His first smile. His first “Mama“. His first walk. I treasured those milestones because I knew that his firsts were also my last.
I never expected to be a young Mom. It wasn’t on my radar … But life never hands us what we want, it delivers what we need.
I needed my sons just as much as they needed me.
Long awaited, my youngest son came along seven years after my first.
He was a bundle of energy. Didn’t enjoy being contained. And, I didn’t want to contain him. After having three miscarriages, I was fortunate to have this beautifully vibrant being in my life. I was savoring every moment as if it were my last. Because it was. He would be the last child I physically bore.
Living in the United States meant I could offer my little one life giving opportunities. I did not have to worry, as many mothers do in developing countries, whether he would live past his 5th birthday.
Some families are not as fortunate. In developing countries, mothers are losing their children to illnesses I never realized were life-threatening, like diarrhea. It seems unfathomable, but its true. One child dies every. 20. seconds. from a disease that can be prevented with a vaccine, many of them before age five – Shot@Life and Blogust help kids around the world reach their fifth birthdays, thanks to the power of global vaccines.
My youngest son is fifteen now, three years shy of being an adult, and already at an age where he is becoming more independent.
He is my last biological child.
Physically, I will not have more children. I will not experience first milestones after my youngest. His firsts will be my last.
Yet, I can, and will, still help other mothers and children experience first milestones of their own. As can you.
Help give children life-saving vaccines by joining with Blogust. Each comment or post share will provide a vaccine to a child in need – up to 30,000 in the month of August.
Let’s do this! Join me by leaving a comment below then spread the word by sharing this post with a friend (or two)!
What is #Blogust?
Blogust is a month-long digital dialogue, bringing together many of the most beloved online writers, photo and video bloggers and Shot@Life Champions to change the world through inspirational imagery and storytelling. This year marks the fifth year of Blogust helping kids around the world reach their fifth birthday thanks to the power of global vaccines.
The Blogust 2016 digital relay participants will be sharing the story behind #TBT baby photos or videos of themselves, their kid(s) or a side-by-side comparison at important milestones – from first steps or first smile to fifth birthday. Every parent everywhere should be able to experience these milestones, which is why every like, comment and social media share their posts receive (up to 30,000 throughout the month of August 2016) will trigger a donation by MAM to help provide a vaccine for a child in need around the world.
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Migdalia, thanks for your support of Blogust this year and for sharing your story! Such sweet photos of your son.
Erin recently posted..Client Spotlight: Powering Summer with Energizer
Loving this cute pictures. Thank you for your support.
Oh this post makes me tear up! They really grow so fast. I love your participation in blogust too. 🙂
Every first of our kids is so precious! This made me think how blessed I am to have two kids! I love that we can have the opportunity to help children and their moms!
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com recently posted..Rainbow Quinoa Summer Salad
I so understand this one! Every time a new milestone hits with my kids, it’s like I’m seeing them for the last time.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted..DIY Unicorn Head Pencil Case #WaverlyInspirations #InAWaverlyWorld
GREAT post! I’ve been going through old baby pix today and it makes me wistful for my now 17 and 20 year olds! Thanks for being a part of Blogust!
Paula Kiger recently posted..The Diva Rules Sparkles: A Book Review
What a wonderful initiative. Love the sweet pics of your son, too!
Colleen Lanin recently posted..How to Get Picky Kids to Eat Vegetables and Fruits
It is great that you are participating in Blogust. I love all of the photos especially the one with your son covered in baby powder.
I thought of losing a child to something so preventable just breaks my heart. I am thrilled that my comment helps support such a wonderful cause.
Marcie W. recently posted..Kids ‘R’ Kids Helps Prepare For Back To School In Just 5 Days
Can I just start with how adorable these photographs are?! I can totally understand with the “firsts” and the milestones – you’ll never really get that moment back!
Lisa Favre recently posted..We’re Back
Kids grow so fast. What a great post , Blogust is such a great message to get out
Rach Ferrucci recently posted..Your Child Will Love Bears For Humanity Animal Pals
I love this initiative! Helping more children have more firsts is important!
felicia recently posted..Blackberry Dumpling Recipe + Summer Reading Fun!
While I love seeing my kids become the people they are meant to be, it’s still hard as they move out of a stage because I know I won’t get to see this side of them again. Parenting is hard, but oh-so-rewarding! 🙂
Lisa Joy Thompson recently posted..3 Secrets to a Successful School Year
I think it’s a beautiful initiative to be able to help moms across the world give their kids a chance at a healthier life. This is a great way to help out while also inspiring others with your lovely stories!
Amanda Love recently posted..Start Your Morning with SnackWell’s Biscuit Thins – #BiscuitBreak
Helping children is a huge thing for me no matter how big or small the cause. They all need the best possible chance they can be given.
So sad that so many children’s lives are put at risk because vaccines are not available. or not given 🙁
This is right, whenever there is a first in my son, I make sure to document it by pictures or by blogging.
Sweet post! Great perspective, too. Thanks for sharing about this awesome program!
Qué linda campaña. You are right we as Mother’s in USA gives for granted that our children will leave after the 5 years . Vaccines are so important and so basic to ensure the life of children. God bless your kids Migdalia! This post is super cute!
You are so right! Lots of firsts are also a last. Beautiful story and I cannot believe your oldest is 15!! El tiempo pasa volando!!
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