I once read that John Lennon used to write love letters to Cynthia Lennon and sign them, "I love you, I love you, I love you." He believed that if you said something three times, then you really meant it, and it made it that much more meaningful. That's why when he and Paul penned "She Loves You" they made sure that the "yeah, yeah, yeah" was said three times. It became one of the greatest love songs of all time. Here's my love song to you:


     Thank you is defined in the dictionary as a conversational expression of gratitude or an acknowledgment of appreciation. I just wanted to thank all of the women and parents that have so kindly reached out to me. His Middle Name was nothing but a simple idea, a gleam in my eye. Now it is thundering forward into a place I could have never imagined and is much more far reaching than I could have ever hoped for. I have even received emails from Brazil and Germany! That, to me, is nothing short of amazing, and it is very humbling. If I haven't called you or emailed you back, please be patient - I'm getting there. I read each and every email and respond to each and every person that has reached out to me. I will get back to you, that's a promise. Thank you for making His Middle Name what it is becoming, which at this point, I'm still not quite sure of what that is. It's too big to even imagine. But thank you. Thank you for reading about my journey, and trusting me with yours. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Love,
Megan

Hip hip hooray! His Middle Name is now featured as a recommended resource site on Hand to Hold, one of the premier nonprofit support sites for parents and families of preemies. Based in Austin, Texas, Hand to Hold (http://handtohold.org/) is a one of a kind resource website. It is what I like to call "a one stop shop." By working with parents of preemies, parents of babies born with special health care needs and those who have experienced a loss due to complications, Hand to Hold enables families to network and support one another. This way, they are able to go beyond the Austin city limits! By providing parents with support programs and the most up to date resources available, Hand to Hold not only comforts and educates, but empowers parents and advocates for their children. Featured by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this organization not only offers peer to peer support programs, but also offers sibling support groups, coffee hours, parent socials and quarterly discussions on a diverse range of prematurity and parenting topics. His Middle Name is honored to be associated with this wonderful initiative! I encourage each of you to visit Hand to Hold online, unwind with your favorite cup of tea, kick off your shoes and get cozy.
I will definitely be posting many of their upcoming events, as they are truly changing the game. If you feel so inclined, you may also donate here:

   This past weekend, I had one of the most beautiful Easter weekends I have ever had in my life. I feel so blessed, as I found myself surrendering to an overwhelming feeling of pure happiness. I am so thankful to have a personal relationship with God, to be married to my best friend and partner, have a beautiful, healthy son and family and friends that fulfill me and make me laugh! With the Easter season upon us, I wanted to continue this feeling of gratitude and renewal. Spring is here and so are new beginnings - so let's pay it forward in a big way! The March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com/) is a nonprofit charity whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign has been created to provide a sense of community among parents, family members, friends and health professionals, while also raising awareness and encouraging research.
    The campaign is already showing signs of success, including a recent 3 percent decline in the premature birth rate. With more than 1,500 babies born too soon every day, much work is still to be done. His Middle Name has joined the fight, and is making it even easier to give back! Just click the photo of Sutton below, and you will have the opportunity to donate in honor and celebration of Sutton's life. It's so easy and feels so good, and will help the March of Dimes in their fight to stamp out prematurity by funding research and giving to those families truly in need. Let's band together!

Got milk? Got Twitter? If so, please join The Fibroid Treatment Collective (http://www.fibroids.com/) as they host another education initiative in honor of Fibroid Awareness Week. It will be short and sweet - just 15 minutes. But it's 15 minutes with a doctor from UCLA! Here's your opportunity to ask any question you'd like or just learn about fibroid diagnoses and treatment options. Spare 15 minutes and change your life? Sounds pretty good to me. Here's all you need to know:

• "15 Minutes with an Expert" - Thursday, April 21, 2011, at 4pm PT on Twitter! Follow here:
  

... here is a photo of Sutton from this weekend. He officially went from preemie to sweet, little muscle man in no time! He is very smiley, happy and healthy, and most importantly (as his onesie advertises), loves his Mommy!