Dear Ava

Dear Ava,

It seems like ages ago that I was sitting next to you in the NICU watching you sleep, watching every breath you took as your chest slowly rose and fell, listening to the blips on the machines that monitored every heartbeat, every breath, which all eventually faded into the background and became white noise.

Just 3 years ago I was pregnant and eagerly anticipating your arrival. I couldn't stand waiting a few more months to meet you. But when you came early that July, I would have given anything to have waited another 5 weeks. We were lucky, very lucky that you made it as far along as you did because things could have been far worse for you had you arrived sooner.

I am so thankful every time I look at you that you are completely healthy. I will never forget that road less traveled that we had to walk to arrive where we are today and I am thankful we walked it together. It has made us both stronger.

We are walking again today with millions of people across the country to fight for the babies who need us to be their voice. I walk every year with you in honor of you. We walk for the babies who didn't survive. And we walk with the hope that all of the babies to come will have a fighting chance to have their full 9 months.

Love,

Mommy