#228 of 365~Neighborly Events

This last week, we took part in two very interesting community events.  

The first one was a 24 hour community giving challenge called Omaha Gives!

 "Omaha Gives! is a 24-hour online giving event organized by the Omaha Community Foundation to grow philanthropy in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie counties. The goal is to inspire the community to come together for 24 hours to give as much as possible to support the work of public 501c3 nonprofits in the metro area. The minimum donation is $10 and there is no maximum. Bonus dollars and prizes amplify charitable donations to make each dollar go further."  We ran two non-profits leaderboards: the Leavenworth Neighborhood Association as well as Omaha Association of Education for Young Children.  LNA raised over $600 while Omaha AEYC raised around $200.Here's a photo of Nick supporting LNA through a "PSA" of sorts and a thank you from a non-profit we supported during the challenge.

The second event was a reception in honor of the new mural on Park Ave called, "You Are Here."As President of LNA, Nick was asked to partner for a grant with a neighborhood non-profit called inCommon: http://incommoncd.org/

They got the grant, partnered with artist Watie White, and asked neighbors to nominate those who they thought should be in the mural.  Much to our surprise, Nicks handsome face made it! Even though he looks like a four-foot gray-haired old man, we were really shocked!  As most of you would expect, Nick was super humbled and totally embarrassed.  Of course I made him take a picture.

Super proud to be married to this man whose heart is 100% for his community.  

He talks the talk AND walks the walk-alongside his neighbors of course.

#227 of 365~Surprise Baby Shower

 My Co-Teachers and 4-year old students threw me a surprise baby shower this last week.  Complete with games like "Pin the Baby to the Stroller," pink cupcakes, and presents!  It was pretty funny as most of them thought it was my birthday. Whatever their idea was, they were ready to celebrate!

While I was blessed with several adorable outfits and packs of diapers, there was one gift that stood out.  A book of parenting advice from my students.  It's absolutely priceless!

Some advice for Mrs. Mayo:

What happens if she/baby wakes up at night? "Let her sleep with you."

Where do babies like to go? "Fun places like the park or SkateDayz."

How do you take care of a sick baby? "You take care of it! Give it a bath. Sing to her."

What should you feed the baby? "Fruit chews because their yummy for your tummy."

How do you make baby happy? "Smile at her, carry her, and paint her!"

What songs should Mrs. Mayo sing to her? "Probably Bruno, Uptown Funk you up!"

What do you do when she spits up? "Her needs to cover her mouth."

What should you do if she cries? "Watch Gabba Gabba."

What do babies like to play with? "They would like a binky and squeaky toys."

#226 of 365~22q at the Zoo

 Once again Team Andrew D met up at the zoo to raise awareness about 22q.  This is our second time participating in the event and LOVE being with family and supporting our cousin.  

Andrew is a sweet young man in first grade who loves his family more than anything.  He is a big brother, timid, but always seeking answers.  Nick describes him as gregarious.

WHAT IS 22Q YOU ASK?
"22q is a disorder caused by a small missing piece of the 22nd chromosome. This tiny missing portion of chromosome 22 can affect every system in the human body. 22q can be the cause of nearly 200 mild to serious health and developmental issues in children."

I love these two pictures.

Andrew and Nick have always been buddies and their relationship continues to grow with time.

While Andrew is excited for his new cousin, I know he secretly wishes it was a boy.

Just today though, I was told that when asked what he thought about his new baby cousin, he said he would "love her."