March of Dimes March for Babies '09

Well everyone, it's that time of year again. We need help raising money to save babies. This is our fourth year walking in memory of our oldest son, David, who was born too soon. He passed away in our arms when he was five months old from complications. He never was able to come home with us.

Did you know that premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death in the first month of life? It affects half a million babies a year in the United States. Those who survive may have lifelong health problems. And premature births are on the rise -- up to 30% since 1981.That is why I am asking you to support me in March of Dimes WalkAmerica. Because premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman. In nearly half the cases, the causes are unknown.

The March of Dimes is leading the way to find answers by supporting research into the causes of premature birth. I am joining the fight, and so can you.Your support helps fund:-Research into stress and other factors that may trigger preterm labor.-Programs to educate pregnant women to recognize the warning signs of preterm labor.-Tools to help health care providers find better ways to detect women who may be at risk for preterm labor.Please join in and help fight prematurity. Visit my webpage and sponsor me in the Walk that saves babies!

Thank You!

My personal web page for donations is (or click on the link to the right) http://www.marchforbabies.org/smithlinda (you can also join my team there too if any of you would be interested in walking with me). Would you like to see what March for Babies is and why I’m walking?Click hereto see the video. I've also included a picture of David when he was four days old right after his heart surgery. He was only weighing about a pound in the picture and it's my hand with him.The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

I'm starting school in July!!!

Yeap... you guys saw that right. Hooray!! As most of you remember I dropped out of college after David died. Our savings was totally shot from 5 mos in the NICU and working very little b/c I spent a lot of time at the hospital (but I wouldn't change any of this). Anyways!! Paul and I feel it is time for me to start school again. He should graduate in May 2010 so he's almost done. We'll only be overlapping a little bit in school and mine will be online. I've done a lot of research and in the end it was between two schools but the cost of tuition made my decision for me. Well, there were other factors as well. I'm going to take classes from Western Governor's University that is based in Salt Lake City, UT. If you're interested in checking it out here's the link.

They use the competency based approach. I really like that. Instead of having to take a certain number of credits you must prove that you are compentent in that subject through tests, projects, or papers. You are given a test at the beginning of the classes and if you already know the info then you don't need to take the class. I thought it was a very cool concept. The tuition is really reasonable too!! Woo-hoo!! I am going to be majoring in elementary education. YAY!! I'm just soooooo excited!!!

It grew legs!

No, wait... it's just Ronni in the cat "house". LOL!! I noticed Ronni had gotten really quiet in the dining room and wondered what she was getting into. I walked in there and found this... =D

I took this picture from above. I thought I was helping her out but as soon as I got her out she climbed back in so she was wondering around the house like this. I had to stay close though b/c she kept running into walls. LOL!! Silly girl!

HAIR CUT

Too many curls!! But I do love it! I feel more stylish. hehe! It's also easier to handle and cheaper to take care of... not as much shampoo and gel needed to control it. ;) I do straighten my bangs but everything else is natural for those of you who are wondering.