Many of you know that I had twins in May of 2007. They are just so much fun and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world even though it has had its challenges. My identical twin boys were born premature. We had suspected that they might be born early but not at 31 weeks and 6 days out of a 40 week pregnancy. Any babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full term so you can see how early this was.
I had spent 3 weeks in the hospital previous to the boys being born but there were too many complications and it turned out that they were safer on their own at that point. The doctors decided to do an emergency c-section and I had two premature babies to worry about. I always knew they would be ok but the experience is one I'll never forget. They were born at 2 lbs. 13 ounces and 2 lbs. 7 ounces. Since they were my first babies, I didn't know what to do with one full term baby and here I had 2 premature babies.
The babies spent 1 month and 3 days short of 2 months in the NICU. It was very difficult coming home with no babies at first and then later having one at home and the other in the hospital but somehow we figured it out. The monitors they came home on, delays in development and constant doctor appointments were no fun either. We made it though! My beautiful boys are turning 4 years old this month and are doing amazing! They started preschool this year and have gotten to a point where they are ahead of some kids their age instead of delayed. I'm so proud of them and dedicate this charity event to them and all of the other babies who are born premature.
12.8% of babies born in the United States are born premature. That is a pretty high number to me. I'm sure you can see why I chose the March of Dimes to donate the money earned from this charity event. They work to educate people about premature births and how they can be prevented. I understand that our situation couldn't be prevented but there are a lot of premature births that can be.
You can read more about the causes of premature births on their website
March of Dimes and also all of the other resources they have. They provide assistance for families with children in the NICU as well.
Now onto the virtual charity event!
For one week I am offering a $100 Gift Certificate for Just Peachy Photography Portrait Services for only $50. 100% of that money will go to the March of Dimes.
Fine print
* Only one can be purchased per family/household.
* Can't be used on past sessions.
* Can't be redeemed for cash or returned later.
If you are planning or thinking about planning a portrait session with Just Peachy Photography some time soon, this is a great opportunity to save money AND help an amazing charity. I will start this at 8:00 pm CST on May 3rd, 2011 and it will run until 8:00 pm CST on May 10th.
It would also make a great gift for Mother's Day for mom or grandma!
If you are interested in purchasing a certificate, fill out this form and I'll contact you with details.
CLICK HERE FOR FORM
Please share this with friends and family so that together we can raise as much money as possible! Thank you!
Here are some of the photos from when my boys were born. Sorry, just taken with a point and shoot and nothing special but you can see how fragile they were and how scary premature births can be.
Contact me if you have questions, at Erika@justpeachyphotog.com
