March for Babies

This Saturday, we'll be getting out the jogging stroller for a 4.5 mile Walk for Babies, supporting March of Dimes. When we were expecting Mabes, we had a scare mid-pregnancy that made us realize that we had just assumed that our baby would be born healthy. She was, and we are so grateful for that, but that's not something we take for granted.

Recently, a friend lost her 4 month old daughter. Julia Grace was born at 23 weeks, 5 days gestation--she was just under a pound. She grew to be 6 pounds 14 ounces, and was doing well, until 1 week after her original due date she suddenly lost her battle. She passed away on March 25, 2008. We're walking as part of Team Julia's Grace.

I'm especially excited to do this, thinking of Katie, Steve, Aaron and Andrew. (See her blog on the right, it's a wonderful story!) After a week in the NICU, Aaron is home from the hospital--yay! Andrew remains at the hospital, getting stronger each day. His fight is amazing, he is doing so well and is truly a miracle.

So that's what we're doing this Saturday. If you'd like to contribute, visit my March for Babies page. Anything is appreciated, and at the risk of heaping on some guilt, Saturday is also my birthday. Instead of a card or gift, you could kick in a couple of dollars and feel good about supporting a good cause. Thank you!


On a totally different note, you know what you wouldn't expect to see on the side of the road? A camel. I mean, at least not in the US--we saw several just walking around in Israel and Egypt. But that was expected. On Saturday, we were heading to a cookout (they're called cookouts here, not BBQs!) and all of a sudden I see camels. Dave turned around and we went back--sure enough, 2 camels and other animals. Turns out it's a Christian theater and conference center, so they need camels.

Who knew? Camels just hanging out on the side of the road in South Carolina.