I wasn’t going to share this but then I thought… this is one of the most important things in my life!

On July 17, 2001, my first daughter, Sydnie was born. This was my first pregnancy, my first baby. When my water broke at 36 1/2 weeks, I was not necessarily too concerned, but scared, none the least. Sydnie was born at 6 lbs. 9 oz. and was a healthy baby (except for the spitting up!). We were so thankful she was healthy!

Here is her picture at 3 months old:

Before Sydnie was born, I had the opportunity to get involved with the March of Dimes. The company I was working for had started a team for the Walk America event (now the March for Babies) and I immediately signed up to participate. I knew the March of Dimes was all about research to stop prematurity. And, I wanted to get involved.  Then, Sydnie was born, and I was so glad I did!

My husband and family continued our support and participation with the Walk America event, knowing we were helping raise money to support an amazing organization… and it was FUN too! Then, I became pregnant with my second child and was immediately concerned about being able to carry a baby full-term (since I had Sydnie almost 4 weeks early)…

To make a long story short, my second daughter, Kendall, had zero patience. My family and I were on a little weekend vacation up in Marquette, MI, and guess what? My water broke in the hotel room on Sunday morning, March 26, 2006. I was only 34 weeks pregnant. This could not be happening. Is my daughter going to be okay? Upon arrival at the Emergency Room (not even remotely close to my doctor, who was over 400 miles away), I could not believe what was about to happen.

We did not have a car seat, baby clothes, diapers, NOTHING! This was not the schedule; this was not the plan. The doctors attempted to slow the labor (they were going to keep me in the hospital and try to contain the labor for at least a few more days, if possible); however, this was not for Kendall. She was determined to be born that day… and she was.

Kendall Petoskey was born on March 26, 2006, and weighed 5 lbs. We got to see her for a moment, but then she was whisked off to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Here is a picture of her at 3 days old… she was pretty tiny.

Kendall was hospitalized for 14 days in the NICU and was continuously monitored by machines, nurses, and doctors. She was very strong and did not need any type of support, but she did need to learn how to eat (how to take a bottle). We were so blessed that our daughter was healthy, but small.

After 2 weeks in the hospital, we were able to bring Kendall home. However, she was hooked up to a heart monitor to ensure her heart rate did not drop. If her heart rate dropped below a certain level, the monitor would alarm (very loudly, I might add). There were a few times that the monitor did alarm, which scared us at first, but she was fine. Today, she is a healthy (kind of small), 5-year old little girl. Thank you, God!

Thanks to the March of Dimes for all you do for babies, moms, dads, families, doctors, nurses, and more. Each and every day, there are many babies that are born too early, are too small, and also are very sick. I am involved with the March of Dimes because I want to do something about this. The mission of the March of Dimes is this:

“To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.”

But, I need your help! Can I count on your support?  CLICK HERE!

Thank you, in advance, for helping me help babies… including my own.

Here are my kids today… happy, healthy, AND part of the March of Dimes!

It’s time to take action! The 2012 Holland March for Babies is on Saturday, April 14, 2012, and I thank you for your support. Let’s help all babies be healthy!

Blessings,

Andie Petoskey
Phone – 269.941.3843
http://www.andiepetoskey.com

Chat Skype: andiepetoskey

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re Braver than you Believe, and Stronger than you Seem, and Smarter than you Think.” ~Christopher Robin to Pooh

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