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Parents of Preemies Day!

3/23/2012

It’s here, it’s finally here! The very first Parents of Preemies Day is being observed all over the world, and His Middle Name wants to help celebrate and spread the word! Having a day designated just for the parents of preemies has been a labor of love for Graham’s Foundation, as this day has been in the making for months and months. They have not only created a Parents of Preemies Day Facebook page to offer parents and families an online networking community, but Graham’s Foundation has been collecting photos and stories from parents of preemies to be unveiled as a “Banner of Hope” today. And where might this banner be on display, you ask? Well, what better place to create buzz about this special day than Times Square in New York City! And you guessed it – His Middle Name is a part of that banner! I could not be more willing to share Sutton’s story and our experience with others if it offers just one person a bit of comfort and lets them know they are not alone in this experience. If you’re not in the New York City area today, there will also be a national event hosted by Graham’s Foundation and supportive sponsors. If you live in the seven city area of Toledo, Ohio, details on the event can be found here.
This day truly is about recognizing the commitment that parents of premature babies give every day in the NICU, and the strength and courage so often displayed when facing the uncertain challenges of their preemie’s future. In honor of today, Brad and I will be taking time to reflect on our journey, as we have a special day planned with our miracle baby.
To help observe such a special occasion, and as promised in last week’s post, His Middle Name has teamed up with Keiki Cloths to offer you a special treat! All fans and friends of His Middle Name will be given a 10% discount on any first order placed with Keiki Cloths, with one dollar of that order being donated to the His Middle Name March for Babies Team Fund. The catch? There is no catch! Just let Sara know that His Middle Name sent you, and you will receive your discount. How’s that for a celebration? Something cute for your little one while giving to a wonderful cause - you can’t go wrong! Please enjoy this offer and I hope to see pictures of your little ones wearing their Keiki Cloths soon. Happy Parents of Preemies Day from His Middle Name!

"Today, I am recognizing the courage and commitment it takes to stay strong and resilient when premature birth turns a family's world upside down."

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Keiki Cloths and His Middle Name

3/17/2012

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Top of the morning to you and Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! Even if you don't have an ounce of Irish in you, St. Patrick's Day is just an excuse to wear green and celebrate the fact that it is almost officially Spring (and maybe eat a few of those shamrock shaped cookies too)! I love this time of year because for me, Spring is a time of renewal and fresh, new beginnings. For Sutton, it simply means I don't make him wear a sweater everywhere he goes. Sutton is certainly a winter baby and does not like being bundled at all, as he wants to feel the chill of the air on his skin. As the weather warms, I am paring down his wardrobe and transitioning him into t-shirts and shorts. But after a winter of coats, sweaters and long-sleeved shirts, I really didn't have much to dress him in. And more importantly, I had nothing green to dress him in for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Dilemma! I then remembered that Sutton's NICU nurse, Sara, had an embroidery business that she had started to channel her creativity. Sara and Sutton have had a special bond from his very first hours in the NICU, and Sara even made Sutton his first NICU blanket to drape over his isolette. I remember how beautifully hand crafted it was, sewn with love for my son by the very woman that was caring for him. Besides being a full time NICU nurse, wonderful wife and hands on mommy to two of the smartest and cutest boys I know, Sara was also sewing NICU blankets, onesies and burp cloths in her spare time for her family, friends and patients. Can this woman do it all, or what?
Keiki Cloths, (pronounced "kay-kee") meaning Hawaiian for "little one," has been started by Sara to take on the ever-growing demand of her unique and modern designs. With an eye for color and design, Keiki Cloths is even featured as a coveted item in local gift baskets for new moms and babies! Once I placed an order with Sara, within two weeks I had a stylish, custom made onesie perfect for St. Patrick's Day. After a fun filled day and a spaghetti dinner - the picture above says it all! Because Sara can make blankets, burp cloths and onesies for a holiday or birthday, I encourage all His Middle Name fans and followers to visit her Facebook page or her website. In the meantime, please stay connected to His Middle Name because in a few days will be the very first Parents of Preemies Day, and His Middle Name will be celebrating by partnering up with Keiki Cloths and offering a special treat!

Much Love and Luck,

Megan

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His Middle Name Springs Forward!

3/8/2012

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With Daylight Savings fast approaching, there are signs of spring all around us. This is such a beautiful time of year, as day light seems to hold on just a little bit longer, teasing us to come out and play. I find that Brad and I are taking more evening strolls with Sutton, and layering less and less. I never thought I’d say this because I love winter, but it feels really good! Another reason I’m feeling so tremendous? March 5th marked three months since my hysterectomy. I feel amazing, and my energy is soaring through the roof. I can't believe such a hard decision, that forced me to face some hard truths, would enable me to feel so healthy. I will be back to yoga and running in no time, and I can’t wait to take my first bath in almost two years by month’s end. I know that doesn’t seem like much to get excited about, but as a bubble bath-loving girly girl, oh, it is. Just to read a magazine and relax in our giant tub – I can’t wait!
Because I receive so many emails with questions regarding fibroids, I think it’s important that I tread carefully when giving such personal advice. The information I give through His Middle Name should never take the place of your primary care physician's treatment plan. With that said, this is a place for information and support. My decision to have a hysterectomy was not an easy one, and it took almost a year of back and forth on my part before I made a decision that I felt comfortable with. It was not easy on Brad and me as a couple either, as we knew this one decision was going to affect us deeply on so many levels. For us, educating ourselves was key. We saw a number of doctors and researched countless treatment options on our own. Sometimes we thought we had come to a decision, only to reexamine it and decide it wasn't for us. I am glad we did our due diligence before making such a huge decision, and I would encourage anyone who is seeking treatment for uterine fibroids to do the same. And ofcourse what better way to give you a push in the right direction? Why .... scout out a couple of opportunities to do just that!
In the month of March,The Fibroid Treatment Collective will be hosting two opportunities for you to explore your options and become your own advocate. The Fibroid Treatment Collective (http://www.fibroids.com/) is a medical group of fibroid experts and gynecologists that are dedicated to curing fibroid tumors with minimally invasive therapy. Depending on the size and location of your tumor, fibroid embolization or myomectomy is a great option for you if you want to preserve your fertility. If the tumor has caused too much damage to your uterus or surrounding organs, you may be a candidate for a hysterectomy. The Fibroid Treatment Collective also offers constant education through their website, blog and newsletter, which you can sign up for right now with just a few clicks by visiting their website. Once you sign up, you can have access to the most up to date medical and health information, live videos and the latest treatment options that are right for YOU. And the best part? It’s free! The following is information on their next two events that are free as well. How great is that? Enjoy learning and be gentle with yourself while nurturing such an important decision.

"What Women Need to Know About Uterine Fibroids" - An informative discussion about the causes, symptoms and treatment options available for uterine fibroids hosted by Bruce McLucas, M.D., UCLA professor and founder of the Fibroid Treatment Collective. Scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Culver City, CA, beginning at 9:30 am. Seating is free but limited. Interested individuals should register in advance to reserve a seat. To register, please click here.
"Get the Facts: Uterine Fibroid Webinar" - Joinwomen across the country for a live webinar about fibroids and embolization hosted by Bruce McLucas, M.D., UCLA professor and founder of the Fibroid Treatment Collective. Scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012 beginning at 11:00 am (Pacific Daylight Time). The session is open for registration here. After you register, you will receive a confirmation email.

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Parents of Preemies Day!

Keiki Cloths and His Middle Name

His Middle Name Springs Forward!

I’m a southern gal to the core who lives for my family, has a serious weakness for chocolate, a penchant for anything that can be monogrammed and loves to craft and sew. Thank you for your interest and welcome to His Middle Name!

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