March of Dimes walk 2013!

As sad as it is I am sure if every single one of you think about it someone in your family or in your group of friends has been affected by having a baby born too soon.  Some people are very fortunate to have happy outcomes while others will forever have a space in their heart that will never be filled.  Because of this, Ben, the quads and I have all committed to walking in the March of Dimes walk in Lebanon, NH on May 11, 2013.

Our story had a happy ending due to all the research and advances that were made possible by the March of Dimes foundation.  The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  Our quadruplets were born at 32 weeks gestation and had a very short journey in the NICU before coming home and growing into the healthy, active three-year olds that they are now.  Unfortunately two other families who are very good friends of mine did not have the same outcome.  I asked them both to share their stories with all of you...

Kristy's Story:

After 5 long years of trying to get pregnant, the miracle had FINALLY happened!  By In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), I became pregnant with my precious twin girls! It was a dream come true!  I was beginning to think I would never be a mother.  The day I heard the words "You are PREGNANT" was the best day of my life!

Sadly, my beautiful baby girls were born too soon...at just 23 weeks 5 days, they were too early to survive here on Earth.  My life changed drastically on October 13, 2012...Aryelle and Kendall's birthday.  My heart shattered on October 15, 2012...the day they passed away due to extreme prematurity.

They will always be my babies and they will never, ever be forgotten!

Melanie's Story:

After over 3 years of infertility due to PCOS and a lifetime of dreaming of being parents, we were blessed to find out we were expecting twin boys in April 2012. It was a rough go after suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and gestational diabetes, but we were oh so happy. Our world was turned upside down when our boys were born 16 weeks too soon on September 3, 2012 at 24 3/7 weeks old to save my life.

Andrew fought for us for 3 days, but he was far too premature and passed away September 6. Samuel was feisty but lost his battle to live on September 25 due to NEC and pneumonia. Our world changed the day we found out we were going to be parents, even more when we found out we were having twins, and got completely torn apart when we lost them both. Not a day goes by we don't love and miss them. They will always be our sons, our angels.

I have decided to live my life to the fullest, to honor my sons' memories, and to cherish my family and friends. I am determined to raise awareness about PCOS, HELLP, and prematurity. Their names, their lives, will never be forgotten.

Our family has chosen to join Kristy and Melanie's team...Four-Ever Remembered...in honor of Aryelle, Kendall, Samuel and Andrew.  We are asking for your help!  There are three ways you can help us out...

1. Go to Kari's Page or Ben's Page and give a donation...there is no donation too small!

2. Go to the Four-Ever Remembered Team Page and sign up to walk with us!  

3. Go to my Scentsy  page or my Velata page or Melanie's Grace Adele and click Mystery Hostess and make a purchase!  All of my    commission goes to the March of Dimes and you have a chance to win some stuff free!

Thank you in advance for your support on a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts!