There is nothing like a baby’s first smile. The first smile ushers in a whole lifetime of smiles, firsts and memories together. Oh sure! Some say a baby’s first smile is gas. A mother knows the truth. There’s no way. After all, as a mom you have been talking to, cooing at, and smiling at that baby non-stop to help bring forth that sweet moment where the edge of the mouth turns upward and those glistening baby eyes lock on to your eyes. We know. The world has brought you, my baby, joy. I was there to experience it.
You will share many emotions with your child. You will cry, laugh, mourn, and celebrate together. The smile is one of the first steps to a bonding relationship unlike any other you will ever experience. Your baby’s milestones will continue to bring those smiles – for both of you.
A Baby’s First Smile
Smiles are shared, noted and celebrated at each new milestone of a baby. First real bath – July 26th, 2007, Standing for the first time (with mommy’s help) – Sept. 8, 2007, Rolling Over – September 20, 2007, Sitting up – Nov. 19, 2007, Eating Solids – Dec. 25, 2007, Army Crawls – January 19, 2008, Stands Independently – April 7, 2008, First Words – May 24, 2008.
You note these milestones all along the way because it is amazing to watch the child that came from your womb accomplish great things. We go from knowing a child is breathing water inside our belly to a baby who is smiling, crawling, and talking. It’s a miracle. Eventually this child will be running, creating, problem solving, climbing mountains and making their own contributions to the world. You know that the smile you first saw is the same smile that can make a difference in this world – it sure does make a difference in yours.
Give Them Tomorrow Campaign #babysfirst #givethemtomorrow
While we celebrate the smiles and the milestones of our children, it is important to remember that not all families are fortunate enough to see or enjoy the first milestones of their child. I am thrilled to be able to partner with the March of Dimes, who make it their business to give a fighting chance for every baby. We want to give every mother the opportunity to experience their baby’s first smile, and you can get involved too. Simply visit March of Dimes and learn more about their Give Them Tomorrow Campaign. #babysfirst #givethemtomorrow
I don’t know how familiar you are with the March of Dimes, but their mission statement is: “The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.” As I consider how blessed I’ve been to have healthy babies, there are so many parents in the NICU at this moment praying and fighting for their baby’s life. While I might take for granted the numerous smiles I receive from my own three throughout the day, a mother is hoping for the opportunity to see just one smile from the baby she loves.
Three Ways to Get Involved
There are three ways you can get involved, all of which are found on the March of Dimes website.
- Give a shout out! – Help us create awareness by using the hashtag #babysfirst and #givethemtomorrow on social media. It’s simple. Just talk about the milestones you are celebrating already or dig out those fun first pictures of your own baby’s firsts.
- Reach Out – The March of Dimes has made it easy to send a quick message to a family in the NICU. These messages bring hope in the midst of hard times. They are hand delivered to the families. It will take a matter of minutes and yet might be just the encouragement these parents need.
- Help Out – Your giving will help fun prematurity research that saves the lives of babies.
I hope that as you celebrate your own baby’s milestones you will take a moment to consider how you can come alongside those families who don’t get the same opportunity. Just as a baby’s first smile brought you joy, your shout out, words of encouragement and financial donation can bring a smile to those fighting for babies to Give Them Tomorrow!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of March of Dimes. The opinions and text are all mine.