When Mike and I got married, we had the typical plans for our life together. Careers, a house with a yard for the dog, and a handful of kids to fill the house. We didn’t plan on any of those kids to be born prematurely. No one ever does. And yet, over half a million babies a year are born too soon.
I did everything I was supposed to do before I got pregnant with Madeline. I went to the doctor and had a physical, I was in good shape, I took prenatal vitamins. I ate right, took care of myself, and was pro-active about my medical care. I did everything I was supposed to do, and I still had a premature baby.
The thing is, if it can happen to me and Madeline, it can happen to anyone.
We know now that the most likely reason for Madeline’s early arrival was my then-undiagnosed clotting disorder. Yet, in more than half of premature births, the doctors have no idea what happened. NO IDEA why pregnancies that were progressing normally resulted in babies being born weeks and months early. The thing that scares me even more? The number of premature births has increased 31 percent since 1981. There have been so many advances in medical care, and our babies are more at risk than ever.
My Maddie was born in my 28th week of pregnancy. She was in the NICU for ten weeks, but she came home and thrived, and yet prematurity still was one of the primary causes listed on her death certificate SEVENTEEN MONTHS after her birth. I get sick and angry and cry every day because my daughter isn’t here anymore, and she should be. She should be.
I am not saying this to scare parents to be. I’m saying this because knowledge is power. Prematurity is a crisis than can effect anyone. But, it is also something that everyone can help fight against. November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and today is Fight For Preemies day. Go here and learn what you can do to help prevent prematurity. Wee babies are amazing little fighters, but they shouldn’t have to be.
I hope that some day, that newlywed couple picturing their lives doesn’t plan on their child being born prematurely, because prematurity will no longer exist.
Fight for preemies…fight for Maddie.
Seraphim says:
She is breathtakingly beautiful. You articulate what so many of us wish for. Every single day.
cj says:
exactly.
monica says:
I have been reading your blog for a while now and as a mother I cannot even imagine the pain you must go through everyday, your blog is so inspiring. Maddie was beautiful and I love that last picture she is truly an angel! God bless you, Mike and Binky!
Oh and Rigby too!!!
Kelly says:
You’re amazing
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..crazy! =-.
catherine lucas says:
Every baby counts. It is always a mental disaster for parents loosing one. It is not supposed to be. Children should never die before the parents do.
Your blog has raised a lot of awareness Heather, together with Mike, the two of you brought prematurity into the focus spot for a lot of people. Madeline was 17 months, and she changed the world, it’s no overstatement to say that. She did, and you picked up where she could not, her tiny body was too weak. A lot of preemies will live because your family did something. I know, a very lousy and meager, more then meager comfort!
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Fountains’ Autumn =-.
cheryl says:
Heather, I’ve never commented but am a regular reader of your blog ever since I stumbled on it a few months back. I just wanted to tell you, Madeline was so sweet and beautiful. I can’t imagine the agony of losing her and while I don’t know what exactly you’re going through since I don’t have kids of my own but I feel for you. I wish you and Binky the best. May you have a healthy pregnancy with Binky. I’ll be thinking of you.
Love from Singapore.
Lauren says:
The only thing I have to say is I remember being pregnant, watching t.v. with my husband an seeing the march of dimes commercial and saying to him “God, can you just imagine?” and then it happened to us. no more imagining
Traci says:
*cry*
kelly says:
I can’t look at Maddie without crying. God bless you..and God bless your efforts in her honor.
Heather says:
We don’t have a “diagnosis” for my both of my girls were born early (34 1/2 weeks & 36 weeks). I hate not knowing. You never imagine yourself in the position of having a preemie while you are pregnant, to be honest, I don’t think I ever even considered it as a problem to worry about during my first pregnancy. With my 2nd, it was all I could think about!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
I agree with Catherine and Kelly. Fighting for Premies is a very good cause…saving a human life is probably one of the most admirable things we can do in our lives.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..As if I don’t have enough to do already… =-.
amanda says:
That last picture of her is stunning. Maddie, you and Mike continue to make the world a better place every day.
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..weekend. update. =-.
Fiona says:
Wow – she is absolutely beautiful.
charlane says:
Well said, and oh what a cutie… you have the best pictures of her!
.-= charlane´s last blog ..Cry Baby =-.
Tracy says:
Your fight will make a difference. In fact, I’m sure it already has in the lives of children you will never even know you have touched.
Michele says:
I totally agree. You and your family have already influenced so many people with your efforts to honor your beautiful daughter.
By the way, that picture of Maddie in her green dress is just stunning.
Thinking of you and sending good thoughts across the country,
Michele in Staten Island, NY
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Autumn Awesomeness Part 1 – 11/7/09 =-.
Andrea says:
I am been reading your blog now for a few months, but this is the first time i have commented. Maddie was a beautiful little girl. And you guys are very strong! I am a big supporter of the March of Dimes. My twins were born at 26 weeks and 5 days, and I am not sure where we would be without the march of dimes. I wish that i new why they were born early, but there was never a reason. God bless you in a heathly full term baby this time around, and know that “binky” will have the best gaurdian angel watching over her!
Stephanie says:
My son is also a preemie (31 weeker-now-almost-8 months). Thank you for bringing more light to this issue.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..sunshine and sun flare =-.
Shannon Kieta says:
She was a fighter through and through and did it with pinache! She is Binky’s guardian angel! God Bless you Maddie Moo! We love you baby! You have to be the most loved baby in the whole wide world!!!!
Cohiba says:
We were lucky, the Dr’s pretty much knew my wife was not going to make it to full term we just didn’t know how early and neither did they. The downside is he was 37 weeks to the day, technically full term so any help from medicaid for premature babies was put out of our reach. Also as the NICU he was transferred to was considered out of network the bills have been a bit staggering and humbling. Not like we had a choice or could have taken him home. But 3 months and counting so far so good. My bundle of joy in his NICU http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3857803390_84328409ed.jpg Hopefully as with my wife they are keeping a close eye on you and Binky will be a much more enjoyable birth experience for you and your family and the trials of Madeline were just to prepare you and prove to you, you can handle anything and are stronger more loving parents because of it.
Heather says:
Gorgeous!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Not Me Monday! =-.
Elise says:
Maddie is such a precious little girl – her radiant spirit shines through her eyes in all her pictures. No doubt she is still with you somehow, watching over you, Mike and Binky.
Erica says:
Dear Heather,
What precious photos of your precious girl. Your words are so moving. You are doing so much to promote awareness of prematurity and to help others. You are such an inspiration to so many of us all over the world, just as your precious Maddie is.
With love
Erica
Tricia (irishsamom) says:
Tears Heather. For you and the life Maddie deserved. For the life you as parents deserved to watch unfold. My heart hurts for you. I was one of the lucky ones who had problems that were picked up on time. I had a cerclage with both my pregnancies and my second pregnancy was saved with the knowlege gained during my first. I ended up on almost eighteen weeks of bedrest and was on medications for contractions that whole time, but it was WORTH every minute of it, to buy the baby time. He still came early, but not so early that he had any complications that were serious enough to not let him get to the lively, loving little seven year old he is today. I am so proud of what you and Mike do, through your beautiful daughter to educate people and remind them of the importance of this truly wonderful cause. I know that doesn’t mend your broken heart, nor bring Maddie back to you, but I know she is smiling her huge smile and proud of what you are doing. You never cease to amaze me. I wish for you nothing but a smooth pregnancy from here on out. You do the rest of us so proud.
Tricia xoxoxo
.-= Tricia (irishsamom)´s last blog ..Remembering 9/11 – Repost – 8 Years =-.
Jenn says:
Perfect little Maddie….so unfair she is no longer here!!! Thanks for continuing to fight. You are NEVER alone….not ever!!!!
jen says:
I think I’ve told you before that I’m a preemie too. (28 wks, ’74) And I am one of the lucky ones who has a story to tell and not many limitations to show for it.
Bless you for all you do for preemies.
And I linked your blog to mine today so that Maddie’s story can be told to some who may not have heard; I hope that’s okay.
.-= jen´s last blog ..Prematurity Awareness Day =-.
Deb says:
Such a beautiful little girl…I think of her often.
.-= Deb´s last blog ..GO RAVENS! =-.
Lucy's Mom says:
You are so amazing Heather. You continue to reach out to others to help bring understanding and advocacy for the issue that took Maddie from you, and takes so many other babies from their parents. The amount of good you have done out of your tragedy is immeasureable, I hope you never stop writing about Maddie. It takes such courage to do what you do.
I love the pictures you posted. I always laugh out loud when I see Maddie with her ’50 style Fonzie hairdo. What a character!
tena says:
The March of Dimes is lucky to have such a strong partner in the fight as you and Maddie’s beautiful legacy.
.-= tena´s last blog ..Two people I will meet when I get to heaven =-.
Casey says:
Oh my goodness – look at that hair!! Maddie is certainly a little ham, isn’t she? Yes, definitely a cool Fonzie hairdo. God bless…
J says:
An excellent cause, and your voice is so important and moving.
.-= J´s last blog ..Symptoms =-.
Lisa says:
Oh, Maddie is so beautiful and incredible inspiration to fight for those teeny little babies who shouldn’t have to fight so early in their lives.
My own little brother (now 18) was born 8 weeks early. My mom is still so affected by what she went through when he was in the NICU. I remember the sadness, worry, waiting that took place during those weeks he was in the NICU. I know how lucky we are to still have him here with us. I know how different it could have been.
I walked this year for the first time in March for Babies for Maddie and I will walk every year for Maddie because no baby should have to go through what she went through and no parents should have to suffer the way you do right now.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Fight For Preemies =-.
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] says:
You’re absolutely right. Maddie should be here. No one should have to go through what she endured, and no one should have to endure what you do every minute of every day.
Keep talking about her and talk about your fight.
.-= Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]´s last blog ..All I want for Christmas is Nanerpus =-.
Liz says:
You bring tears to my eyes with each post. Beautiful pictures of Maddie.
Liz says:
I live in Canada, and it’s unfortunate that we don’t have a high-profile organization like the March of Dimes leading the charge here.
I am one of those people who have no idea why my water broke at 34 weeks. I consider myself very fortunate that my son did well and that I am now 34 weeks and a couple days along with my second pregnancy. I’m also lucky in that we had access to the best care available. But my heart goes out to all those families who aren’t so fortunate.
Boston Mamas says:
Your beautiful photos offer such a revealing, beautiful window into what a gift Maddie was. Thanks for sharing and helping with the Fight for Preemies campaign. -Christine
.-= Boston Mamas´s last blog ..Million Baby Crawl – Boston =-.
Patti McKenna says:
Yes, I agree. Three of my children were born more than 3 weeks early, but all had no visible or diagnosed problems, although the doctors certainly anticipated that they might. Yet, later my son died of SIDS, and certainly there might be a connection between the fact that he was premature and I was hemmoraghing when I went into labor, but we still don’t know that years later. He appeared healthy with strong lungs and even weighed almost 8 pounds.
Hopefully, this time, you can erase the premature factor from Binky’s life and your family and save yourself from the worries that I know will continue o plague you.
Thank you for your work in bringing attention to the issue of prematurity and helping moms and dads find answers, assistance and awareness.
Hope says:
What a little beauty! What great parents you guys are! Binky is already a lucky little baby! : )
Kristie says:
Preterm birth is devastating in so many ways. We’re one of those families without a diagnosis.
The pictures of Maddie are lovely.
Take care today.
-Kristie
.-= Kristie´s last blog ..Why I Fight for Preemies =-.
Amy says:
I have been reading your blog for months now. I read it every day. I have wanted to comment so many times…but, sometimes words seem so inadequate…to express how amazing I think you are, and how BEAUTIFUL
Amy says:
opps…continued…
Maddie was..I cant even imagine what you and mike have been through, and continue to go through, on a daily basis.
I want to comment on your post about preemies…I was a preemie, born 2 months early in 1976…I weighed 2 lbs, 9 oz…I was one of the lucky ones..I was born in a small hospital, in a small town, way before the technology of today. I didnt suffer any major long term problems…I just want to say that I know I am one of the lucky ones…I know so many are not as fortunate as myself…there are days when I take it for granted…but when I read about maddie…it makes me remember how very blessed that I am. Thank you so much for your courage to tell your story…..
Amelia Goetschel says:
Beautifully written! My son was also born premature (29 wks)…thank you for posting this.
.-= Amelia Goetschel´s last blog ..Keep on truckin’ =-.
Katherine says:
Maddie is so beautiful. I love it when you post pictures of her. Those eyes! And you’re doing a wonderful thing in her memory.
I think the increase in prematurity since 1980 is largely because of the advances in infertility treatment that often result in pregnancies with twins, triplets or even more. So a mixed blessing there I suppose.
I can’t wait to “meet” you little Binky soon.
Jenny says:
If we could just point the current media circus away from Swine Flu and towards premature babies and pediatric cancer we could help save the lives of many children. It should be newsworthy any time a child dies.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Ready to Launch =-.
Lisa says:
I am a NICU nurse and pray every day that a cure for prematurity will be found. Although I love my job and the premies that I care for every day, I NEVER want a baby to be born early! Thank you for your support in the effort to cure prematurity!
Heather@Triple Blessing says:
We are in the middle of a fight for a preemie right now. A dear friend delivered last week at 27 weeks. She was 1 pound 6 ounces. She is doing well, but we know the fight will be long. Thank you for all the work you are doing (and will continue to do). God bless you and Mike and Binky.
.-= Heather@Triple Blessing´s last blog ..I heart faces Autumn Beauty =-.
Tina says:
My little guy made it to 36 weeks, but that was after constant meds, 7 hospital visits, and 12 weeks of bed rest. Prematurity is a terrible thing. Babies deserve a fair start in life! love you Heather
jackie says:
Maddie is stunning.
thanks for the information i posted my fight for preemies on my blog here http://geertslife.blogspot.com/
My son was also born premature …thank you for posting this
Lindsey says:
It is only through your blog that I even know what a devastating issue this can be, and I am well educated girl. People just don’t talk enough about the real dangers of premature babies. I mean, I’m embarrassed to say how uneducated I was about it. Not anymore though, thanks to you.
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..Music Monday =-.
Stacey says:
The prematurity statistics are so scary. I agree… it’s nothing that anyone ever plans or expects. Madeline is gorgeous.
.-= Stacey´s last blog ..Few Days Home… =-.
Michelle Pixie says:
Maddie is so beautiful and such an inspirtation! I am fighting.
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Fight For Premies =-.
Emese says:
Thank you again for sharing your life with us. It has raised such awareness for thousands of people.
As I have mentioned before our son was also a preemie, born at 30 weeks gestation, weighed 3lbs 9oz. I was one of those people that never got an answer as to why…I just went into labor. They blamed it on stress, I think it was just something to point a finger at.
Although I am mortified by your story, I also thank you for raising such awareness in Madeline’s honor.
Aunt Becky says:
Time to fight for babies. Beautiful. Today we fight for Maddie.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Today We Fight =-.
Kelly says:
Heather, this is what bonds me to your blog. My daughter was born 10 weeks early. Like you, I was healthy and fine. Like many women, there is no known cause as to why what happened to us happened.
Thank you for being so open and honest about all your emotions, your struggles and joys and your dedication to eliminating premature births. It is a cause most dear to my heart too.
Love to you all!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Plain Tuckered Out =-.
MoDBev says:
Heather, as always your post is so moving. Maddie’s loss still profoundly affects us all. Thankyou so much for your support, sharing your story with us and being a March of
Dimes Mom. I am thrilled that 434 bloggers are spreading the word about the long road of premature birth.
.-= MoDBev´s last blog ..Fight for Preemies =-.
Katrina says:
Oh….that last photo….she is just so beautiful.
She should still be here.
I pray that one day all babies will be born on or around their due date, and not a day sooner.
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Halloween =-.
Momma Uncensored says:
right on.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..health care vs. debt care =-.
Laura says:
I’m going to admit something that shows just how naive and in the dark I was when I was pregnant- and now that I know better, I kick myself every time I think of it.
When I was expecting my son, and we would be out clothes shopping for him, I would actually look at the preemie clothes and think- how adorable and tiny!! I just couldn’t imagine that anything could be that small, and I thought it was actually cute that some babies were so itty bitty. I am ashamed to admit that for a second I actually thought that having a pre-term infant meant that baby was smaller than average- I simply did not know anything back then.
Again, I feel guilty every day for these thoughts- because although of course preemies ARE gorgeous, no NICU parent would ever wish their experience on their worst enemy.
I am so glad that you posted that you can do EVERYTHING right and still have a premature baby. 99% of the time, a premature baby’s mommy didn’t make any choices that would lead to a premature birth. It is just not right that babies have to struggle and suffer so much just to grow big enough to go home. And of course as we all know, sometimes that is just the beginning of their fight to thrive.
The rise in premature births is terrifying, and I hope that each one of us can at least donate $5.00 to the fight for preemies in honor of Maddie today- No parent should have to live this nightmare, and the only power we have to stop it is through research and support of the March of Dimes.
I wish those tiny preemie clothes didn’t even have to be made. I wish that ALL babies were full-term and could come out fat and pink and screaming.
One day, we will get there. Maddie and her family will help make it happen.
Amanda says:
She damn well should be. Your doggedness in this crusade leaves me speechless. Such courage. Wishing you week upon week upon week upon week of pregnancy to soothe the worries you have.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Larger than life =-.
kristen says:
she was such a cute little girl omg:):) adorable..
Kisha Floren says:
Thank you so much for sharing your story and helping this amazing cause. Your story is so humbling to me, because I find myself taking my preemie’s health for granted sometimes, her struggle in the NICU fading into the past. Thank you for reminding me to never take one day of her precious life for granted.
.-= Kisha Floren´s last blog ..The Katelyn Story =-.
Tami says:
She should still be here Heather. No one should ever have to loose thier baby..Life is so unfair. My heart will always break for your loss.
Hugs to you all.
Glenda says:
Beautiful post! Beautiful Maddie! Hugs to you and Mike! XXX
Courtney says:
She is unbelievably beautiful, I will check out the site today! Thanks for sharing.
melanie says:
I wonder…perhaps the rate of premature births is up because of the advances of medical science. We are much more aware what is going on inside the womb now and know when to take action. Could it be the rate of stillbirth has declined?
Interestingly enough, My great grandmother was two pounds at birth. Her mother put her in the family stove to keep her warm. That was her nicu over a hundred years ago.
Amy in Oregon says:
She should be here….
Alison says:
Maddie shines in her pictures.
Your special, precious girl has brought so much attention to prematurity, my own attention included. I vaguely knew about it and the problems it can cause, but when I found your blog, Heather, I learned so much more and found a charity that I could not be happier to support (Maddie’s favorite charity, of course).
Fighting for preemies, always.
xoxo
.-= Alison´s last blog ..A Really Good Way to Tell Us Apart =-.
Elizabeth says:
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for educating all
of us and letting us fight for Maddie and other premies. Your family inspires me everyday.
MoDDaisy says:
Dear Heather:
Your Maddie was just beautiful! May the memories of her adorable face and smile bring comfort and peace to your heart.
Your courage to post about Maddie has touched the lives of so many people.
Thank you for finding the strength in the midst of your loss to support the fight for preemies.
On behalf of the March of Dimes.
.-= MoDDaisy´s last blog ..United States Scores a big fat “D” =-.
Trisha Vargas says:
We are all so lucky to know you.
(((HUGS))) from your stranger friend in Florida
Krissa says:
I’ll share this info with my family and friends because that’s all I can do right now, but someday I hope I can do more to help, too.
Marti from Michigan says:
I’m on an email prayer chain. I received an email a few weeks ago that a lady who was pregnant with twins was having complications due to catching the H1N1 flu from one of her older kids.
I just got another email this morning that told me she went into labor, had an emergency C-section at 24 weeks!!! One baby did not survive (the boy) and the little girl is in very very critical condition in the NICU now. So sad! That stupid H1N1 flu caused all this. The child who had that flu is OK now, but his unborn brother and probably the sister had to pay for it!
It makes me so mad!!!!!
Love you guys and I apologize for my frustration.
mythoughtsonthat says:
Such a doll, that girl.
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..I Spend My Day With Children =-.
Jenn says:
Could look at her pictures all day long. Wait…I have
She is the cutest little bug ever!
I know that you, Maddie and your blog have touched many people, many with preemies. You should be very, very proud of the work you do. You are awesome!
Maddie and Binky are very lucky to have you as their mama!
Hugs, Jenn
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..To be or not to be…. =-.
Sara GC in the FL says:
You are doing what I am not certain I could be strong enough to do – carry on a battle cry. You are doing an amazing job of not only honoring Maddie’s memory – but educating so many people (myself a newlywed and hopes of children in the next year or so) and fighting for the funding and help for so many preemies now – and to prevent any more preemies being born. I am constantly touched by yourself selflessness.
Wishing you, Mike, Binky & Rigby nothing but happiness – and remembering Maddie.
Amanda says:
Knowledge is power. Everyone needs to be aware.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Warning…this could get messy =-.
anna says:
wow.. I could just look at that last photo for an entire day.
Kathi says:
I sent in a check to the March of Dimes yesterday – it’s one of the charities I’ve always supported. I thought of Maddie when I wrote the check…
I did a rotation in nursing school through a NICU last fall and was touched by not only the tiny babies, but the older ones who were still there at 9, 10 months old because of multiple health problems. I could see myself working there someday. For now, writing a check is the best I can do.
Thinking of you tonight…
Missy says:
I am alos a mother of a preemie, but I am one of the lucky ones. I have chronic high blood pressure, and we knew from the get go that I wouldn’t manage to make it to full term. I was having weekly to bi weekly dr.s visits from the second month of my pregnancy on. At 24 weeks I was put on bedrest, hospitalized at 26 1/2 weeks, and delivered at 27 1/2 weeks. My son spent 4 months and 2 days in the NICU before finally being discharged on oxygen and an apnea monitor for another 4 months at home. But we are still lucky. He had no major complications and is healthy today. I feel your pain, because it SO easily could have been my son. And when I was pregnant with my daughter, I was paraniod the entire pregnancy. I was ALWAYS afraid that something was wrong. But she did well, and was delivered a few weeks early, by scheduled C-Section afteran amnio showed her lungs were developed. The reason for her early delivery was to aviod me going into labor, and because my husband was scheduled to deploy to Iraq 2 days after my due date. But she was healthy, and is now thriving. There is MUCH MUCH HOPE for Binky. I know in my heart that all will be well with her. After all, her big sister is watching out for her from Heaven.
Susanne Bach says:
Whenever I was reading in my “Pregnancy for Dummies” book, I always would skip the part talking about prematurity. I was so clueless. Just because I was extremely healthy, I thought that that part of the book was not relevant for me. And it was not for 26 weeks. 24 hours later our 680 g – 1lb 8oz. Micro-Preemie Emily was born 14 weeks early and the only books I was reading for months were books about prematurity. Now we are thinking about having another child and we are so very scared…
Thanks for bringing the issue of prematurity to the attention of so many people.
Thinking about Maddie and your family every day.
Becky says:
Heather, thank you for posting this today!
You are so right! We all assume it won’t happen to us–and when it does, our lives are forever changed!
I am so blessed that, despite preterm labor beginning around week 27, my son stayed inside until week 32. Then spent only 23 days in NICU and just 4 months on the AB monitor. He’s 17 months old now, and it’s heartbreaking, especially this month with him at this special age, to read your blog and remember dearest Maddie. . .
I too am pregnant–week 24-1/2–on weekly progesterone shots, but still experiencing frequent (but to this point, not labor-producing) contractions. We’re hoping to make it full-term this time! and seriously, awareness really is the key!
Never thought it could or would happen last time. This time around, doing everything possible to keep it from happening again!
Thanks for sharing your heart–and your dear Maddie–with all of us! We love you! and we will always always remember!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..That Little Voice on “Fight For Preemies Day” =-.
Dreamybee says:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Maddie was beautiful, and I can understand why you would be angry. Thanks for sharing her story here today.
.-= Dreamybee´s last blog ..Prematurity Awareness Month =-.
Sarcastica says:
I hope that one day we don’t have to worry about babies being born prematurely. I wasn’t aware of those statistics, but that’s scary – really scary. I wonder why that is – why babies are born prematurely more so now than ever.
Thank you for posting those pictures of Maddie – she is beautiful
.-= Sarcastica´s last blog ..Holy shit, when did this happen? =-.
eliza says:
I love her nose. She’s so precious.
Molly says:
Wonderful post. You do Maddie right with all the hard work you do on behalf of preemies.
Frances says:
Maddie is so beautiful and just an amazing child! You are such an inspiration Heather with your posts and information! I talk about your blog and your story to people here to help them become more aware of prematurity and what they can do to help. Thank you for providing us all with the insight and sharing your beautiful Maddie with us!
.-= Frances´s last blog ..Meet Peyton… the newest addition =-.
Melissa says:
When I look at Maddie’s magic eyes and I mean eyes like I have never seen before I wonder if her sister will be lucky enough to get even just one of the things that make them so unique. The color,brows,lashes, but then I look deeper and it is something radiating from her eyes, her spirit, so robust, so full of something special, something that can only be described as magic. I think of your family daily and pray, wish hope that you get that little healthy gal that is waiting to join our world.
Al_Pal says:
My awareness has definitely been raised by Maddie and your family. I knew a little bit about the MoD, after VDog’s Little Man was born early, but this site definitely heightened my awareness.
Great photos. Scary stats.
*hugs*
Ginger says:
I blogged today for my preemie girl, here: http://gas-food-lodging.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-for-preemie-my-preemie.html and I linked to this post, because everyone on earth should know your story, not just because of prematurity but because your family has known love of a most extraordinary kind and you, Mike, and Maddie should be known for that – love.
.-= Ginger´s last blog ..Blog for a preemie, my preemie =-.
Trish says:
Thinking of Maddie today.
.-= Trish´s last blog ..Awareness =-.
Chantelle says:
Yesterday was the first time I found this blog or even heard Maddie’s story. It struck straight at my heart! My son has BPD as well, and at 18 mons still has a lot of scarring in his lungs. It is beautiful that Maddie’s life can be a testament to inspire people to be educated about the long-lasting and devastating effects of prematurity. She was a GORGEOUS and clearly vivacious little girl! I am as I type crying for her. I cannot believe how incredibly strong you are! Thank you so much for helping spread awareness!
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
XOXOXOXO.
.-= Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..Strong =-.
Melissa says:
Your little girl was beautiful! In 2007 at 29 weeks 5 day I gave birth to my little girl. She was 3 lbs 1.9oz and had impaired kidney function. She probably would have lived but she got an infection called NEC and it turned her intestines into dead tissue and then went to her kidneys. She died on July 7, 2007 at 23 days old.
I would like to link to your blog here from mine if it’s ok
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..The update of my life =-.
Tina says:
Love Her!!!
Maddie was so beautiful and special.
Thanks again for sharing such great photos!!
Maile says:
This is a gorgeous, perfect post in every way.
.-= Maile´s last blog ..Meteor Shower =-.
Kim says:
What a gorgeous baby girl!!! Absolutely beautiful. I’m praying for you and your growing family.