So right now I've been struggling to figure out what to write. I've been so inactive with this blog it's a wonder I haven't decided to stop altogether.
Today we're in Albany for yet another follow up appointment. This one was the one we dread, her yearly blood panel. I dread it as her mom because she gets herself so upset, it's truly heartbreaking.
Anastasia is also too smart for her own good too. In the middle of the tech attempting to get her blood she cried out "why does it have to hurt so much?" I swear I died a little inside when she said that.
When they finally got what they needed the crocodile tears stopped and things were somewhat right with the world. She won't let us hold that hand but she got 2 new stuffed critters and a princess doll.
But honestly she is way too smart. The things she was saying when they were taking blood from her I have never heard any other 4 year old say. Then I remember she is not any 4 year old. She is still the bravest 4 year old I know. And I am so proud to be her mommy.
I'm not sure how many of you know but I sing in a Sweet Adeline's chorus. I've been a member since 2003. Over the past 12 years I've competed at our regional competition and we've placed anywhere from 3rd-10th. Last year we had our lowest scores ever. We placed 10th and it was so disheartening for us as a group.
Not sure what to do we reevaluated and went into this year's contest not really caring how we placed but we knew we had worked hard to improve.
We were thrilled that we improved 85 points and placed 1st in our division, and 7th overall. We were so pleased we have been celebrating since the beginning of April!
Fast forward to this week. Our chorus was invited to compete in the Harmony Classic next year. This is a competing in which the top 5 small choruses in the entire organization and the top 5 mid size perform an entertainment package. What an honor to be invited to go!
So I guess it's not time to get down from cloud 9 just yet...maybe next year.
Dear Anastasia,
In less than 12 hours you will turn 4 years old. Has it really been 4 years? I wish someone would tell me where the time has gone. We made it through a year of being diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic, and we celebrated making it that far by getting your first insulin pump. It was literally like square one again but you are such a trooper and by far the bravest toddler I know.
You still love chicken, fries & white dip. However, you have been favoring my egg salad sandwiches as of late. Your favorite shows are Paw Patrol & Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but you still will watch Doc McStuffins with Mommy.
You still have bad days when Grammy & Grampy watch you, however you do have more good days with them than you did last year.
You can belt out songs you know without hesitation or fear. You love hopping time at church and adore dancing there with your friend Joseph.
You are so loved Anastasia, even though we get frustrated that you aren't fully potty trained, and you repeat things 100 times we love you with all our hearts and then some.
I thank God every day that I was blessed to raise you as my daughter. Happy 4th Birthday my wonderful, spunky, talkative, and bright baby girl.
Love,
Mommy
Many of you know that when Anastasia was born she was premature. A month after I motivated myself to participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. The first year the team I founded Anastasia's Avengers raised about $1000. Each year following I learned something new about the walk. This year was the first year I actually went to the Kickstarter
Breakfast.
It was good but emotional for me. One of the speakers (the woman who is our regions mission family) mentioned that only NICU parents know what we have gone through. There are so many ups and downs. You go in one day knowing your baby is doing better. She's gaining weight and then the next day she's having an apnea episode and you have no idea how to snap her out of it.
The last week we were there, a set of twins were born. One was doing as to be expected. The other was not as well. We kept hearing talk of it having blood transfusions and then finally I heard they were going to Westchester Medical. I never knew what happened since we were discharged days after.
Every year I walk to honor Anastasia. Over the years I walk for other kids as well. I walk to honor my friend's niece Gabi, who was also prematurely born. I also walk to honor the memory of babies who didn't make it home to their earthly family. I became acuainted with Diana Stone (author of the blog Diana Wrote) when she lost her twins Preston and Julian in 2012 at 20 weeks (just a month after Ana was born). The following year she lost her full term baby boy Kaden. I made a promise to never forget those boys as they have touched my life more than anyone will ever know.
Finally I walk to honor the memory of my former co-worker's son. John was one of my supervisors when I worked at Borders in Poughkeepsie. I was so thrilled when he told me his wife was pregnant, but then sadly at 20 weeks she went into labor and their son Alexander was lost. I am honored that he allows me to walk to honor his son's memory.
I wish there was no such thing as premature birth so every year I walk I commit to raising money for this cause. Contrary to the public belief the March of Dimes does not donate 1 dime for every dollar raised. It's actually .75/dollar.
For more of the history of the March of Dimes click here. This will give you the whole origin of the name of the not for profit.
If you would like to donate to my walk click here
