Four years ago, our little guys were in the NICU due to their very early arrival at 28 weeks and 3 days.
Four years ago, our boys were still in the hospital, even though they were born at the end of October.
Four years ago, our boys were still not strong enough to take all of their bottles by mouth. They often fell asleep during or were too tired to wake up for their scheduled feeding times.
Four years ago, our hearts tore just a little bit more each day we had to leave our little warriors at the hospital instead of taking them home with us.
Four years ago, Isaac and I were living in a world that fluctuated back and forth between excitement over our two new little miracles and complete and utter fear.
Because of our experience, prematurity is a cause that we hold close to our hearts.
Currently, one out of every 8 babies is born too early, and every year, more than half a million babies are born prematurely in the United States. That is far too many babies born premature.
We must find a way to fight against prematurity. We need to do the fighting--because no baby should ever have to on his or her own. Sadly, some babies are not strong enough to fight, which is why premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death worldwide. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk of lifelong disabilities.
In our case, we were lucky. Even though my water broke at 26 weeks, we managed to hold off labor for another 17 precious days. Had they been born at 26 weeks, there is a very real possibility that neither of our boys would have survived.
We owe the boys' lives to the work of the March of Dimes.
I tell you this because I'm very excited to be a part of March for Babies on May 19. I hope to raise money to support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives.
It will also be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care, something that is very important to me.
Please consider donating to this very worthy cause. Or, better yet, consider joining my team, 3 for Team Lopez! You can do so on my team page.
Help the March of Dimes.
For Shawn and Jason.
For all the children born too soon.
