January 2011 is Birth Defects Awareness Month

Did you know that January 2011 is Birth Defects Awareness Month?

while most genetic birth defects are caused by uncertainty, there are many things a mother to be can do to make herself healthy, and aid in prevention against Birth defects.

This is why our family is involved with the March of Dimes, March for babies. On May 1 , 2011, our family will be walking for the third straight year in honor of our son Liam.

If you are unaware of Liam's story, click here. Liam was diagnosed while just 12 weeks gestation with a Cystic Hygroma. This birth defect occurs about 1, in 5,000-10,000 births. Basically, Liam's Lymphnode system was "immature"" and not funtioning. In a normal body, your Lymphnodes are responsible for secreting your fluids throughout your entire body. As you know, you have Lymphnodes in your head and neck area, not to mention other areas. The fluid was not being secreted, and just filling up in n his neck and head. Of course, this is quite bad news, and is usually a symptom of another underlying cause.

Liams prognosis was quite grim. However, we watched him every week on ultrasounds, and monitored his well being. We had several tests done to determine his condtion including, amniocentisis, so we could deliver him at the best possible hospital.

Liam's story ends in victory with a miracle. However, we know that this for some reason isnt always the way the story goes. As believers, we realize God has a plan in all things. He has lead us to the March for Babies; to keep raising awareness for these such Birth defects, the QUALITY of life, prematurity, and sometimes still birth.

We are currently looking for walkers to Join TEAM MIRACLES 2011. Walk with us on May 1, 2011, and help raise awreness for all "miracle " babes!

Click on the link and Join our team, OR make a tax deductible donation....and remember no donation is too small.....just like,

" A person is a person, no matter how small"- dr. seuss

www.marchforbabies.com/amrisser

I am BACCCCKKKK, with a cool fundraiser ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hello Faithful blogger friends! I am back and have a lot to say! It has been almost a whole year retreat since my last entry. I have lots to post but first and foremost I would like to announce A HUGE Cyber Monday Sale/Fundraiser coming up this coming Monday. please listen.....

A dear old friend, who is also known to many of you at the Knowing Norrah blog site, is adopting again. yes they are getting ready to open their home to a new life, following the call the Lord has placed on their hearts. The really awesomeness of the whole thing is they are anticipating the Lord to provide 100% of their adoption fees. For those of you new to the adoption conversation, you won't be surprised to learn that adoption is a process and costs well, a lot of money. On another amazing note Lu's family has already raised over $10,000 of their adoption costs, putting them about half way towards their goal.

Here is where it gets fun: This coming Monday is known as Cyber Monday. There will be a raffle/silent auction on the LU Adopts website. Up for grabs are some fun, amazing gifts, you can win, for much below their retail value! AND not only will the shopping be fun, BUT ALL of the profit will be going to LU's personal adoption AND the Davenport's embryo adoption. Click here to read another amazing adoption story. Some of the items include, a massage, photogrpahy session, Premier Designs Jewelry, handmade gifts like tutus, head bands, and many other really cute things. SHOP FOR the holidays, or shop for you! Please go to LU ADOPTS for complete details on how the raffle/auction works. You can do this from home or work, without even going out to the mall!

I am supporting this fundaraiser because it is supporting the sanctity of LIFE. I am boldly a pro-LIFER, and adoption supports the value of any and all life, including embryo adoption. Directions on bidding, raffling, and even some sneak peaks of the items, are here at LUadopts!
Happy bidding/and best of luck on those raffles!

Toxic Synivitis, and a stay at the hospital.

Our last couple days this week spent on somewhat of a rollercoaster.

monday, Drew began limping slightly, figured he had been out playing all weekend, and he pulled a muscle or something, no biggie, tuesday came and he began mentioning his "boo boo" on his leg, pointing to his knee. And by wednesday, he was refusing to walk, climb, do stairs and making a fuss about it.

i decided to go with my gut and take him to the doctor to have it looked at. Felt a little silly doing this being that there was no swelling bruising or any trauma I could remember.

The doctor determined the pain was coming from his hip, and recommended x-rays, to rule out an infection in the hip joint.

X-rays, led us to ultrasounds, and we were recommneded by Orthodeic Associates to go to the emergency room. i was a bit surprised by the urgency of everything, and began to get nervous. The ER trip may have been one of the quickest i had ever experienced, and Drew went though all x-rays and ultrasounds very easily, with out a fuss.

The ER doc, wanted to take some blood and labs, and start an IV on drew almost right away. These showed that his white cell count was elevated. The doctor explained that small kids can get a cold virus in their hip. Howver, a few other things can mimic these symptoms as well, including lime disease and Septic Hip (toxic arthritis). Since the white cell count was very slightly elevated they admitted him and put in an IV.

We got into a room around 9pm. and drew was exhausted. He had napped in the er for about 1 and a half hours, after the IV was put in. I think he was exhausted, they had pappoosed him, and he was frightened. It wore the little guy out. In his room we met with a team of docs and nurses and told us they wanted to prep him for surgery in the morning, to drain the fluid and test it. This was so scary, they were very concerned about his well-being at this point.

He recieved hydration fluids, and motrin at that point. I literally just stayed in the crib bed with him the entire visit. That nite, he fell asleep around 11pm, and I just prayed with him for the next few hours.

Around 3am the orthodeic Doctor finally came in, and was pleased to see he wall healthy other than the limp hip. No high fever, no signs of infection. By the time he came in the next morning, he felt if wasn't completely nesc. to put him under genral anesthesia and drain the fluid. Praise God, I had been praying all night with drew that this would not need to happen.
We were able to be observed for several more hours and come home in the afternoon.

I must say, seeing Drew tied to wires and IV's wasn't easy. He was so strong and brave. In fact, as his IV was being put in, he began crying and then praying very loudly. It amazed me, he saw God in all of it. At such a young age he was looking to Jesus for comfort and to calm his fears. So precious. If only all of our faith's could be this strong all the time. As grown up's we can sometimes forget to go to our Father for healing and to calm our fears. There in the midst of Er docs and nurses, not worrying about what others may think: Thank you Drew, let us all have faith like the little ones:

"I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. " Matthew 18:3-5

SOMETHING to blog about.

Hey blog readers. If you read my blog frequently, you will know that March of Dimes holds a special place in our hearts, along with many of our friends. I often thank God for this blog and the many "miracle babies" and friends we have met on our journey. That's why I am asking you to consider pledging, and supporting Team Miracles this March for babies season. Your money goes right into our community providing research antreatments for prenatal care, and babies born too soon. By clicking on the link on my side bar :you can donate online, it's easy and simple! Whether is just $1.00 or $100.00 your decisoin will be a good one!!!! Thanks for considering, and check back on our progress...OUR TEAM GOAL IS $3000.00!!! GO TEAM!

Say What?!

This little boy is beginning to have a lot to say......

last night he came to me very concerned and said,

"mommy, i have a broken heart...."
in to which I responded "you do?"

I am sure he heard this from someone else and was repeating it, but it sure was a hoot the way he said it with much passion.

aghhh drew, our little heart-breaker.

Check me OUT!

here is a sneak peak of my newly begun Runner in the Making blog....stop by and watch my progess :)

Wordless Wednesday

It was another windy, snow kissed morning in our neck of the woods today, what is the weather like where you live?

Blogger's Block, Jibber Jabber, a haircut and Fall Fun!

I know I know, I am way behind on a post. i have to admit I have had a bit of "blogger's block" but have come up with a few things to post about in the near future. The first being is that We cut all of Liam's hair off. And for those of you who hadn't seen Liam in a while, you will know that his "mop" was an understatement.
BEFORE:

It had been time I guess. Although i teared ever minute of it! Comments like " oh what a beautiful little girl you have", and "what beautiful blue eyes SHE has"! lol. It was time, check out the before and after pics AFTER:

Little Liam has started talking quite a bit. It started about a month ago with mama, dada, bye bye. But he is moving up to things like doggie, night-night, granma, pap, mommy and so on. He never hesitates to repeat what we are saying. This has come as a big surprise to me. i never knew a 15 month old to talk so much. Drew never spoke until 2 or 2 and a half. and has only begun really talking in the last 3 months. I will be posting soon on Drew's progress ... As of right now all of his therapies seem to be paying off. This would include OT, Special Iterenrant, and Speech therapy. We still do not have a clinial diagnosis, which at this point has not been pursued, but is somewhat " assumed" he is in a very functioing autism spectrum. Such as asberger's or PDD (pervasive developmental disorder). Again i hope to post more details later on this subject! But I like to tell everyone, we really don't want to "label" him as any of things, because to us he is simply, Drew :) Otherwise, we have busy doing fun things this fall. Check out some pics and see how we have been keeping busy!

Baby Ava Grace

It is with with deep sympathy I announce
the birth and death of Baby Ava Grace. Born silently monday october 12, 2009 at 8:34am. For those who have been following this story, i was able to get the opprutnity to get to know Jerissa back in August. At that time she was 12 weeks along, and her baby girl was diagnosed with a Cystic hygroma ( Liam's diagnosis). She found our blog, and was able to connect with me by phone. We then had the chance to meet on a few occasions, pray, and speak with one another. Jerissa and Eric's daughter was also diagnosed at 15 weeks with Turner's Syndrome.
There baby Girl went into Hydrops at that time and continued to press on until this week. She went to be with lord on monday morning, straight from her mama into the hands of God.
Ava Grace's service was this morning. It was a very beautiful service. I am so proud of my friends' Eric and Jerissa. It is truly amazing how god has brought these two strangers into our lives under such circumstances. He has truly revealed himself in this family. There faith in God has remained steadfast. Though the road ahead of them is a very long and tough one, In my heart I know they will remain faithful and use Ava's miraculous testimony to bring other's to Christ. Ava is a miracle. So neat to see and hear of yet another mriacle babe, whom God has used to change the lives of so many.
Would you lift this family up in prayer with me? As you can imagine, this family is rejoicing that their daughter is healed now, and in the amrs of Jesus. But they already are missing her terribly as well. Please pray that their hearts will be filled with peace and blessings. That they will continue to know God is near, and will sustain them with enough "grace" to make it through another day.

Unite to Fight Against Prematurity

Join the Fight Against Prematurity and Prental Health!
Did you know that November is Premturity Awareness Month?
Join thousands and support the fight against Preemie babies. Our family supports the March of Dimes, and walks for the March for Babies every April. You can contact me to get involved. Team Miracles is forming now.
We chose to get involved, because of our son's poor prental disgnosis( see here), and the many friends and families, who have been touched by a baby given a poor prenatal diagnosis or have been born prematurly.
Recently, my very dear friend, Heather, welcomed her faternal twins into the world 15weeks Early. You can click here to read their story. It is truly one of many miracles. Jaron and Teagan are now approaching their "due date" and growing by leaps and bounds. they still have a road ahead of them. This is just another family who has been affected by this cause. Consider donating or joining the March for Babes this year (miraclesmade@gmail.com).
And remember on November 17-is Premature Awareness Day nationwide.

there is a preschooler in da house.

literally. we now officially have a preschooler in our house.
let me start by saying I am not one of those mom's who tends to cry when my children reach a monumental milestone. just am not that way, sometime wish i was. Last week, on drew's first day, he was excited to don his Thomas "pack pack" as we took pictures and prepared. I imagined he would go in without much of a fuss, but maybe would be a bit hesitate just because he did not know anyone.
to much of my surprise, drew wasn't the one who had any hesistations!!!!
When I left him with his teacher, he marched right in the room, and didn't even look back. As I yelled "Bye Drew" he never even looked back. He didn't even say good bye.
Now i am not trying to sound ridiculous or anything. By i tried again, "cya drew"
but he was gone. Off with his new friends, classmates, and new adventures. As i walked away slowly with liam, I started thinking of all the things drew would be expereincing this year at preschool. field trips, circle time, playtime. Such a big boy already.
Tears couldn't help but find there way down my cheeks. I was filled with much excitement for him, and yet sad to see him off with out him actually clinging to my leg and wanting only his mama.
Yes, he is growing up. a whole three years young. sigh. (remember I am not one of those moms). when I pulled away that day, I wasn't even sure what lee and i would be doing, just the two of us and all. The time actually passed slow. I missed him....
When the time came to pick up drew, he was muttering a mile a minute, talking about Preschool. I wasn't sure what he was saying but it must have been good.
So, after all of this I am wondering what is it going to feel like the day he gets on the bus and goes to kindergarden?
Mercy.

March for Babies 2010!

Last year we joined the cause and walked to gain awareness for Prenatal Care and the fight against Premature babies, One day ALL Babies will be born healthy!!!!!
As you can IMAGINE we had an AMAZING success and gained over $1440 for team Liam/Miracles!
This upcoming year, we are hoping to at least DOUBLE our team size and earnings!!!
The March for Babies is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 11:30am!!!
We had a BLAST last year, and our hoping to do this same this year. We will begin fundraising in December. Team Miracles is forming once again!
What can you do?
We need WALKERS!!!! you and your family can sign up to walk, by letting me know you are interested! I will get you all nescasary matierials and help you get underway in the new year. One member of your family can register, and you are all welcome to join us on the days event, which include picnic after the walk!!!!
We need sponsors/donations! If you are unable to walk you can donate come the new year, letme know, and i wll get the info to make a tax-deductible donation!
We need your prayer support! we would of course appreciate your prayer support through this, and most of all to reach people, who may need hope, in a time of grief, or dealing with pregnancy loss, prematurity, and still birth.

YOU CAN help make The 2010 March for Babies a Success! Thank you, and stay tuned for more event s and fundraisers to come!

Celebrating 8 years....and my wonderful husband :)

it's fun to look back and remonice the youthful years. The past 8 years have brought about change, and looking back I can't help but think about how life used to be, and how it is now. let me clearify.
My hubby and i married young (20 and 22)...okay not that young, but according to some standards set today, that may be young. We we would have told you we knew everything there was to know, and marrying at that point was what we did. we had been courting for over 4 years.
Life for us began in 2001, just days before the world changed on 9/11/01, as we ourselves honeymooned at the beach. We ate at fine restaraunts, and stayed up past 12. we slept in til 9am.
We resided in a small apartment above my hubby's work, it was perfect, it was home. Our new adevnture in marriage where accompanyed by adjustmenst and sometimes bickering about learning of one another. Also, great late night dinner conversations over wine, and long weekend getaways, just about every month.
life seemd busy at that time....not sure what we were so busy with, except maybe eachother.
i look back at those early years, with fond memories to build on. We had many adventures, trips, arguments, and holidays.
I look at how are life has shaped into not just each other anymore, but a family unit. And the role my husband has become. father, provider, husband, strengthener, encourager and so on.
we often laugh when people tell us how good we are together. it's funny, i often say "we go together like peas and carrots"
anyoine who knows us would know we are almost exact opposite in personality but complete likeness in our beliefs and foundations. I guess that what has always kept us going strong. Not the disagreements about where to go on vacation, but maybe our spritual foundations and how we want to raise these boys to be great men of God someday.
i realize this blog is kinda of skipping around alot. i in no way mean to speak greatness or advice over 8 years of marriage. I will wait for our 50 year anniversary to do that.
Life HAS changed, and the truth is I am enjoying it. I will cherish those "early" years, and enjoy the days to come. Just as I cherish the years olf baby toes, diapers, and butterfly kisses. We have changed. But our lives and love for each other have grown stronger, together, and in the people we have yet to become.
1997-present.

The Birthday Cheese.

here is a recap from the big day....

A very Happy Birthday Indeed!

I still am in awe of this little miracle, and celebrating his one year of LIFE today!
what a miracle this past year has been, and will continue to be. liam's life has changed ours, and many others around the world! Through his cause we have met many amazing new friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ!

We celebrated Liam's special day all through the weekend! On Sunday we had a small party with our family, Liam even enjoyed some yummy zucchini cake!
He was a bit taken back by all the attention at once!

he did very well opening all of his thoughtful gifts.....

and on Monday we took a special trip to the Choo-choo barn and Railroad museum. I highly recommend the Choo-Choo barn when visiting our neck of the woods!

But most of all we celebrate Liam's LIFE, and are so grateful for God's grace and soverienty. Take a look at all of these other beautiful miracle babies, there blogs are to the left....stop by check them out, and pray for them and their familes, as you did ours...
I can remember a while back writing this post : The Power of 12. At 12 months of age. I think back, to when I was just 12 weeks along in my pregnancy with Lee, and his prognosis was grim. God has truly showed me many things on this journey, and lit a faith in me I want to share with the world. Our God really is a mighty God, the only one, and he has a plan through any circumstance.
I will be sure to post pictures from the birthday festivities, but first i love to reminice....

NOT Me Monday

Here we ago with another Not me Monday. Click here to start your own Not Me Monday, it is fun, and guilt-free!!!
This IS NOT my my first monday in like 3 months. i am great about participating every WEEK IN THIS SILLY BLOG CARNIVAL!

I absolutely did NOT use this, a blue tootsie roll lollipop as a bribing device to give my 3 year old his hair cuit. He DID NOT kick, scream , and cry while my husband and myself held him down to buzz his very shaggy hair. it did not take 1 hour plus to achieve these results. I would like to add our 3 year old never misbehaves, or refuses to do things that are not on his agenda, including haircuts.


My little lee has NOT turned into a "SCA" (sweet corn aholic). Most evenings you will not witenss him sitting in his high chair knawing on corn cobs. He absolutely DOES NOT go crazy whenever he sees corn flapping his arms and clapping when we give him a piece. and in case you didn't know up here in these "parts" we have, grow, freeze and EAT alot of sweet corn!


And lastly,I did not "escape" on a 4 day trip to Texas with a few of my "bestests" for my businesse's National Convention. My Business just So happens to be A jewelry direct sales company I LOVE. I DID NOT have a blast; shopping, eating out and being "on my own" for the extended weekend. I DID however come home relaxed, refresshed, and ready to go back to my mommy duties. I think I missed them more than they missed me!

Can You believe it?

Speaking of all these miracle babys...

Can you Believe this little blue eyed babe is having a birthday in just 10 days?? Me niether!!!

Isaiah 26:2-5

"open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful one to enter.
You will keep in Perfect Peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
Isaaih 26:2-5

PLEASE be in Prayer for these Familes

Dear Friends:

Twin Babies Shellenberger are here: just a couple of hours ago i was informed that my very dear friend Heather, gave birth to her twin baby boy and girl Shellenberger this evening, 15 weeks premature.
As you can imagine, we are drenching this family in prayer and petition. Baby Girl Shellenberger weighing in at 1 lb. 11 oz. and Baby boy weighing in at 1 lb. 14 oz. Babies are stable and mom is recovering.
Please LIFT THIS FAMILY up, these babies are a testimony of the miraculous power of Jesus Christ, and we ask that he keep them strong, and that they continue to move forward. You can read Heather and Mitches updates at the following site...click here.

Baby W-our friends J and E will undergo amnio in the next 12 hours for their baby just 15 weeks gestation. There baby in the womb has been diagnosed with a Cystic hygroma, and poor prenatal diagnosis. Please be praying for healing, and guidance of the doctors tomorrow during and after their procedure.
Thanks, and let's continue to lift these familes up to our Lord, the ultimate healer!



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Prayer request and Update , When God Winks

Update****
I am updating on our friends J and E. They are currently 15 weeks pregnant. Their baby has been diagnosed with a Cystic Hygroma, and poor prenatal diagnosis. As mentioned before I have had the chance to meet with this family and though we have been brought together through similar, and unfortunate circumstances, we have been able to become friends, and help each other through their process.
On Friday, "J" will be undergoing her Amniocentisis, to determine what chromosome factors could be contributing to their babies cystic hygroma. Click here to read about Cystic Hygroma's (this babie's and our son's prental condition).
Our prayer is that God is ALREADY AT WORK in healing this baby's Hygroma, AND that this baby is a very healthy, strong life!!!!
God has a plan, and J and E are prepared for the path God lays before them.
Will you join us in praying for:
1. The great physicians guidance over Dr. B during the procedure on Friday,
2. for healing of this babies lymphnodes, to begin funtioning and secreting fluid prorperly, and
3. for peace and healing to J's body through the process.
We praise God for this little one, he or she is INDEED already a miracle.
I will update as needed.