Update!

Lots of new to share! I’ve been VERY bad at updating the blog..so here’s a brief update all! (if anyone still checks this blog..I have no idea!)

We’ve been keeping very busy the last few months, a ton on the go..as per usual! I wanted to share that the Fashion students at Fanshawe College raised $8,000 for Itsy..how AMAZING and what a fabulous start to out 2010 fundraising year. We had 10 preemie models who absolutely rocked the runway at the show; it was very emotional to watch these former 1 and 2 pounders who are now healthy toddlers strut their stuff…all us preemie Mom’s and Dad’s were so proud.

Itsy has been growing steadily all winter and spring and donations keep coming in, as well as items needed by families. We are VERY close to being able to help families year-round with expenses while in the NICU. Very cool. Itsy’s name has become quite recognizable within the London community and for that we thank the local media for their support in helping get Itsy “out there” and assisting in raising the profile. Itsy has also been nominated for a Pillar Community Impact Award!! (thank to Cheryl Weedmark for nominating us!) We’ll keep you all updated on if we make it further. Lastly, Itsy’s annual fundraising event will be happening again this November..date to be released soon!

More exciting news in our house…we’re expecting baby #2 in October! Mat and I thrilled and Story is equally as excited that she’s going to be a big sister to a little brother. We are quite nervous given my history of premature labour, but we’re trying to stay positive. Although now that I’m in week 20 of my pregnancy the thought is never far from our mind; please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We’re dreaming of a healthy, full term baby that we can take home from the hospital after birth! I see a high risk OB every 2 weeks (soon to be every week) and that helps ease my worry; I also am getting a weekly progesterone shot (owie!), which has been proven to help prevent premature labour. I also get bi-weekly cervix checks, so that in the chance there is any sign of pre-term labour then appropriate action can be taken quickly. Of course, I am taking is very easy and not doing anything strenuous or lifting Story (which is quite hard, as she’s a 2 year old who loves to be held!) Aside from that, unfortunately there is not much else that can be done for women who have experienced pre-term birth. I’ll be more diligent about updating the blog as the pregnancy progresses. I know I am following other preemie Mom’s as they progress in their 2nd pregnancy and hearing how they’re doing is providing me peace of mind and also I’m learning of other things I can do to prevent premature labour. So, I hope this blog can do the same for some other Mom’s in the same position. A great online resource has been the Pregnancy After Preemie board on Baby Center:
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a485865/pregnancy_after_preemie

Story is growing and progressing wonderful! Her speech is coming along at a crazy pace; new words and funny phrases every day. She’s been quite amusing lately! She’s loving the summer weather and playing in the kiddie pool..she’s pretty much always waiting at the door to the deck saying “Mama! Go Wimming!"

Last, but definitely not least we’re also moving to a new and much larger house at the end of June! Although we’re excited to be moving, I’m also so sad at the thought of leaving St. James Street..my lovely little home, but it’s time to say goodbye to St James and hello to Erindale!