My dearest Amy

This is for one of my dearest and closest friends, Amy. She writes a great blog that you should definately check out! I can even post a link for you...although most people that read this blog also read hers, but there are a few.

I should explain that Amy and I have only known each other for 4 years. Sometimes it feels like I have known her my whole life, but we have been through MANY life changing obstacles in life. We met our senior year of college. Somehow we connected from day one, we are very similiar in some ways, but different in others like most people are. We lived together for a semester, came from the same part of the state, and had some connections with our family situations. We have laughed, cried, and laughed some more together. She was my maid of honor and I read at her wedding. We experienced pregnancy together and are now raising our kids together. We have gone through good and bad times. She has been by myside from day one and I have a feeling I'll never get rid of her, afterall she is my son's Godmother.

In the past few months, Amy and I have talked a lot about the birth of our children and the fact of whether or not we want more children. Although we have very different experiences to talk about we can still talk as moms and friends about childbirth. As most know, I did not have the idea birth, although Amy did not either. I had an emergency c-section, while she was induced 9 weeks early due to pre-eclampsia.

God has watched over both of us and our children since the day we found out we were pregnant together.(Completely NOT planned) But it was nice to know I had someone to go through the process with. Our kids were supposed to be born 2 weeks apart although it didn't happen. Avery came 10 days late and Gracie was 9 weeks early.

I still remember that day that I got that call that she was going to have Miss Gracie within 3 days. I was scared and I know how scared Amy was as well. I wasn't just scared for Amy, but also little Miss Gracie. You see I know how scary hearing about a child being born that early is.(separate blog) But I also had ALOT of faith in God and in our wonderful technology. I knew deep down that Gracie and Amy would be alright, but it would be a long road.

I saw Gracie when she was just days old. I was a very lucky friend to be able to experience this precious life that God had bestowed upon us all. I was able to witness the miracle that would someday grow to be a beautiful and wonderful little girl. She was very tiny at her 3 lbs 7 oz, but she sure was strong. I saw as her daddy sat there holding her hand, and showing us how to cuddle her without being picked up. I never saw a softer side of Joe, but he does have a great heart!

Gracie Mae was in the NICU for 25 days and then she was finally able to come home. I know she was one of the lucky ones and she had many many people praying for her. I know it was a joyous day for Amy and Joe, along with her HUGE family and friends when she was coming home. She has since day one been a wonderful and smart child. We are all so very lucky to have her in our lives. I look forward to watching her grow up and continue to show us the miracle of life.

Gracie is smart, funny, energetic, almost 19 month old little girl. She is precious and continues to surprise us every day. So in honor of her I encourage everyone to check out her web page on the March of Dimes. Amy had made a beautiful slideshow of her short struggle in life. Beware you may need some tissues. I also encourage you to donate to our team for the March of Babies. We will be walking with Gracie and her family in April. Amy and I are also working on diaper cakes and taggies. SO if you are interested in purchasing those as well don't hesitated to ask. All proceeds are going to the MOD.

Thanks for reading...and for Amy I am always here for you day and night! You are one of my bestest friends and I look forward to all the memories we will have for the rest of our lives together as friends.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=71000022&u=graciesmom905&bt=2