Tag Archives: #nicustrong

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Year 15. Gio and Isa’s Miracles

And just like that, another year has passed honoring our miracles, Giovanni and Isannah, as we walked in the March for Babies.

The walk was last Sunday, and although we knew rain was on the way, the heart and dedication of this team never wavered. No one let the weather stop them. Instead, we showed up together, proudly wearing our new team shirts celebrating Gio and Isa’s Miracles.

These shirts felt especially meaningful this year, as they were made with love by my dear friend Caroline at Her Way To Slay. Her kindness and support were with us every step of the way as we walked with pride. 

We arrived later than usual and were immediately met with volunteers taking down signs. For a moment, I worried we’d missed it, that the walk had already ended. It’s normally so full of faces and clusters of people, the kind of crowd you have to weave your way through, but we didn’t let that stop us.

The wind pushed hard against us as the rain came in fits, sharp and spitting. At times, my hair whipped across my face so fiercely I could barely see the people just ahead. Still, we kept moving, carried forward by shared jokes, loud laughter, and something deeper that kept us going.

And then I looked around at the familiar faces. The people who have walked beside us for 15 years and I knew, without question, that everything was going to be okay.

I’m humbled by your kindness, generosity, and support. 

Gio and Isa’s Miracles is still active. It’s not too late to donate.

https://www.marchforbabies.org/caramia626

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From Preschool to High School: A Mother’s Reflection

This is an emotional journey. One filled with chapters that began long before the first day of school. Our path started in the most unbelievable way. From the tough, fighting days during pregnancy to time spent in the NICU and everything that followed… and look at us now.

You’ve grown into such beautiful individuals, each with your own strengths, quirks, and personalities that shine so brightly. I remember it like it was yesterday, preparing you for preschool. You walked in without hesitation, without needing an ease-in period. Just a hug, a kiss, and a smile and you were off. Excited for the day, for your teachers, for your new friends. The very next morning, you were ready to do it all again.

I have so many pictures to remember those moments to freeze time, if only for a second.

And now, here we are. Two high school students. I’m still in shock that we’ve arrived at this chapter. This time, no pictures you shy away from the camera as you step through those doors. A quiet confidence. A new kind of independence.

A new chapter begins as another quietly closes. But not completely, the friendships, the memories, the lessons, they’ll always be with you. Just like the best books, you can reread those pages anytime for comfort or reflection, but the story keeps moving forward.

And you’ve got this.

I am so deeply humbled, grateful, and proud to be your mother.

**To the many parents, caregivers, and families,

Good luck with the new school year! May it bring fresh beginnings, exciting moments, growth, confidence, and above all, safety. We’ve made it this far, and we’ll keep moving forward together.

~’cesca