my girls

Jordan, 8, going on 18

This is not staged, and that is why photo-technique-wise, it's terrible. But to a mom, it's quite perfect.

the baby. the one that doesn't like this.



my girls make me crazy, but they are my life.

Jordan: my intellectual child, an old soul, that is very sympathetic and aware of other's feelings. She is 8, but thinks she is quite older. She is girly, modest, and all about trends. She thrives on hugs and physical affection. She loves to read, yet reads on a level above her own age, so it's hard to find things to suit her. She is into timeless work, like Boxcar Children, Little House on the Prairie, and things of that nature. She is my athlete, that aims to please, and is her own worst critic. She has written religiously in her diary since 1st grade. A master of standardized tests, and a judge of character like no adult I have ever seen. Completely unaware of things like "the n word" or stereotyping. She is much too loving for that.

Karsyn: the baby. the loner. the one that bottles it up, and occasionally explodes, but is typically laid back. Born a mere two weeks before Sept 11, it seems like her life began with chaos, and stayed surrounded by it. She was on a ventilator for several weeks. I believe this is what made her "tough". She doesn't cry easily. She can be withdrawn, and has an artistic side that she uses to show feelings through drawing and writing. She speaks her mind, and is quite matter-of-fact about it. She won't tolerate people being mean to her friends. She is 7. Born 19 months after her sister. She is not free flowing with physical affection at all; if you win her over, you have done something. It's almost like she is skeptical of people's motives.... I love her. She is me.

They are proof that preemies can turn out okay; be healthy, be smart, and be happy.

A friend of mine, Kristina Levi-Thomas has a friend that recently gave birth at 27 weeks. Kristina sells custom baby items at a store called Keep it Gypsy. Carmen from Keep It Gypsy has decided to have a raffle for a Gift Certificate of $500 dollars of Keep It Gypsy Merchandise to help Angela Lensing (Co Owner of Keep It Gypsy) and Baby Brooks. Angela delivered her baby early at 27 weeks last week. Baby Brooks weighed only 2lbs 6oz and was 13 inches long.


Baby Brooks is currently doing well but, will be in the hospital for several months. Possibly even during the Christmas Holidays. Angela is currently staying around the clock at the hospital with Brooks. This hospital stay will be very expensive. Angela is unable to work during one of the busiest times of the year for the store, therefore bringing in almost no income.

Please consider helping Angela, Baby Brooks and Family by purchasing a raffle ticket. All money made from the Raffle will go to Angela's family to help pay medical bills etc.

The raffle tickets are $10 dollars each. If you win, the gift certificate can be used to buy anything at the Keep it Gypsy Store. Keep it Gypsy is known for it's one of a kind children's gifts and apparel.... custom bedding, diaper bags, canvases, clothing, purses, jewelry, photo albums, lamps, bows, hats, frames, bibs and much much more.... www. keepingitgypsy. com

The raffle will be held on DEC 23rd. If you are interested in helping or purchasing a raffle ticket.
Tickets may be purchased from Kristina or the store now through December! Please pass this along to anyone who may be interested. As a mom to not one, but two preemies, I know what this mom is going through. The last thing she needs to worry about is money. I know money is tight for everyone, but please consider brown bagging it a couple days next week, and mail a check in for $10 and help this family.
I appreciate it greatly.

Keep It Gypsy (formerly Snug as a Bug)

914 Garrison Ave

Fort Smith AR 72901

479-774-3333

My children's health is a gift from God. I know this.

I have watched a miracle this week, through a blog. A baby that was supposed to die at birth, and have an enlarged heart, is probably laying in his mom's arms as I write this, enjoying a feeding. She had over 600 bloggers praying for her & baby Stellan. If you can't buy a ticket for Brooks, you CAN pray. Please do so.

PLEASE REPOST ON YOUR OWN BLOG!