Makely

I would like for you to meet the newest love of my life.

Emma Catherine arrived on Sunday, August 15th at 1:13 pm.  She weighed in at 9 lbs 1 oz (bigger than her brother!) and measured 19 1/2 inches long.

Miss Em is absolutely perfect in every way.  We are having the time of our lives with her, and Big Brother Zack is ridiculously smitten.

I have many, many sleepless nights ahead of me, as Emma’s theme song is “Up All Night, Sleep All Day.”  Other than that, she’s tremendously easy.  She only cries when she needs her diaper changed or when I haven’t recognized her hunger cues and she’s read to eat.  We are really lucky.

There will be more pictures to come as I settle into my routine as a mom of 2.  It’s been a shocking change to go from one child who’s pretty self-sufficient to having a newborn again.  I’m figuring it out, though, and wouldn’t change my new life for anything.

These two are my whole world.

The first time I had ever heard the word Leukemia was in 1996 when a childhood friend was diagnosed with the disease.

About three years later, my grandmother lost a fierce battle with Leukemia’s ugly sister, Lymphoma.

Within the last year and a half, two of my friends have had four-year old daughters who have had to take their turn in the Leukemia fight.

Leukemia & Lymphoma are two words that I never wish to hear again.

Through the magic of Facebook, I have reconnected with that original childhood friend, Lindy.  I have thought about her all these years and always hoped for the best.  I’m proud to say that after having two bone marrow transplants years ago, she is now cured and doing great.

Actually, Lindy isn’t just doing great – she’s also inspiring others.  A few years ago, she ran the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Now, Lindy is back for more, setting her sights on the Chicago Marathon in October to raise even more money for LLS.

I am incredibly moved by Lindy’s motivation.  What was once such a foreign disease to me has really become front and center in my mind.  Visiting a beautiful, 4-year old little girl in the Children’s Hospital after being first diagnosed with Leukemia is certainly something I would never wish on anyone.  I still run upstairs and wake my own son for hugs and kisses every time I think about it.

There’s not much that I can personally do to fight these blood cancers.  Sure, I can hope and wish for a cure, but that’s just not enough for me.

So, in an effort to help Lindy reach her $2,700 fundraising goal before the Chicago Marathon, I have decided to do something a little different.  Since I can’t get out and run my own race in my current state, I’m using the power of this blog to ask you to help support her fundraising goal.  There are two ways to do this:

1.  Now through the end of August, I will donate 15% of the price of each piece of jewelry sold through my Stella & Dot website to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program.  All you need to do to contribute in this way is shop my Stella & Dot e-Boutique and enter “Lindy Fundraising” as the hostess name when prompted.  This is a great way to get a little something for yourself (or start your holiday shopping!) and give back to a worthy cause at the same time.  I am honored that my S&D business allows me to do something like this.

2.  You can also visit Lindy’s Team in Training Fundraising page and directly contribute to her goal.  It’s very easy to donate any amount of your choice via the online donate button.

If you have any questions, please let me know!  I’d be happy to answer them (although it may take a few days since I’ll be having Baby Emma in about 48 hours!).

Thank you for taking the time to consider this worthy cause.  Together, we can help try to stamp out those two ugly words: Leukemia & Lymphoma.

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On a happier note, it’s time to announce the two winners of the Oregon Chai giveaway!

The winner of the 10-oz canister of Chai Tea Latte mix with a branded hot mug is April.  The winner of the 10-oz canister of Chai Tea Latte mix with a double-walled acrylic reusable iced tea cup is Ellen.  Congrats, ladies!

I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend where you can enjoy a little Me Time.