Around Annabella's first birthday, I started to get questions about whether or not we'd have another child. Let's just say that I had a difficult time with that question. I had a hard time understanding how people could ask us that, knowing Annabella's story. I wasn't mad, mind you, simply confused. My standard answer was usually a blank stare followed by some stammering recount of what we'd been through. They usually changed the subject.

In actuality, the real reason I had trouble with that question was the lack of answers to all the questions I had. I dissected every aspect of Dawn's pregnancy and Annabella's birth trying to understand what happened. Why did this happen to my wife? Why did this happen to Annabella? What happened to the third trimester? What happened to Lamaze classes? What happened to bringing the baby home right away? What did we do wrong?

The innocence and blind faith I started with was replaced with confusion and uncertainty. No wonder the thought of having another child yielded a blank stare.

Today though, 30 weeks into Dawn's second pregnancy, I still have no good answers to my questions. We've made it past Annabella's 26 weeks and are doing everything in our power to get this boy home safe and sound. I'm as optimistic as I can be but my nerves are shot. If someone could just answer my questions, give me some sign that it's going to be OK, I think I could breath easier and maybe let go of this burden.

I'm tired of the scared, uncertain dad. I want my innocence back so I can just be a proud and excited.

- the Dad, written in Minnesota, doing his part to give the Mom time to rest and the boy time to grow

Princeton University's WordNet® describes a preemie as "an infant that is born prior to 37 weeks of gestation". (Dictionary.com). When the media reports on the birth of a preemie it's typically under 30 weeks; often between 24 and 28 weeks. In very rare circumstances you might hear about a 23 weeker. They do exist but they're very rare.

Neonatologists who cared for Amillia say she is the first baby known to survive after a gestation period of fewer than 23 weeks. A database run by the University of Iowa's Department of Pediatrics lists seven babies born at 23 weeks between 1994 and 2003. (Associated Press)

As happy as I am to hear that Amilia is doing better I'm still cautious. We're well aware of what the first few years of a preemie's life can be like. Annabella was born at 26 weeks, some five weeks after Amilia. That's 35 days. What can happen to a baby in those 35 days?

• They're beginning to open their eyes a bit
• They're more responsive to sound
• They're beginning to take small breaths
• They may begin to suck their thumb
• Mother's may even begin experiencing their baby's hiccups
• Some believe they may begin dreaming

This is a world of difference if you ask me. Good luck Amilia, we're pulling for you.

-----

Some may support the March of Dimes so that babies born as early as Amilia can be saved, others may support the March of Dimes so that babies can have an extra 35 days. Whatever the reason, please support the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes and Continental Airlines want you to to fly with them. That is, of course, if you are the winning bidder on a fund raising auction.

The Delivery Flight package includes: two round-trip, first-class tickets from the winner’s home airport to Seattle, WA.; one night accommodations at the Renaissance Hotel in Seattle; an exclusive tour of the Boeing factory, where the airplanes are manufactured and assembled; dinner with Continental and Boeing executives; seating on the brand new 777 Boeing aircraft to either Newark or Houston; and a return flight to home airport. The minimum bid is $10,000. Flying enthusiasts who have never yet traveled aboard one of these aircraft will especially appreciate the opportunity to participate in this Delivery Flight. (Source)

For more information or to enter a bid visit http://marchofdimes.com/aboutus/22663_23811.asp.

This is another great, and unique, way to raise money for the babies. If you know someone who would appreciate this unique opportunity, please let them know.

After a great deal of head-scratchin' I finally got the website back up and running. That's going to be important as we continue our fund raising efforts.

Please support the March of Dimes and the Bellapalooza team by donating.

The Big Sister Tour

Can you believe it's time to ramp up for Walk America again?

I've got 2 great things to share with you. First, as you know we're expecting another little one, due May 31. Such a momentous event calls for a theme for this year's walk - The Big Sister Tour! I know the walk is scheduled to happen first, but you never know, we could be a family of 4 by May 20th. Second, I'm very proud to announce that we, the Jenkins, are the ambassador family for the March of Dimes in the South Bay Area. That means we'll be addressing corporate kick-offs, and speaking at other March of Dimes events this year, including OUR WALK. So please, make us look good, we want a great, big team again this year, please.

RECAP 2005

In 2005 we had 22 people on our team and we raised about $5,000.00. Yeah Team Bellapalooza!

RECAP 2006

In 2006 we had 14 people walk and we raised about $6,000.00. Imagine what we could do with a bigger team this year.

GOALS 2007

• Make Team Bellapalooza Bigger! If everyone could please recruit one more person to walk with us. Friends, family, co-workers. They can walk with us in Pacific Grove or any old place they like, and still be on our team. (This is particularly important this year, as I may not be able to do the actual walking myself.)
• Raise More Money - set a higher goal, reach out to new people.
• Win the Team T-shirt Contest - AGAIN! Joe did a fabulous design for us last year and we actually won! Wahoo!

Stay tuned for more information. We'll continue to update this website with more information.