Sweet Eden

March is difficult for us and I think it always will be.  Our sweet Eden passed away two years ago today- March 30^th, 2011.  This day is that day our lives changed, the day our sweet pea went to heaven with Jesus where she is no longer struggling.  What I wouldn’t give to have one more day with her. 

Reagan has shown a big interest in Eden lately.  We talk about Eden all the time but recently she’s been asking when Eden is coming home and where Eden is now.  One day while she was sitting quietly on the chair in the living room she asked Scott- where is Eden.  Scott said it was painful to explain that Eden was in heaven with Jesus.  We realize that perhaps Reagan was far too young to have real memories of Eden but we continually hope and pray that she has some memory of Eden and some special twin connection.  As we “disconnect” from all technology today and focus on Eden we will be sharing memories, looking at photos, doing special crafts and spending time together as a family.  Though we are very transparent about our lives we hold this day March 30^th as sacred.  A time to be at peace, a time to be still and remember.  We also turn our eyes to our Lord God who guided us through this journey. Without God’s grace and love we would be lost in a dark place.  Thank you Lord for getting us through another year. 

Kangaroo Crew

A Cessna Bravo jet.  Eden’s first official flight was on a Cessna Bravo jet two years ago today.  She of course didn’t know because she was sedated and paralyzed but it was the most terrifying experience of my life.  Eden didn’t tolerate the transport ventilator so she had to be bagged for the entire flight.  I sat in a tiny jump seat in the back of the plane watching and praying- I barely breathed during the entire flight. 

The flight was so difficult for Eden but it was her only chance at life.  We gave everything for Eden and have no regrets.  We had a beautiful eight months with our sweet pea.  Eight beautiful months that we can never re-live.   We love you more than anything Eden.  Thank you for changing our lives and the lives of many others. 

Valentine’s Day

Well this week was filled with love for sure.  Yes, it was Valentine’s Day but that’s not exactly what I’m referring to.  We introduced the Eden’s Garden official website!

www.edensgardenmn.org

For Scott, Reagan and I this is our way of showing our love for Eden.  Our love for the families going through a similar journey that we went through.  And of course the love for our friends and family who checked out our new website, generously donated to Eden’s Garden and sent us emails, text and phone call saying how touched they were to see the website.  We are tremendously proud of this accomplishment!!  We worked so hard on it and had a great web designer to help us- thanks Garon Kae Designs!!

In honor of Valentine’s Day and every day: love fully and completely.  Don’t focus on the small annoying things that your kids do instead remember to tell them you love them always.  Tell them ten, twenty, ten-thousand times a day.  Even if they’re too old or too cool for hugs, do it anyway.  Hold them, love them, tell them.  Because they could be taken away and God could decide it’s their time.  On this Valentine’s Day I wish I was holding and telling my sweet Eden that I love her.  I wish so much…. Instead I am telling her by creating and growing Eden’s Garden. 

Minnesota Preemies

We were featured in Minnesota Preemies this week! http://www.minnesotapreemies.com/blog/featured-preemie/reagan-eden/

Busy month

Lobby Day at the State Capital

Lobby Day at the State Capital

Senator Hoffman

Lobby Day at the State Capital

We have been a very busy family this month! 

I am happy to announce that we were selected to be the Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes 75^th anniversary year!  We feel very honored and will be participating in many activities with the MOD throughout the year.  Our first event was on Jan 15^th which was Lobby Day for the MOD.  I was invited to tell our story to lawmakers in about 2-3 minutes at the state capital.  I’ve included our “story” below!  The idea is that this story would be impactful and memorable to encourage lawmakers to support the MOD and ultimately any changes in government to support moms and babies healthcare.  We were even asked to do a short interview for channel 5!!  This was very unexpected and done in only one take.  See the link here for Reagan’s TV debut!!!   Reagan was really the hit of the day- everyone loved her and she made lots of new friends.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S2897786.shtml?cat=12196

We received lots of compliments from the MOD staff but the best feeling was knowing that we were honoring Eden’s life.   

“Thank you to Amanda Hedin for sharing her NICU experience with Senator Hoffman. Amanda did a beautiful job of conveying her story to the Senator.” Martha Overby, State Director of Program Services & Government Affairs.
 

We have also been taking steps towards getting Eden’s Garden running legally.  Our paperwork is in progress and we’ve met with our web designer for our new website!!  We cannot wait to unveil our new website!!  Remember we need your help to make Eden’s Garden a success.  Please make your donations to our PayPal account by using edensgardenmn@hotmail.com as the recipient. 

Thank you

A HUGE thank you to all of our supporters during our first year with Eden's Garden! We are truly excited to make 2013 an even better year. We will continue to need your help in 2013. Please log on to PayPal to donate!

Our Christmas tradition continued

I looked back on our 2011 Christmas tradition of crafting ornaments for the girls and wow Reagan was so cute and young!!  Fast forward one year- she's still cute but she's our little girl!  To those that have kids, can't they stop growing and stay little forever??  I'm not ready to have a little girl, she's my baby!