Saving Babies

You help save babies lives by walking in the 'March for Babies' or sponsor me here

Saving Babiesby Christy Holbrook

 One in every eight babies born in the United States, which is around 543,000 a year, is born prematurely (March of Dimes). Prematurity is when a baby is born before 37 weeks gestation and can cause severe illness and complications that could affect the baby’s health in the future and their survival. A baby born before 25 weeks gestation or with severe defects has a 100% chance of mortality if there isn’t aggressive medical involvement (March of Dimes). If the baby survives, it is almost certain the baby will suffer from some sort of disability. Prematurity can cause distress to a baby’s brain and central nervous system that may lead to permanent damage. Many studies have revealed certain factors to be a possible cause of prematurity; however, in about 40% of premature births, the cause is uncertain (March of Dimes). Because the cause of premature birth is unknown, prematurity is a constant battle, and the consequences can have detrimental effects on the baby, causing them to fight for survival and then possibly live a life with medical complications.

As a volunteer with the March for Babies to help raise funds to help fight against prematurity, I felt that it is necessary to fully understand what prematurity is and what effects it can have on babies. I also have become more passionate about raising money for the March for Babies since I have been working closely with babies in the hospital. I am a newborn photographer, and I often take photos of premature babies, and I see the struggle they endure. I also witness the sadness the parents feel as they watch their child fight for his life. After completion of my research, I feel that I have a full understanding of the complications prematurity causes, not only for the baby, but for the parents. One must fully understand the problem of prematurity before the problem can be solved and the lives of babies can be saved.

Creative Gift Giving!

What do you get the person who has everything?
 A gift they never knew they wanted!!!
I love shopping for those unique gifts that most people have never seen.  How could one add something to their wish list if they never knew it existed?  There are tons of websites that offer great, crazy items.  Could you imagine the look on that special someone’s face when you hand the world’s largest gummy bear??

Or how about a melted clock? (I especially love this one!)

The Queen of Dollhouses!!!

First, I must apologize for my temporary leave of absence.  I left for vacation in November to Florida for a couple of weeks and visited Disney.  Then I was busy with Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping.  Then I spent December playing catch up with finances to pay for our vacation and buy Christmas gifts.  Now I am back and ready to BLOG AWAY!!!

Anyhow, I have to tell you about my quest for a dollhouse.  I needed a dollhouse for all the Disney princess dolls that I bought in Florida.  I was out on Black Friday looking for a great deal and a great house.  I found Barbie’s Dream house and a Princess doll house at Walmart for around $149 - $179.  Although the girls would love either one of those, I knew they would only last a month (if that) because they were constructed with cheap plastic.  I then came across this dollhouse that was wooden and furnished with wooden furniture.  It stood four and half feet tall and four feet wide.  It had 8 rooms, an elevator, and the garage had working swinging doors.  I thought to myself “Do I really want to spend $200 on a dollhouse?”.  After the hour and a half of assembling the dollhouse (by daddy), I was then thinking to myself “I AM THE AWESOMEST MOM IN THE WORLD!!!” 

This dollhouse is AMAZING!!!  I know I played with Barbie dolls until I was 8 years old or so, and the fact that I am going to get the 3-4 more years of play from this house makes the expense worth it.  The best part is the strong construction that will allow me to resell it once the girls are tired of it.  The funny thing is….I could’ve stopped at the dollhouse….they didn’t even care about the other gifts.

Beautifully Handcrafted

There is a local TV repair shop here in Columbus where the owner makes these GORGEOUS wood items in his spare time. He is the type of person that strives for perfection in every piece. Not only are the items well-made, but they are created from the best woods including exotic woods such as yellowheart, purpleheart, and bloodwood. The corner of this chess board shows the beautiful color in yellowheart.

He recently created a Facebook page to promote his crafts, which can be seen here. A person with this talent should get more recognition, so please check out his page and 'like' it.

 I am absolutely in love with these vases and bowls.

 

Top 5 Gifts for Women & GIVEAWAY!!

With Sweetest Day right around the corner, I thought I would provide men with a little help on picking that perfect gift for any occasion by creating a top five gift guide.  I am also giving away a Victoria’s Secret PINK Perfume and lotion gift set.  Ladies….you are encouraged to enter this giveaway and win it for yourself as well; please see details below.

#5 FLOWERS – Different flowers have different meanings, and if you research this, you’ll impress her even more!  Flowers are beautiful and will brighten up her day; however, if she is anything like me then she will prefer a potted flower.  Although I love to receive roses from my husband, I feel a bit sad when they wither and die a week later.  He bought me an Orchid a few years back for Valentine’s Day; it is still alive and well, and I get to enjoy its blooms every so often.  It’s like a gift that keeps on giving!!  Flowers are the best gift when they are given as a “just because” gift and not on a specific holiday.

#4 ELECTRONIC GADGETS – You are probably wondering “what’s so romantic about electronic gadgets”?  Well, with a little thought and personalization, they can be the gift to bring tears to her eyes. 

A Digital Photo Frame already loaded with pictures of the kids or pets shows that you’re tech-savvy with a sentimental side.  Another great choice would be an IPod loaded with songs that remind you of her.  Back in the day we used to make each other mixed cassette tapes; however, an IPod will win you some extra brownie points.

#3 PERFUME – Now this gift is tricky.  Does she already have a favorite perfume?  If she doesn’t, you shouldn’t just go out and buy a random perfume without some sneaky preparation.  Every woman’s chemistry is different and the same perfume can smell differently on different women.  Perhaps one day at the mall, she can try on a couple to see which one she likes the best.  Then later you can buy her the bottle of perfume when she isn’t around. 

If she does have a favorite perfume, and unless you do not like the aroma of your lady, I wouldn’t recommend straying away from her favorite brand.  DO NOT buy her a “knock-off” brand of her perfume.  Although they may smell similar, you are giving her the message that she is not worth the real thing.

#2 PAMPERING –Treat your special lady to a day at the spa by providing her with a gift certificate.  What woman would not love a relaxing massage, manicure, pedicure, and facial?  This would be a wonderful gift especially for those mothers who need some alone time.  Let her relax and unwind while others take care of her for a change!

Sharing the Love for Redbox!

Awesome contest going on with an awesome prize package!!!
Sharing the Love for Redbox!