

So thanks Peas <3 I hope that you all realize how special this group is and embrace it.

Thankful Day 13

Today I am thankful for old friends.  You know the ones you meet in high school or college.  Sometime you lose touch with those people, it happens.  But it's the ones who even if you lose touch, still are there for you when you need them, are just the best.

Kelly and I met while working at Rock Bottom together,  in the college years.  We IMMEDIATELY were two peas in a pod and had way too much fun while at work as well as out of it.  Our career paths lead us in different directions.

Even so, I was at her wedding.  She was invited to mine ;)

I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out where and how to get a March of Dimes 2013 kick off party planned for my rockin' family team, Devoted to Dylan.

Kelly is still in the restaurant business and worked her way up to GM (general manager for non restaurant people).  She offered Molly Cool's as the place for the party and I couldn't be more excited!

Thank you again Kelly!!!

And let's not forget about those Kopp's letters people!! Please keep them coming!!!
find the info here

Thankful day 12

And see, I knew that I would get behind on these esp since I don't blog on the weekend!

Anywoo, thankful!

Today I am thankful for my neighbors :)  One set just had their second baby and we (and by we I mean just me ;) ) got to make them dinner.  Another neighbor had organized a meal planning thing for them so they didn't have to worry about what was for dinner.  And we had another neighbor couple over for dinner last week and had a great time (although, she almost tried canceling on me due to sick kids! :p) She also came over IN THE RAIN to take our OUTDOOR Christmas card photos :) That's a true friend!

We also have a neighbor who has used her amazing and creative skill set to make our Devoted to Dylan logo.  She is crazy talented.  Check out her stuff here.

My husband and I feel VERY fortunate that we found a house that we adore and with it came the most amazing neighbors you could ask for.  Everyone knows each other and their kids, everyone waves hi when walking or driving past. It's like out of a movie! It's great.

A group of our neighbors helping us celebrate Dylan's birthday

Thankful

Many of my friends have been posting things that they are thankful for and plan on doing it the whole month.  I will try to continue doing it from here on out, but I can't promise anything ;) I get busy and forget (and that's exactly WHY to try and make an effort to do this)

I am thankful for my husband.  It may have took him longer than me to realize that we were supposed to be together, but I'll forgive him of that :)  I have been with my husband for almost 9 years, married for 2.  I can't picture going through everything that we have, with anyone else (nor would I want to).  He's the first person (besides family of course... I mean where do you think I got all my faults ;) kidding mom and dad!) to accept me as ME. 100%. He loves me regardless of my piles on the dining room table. He loves me regardless of my irrational crazy episodes.  He loves me. Bottom line.

He also doesn't let me get away with stuff. If I'm being over the top (which happens more than I'd care to admit), he calls me on it.  Sometimes it doesn't go so well... but I feel like I'm improving and becoming a better person because of him. Because I want to for him and for me.

So what are you thankful for today?

Go on!

Get out there and VOTE!!! It's a BIG deal and YOUR vote MATTERS!!!

Must be doing something right :)

I had lunch today with some of March of Dimes WI's  chapter.  That's sort of a mouthful!
Anyways, they asked Patrick and I to be apart of their logistics committee as well as talk at their big kick off event in February.

I am also starting to plan our own Devoted to Dylan kick off party in January or February!! I will hopefully have a HUGE list of things for a silent auction too! :) Stayed tunes for more information!!


Don't forget to write and send your letter to Kopp's!

I VOTED!!

I went early and voted last night.  I'm so ready for the ads to be over!!!

But please please remember to vote! Regardless if you are a democrat or republican, it is YOUR RIGHT to vote!

"With the presidential election upon us, it is more important than ever to get out and vote. Many people think that their vote does not matter. There have been many, many elections - not just on a local level - that have been decided by less than 100 votes. So thinking that your vote does not count could not be farther from the truth.

If you are still not convinced of the impact the Supreme Court has had on this country and the differences in the various presidential appointments to the Court, compare the Supreme Court decisions of the late 60's and early 70's - Miranda v. State of Arizona, Roe v. Wade with the Court's decisions of the 80's that have gradually whittled away at the decisions of a more liberal Supreme Court. Chances are the next president will nominate at least two Justices to the Supreme Court. This will affect not only your life but that of your children and grandchildren. So the question then comes down to which candidate would you prefer to choose the most influential position in this country, that of a United States Supreme Court Justice."

(the above gotten from:http://www.essortment.com/understanding-importance-voting-60857.html)

So don't forget to vote on Tuesday, or sooner!!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween has always been a favorite of mine.  I always loved dressing up and who doesn't love candy?!?  Over the years, and as I gotten older my reasons for loving the holiday shifted (but only a little bit! Still LOVE my candy!)

Now I look forward to seeing our neighbor kiddos dress up and prance around in their outfits saying "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you!" with huge grins on their faces.

But for fun, here's a look back at some of my favorite costumes:

Me as Rainbow Brite in 4 year old kindergarden :)
My talented mother made the entire costume.

And repeat offender!
But Come on! I Loved Rainbow Brite!
Talented mom also made the dress for this year ('08)

The inspiration:

My husband and I as Don and Betty Draper.
We received a TON of compliments on how closely we resembled them! (Except we smiled...)

The inspiration: 

What were some of your favorite costumes??

Inspiration

I received a package in the mail on Friday, Check out the awesome return address!

Inside the package was items for me to donate in my Devoted to Dylan Family packs

 (talked about them here: http://devoted2dylan.blogspot.com/2012/07/devoted-to-dylan-is-9-in-country.html)

Keep the Kopp's Letters going!!! If you have any questions, please feel free to post them here and I'd be glad to help!

Minnie Mouse

I mean how cute is she?!?
I was VERY excited when we FINALLY saw Minnie!

So to fill everyone in, since we were a 2012 top 10 family team for March of Dimes, we were invited to  a Volunteer Conference in Orlando (hence Minnie).  We met some very inspiring people and can't wait to "Join Forces" with them in our efforts.  We were able to brainstorm with other family teams and come up with some new ideas and also air out any complaints or concerns we had. Our biggest complaint was that we didn't feel that MOD was using the family teams to their full advantage.  After all, our babies, our children, and our stories are the heart and sole of their mission.  Not Kmart.  But THANK YOU Kmart for all of your help and it is AMAZING that you've donated over $100 Million over the years, AMAZING.  But why did you walk? Because of Kmart? Or because of Dylan?

If any of you have suggestions as to how to get family teams heard louder, PLEASE tell us! Leave comments!! I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!


Don't forget about our plan to get Kopp's to get MOD a special flavor!!!!
See plan here: http://devoted2dylan.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-kopps-plan.html

and feel free to tell us what you said to fill in the blank of why you're helping us!! :) We'd love to hear!

And Diana, I love you :http://thebabybowers.blogspot.com/2012/10/inspired-to-run-first-5k.html

My Kopp's Plan

So if you live in Milwaukee, WI you know that there are a few custard places around :)   We live close to a Kopp's Frozen Custard location, and probably have about 5 pints of different flavors in our freezer right now. :) It's delicious! Some of my personal favorite flavors include (BUT are not limited to!) Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate, Chocolate Cherry Kiss, Chocolate Malt, and Almond Joy). YUM

So where am I going with this??

Kopp's is a big supporter of Breast Cancer research and fundraising.  A manager told me that I could ask for sponsorship (for our March of Dimes team), but that he already knew what the answer would be.  Okay fine.

So Plan B.

Let's get Kopp's to make a March of Dimes, Devoted to Dylan flavor! It's the 75th anniversary of March of Dimes and I personally think MOD could use a boost in the acknowledgment/advertising department.

Feel like helping??? Great!!

Kopp's Frozen Custard

Attn Donald Folgert

7631 W. Layton Ave.
Greenfield, WI 53220                     

Kopp's Frozen Custard

Attn Scott Borkin

5373 N. Port Washington Rd.

Glendale, WI 53217

  **It appears Greenfield and Glendale are owned by the same  family, so maybe we should just focus on those two** 

UPDATE PLEASE SEND ATTN TO BUD REINHART FOR ANY OF THE LOCATIONS

Kopp's Frozen Custard

(I couldn't find a manager name)

18880 W. Bluemound Rd.

Brookfield, WI 53045

So I have offered to create a letter that you all can copy, paste,  and mail.   If you would rather use some of it or write your own, that's great too!!

Here's my letter for you to use:

___________, 2012

Dear (manager name) and Kopp’s Family,

I am a member/supporter of a local March of Dimes family team, Devoted to Dylan.  I joined/supported the team because____________________________________________________________________. Their 2012 fundraising efforts made them not only #1 in Milwaukee, but also #1 in Wisconsin and #9 in the country!

The 2013 year marks the 75th anniversary for the March of Dimes mission and I feel that we should embrace this milestone and remind the community what March of Dimes is all about, our babies and our children being given the best chance at a healthy start to life.  Instead of asking for a monetary donation, would Kopp’s be willing to maybe have a special flavor made in honor of Wisconsin's top team, and/or the March of Dimes, in celebration of their mission?  

The  March Of Dimes is an advocate for awareness to and prevention of premature birth and also funds research to prevent birth defects and infant morality.  Bringing attention to this cause will be a success in itself, but working along side a company like Kopp's Frozen Custard would be a great help in our efforts.

This important work is so valuable to the community, and Kopp's would be helping a wonderful cause by spreading the word about March of Dimes with a special flavor.

Thank you for helping us give all babies a healthy start!

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

Team Member/Supporter of Devoted to Dylan

March for Babies 2013