March of Dimes 2009

WoW...I can't believe it is July. I am so far behind with my blogging. I have so many events from the spring and fun times to post about. I know that old news is as good as no news, but I'll tell you about our past happenings anyhow. It will drive me crazy if I leave out some of our family events from the blog history!

March of Dimes!

You all know that we are huge supporters of the March of Dimes. This year just our little family walked in honor of babies. We waded our way proudly through the 6 miles in pouring rain. Rocco was very content as he munched on soggy popcorn and doritos as he rolled along wrapped up in his muddy, wet blanket. (So much for my early morning hair rollers and roundbrushing...the life of having fine hair )There was a picture memory board of Rocco along the walk for all to see of our little Champ. We are so proud of little Rocco and continually feel blessed to have him here with us today. I never knew that such a tiny tiny little boy could teach me so many important life lessons. Thanks for all the support and donations!

ROCCO'S FIRST CAN OF SODA

Doesn't a picture truly tell a thousand words. This was Rocco's first can of pop(2yrs old)....NOT my idea. He said it was delicious and was in heaven. DROOL, WET SHIRT,STICKY HANDS and he loved every slurp he could get!

I have always been one to cringe inside whenever Rocco eats garbage (chips, licorice,suckers) and when he is a mess. Hence, when he eats in any form he is covered in a crayola art smock which nicely cover his arms all the way down to his toes. He is well trained and will request a bib if he doesn't have one and likes his hands clean. I hope I haven't created an obsession. I have been lecturing JD about this pop situation since this occasion. He says, " oh it won't hurt him!" I caught Rocco going for my can on the table. Before he never cared about the ol' tin cans. I'm super nervous to go home to our families who have pop capitol of the world in the garages! Rocco won't know what to do. I can already envision him standing in the garage with pop towers taller than him. I can hear him saying pleez, watching him as he emphasizes his please by swiping his hand over his belly to sign, licking his chops as his saliva glands get ready for a cool drink. He gets so excited for beverages. I guess they are "refreshing" as Rocco likes to put it.

Ok! So I have been the worst blogger this year. We've had a good time outside, celebrating Roccos big #2, and enjoying a true spring. I've also been very sad to say goodbye to many great friends who have moved on. I'll have to catch up sometime soon.

Easter Weekend

We went to the Wisconsin Dells for Spring Break it was only about 3 hours away and a great trip. We do have some "Lovely" snap shots of JonDavid and Hyrum in their best speedos. Both of them are known for their previous speedo photo shoots! Some of you have been fortunate enough to see! We will save them for another day, only if your lucky!!! It finally now feels like spring! Happy Earth Day!!! This was always one of my favorite Days to teach school. We strayed away from our required basal readers and math curriculum to enjoy Mother Earth. I'm off to find an earth activity for Rocco and I!!! Enjoy

March For Babies 2009~You'll be in my heart!

Although, it's been 22 months ago that Rocco was born... I often still think of his preemie days and life in the NICU. I know how truly blessed we are to have him in our lives with us today and I will never forget the lessons I learned as I sat quietly in the NICU with Rocco. I had lots and lots of time to think, ponder, and pray about life. We recognize that there are many families and too many moms and dads that know the heartbreak of having a baby born fighting to survive. Many who are so precious and close to us. My whole heart goes out to these families who have suffered a loss. As a family we are volunteering again this year, so other families like ours don't have to face the issues of prematurity, birth defects, and infant loss.
Last April about 40 of our friends joined our team "Rocco ~n~Roll" and participated in the 6 miles March of Dimes, March for Babies. We marched in honor of our little angels in Heaven my niece Olivia, my nephew Payton, and my dear friend’s son James, and our sweet Rocco. As a team we collected almost $700.00 to donate to the March of Dimes.In my heart I wanted to do something to help those who have suffered a loss and for families who have gone through the NICU experience like us. Throughout the walk many emotions overcame me: I felt sad for the loss of loved ones, peace of the knowledge these babies are in Heaven, and happiness knowing I was helping with a great cause. I have been undeniably touched and changed by the mission of the March of Dimes since May 17, 2007.

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Our Story
What was once a typical Friday night, quickly turned into the most worrisome night of my life? On May 11th my water broke at 28 weeks and I was told that I wasn’t leaving the hospital until I had a baby. On that day I was given 2 steroid shots to promote Rocco’s lung growth because they were not yet mature. Thankfully to the March of Dimes they have provided the research funding for these shot, which gave Rocco a better chance for life. On May 17th, after a scary delivery, Rocco weighed into this world at 2 pounds 9 ounces, we strained to hear his tiny cry over the commotion by our team of over 15 doctors and nurses. He was whisked directly over to a team of Neonatologists who were waiting for his arrival. Right at that moment our 76 day journey in the NICU had just began.
Hours later we met Rocco, although small and tiny, Rocco is a miracle. Rocco had some trouble breathing, so they gave him surfactant to open his lungs and placed him on a ventilator. Rocco endured many trials while in the NICU: he used a painful breathing apparatus the CPAP, he suffered from spells of apnea (pauses in breathing), tachypnea (rapid breathing), bradycardia (slowing of the heartbeat), and tachycardia (heart rate too fast), 2 blood transfusions, chest X-Rays, echocardiograms, acid reflux, hooked up to 7 machines and wires, not too mention the scars on his feet from the weekly blood draws and gases. Despite it all, Rocco’s sweet smile, his strength, support from the March of Dimes parent network, and the love from our Heavenly Father and families got us through.
Twenty one months later, Rocco can’t wait for his 6 mile stroller ride in the March for Babies in April. We are so thankful for the March of Dimes, and for the families that have walked before us giving our Rocco a fighting chance.

Please let me know if you would like to join our family team "Rocco~n~Roll" on April 18th at 8am in the March for Babies.
One day, all babies will be born healthy. But we have to walk to get there. All our Love,
JonDavid,Sarah, and Rocco
Your contribution will go to an important cause-giving every baby a healthy start.
If you would like to help our team goal please donate via our blog by clicking on the March of Dimes banner.

February Fun!

Primary Prince
Rocco loves going to nursery at church. (I sometimes secretly wish he would care that we are leaving him for 2 hours but he doesn't! He's always been pretty brave and independent.) I appreciate his teachers and his cute friends in his class. It so amazing to see the sweet innocence of little children. Even though he is occasionally caught swiping potato chips from another buddy(sorry ian) and is really good at saying no! It drives me crazy! Rocco truly is such a special boy. He has an excellent eye for pictures of Jesus and is great at folding his arms for prayers as long as they are quick. His face lights up for primary songs and he can't get enough of popcorn popping. Here are some pics of Rocco in his sunday best! The one in the train vests crack me up! He would not smile the little rascal!

These Boots Are Made For Walking

Any Toddler needs to get themselves some fine snowboots if you live in Iowa. Although, we just recently purchased these wonders at a thrift store late in the season they have been worth every penny of our 5 bucks! They have hit it big time with Mr. Rocco. He loves his new boots. At first he was very hesitant to walk in these. He now has tromping down to a fine science! He takes great pride in feeding and grooming his rocking horse. His prefrence of food is wooden blocks.

Feel the Love
Llately the past holidays here in Iowa have been accompanied with spending countless hours of decorating for a church activity. My friend Brooke and I have become quite the team. Valentines Day was the most recent event we had social dancing and fondue at the church. I was a wall flower that night since JD was home with our sick little one. We had to get kind of creative with our decorating task. Who ever knew what you could pull off with clearance vases at walmart,fake flowers, 24 packages of kiwi strawberry jello for floral arrangements,plastic table cloths, and white lunch sacks! JD and I had an eventful

v-day with dinner at a mexican restaurant and trying to get Rocco feeling better.

I can't believe it's already March and the bachelor is over. What will I do without my exciting monday night out. We can't wait for sick season to be OVER and spring can't come soon enough!!

Rocco is now Quarantined to "Sanitation Hibernation"

WIPED OUT!!!

I don't know how this little boy continues to be Happy and UPBEAT during the day! (I might add) After coming home from the doctor with theses ailments checked off his chart.

*respiratory syncytial virus aka RSV

I couldn't believe my ears when the doctor said these three letter RSV, my worst fear!

*Acute otitis media aka Ear Infection, again.

*VIRAL RASH
*ECZEMA

*LACK OF PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT aka UNDER WEIGHT<3rd>

It's no wonder why I felt the need... to go buy me some Mexi rolls, potatoe oles, and a huge DP after our 2 1/2 hr docotor visit. Wish me luck as I battle breathing treatments with my squiggly wiggly 21 month old. We love him and can only hope for a speedy recovery!