Today I'm going to leave you with an article from the Jeffersonian Democrat that really touched my heart.
'A Promise for Preston' Wednesday, April 6, 2011
COOLSPRING - Alison Brownlee did not plan on becoming an Ambassador Family for the March for Babies. Nor did she did not plan on losing her first born child but that loss led her to the March for Babies.
"My husband Michael and I care deeply about the mission of improving the health of babies," said the Coolspring resident.
"Michael and I married in 2006 and like all young couples; we looked forward to starting our family and welcoming children into our lives," said the former Alison Hoffman. "During our first pregnancy, I was diagnosed with kidney stones and was admitted to the hospital for pain control, we did not expect this to affect our unborn baby. The doctors ran routine blood work finding that my blood platelets were low, my liver enzymes were high, and my organs were failing. After speaking with my doctors, the conclusion determined was that I was experiencing HELLP Syndrome, a severe, life-threatening form of Pre-Eclampsia. During this time baby Preston was showing no signs of distress, good heartbeat, and great brain activity.
"Preston Michael Brownlee was born April 24, 2007 at 10:10 am. He was two pounds, 11 ounces 15 inches long," said Alison. "That little boy gave us the most beautiful cry, which is embedded in my memory forever.
"Family and friends flooded the maternity ward to see us. Preston did great that day and night," she said. "His condition took a turn for the worst the following morning. His lungs began to bleed and the hospital we were at did not have the specialized machine needed. Preston was to be transported to another hospital but due to weather, they could not land the chopper and it was too late to go by ambulance. Without the machine they told us it was up to him. Our little baby had to fight.
Preston passed away due to respiratory distress syndrome. "He was here, he was real and he lived one magical day," said his mother.
"March for Babies was scheduled the following year on Sunday, April 19th, which is close to Preston's birthday, so we celebrated his life by participating in the walk with family and friends," said Alison. "We continue to celebrate his birthday every year at March for Babies, raising awareness of the mission and raising funds for research."
The Brownlee's second child, daughter Avrey, was born at 39 weeks weighing 6 pounds and 12 ounces. "As you can imagine, we were very worried throughout our pregnancy. The doctors had me take extra folic acid, a baby aspirin daily, and monitored our pregnancy closely," said Alison. "She will soon be celebrating her third birthday."
The couple's third child, son Colin, was born at 39 weeks, weighting 8 pounds and 14 ounces. "Again our pregnancy was carefully monitored and like our other two children, Colin was delivered by c-section. He is a happy healthy baby boy," said Alison. "We are blessed to have two healthy children but we will never fully recover from the loss of our first child.
"We all go into pregnancy expecting a healthy newborn," she said. "But some women face serious illnesses during pregnancy. One out of every eight babies in the nation is born preterm. Three out of every 100 babies born in the nation is born with a birth defect. Not all of these babies survive. Those that do may face developmental delays. Many will catch-up with early intervention and quality pediatric care, but not all are as blessed.
"My family and I thank you for participating in March for Babies. The researches funded by March of Dimes will some day bring new advances that will improve the health of women and their babies here in Clarion and across the nation," she said. "Together, we can fund research that can improve their chances for survival. Thanks for joining us in taking BIG steps for some very tiny feet. "
'Helping to Keep the Promise' Wednesday, April 6, 2011
COOLSPRING - Michael, Alison, Avrey and Colin Brownlee have formed a team, "Promise for Preston," for the March for Babies on May 1. "We will be marching to help premature babies and to remember Preston and all the other babies that were taken too soon," said Alison Brownlee.
"We would liek to thank everyone involved with the last years walk. Promise for Preston was the top family team," she said. As the Ambassador Family, the Brownlees will be telling their story.
"This is just another way to celebrate Preston and also educate people about pregnancy complications," said Alison.
"We are looking to help everyone with fundraising this year. Please give us any suggestions you have on fun ways to collect," said Alison. "The March of Dimes is looking for more teams to get involved. If you know of anyone that would like to add a team let us know and we can help get them set up."
To walk with the families please call or visit:
www.marchforbabies.org/promiseforpreston
From there click on the link "walk with me" and sign up to participate.
If you are unable to join but would still like to donate follow the same website and then click on "donate now" on the right hand side. Or mail donations to P.O. Box 25 Coolspring, PA 15730. Feel free to call with questions (814) 715-0993.
http://thecourierexpress.com/jdemocratjdemocratlocal/914900-349/a-promise-for-preston.html
I can't thank the V family enough for letting me share in such an amazing event in their lives! The V family graciously let me be a fly on the wall during the birth of their third daughter, Abigail. I was so excited when they accepted my presense in the delivery room that I couldn't sleep for days! ME! In the delivery room! Photographing...documenting...the birth of a precious life with her whole story ahead of them! And they chose me to help write the first chapter!! *insert happy dance!!* 
I know that 99% of the population of women say, "Ew. Why would I want images of myself going through labor? I'm not wearing any make up, I'm sweaty and my hair isn't done!" You know what I say to those mom's to be? How could you not? How could you not want those images? You only carry that child once. You can never carry that same life again or give birth that same little human. EVER. AGAIN. You can not get those days back. And no one said you have to share these photographs. Not everyone is as open as I am. You only have to share what you are comfortable with sharing. =]
This type of photography is to be cherished. Just like snow flakes, giving birth is completely different with each pregnancy, even if it's the same woman giving birth a second time. Each time a baby is born, it's an exciting and nerve racking roller coaster that you only get to experience with that child once.
I am a firm believer that birthing is beautiful and it breaks my heart that there are thousands of women who will never know the pains of labor and would give anything to be pregnant. To carry a child. To grow a human life that is equal parts of yourself and your spouse. Every needle prick, every trip to the bathroom to be sick, all the aches and pains a preggo moans and groans about; those who are barren have spent many nights in tears praying to trade places! We are fortunate to be fruitful. What better way to celebrate our fruitfulness than with priceless images?
A total cutie with a TON of HAIR and CHUNKY CHEEKS!! :D
Didn't want her diaper changed...
So precious, look at those eye lashes!
Proud Uncle Scott, being a baby hog :)
Aunt Ayren with Liam, cooing over what a cutie he is!
Such a doll! I just want to kiss his button nose he got from his momma!
Loading his pants just for mom. Tee hee.
You would unwrap him and he'd put his legs out like this.
Two days old! Liam in his "pea pod".
With his birth certificate. Look at those feeties!
Love. I love Liam. Such a doll baby :)
She has monkey feet! 
That would be her "dog tag". At least that's what I call it!
Harlynn was not happy with me for tickling her cute monkey feet :-/
Pround Nanna feeding Harlynn. She's a chow hound!
She is going to be tall!
What a cutie! 
Total sweet heart! I can see her big sister in her, Lanie, but just a little bit!
Happy baby on Grandpa's lap.
The proud parents! Lanie is off with her other Gram, or she would be in here too!
