The Michel Family

Project Sweet Pea wins Pepsi Refresh Grant

2010-05-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

Project Sweet Pea Awarded $25,000 to Provide Care Packages for Families Who Have a Baby In The ICU –Share

Today at 3:07pm

PEPSI AND LINPEPCO ANNOUNCE LOCAL GRANT RECIPIENT OF

PEPSI REFRESH PROJECT

– Project Sweet Pea Awarded $25,000 to Provide Care Packages

for Families Who Have a Baby In The ICU –

Topeka, KS – May 3, 2010 – Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking effort that funds ideas, big and small, that can refresh the world, announced today that Project Sweet Pea of Topeka, KS received the most votes in April and is on track to be collectively awarded a $25,000 grant to provide care packages to families who have an infant in the ICU. In 2010, Pepsi is awarding more than $20 million to ideas that will move the world forward. Anyone can submit an idea at www.RefreshEverything.com and each month the public decides who wins.

Americans voted for over 1,000 ideas from April 1 through April 30 at www.refresheverything.com. With the April ideas’ votes tallied, Pepsi is working with partners at Global Giving and GOOD to ensure that each idea qualifies to receive funding. Once approved, each idea will have the opportunity to be put into action.

“The Pepsi Refresh Project is about people like you and me coming up with ideas that will refresh the world. Project Sweet Pea, our local winner, is helping families that are going through the toughest times of their lives,” said Pat O’Donnell, General Manager, LinPepCo. “We hope that their dedication to this cause inspires others in our community to get started on a refreshing project they believe in.”

Voters at www.RefreshEverything.com agreed that Project Sweet Pea’s idea is a compelling one: Project Sweet Pea offers a variety comfort kits to hospitals for parents who are going through the stress of caring for a child in intensive care. Project Sweet Pea has a basic Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit bag which includes basic items such as journals, crossword puzzles, books, and baby blankets. A Long-Term Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit bag aimed at families whose stay at the hospital is longer than expected and includes additional items like toothbrushes, deodorant, and gift cards.

“The stress of having a child in intensive care is unimaginable to most people,” said Mallika Chopra, Pepsi Refresh Health Ambassador. “Something as small as a gift bag with every day items will help make tough times a little easier for these parents.

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an evolution of the Refresh Everything initiative Pepsi launched in 2009, which showed the brand as a catalyst for optimism. In 2010, Pepsi is funding ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project will feature significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas.

To implement the project, Pepsi has partnered with three organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in the world: GOOD, a leading platform for thought and action revolving around pushing the world forward; Global Giving, an online marketplace that connects people who have community and world-changing ideas with people who can support them; and Do Something, the largest non-profit teen charity.

The Pepsi Refresh Project can be found at www.RefreshEverything.com or find more information on Facebook at www.facebook.com/refresheverything and Twitter, @Pepsi or #pepsirefresh.

This and That .....

2010-04-14T00:38:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,
I know it has been awhile. I apologize for this :) Well Celia is now 9 mths old ( whew how time flys ) She weighs 22.9 lbs and is 30 1/4 in. long. She has mastered crawling and is now trying to walk :) She has cut 6 teeth already and loves to use them. I have updated pics.
Shawn is a great big brother. He is now recording his own music ( poor me ) in hopes to have it published one day ;)
For Drakes 2nd heavenly birthday I made a chocolate cake and Celia loved it :) I still get teary eyed just thinking of him. Sometimes I feel so alone when I know I have this look on my face and someone asks "whats wrong ?" and I just reply "nothing im fine." I dont think I am fine at all. even after 2 yrs I struggle daily. I cry most nights after everyone has gone to bed. I look at Shawn and Celia and I am greatful and blessed to have them. I guess like any mother that has lost a child, I long to hold him and cuddle him. I think that this feeling will always be there and I guess most people will never get why it doesnt subside. There is a poem that best describes the way i feel....

"I Lost My Child Today"

I lost my child today.
People came to weep and cry
As I just sat and stared, dry eyed.
They struggled to find words to say
To try and make the pain go away.
I walked the floor in disbelief.
I lost my child today.

I lost my child last month.
Most of the people went away.
Some still call and some still stay.
I wait to wake up from this dream
This can't be real--I want to scream.
Yet everything is locked inside,
God, help me, I want to die.
I lost my child last month.

I lost my child last year.
Now people who had came, have gone.
I sit and struggle all day long,
To bear the pain so deep inside.
And now my friends just question, Why?
Why does this mother not move on?
Just sits and sings the same old song.
Good heavens, it has been so long.
I lost my child last year.

Time has not moved on for me.
The numbness it has disappeared.
My eyes have now cried many tears.
I see the look upon your face,
"She must move on and leave this place."
Yet I am trapped right here in time.
The songs the same, as is the rhyme,
I lost my child......Today.

~Netta Wilson
Well sorry to vent I felt like I had to get it out . There is alot more in here that needs to come out.

On another note ..... Amy and Abby Miles came for a visit in January and It was so nice to finally get to meet Amy in person. I felt like I have known her all of my life :) I cant wait untill we can get together again !

I will post pics soon :)

Gray Kennedy Creekbaum

2009-09-17T14:11:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the world Gray Kennedy Creekbaum ! Weighing in at 8lbs and 1oz. & 21 inches long. Congratulations Leigh and Travis on the birth of your beautiful and HEALTHY son. Enjoy every precious moment it is priceless :)

Celias Drs. appt. update

2009-08-09T15:38:00.002-05:00

Well its hard to believe she is almost 6 weeks old. She went to the drs office for her 1st shot :( She did great. Celia is now weighing 11 lbs and 6 ozs. She is 22 1/2 in long !! She is lifting her head, cooing, following objects with her eyes, and the most important ... Smiling at mom and dad :)
Below are some pics we took a couple of weeks ago. Please enjoy !

Everyone is Great !! Pictures !

2009-07-22T12:42:00.012-05:00

Well its been awhile since my last post and I apologize for that.
Celia is doing great. She is sleeping about 4-5 hrs at a time. She went in for her well baby check-up and was back up to her birth weight ( 8lbs 14 ozs ). The doctor couldnt be more pleased with her progress. She is already trying to hold her head up.She loves bath time as you can see.
Burt continues to be great with her. She really has him wrapped, and he is loving every moment. He just started back work this week and when he is leaving she is eating or just finished and when he walks in the room and talks to her, her eyes light up. Celia has a photo shoot scheduled for this friday. Hopefully everything goes well :)
Shawn is doing great with her. He holds her for me so I can get some things done. She gets tired of sitting in the swing. When she starts crying I pick with him and tell him to stop pinching her. He is wrapped also :) LOL !!!
As for me, I am in love. What can I say she is my baby girl !!! Some say that she is a miracle but I say Drake was the miracle and she was meant to be. She fits in so well its amazing. The dogs dont even mind her. My mom asked me if I feel complete. I dont think complete is something I will ever feel. I am content. I have a healthy son and daughter that i thank God for. I will forever have a picec of me missing. I know Drake is watching from above where he is healthy and whole. He will forever be in my heart.
I just cant say Thank You enough to everyone that has helped us along the way. I will post more later.

SHES HERE !!!!!!

2009-07-08T11:51:00.006-05:00

Celia Grace Michel arrived on July 1, 2009. She weighed 8 pounds and 14 ozs. She was 20 & 1/2 inches long. Celia is very healthy. She cried like a champ when she arrived !! ( thank GOD )
Burt and I couldnt be happier. She has been nothing but a joy to have home with us. She already has her daddy wrapped around that little finger.
I will post more later. Just wanted to give the details and show her off.
Amy, Steve, ^Faith^, & Abby We send our Love. Congrats !!!!

Abby Grace Miles

2009-06-29T23:08:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Amy and Steve !! Abby Grace Miles was born June 29, 2009 at 10:58 pm. Weighing in at 7lbs and 11ozs. She is 20 inches long !! Everyone is doing great !

38 weeks and 4 days pregnant

2009-06-27T20:40:00.003-05:00

Patiently Waiting

2009-06-26T10:27:00.002-05:00

Well I went to the Doctors office Wed. She said i was dilated 1 cm. Well of course I was begging that this was enough to just take her. My doctor just laughed and said that if my contractions get 3-5 min apart or if my water broke to go straight in and she would go ahead and take her. If not she would see me Wed. July 1. in the O.R. Well I wasnt laughing.
Last night I started with some contractions. YAY right ? No , it was pain for NOTHING ! They were 12 min apart then dropped off.
Well I am looking forward to meeting this little girl, I know no matter when she gets here its gonna be one of the most emotional days of our lives. Just to hear that sweet cry, Is worth the wait.
On another note... My step-sister is coming in from Texas on Monday. ( Julie, You better be !! :). My dear friend Amy is also expecting any day. I cant wait to see her precious bundle ! She is another CDH mom whos daughter Faith and My son Drake are best of friends in heaven watching out for there new sisters on the way. Amy... I know our babys will be friends no matter the distance as we are.
I still havent picked up the pics from the shower from my friend. I will try and do that this weekend and post them.
Thanks for listening to me rant.
Christy

Stork

2009-06-13T19:26:00.004-05:00

A BIG THANK YOU to Kori for letting us use this stork and a BIG THANK YOU to Ms Jernell and Denise who bought the bundles for before and after Celia comes. They are the sweetest ladies that I have met in a long time. I cant say enough how much we appreciate everything they have done for us when Drake was in the hospital and now with Celia on the way , They have done so much already. I have to say that they are a blessing from above.
Ms Jernell, Denise, and Kori We still cant say it enough .... THANK YOU !

2009-06-10T15:54:00.001-05:00

Celias Nursery

2009-06-10T15:09:00.005-05:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get the pics up of Celias nursery. We finally finished the room and then we took pics. Burt and I couldnt be more pleased with how it all came together. I just want to say thanks again to my wonderful husband for doing all the hard work.
We had our baby shower on May 30. It was great , I will post pics and tell you all about it next post.
At our last U/S Celia was weighing approx. 7 lbs and 4 ozs. Yes she is gonna be a big baby ....Thank GOD for C-sections ;) My amniotic fluid was a little low so I am getting weekly U/S to keep tabs on it. Besides that everything is going great.

Christy

BUSY BUSY WEEK

2009-05-27T09:28:00.003-05:00

Well this week is starting off slow but boy is it picking up. First of all we FINISHED the nursery. My wonderful husband did a great job ;) I will post picks later.
Next we have our last ultrasound tomorrow. I cant wait to see this cute little one before she enters this world one more time.
Then its time for our co-ed baby shower !!!! Saturday May 30th. We are still getting things ready for it. There will be boiled seafood, hot and cold food and lots of deserts as well ! The kids will be able to play on the large inflated waterslide and im sure they will have a great time.
In the mean time we have friends and family coming in to town.... My step-sister Julie is coming from Texas, I have a great friend coming in from Florida, and I have another great friend coming from Denham Springs today to spend a few days here at my house. What a week!!!
I am feeling ok. I have lots of pelvic pressure and the peeing is off the charts ! EVERY HOUR I am in the restroom peeing again ;)
I will post pics of everything hopefully by the weekends end. I will try and post pics of the nursery today.
Thanks for following ;)
Christy

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-10T20:44:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say Happy Mothers Day !
Today was bittersweet. A day I find myself not wanting to "celebrate". I have a wonderful 14 year old son here on earth, A beautiful baby girl on the way, and an angel in heaven. When I think of today its just mixed emotions. I will always have this empty feeling inside. The question I most hated today was "how many children do you have" I always say 2 and one on the way. If they keep asking then I have to go into detail.Thats when it gets tough on days like today.

The Busiest Day In Heaven

It's the busiest day in Heaven
I'm planning a big surprise
To let you know I love you
And that no one ever dies

Even though your down below
And I am up above
I'm sending you my wishes
And all my angel love

It's really quite exciting
To plan this big event
For lots of gifts will come your way
And all are Heaven sent

First I'll take a bubble bath-
My splashes might cause some rain
But knowing all the fun I'm having
Will help to ease your pain

Next I'll get some pictures
In my halo and gown
So when you get to Heaven
You can show me all around

I have color crayons in Heaven
And I will draw some stars so bright
And place them in the sky today
For you to see tonight

Then Jesus will have story time
And I will sit upon his lap
He'll tell me all about you
Just before I nap

I'll awake full of energy
And play a game or two
Before I finish sending
All my love to you

After snack I'll write a song
For all the birds to sing
And know I've made you happy
With all the joy it brings

At night time I'll be tired
But I'll still hold you tight
My arms will wrap around you
And keep you through the night

And when you finally slumber
I will kneel and pray
Asking God to bless you
On this special Mothers Day

Love,
Your Little Angel

Author Unknown

4d ultrasound pics

2009-04-15T21:22:00.002-05:00

Here are Celias 4d pics. We saw her sucking on her hand most of the time. As well as yawning and just looking soooo sweet.
Sorry it took so long to get them up.
Enjoy the slideshow :)
Christy

2009-04-15T21:12:00.001-05:00

Drakes Angel Day approaching April 6.

2009-04-01T15:13:00.002-05:00

As Drakes angel day approaches I think back to all the things he went through the last week of life. I remember the emotions just like it was yesterday. I believe I am handeling things well. Sure I break down but I thank GOD for those 7 weeks with him. This little girl growing inside makes me able to look forward to the future but a peace of my heart will always live in the past. I will definately tell her all about her brother who now lives in heaven with GOD. I will let her know that he was such a fighter and fought so hard. I know that Drake watches over us daily and I think of him everyday. I always get a little teary eyed when I think of him , its just because I love and miss him so much. I know just like all cdh babies he has touched the lives of people all over the world.
I just want to say thank you for all of your support. Even though I have only met most of you through cherubs and this blog, It seems that I have known you forever. Every one of you has touched my life in so many ways.
With much Love and Thanks
Christy

Really Upset

2009-03-26T22:42:00.002-05:00

Im sorry everyone but I have to get this out.
Tonight my sister and I had an arguement. She said some really hurtful things. She went on to say that after Drake passed away we decided to throw a party. We had people over to celebrate Drakes life, I dont know why she would say such a hurtful thing. She then went on to say that a month after Drake passed we went to Disney world and that was a horrible thing to do. We went to Disney as an outlet. We needed to get away before sitting home going insane! Not to mention that we hadnt spent any time with Shawn and he needed a break also. I guess she wouldnt understand that pain and hurt that you feel after loosing something so precious.
All of this on Drakes upcoming Angel day ! I cant believe she would go on with such hurtfull things.
She then went on about how I think I am better than everyone else. Can you believe that ? Yeah I know I have much more class than she will ever have. I have reasons to keep my head held high.
I guess because we dont live off of Fema and the government , and we work for the nice things that we have .We pay our debts we work hard and make sure we make smart decisions in life, I dont curse and disrespect my parents and family, we are bad people to her. Or is she just envious of what we do have?
All I know is that after hanging up the phone and making myself calm down and stop shaking I realized that I am a good person. I am surrounded by family who loves me and would never say such things to me, especially while I am prego. I dont deserve to be talked to like she talked to me. I dont need someone like that in my life. Not only is she so ignorant she will do nothing but try and make herself feel better by hurting me and my family. She is spoiled to the point that everything has to be about her. Well I am sorry Marie life is to short to let you get to me anymore. You can take your hurtfull words and put them where the sun dont shine.

Celias U/S appointment

2009-03-20T15:49:00.003-05:00

Well yesterday we saw the maternal fetal medacine doctor. She told us that everything looks great. Celia weighs 1 pound 9 ounces. her heart rate was 143. We were there for about 2 hours. They scanned everything. She was sucking on her umbilical cord ! It was just so cute. I dont have to go back for 10 weeks ! I will still see my regular ob. We will have 4d U/S pics in a few weeks. We cant express enough that, we are just so excited ! Well untill next ob visit.

Christy

Celias U/S Pics

2009-03-02T23:48:00.003-06:00

I have my next U/S on March 19. I will post more then. ENJOY

Happy 1st Birthday Faith Grace Miles

2009-03-02T14:57:00.006-06:00

Hi everyone.

I just want everyone to keep Amy and Steve miles in your prayers this week. Their daughter Faith Grace Miles was born on March 6, 2008 and lost her battle with CDH on April 5, 2008.. Her 1st birthday is approaching and I know that it is very overwhelming to celebrate your Angels birthday when she/ he is in heaven.

Amy and I 1st met on a web site called Cherubs. Its a support and awareness groub for families of children born with a Congenital Diaphragmatic hernia.We were expecting 3 days apart. We shared each part of our journeys together. Sadly Our babies passed away a day apart. We have remained great friends and are on another journey together again. This time we are both pregnant and expecting HEALTHY BABYS, 3 days apart, Again. How crazy, I know, but GOD works in mysterious ways. I wouldnt want to share this experience with anyone else. Evan though we have never met in person I feel like we have become friends through our Angels in heaven.

Celias visit with Dr. White

2009-02-25T22:01:00.003-06:00

The echo went great. Dr. White said that everything looked normal. I love normal !!!! We were in there for about an hour. Celia was doing flips and at one point she had her legs over her head. It was so cute to watch. I will post ultrasound pics soon.
Thanks for following...
Love
Christy

Gift Basket

2009-02-25T21:58:00.002-06:00

Here is the basket that was donated to the NICU in loving memory of Drake Alexander Michel. It was in honor of his 1st birthday. It was a little hard going back there, but it felt good to do something to honor him. The basket was so full and heavy burt had to roll it in with a wheelchair.

2009-02-25T21:57:00.001-06:00

2009-02-25T21:55:00.001-06:00

2009-02-17T17:40:00.002-06:00

Drakes Birthday Wednesday February 18, 2009.

2009-02-16T22:15:00.004-06:00

I cant believe its already been a year since my little doodlebug was born. It seems like yesterday we were back at the NICU. Well I dont need to tell you how much I miss him, because im sure you could imagine. We are taking a gift basket full of baby items that were bought and donated for it. We figure that it would be a nice gesture to remember him each year by doing this.

On another note I just want to thank all my friends that i have met along the way of our journey with drake and cdh.

Ashley, Amy, Kate, Corin, Leigh, Karen..... Just to name a few. I cant say enough how thankfull I am for your support and friendship along the way. I think of you as family and have come to love each and every one of you and other moms along the way.

Please remember our precious angel on wednesday. I am sure he will be blowing angel kisses to us all.

Please keep the miles family in your prayers these upcoming weeks there daughter Faith was also born with cdh and sadly grew her wings. Her 1st birthday is coming up.

Amy ... you are doing a wonderfull job. If you dont mind I would like to post about Faiths book drive.

Per Amy....

Hello! I just wanted to let you all know that we are doing a book drive in memory of my daughter Faith Grace Miles for her birthday this year. We are collecting new and gently used books to donate to possibly several places depending on the number of books we get. We are looking into donating to the family center at the University of Michigan Mott's Childrens Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor, or the local library where Steve and I grew up.

Books can be shipped or if you dislike the post office gift cards to Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com are welcome.

Here is the address you can ship them to:

Amy Miles

2275 Fawnwood Dr.

SE Kentwood, MI 49508

If you send a mixture of new and used books, put a little note in as to which ones are new. I think that the hospital may only be able to accept new books, but we are still looking into that one.

Thanks soooo much!

Amy Miles

All is well

2009-02-11T00:23:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that all is well. We had a drs appt and Celia sounded great. Her heartrate was 154. We go for a fetal echocardiogram on Feb 20. They just want to rule everything out. Im positive that everything is fine. I just started to feel little flutters in my belly.
We are so excited to have this blessing.
Christy & Burt

Intro

2009-02-03T18:38:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone !! We have started a blog spot to keep everyone updated on our new arrival on her way. We will keep you posted on drs appts, and all other things coming our way.
Christy