The Blessing of a Newborn Baby Girl – Blogust 2013 #Blogust

This post is inspired by Shot@Life, an initiative of the United Nations Foundation that educates, connects and empowers the championing of vaccines as one of the most cost effective ways to save the lives of children in the world’s hardest to reach places.

During Shot@Life’s Blogust, 31 bloggers, one each day in August, are writing about moments that matter. For every comment on this post and the 30 other posts, Walgreens will donate a vaccine up to 50,000 vaccines. Blogust is also part of a wider initiative proudly supported by Walgreens, the “Get a Shot. Give a Shot.” campaign. Walgreens has committed $500,000 to donate up to 3 million vaccines for those kids who need them most. Beginning September 3 through October 14, when you go to Walgreens to get your flu shot, Walgreens will donate a vaccine to the Shot@Life campaign. (*Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. See pharmacy for details.)

Please leave a comment on this post, and in turn Walgreens will donate a vaccine to a child in need. A child dies every 20 seconds from a vaccine-preventable disease. We can change this reality and help save lives, so please leave a comment here and share this post to any and all who’ll do the same.

Sign up here for a daily email so you can quickly and easily comment and share every day during Blogust! Stay connected with Shot@Life at www.shotatlife.org, join the campaign on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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When I was a little girl, my Nana used to watch me while my parents went to work. I remember how I loved pulling up to her yellow house and seeing her standing at the door of the home she loved so much. It always made me feel so safe, so secure, so loved. She was genuinely happy to see me every single morning, and that kind of love impacts a child immensely. My Nana had 3 sons, my father being her middle child, so I think she secretly loved having a little girl to take care of… lots of dolls, lots of tea parties, lots of pink.

I actually remember thinking at a very young age just what a wonderful mother my Nana would have been to a little girl. She LOVED her boys more than anything in the world, but she had a very girly girl side to her, and I only really saw that side when she was with me. And to be honest, I felt very special that I got to be her “little girl.” From such a young age, this incredibly special bond was formed between me and my Nana. She was… my girl, my Nana. Even as I grew, our bond continued to get stronger and stronger. When I headed off to college, even though I went to Brown University and was literally 20 minutes away, I would send her cards in the mail all the time. When I moved to NYC after college, I would call her on my way home from work and just gab about everything and anything. When I met the man I would eventually marry, I couldn’t wait for her to meet him and get her “stamp of approval!” I did. My Nana was just always there for me, always loving me.

She was always there for every milestone.

When I became pregnant with my first baby, my Nana was ecstatic. She cried when I told her, tears of joy. When I found out it was a little boy, she was over-the-moon! “Oh, Audrey! A boy! You know I love my boys!”

When I became pregnant with my 2nd son, my Nana was over-joyed for my son William! “Brothers! You’ll have brothers!”

When I became pregnant with my 3rd son, my Nana said, “You’re just like me! A mom to 3 boys!”

When I became pregnant with my 4th son, my Nana thought it was just incredible. “4 boys, you know they’ll always protect their Mom!”

But I’ll never forget what she told me in the hospital after meeting my Henry, my 4th son. “You’re not ready yet for another, but next time… I think you need a girl.”

I was stunned. My Nana telling me I needed a girl? I remember saying to her, “Oh, Nana… I think we’re done with 4!”

8 weeks later my Nana passed away. August 8th, 2008.

It rocked my world. My Nana was such an important part of my life. And I just loved her so, so, so very much. I’ll never forget visiting her in the hospital a week before she passed away. She had been incredibly out of it and very confused. She hadn’t been alert or “herself” in a few days. I stood over her hospital bed crying and just wishing she would be OK. Out of nowhere she completely came to and alert and herself… she touched my hand and said, “Don’t cry. It’s OK. Everything’s going to be OK.”

I never heard her speak again. But I have cherished those words forever.

I don’t know what came over me, but in those final days of her life… I asked her, “When the time is right, Nana… send me a baby girl.”

Two weeks after she passed away, my parents called me up to tell me they had found a baby gift in her closet addressed to “Baby McClelland.” At first glance, there were tons of boy baby clothes, which made sense because Henry was literally a newborn when she first got sick. But on the very bottom of the bag was this…

… yes, a pink sleepy-suit.

Fast forward 4 years later.

I had really given up the idea of having a 5th baby when my Henry turned 3 years old. I was working a ton. We had a groove going in our house. The boys were getting older. And I dare I say it, life was getting “easy.” When Matt got sick in January 2012, it was devastating to us. He was diagnosed with a GIST tumor in his abdomen, and once it was removed, he was put on a chemo pill for 3 years (we’re a 1.5 years in). I prayed to my Nana every single night to make Matt OK. I was terrified for him. I was terrified for our family. I just wanted us all healthy.

It was during this difficult time in our life when I looked at Matt and said, “Let’s celebrate life and have another baby.”

I thought of my Nana and what I asked her before she died.

Was the time right?

On October 31, 2012, I found out I was pregnant.

On February 13, 2013, I found out our baby was a GIRL.

When the ultrasound technician told me it was a girl, my hands went to my face and I sobbed. Tears of joy. Tears of happiness. Tears that only my Nana understood. I looked to the heavens on that table and said, “Thank you, Nana.”

My daughter arrived on July 9th, 2013 via c-section. I named my daughter after my Nana, whose name was Florence… Victoria Florence Margaret McClelland.

I’ve never shared this before, but once when my Nana was sick in the hospital – before I even had my Henry – I told her she had to stay healthy to see me be a mother to all my guys. I distinctly remember once saying to her, you’ll have to see me with a little girl I could name Victoria, just like “Victory for having a girl!” I remember my Nana smiling at that.

My Victoria… she has a piece of my Nana in her, I know this. It’s in her eyes. It’s in her soul. It’s in her heart. My Nana sent me a beautiful gift.

It was a huge milestone for me having a baby girl.

Victoria is my 5th perfect little treasure… with all the beautiful moments of seeing her in this beautiful gift from my Nana…

I believe all babies are miracles. I believe all babies begin millions of milestones and moments in not only their lives, but a parent’s life, too. Birth is a milestone that is so special, so sacred, so powerful. This is why I’ve partnered with Shot@Life and its Blogust campaign, an initiative of the United Nations Foundation that is providing vaccines for children in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places.

By leaving a comment on this post, Walgreens will donate a vaccine to a child in need. A child dies every 20 seconds from a vaccine-preventable disease. This is an astounding reality. We can change this reality and help save lives, so please leave a comment here and share this post to any and all who’ll do the same. Each newborn child deserves a chance at milestones and moments and each parent deserves to see and experience these milestones and moments with their children.

Can a comment make a difference? With Blogust, it can. Each day we will bring you a personal story about moments that matter. Every time you comment, you will unlock a donation to purchase a life-saving vaccine for children around the world who need them most.

Thank you. xo

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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210 Comments

  1. 8.31.13
    Shelley Crane said:

    Beautiful posting Audrey! I have loved reading about your baby girl.
    Shelley

  2. 8.31.13
    Lucy Wendall said:

    Love this program!
    Glad to comment.

  3. 8.31.13
    Donna Joanne said:

    What a touching story. It made me in tears.

  4. 8.31.13
    Bethany said:

    Beautiful !!

  5. 8.31.13
    Jackie Kursh said:

    Lovely post!
    Beautiful little girl.

  6. 8.31.13
    Andrea said:

    What a wonderful tribute to your Nana. This was so special and beautiful to read. Thank you for sharing this.

  7. 8.31.13
    Jon. M. said:

    Pass along a shot!

  8. 8.31.13
    Frank said:

    I agree–all babies ARE miracles–and thanks for supporting a cause that allows children in other countries the miracle of one day reaching adulthood. thanks Walgreens and Shot@Life.

  9. 8.31.13
    Landon said:

    Saw this on Twitter, coming over to support.

  10. 8.31.13
    Mom (Sharon) said:

    This made me cry and laugh and smile with such love for you, for your beautiful boys, for your beautiful Victoria and for Nana… smiling from Heaven and remembering all the love that babies bring, all the milestones that babies begin, all the moments that children have waiting for them to discover. Thank you for this lovely post, Audrey, and for your support of such an important campaign – Shot@Life – working to give every child a shot at milestones and moments. xoxox

  11. 8.31.13
    ImpactfulMummy said:

    What a beautiful post. It had me crying. Great photo of you and your husband at the end with your baby girl. It brought it all together. Happy to support.

  12. 8.31.13
    Dad said:

    Audrey….beautifully written and perfectly capturing the relationship that you have with Nana. God Bless Victoria Florence Margaret McClelland and your entire blessed family. And thank you for supporting Shot@Life!

  13. 8.31.13

    Tears as I was reading this…so happy for you and your beautiful family! Wonderful post and I am sure your Nana is watching over you and smiling as she sees all of the joy your daughter brings to your lives. xo

  14. 8.31.13
    Myrdin Thompson said:

    Thanks for supporting Shot@Life and the importance of global vaccinations!

  15. 8.31.13
    Jessica said:

    Such a beautiful tribute!

  16. 8.31.13
    Connie C. said:

    I leave this beautiful story with the hope for you and Matt that Victoria, and all of your boys, continue to fill your life with great love and endless joy.

  17. 8.31.13
    Amber said:

    Beautiful story! Totally cried. Very happy for your family!

  18. 8.31.13
    grace said:

    what a beautiful story, audrey!…

  19. 8.31.13
    sara said:

    Thanks for making me cry!! I also have 4 boys and my 5th was a girl. She was born after my MIL passed away and I know she was a part of our blessing. Cherish each moment, they go by so quickly!!

  20. 8.31.13
    Loukia said:

    Oh Audrey! This post brought tears to my eyes! How touching and so beautiful. xoxo

  21. 8.31.13
    Karen said:

    Beautiful story! Congratulations on your little girl.

  22. 8.31.13
    GR said:

    I agree with everyone who said this brought tears to their eyes! What a lovely story.

  23. 8.31.13
    Morra said:

    Audrey, what a blessing! I’m so happy you have Victoria and I’m sure Nana is looking down with joy!

  24. 8.31.13
    Monica T. said:

    Thanks for sharing!

  25. 8.31.13

    I’m in tears after reading this beautiful circle of life post! You are so lucky to have had that special relationship with your Nana, and I love how you chose to “celebrate life” when Matt was diagnosed. It is in those moments that you realize your loved ones are all that really matters in life and need to be cherished.

  26. 8.31.13
    mom101 said:

    Oh my God, this made me cry Audrey.

    I also had a grandmother I was so close to and I’m so thrilled she lived to know my two girls. She’s with you and Victoria in so many ways. It is such a gift to know our family legacies live on through our children, their hearts, their spirits.

    Thank you for participating in Shot at Life with this beautiful post. It will be a really special one for your kids to read one day.

  27. 8.31.13

    Oh Audrey, I cried as I read the entire post. So beautifully written. Your Nana would be so incredibly moved… what a treasure for all of your sweet ones to have this as a hallmark to your relationship with her and her love of both you and them.

    Delaney is the ‘girl’ my mother-in-law never had as well… it is a beautiful thing to see.

    Thank you for participating in such an incredible campaign. I’m honored just to comment. xoxo

  28. 8.31.13
    Diana said:

    What a beautiful story Audrey … that really touched my heart. Life is precious and you have been truly blessed. Thank you for sharing.

  29. 8.31.13
    Chrysula said:

    When my Aunt was dying, she would often talk about my babies. I was not yet married and children were still a far off dream. But I’ve always known she is involved in their lives in the way only our ancestors can be. Beautiful. Here’s to more babies getting everything they need to have a shot at growing up in loving families. xo

  30. 8.31.13

    Talk about the power of love throughout time and space! Victoria will also have a special essence and spirit within her – she is truly a gift! Your family is so precious and it’s heartwarming to capture just a glimpse.

  31. 8.31.13

    Smiles and tears! There is something about the way you and your mom write that does that to me all the time. This is such a special story. One that Victoria will love to hear over and over one day. A special story for a special program. xoxo

  32. 8.31.13
    Shannon Bailey said:

    Great posts – nanas are so special! And thanks for helping other kids get a Shot@Life!

  33. 8.31.13
    Emma said:

    Thank you for this. The bond between a grandmother and a granddaughter is a very special one – my own grandmother died 11 months ago and I miss her. At night I give the first star I see a wink. For my Nanna.

  34. 8.31.13
    Lyssa said:

    Just beautiful! Nanas are special people. Thank you for sharing your story!

  35. 8.31.13
    maria said:

    So much love in that post, thank you !!

  36. 8.31.13
    Sandra Brown said:

    What a beautiful story! Congratulations on your beautiful little girl Victoria.

    Thank you for sharing. <3

  37. 8.31.13
    Dee said:

    Such a beautiful story, wonderful life!

  38. 8.31.13

    Love this Audrey. So special and wonderful. Many many best wishes to you, Victoria, and your family!

  39. 8.31.13
    Susan said:

    This post is so touching and for such a good cause. Thank you!

  40. 8.31.13
    Bonnie K said:

    Audrey, I love reading about you and your family and your right, babies ARE miracles!! I try to think of you and your family when my life with just 2 kids seems so hectic. I try not to complain about missing any of the practices, games, meet and greets because I’m sure you have to choose which ones to miss too. I think well I only have 2 kids and Audrey has 5!! Great job…your a rock star!!! 🙂

  41. 8.31.13
    Crissy said:

    Such a touching story, thank you for sharing!

  42. 8.31.13
    KateB said:

    Great!!!

  43. 8.31.13

    Can’t imagine a more perfect post to wrap up Blogust. Thank you; this was perfect. Your children are beautiful!

  44. 8.31.13

    I cried while reading this.
    we have three girls…and although my tubes are tied now, I’ve still longed for a boy.

    Beautiful sentiments, photos, and thanks for helping @Shot@Life!!

  45. 8.31.13
    Kathy Olson said:

    This is a beautiful story. Prayers for continued healing for Matt.

  46. 8.31.13

    On the very last day of Blogust, I cannot imagine a more beautiful post. I cried reading it and thinking of your Nana giving you your victory baby girl.

    My girls were born after my mother-in-law passed away and she too had three sons and no daughters. We think of our girls as gifts from her and I see her in both of them.

    Love to you and your family.

    P.S. I grew up with four brothers and it as a blast! Victoria is one lucky girl!

  47. 8.31.13
    Jane said:

    Thank you for sharing such a heart warming story. You are truly blessed. Your Nana must be smiling from above.

  48. 8.31.13
    Nili Majumder said:

    Thank lots Audrey McClelland,for beautiful sharing of perfect bond between your Nana and sweet gift of your baby girl Victoria Florence Margaret McClelland. God bless you all. Wishing happy and healthy family life.

  49. 8.31.13
    Erica said:

    Beautiful story!!! Thank You for sharing, and supporting a great cause !!

  50. 8.31.13
    Meg said:

    Beautiful words. Thank you.

  51. 8.31.13
    Pam Petty said:

    Wonderful!

  52. 8.31.13
    Becky said:

    So very sweet!! I love that she is watching over yor family 🙂

  53. 8.31.13
    Mary said:

    Such a touching story! Thank you for sharing with the rest of us!

  54. 8.31.13
    Veramur said:

    Thank you Audrey. Beautiful story.

  55. 8.31.13

    What a beautiful, post, Audrey! I absolutely love this story. My grandma was my most favorite person on the planet. Soooo special.

    I love that Victoria’s story has such strong ties to your nana. She’ll love learning about her as she grows up.

    xoxo

  56. 8.31.13
    Amy said:

    What a sweet post.

  57. 8.31.13
    Karen said:

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful story

  58. 8.31.13
    Lisa said:

    Wonderful post.

  59. 8.31.13
    Estelle Erasmus said:

    What a beautiful and heartwarming story. So glad that you were blessed with your little girl-a gift from your Nana.

  60. 8.31.13

    Such a beautiful, heartfelt post! I just know your Nana cried tears of joy up in heaven as she read this today. You are so blessed to have so many wonderful women in your life… Your Mom and Grandmothers, your sister… And another sweet little lady to love- your beautiful Victoria! (:

  61. 8.31.13
    Patty said:

    what a wonderful story…thank you for sharing 🙂

  62. 8.31.13
    Tyler said:

    Thanks for sharing!

  63. 8.31.13

    Thank you for a great story.

  64. 8.31.13
    Melissa said:

    What a beautiful story

  65. 8.31.13

    Audrey, This is such a beautiful story! I haven’t yet fully congratulated you on the birth of Victoria so let me do so now. A daughter will challenge you in ways you’ve never dreamed possible but she will also fill your heart with so much pride and hope. May all of life’s good things shower down on your new baby & the rest of your family.

  66. 8.31.13
    Sarah said:

    Thank you for this.

  67. 8.31.13
    Adrienne said:

    Love this story and all the stories this month…

  68. 8.31.13

    What a beautiful story. Congrats on your baby girl — I know your Nana is smiling.

  69. 8.31.13
    Celia said:

    Thanks for sharing, and to Walgreens for donating! 🙂

  70. 8.31.13
    Jane Smolens said:

    Great post!

  71. 8.31.13
    TJ said:

    Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing!

  72. 8.31.13
    AG said:

    What a beautiful story! I did not have a chance to meet any of my grandmothers, but I met and shared time with one of my grandfather. My relationship with him was quite strong and I loved him so so much. He left me when I was still a little girl but, he is still present in my life. Thanks for sharing your story and congrats for that little girl. You are a mother of a BIG BIG family!!

  73. 8.31.13

    Thank you for being part of Blogust! What a beautiful story. Congratulations on your baby girl!!

  74. 8.31.13
    Dresden said:

    I love this story! The line of women in your family is pretty kick ass!

  75. 8.31.13
    Lucrecer said:

    Oh, this is such a lovely story. So glad you have your beautiful little woman. She is victory!

  76. 8.31.13
    Roshelle said:

    Wonderful story so heartwarming!

  77. 8.31.13
    BecSta said:

    What a beautiful story! Congratulations.

  78. 8.31.13
    S said:

    Amazing! And congratulations!

  79. 8.31.13
    Elena said:

    I got goosebumps reading about finding that baby gift in your Nana’s closet. Thank you so much for sharing this as part of Blogust!

  80. 8.31.13
    Jill said:

    Gorgeous story for as gorgeous baby girl 🙂

  81. 8.31.13
    Wendy said:

    I miss my grandma too! But it warms my heart to think about her rocking my baby girl before I got to meet her myself 🙂

  82. 8.31.13
    Keara said:

    Such a sweet story!

  83. 8.31.13

    And another generation … each one as beautiful as the one before.
    What a family you have, and I am sure they like you, are as lovely inside as out.
    Beautiful post for a wonderful cause – together we can change the world.

  84. 8.31.13
    Lisa Puckett, @mcgraw14me said:

    Great post!! Such a touching story. Your Nana sounds like a great woman. I loved my grandma so much, she passed at a young age when I was a teen and never met my kids but I know she loves them and watches over us still.

  85. 8.31.13

    Thank you for sharing this incredible, touching story!

  86. 8.31.13
    jane said:

    Simply beautiful. Nana is absolutely still in our lives every day, and I know she is so happy to see how your boys (she loved her boys!) have become such protectors of Victoria already.

  87. 8.31.13
    Marilyn said:

    Thanks for telling us about your experiences with your Nana. As you were telling the story I was reminded of my friend Dolores who married a man with 7 children, youngest at 2 years old, and she is now Nana to their children and a warm, caring one at that. Mine was a grandma and she was special to me although unfortunately I was only 16 when she died. Good luck to you with your big family. Sounds like you have an extended, warm, loving family which is great to learn about.

  88. 8.31.13
    Heather said:

    What a heartwarming story!! Thank you for supporting Shot@Life.

  89. 8.31.13
    Sara said:

    Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

  90. 8.31.13
    Jeannette said:

    Yes, all babies are miracles and every child deserved a shot at life. You have a beautiful family!

  91. 8.31.13

    A truly touching story.

  92. 8.31.13
    Gordana said:

    I cried a bit reading this post. I had a wonderful nana too. My mom passed away before I became a mom, but I adore my mother-in-law. She is phenomenal and I always tell that to my 3 boys. Greetings from far away island of Malta!

  93. 8.31.13

    Thanks for helping to save the lives of children, Audrey!

  94. 8.31.13
    Samantha said:

    Last day of Blogust!! 1C=1V

  95. 8.31.13

    Wow, Audrey. I love the way she made you feel as a little girl and I love how this unfolded. What a beautiful story.

  96. 8.31.13
    Andrea P. said:

    great story!

  97. 8.31.13
    Ishita said:

    Thank you so much for your efforts for a great cause!

  98. 8.31.13
    Steve Mallinson said:

    Perfect. I remember my grandfather like that.

  99. 8.31.13
    Ryan N said:

    Thanks to the poster and to Walgreens — I like it.

  100. 8.31.13
    Neal Johnson said:

    Wow. Fantastic!

  101. 8.31.13
    Sarah said:

    Lovely story! Here’s to all those Nana’s out there that inspire us.

  102. 8.31.13
    Lee O. said:

    I miss my days with my grandmother. Thanks for sharing and supporting Shot@Life!

  103. 8.31.13
    Jessica said:

    Vaccines!!

  104. 8.31.13
    Anita said:

    Awesome!

  105. 8.31.13
    Julia said:

    What a lovely story for a wonderful cause.

  106. 8.31.13
    Michele said:

    Of all the 31 days of blogs, this is the one that made me cry. What a wonderful story – your boys and now baby girl are blessed to have you for a mom and to have your Nana as well (even your daughter). Thanks for joining Shot@Life this month. One more comment = one more shot at life (with Nana!)

  107. 8.31.13
    Jessica said:

    Aww! This is great!

  108. 8.31.13
    deanna said:

    Get a shot. Give a shot. It’s just that simple…thank you walgreens!

  109. 8.31.13
    Tracy said:

    Thank you, for so many reasons, for this. Lovely.

  110. 8.31.13
    Jen said:

    Here’s to all the wonderful Nana’s out there especially those in developing countries who want to see their grandkids thrive after getting vaccinated!

  111. 8.31.13
    Lisa Loui said:

    A victory indeed! I wish this same victory on many other mothers around the world to have wonderfully healthy children boys and girls !

  112. 8.31.13
    Martha Edwards said:

    Thanks, Audrey!! Brought tears to my eyes, and proud to see another Brown grad supporting Shot@Life!

  113. 8.31.13
    Basirat said:

    Thanks for sharing this great story!

  114. 8.31.13
    Lindsay said:

    Thanks for sharing!

  115. 8.31.13
    Beth said:

    LOVED your message. Thanks for sharing and helping so much with A shot at life!

  116. 8.31.13
    Jen said:

    Such a beautiful story. Thank you!

  117. 8.31.13
    Amanda said:

    What a great story and a great cause. Thank you for sharing!

  118. 8.31.13
    Jo said:

    Wow…what a lovely story and told with such admiration that I also love your Nana.

    She truly gave you the gift of life in that baby girl.

  119. 8.31.13
    Edith said:

    What a beautiful post and what a beautiful family. You nana is smiling down at all of you.

  120. 8.31.13
    Seana said:

    A toast to your Nana and to her granddaughter. And of course to all those men in your life!

  121. 8.31.13
    Delores Van Horn said:

    What a wonderful story – thanks for sharing.

  122. 8.31.13
    Miriam said:

    It is very moving to read how much your Nana meant to you. I have a granddaughter who is now 17 and our relationship is such a joy to both of us.

  123. 8.31.13
    Lynn J said:

    I cried my eyes out when I read your beautiful story! It made me think of all the happy days with my Grandma Millie. I’m so happy for you and your husband that have your beautiful daughter who’ll be the proud little sis to four VERY protective brothers! I’ll keep your family in my prayers and that your husband Matt continues to win his fight. I have no doubt he’ll be a Victor too! My Dad’s name was Victor! He was one of 8 kids, all boys, except for the baby who was the only girl!
    may God continue to bless and protect you all <3

  124. 8.31.13

    Audrey that is such a beautiful story. I bet your Nana is smiling in heaven reading how beautiful life is with 5.

  125. 8.31.13
    Patricia said:

    Love being a grandma! Thanks for having the chance to donate a shot!

  126. 8.31.13
    Angela said:

    +1

  127. 8.31.13
    Colleen said:

    Having a lovely, inspiring story behind your name is a wonderful gift. Cheers to all of you!

  128. 8.31.13
    ccylevin said:

    thanks!

  129. 8.31.13
    Leah Gannon said:

    great story!

  130. 8.31.13

    We abstain from some vaccines for our son but that’s the right choice for our family. I hope this comment can give other parents the right to choose the best for their child as well.

  131. 8.31.13
    Sarah Bui said:

    I’m giving a child a Shot at Life today!

    -Shot@Life Champion

  132. 8.31.13
    Susan said:

    I was blessed with both a son and a daughter, what a wonderful story about your youngest!

  133. 8.31.13
    Connie Flores said:

    Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your story.

  134. 8.31.13
    Jennifer Tieu said:

    That was a beautiful story, thank you for sharing! Your story definitely made me cry as I can relate to having such a close relationship with my own grandmother as well. Congrats on your family of 5 gorgeous children!

  135. 8.31.13
    mpotter said:

    your daughter has the same birthday as mine.

    Hoping Matt gets better, and your life is wonderful.
    congratulations!

  136. 8.31.13
    Tamela said:

    This is such a great story!

  137. 8.31.13
    Kristin said:

    That was so lovely Audrey. She knew! The women in our family have been finding old fashioned hair pins like the kind my Nana wore on special occasions in our lives for years. My sister and I both found them on our weddings days. They showed up in my house after each of my kiddos were born…And when my mom lost her best friend to breast cancer, she found one too. When you have a connection like that, death can’t take it away! 🙂

  138. 8.31.13
    Netta Conerly said:

    Enjoyed reading your story. My grandmother was special to me too. I think I was special to her because I was her first grandchild and a girl. I have great memories of spending summers at her house.
    Thank You for participating in Shot@Life.

  139. 8.31.13
    erin gerbus said:

    Congratulations on your beautiful family!

  140. 8.31.13
    Susan P. said:

    Oh, Audrey! What a touching story. Isn’t it remarkable how the connections are made? I wanted girls and mine have been a joy since they were born. They are 19 and 25 now but still my babies!

    Vaccinations are so important so thank you for being a part of this.

  141. 8.31.13
    Darryle said:

    What a beautiful story! Gave me goosebumps. All the best to you and your beautiful family.

  142. 8.31.13
    Gemma Jeva said:

    Thanks for sharing your so special bond. All the best for little Victoria and you all!

  143. 8.31.13
    Gail said:

    Beautiful, so many loving bonds between you all – and the love keeps on flowing.

  144. 8.31.13
    Gemma Jeva said:

    Thanks so much Walgreens to donate life-saving vaccines!

  145. 8.31.13
    Gemma Jeva said:

    Thanks so much “blogust’13” to offer me a monthly InterRail across the Parenthood Universe!

  146. 8.31.13
    Gemma Jeva said:

    Thanks so much Maggie Carter and Shot@Life Campaign!

  147. 8.31.13
    Rebecca said:

    This is such an incredible story. Your Nana was an amazing woman! Congratulations to you and your baby girl!

  148. 8.31.13
    Leasha McCoy said:

    Thank you so much for sharing your love, your family and the blessings you have received. Your Nana is truley looking down from heaven and protecting and loving you.

  149. 8.31.13
    Kylie Gibson said:

    Lovely story and great initiative x

  150. 8.31.13
    Emily said:

    Beautiful.

  151. 8.31.13
    Sheldon said:

    Such a heartfelt story of Love. Thank you for bringing this forth and calling to the future that this joyful love stream be the birth right and condition for all children as we emerge from separation and fear on the way to Unity and Peace.

  152. 8.31.13
    Jenny said:

    Thank you for sharing that beautiful story of your Nana.

  153. 8.31.13
    Patricia La Brie said:

    Thanks for lending a post!

  154. 8.31.13
    Bobbiejo said:

    Thank you for sharing your lovely story. I lost my grandmother only a few years ago, and I miss her much.

  155. 8.31.13
    Oph said:

    Beautiful story.

  156. 9.1.13

    This was amazing.
    Vivi is a gift from my Aunt Cheryl.
    Sometime we have to lose someone to gain someone else.
    xo

  157. 9.1.13

    Lovely story. Both of my grandmothers died before I was born, so I never got to meet them. I like how you illustrated the post with the family photos

  158. 9.1.13
    Cassie said:

    Beautiful baby and beautiful post!

  159. 9.1.13
    GVA said:

    thanks for sharing

  160. 9.1.13

    Thanks for helping with the give a shot! this is an awesome opportunity.

  161. 9.1.13
    Ellen S. said:

    Beautiful—this post, and Victoria!!!

  162. 9.1.13
    ijeoma okpe said:

    Those things upheld as virtures within an environment of a child forms his/her greatest valued virtures as adult,

  163. 9.1.13
    cheryl said:

    congrats to you Victoria and nana, much love

  164. 9.1.13
    janine said:

    congratulations, this story and your daughter are beautiful!

  165. 9.1.13
    Emily said:

    I truly loved reading this post, and though I am not a parent, it resonated with me because of the story of such deep love between family members.

  166. 9.1.13
    alex said:

    moving story

  167. 9.1.13
    S said:

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, Audrey! :’)

  168. 9.1.13
    Barb said:

    What a beautiful and touching story. I believe that there isn’t that much separating us from those who have passed on. I think they are all around us, all the time, helping us on our journey. Especially when babies are being born.

  169. 9.1.13
    Tope said:

    There are so many children that deserve to live a long health life and that deserve the wealth that most kids have. If 1 comment is saving a life, we are truly saving a generation.

  170. 9.1.13
    Lauren S said:

    Love this heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing with us a piece of who your Nana was. Enjoy each precious day with your husband and children.

  171. 9.1.13
    Julie said:

    Sweet Nana! What a great story.

  172. 9.1.13
    andrea riley said:

    Great post

  173. 9.1.13
    andrea riley said:

    Huskers rule. Go big red!

  174. 9.1.13
    andrea riley said:

    Zippety doo dah

  175. 9.1.13

    What a special memory of your Nana. May she always live on in your heart, and the hearts of your children, and may you be that very special Nana to your own.

    Btw, thank you for all you are doing with Shot@Life and Walgreens!

  176. 9.1.13

    What a beautiful story of generational love. You brought tears to my eyes remembering my own grandma and how important she was in my young life.

    Every child deserves to be loved that way. Just like every child deserves a shot at life.

  177. 9.1.13
    Josette said:

    This is my favorite story of all of Blogust! I too had a grandma who was very dear to me. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl (and 4 boys)!!

  178. 9.1.13
    Shannon said:

    I had a special relationship with my grandmother, too — now I’m sniffling thinking of both our nanas. Thanks for sharing your story, for such a great cause.

  179. 9.1.13
    Ony said:

    Love it!

  180. 9.1.13
    Morgan said:

    Thank you!

  181. 9.1.13

    Loved your story. Loved your tribute to your Nana. Victoria is one special daughter

  182. 9.1.13
    ~j. said:

    Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being involved with Shot@Life!

  183. 9.1.13

    As parenting,all children deserves healthy environment with complete vaccination schedule&social care.Motherhood should be provided with nourishing social&medical care for
    bringing more child birth&babies.Healthy children
    (boy&girl)should have goodness&care in early developmental phase from parent&society as child
    rights.Vaccination&immunization should be social reality
    life process for every child .

  184. 9.1.13

    Ref-The blessing,- Anti social &biological process&methods for
    bringing more child birth &unsafe motherhood should be prevented as legitimate biological process .Unsafe methods for motherhood are
    vulnerable to social&health hazards &create
    risks of diseases&improper growth,development.
    Safe motherhood&healthy vaccinated children are
    milestones.

  185. 9.1.13

    GORGEOUS post Audrey!!!!

  186. 9.1.13
    Patty said:

    Such a beautiful and sweet post about your Nana.

  187. 9.1.13
    Elisette said:

    What a beautiful story to wake up to. It was the first thing I read while my little blessings are still asleep. Thanks for sharing. xoxo

  188. 9.1.13
    admin said:

    Thank you so much. xo

  189. 9.1.13
    AS said:

    Wonderful story about the connection between people going and new people coming.

  190. 9.1.13
    Dolly Navina Lakra said:

    Beautiful 🙂 Love It So Much !

  191. 9.1.13
    MHH said:

    Lovely!

  192. 9.1.13
    Jane Shoppell said:

    Loved your message

  193. 9.1.13
    Yinka said:

    Just curious, does Victoria Florence have a Nana?

  194. 9.1.13
    Tamara said:

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.

  195. 9.1.13
    Darren J. said:

    Well done! I love this series! 🙂

  196. 9.1.13
    Jennifer said:

    Beautiful.

  197. 9.2.13

    What a lovely story. And what a great idea, to share your story to help children get vaccines!

  198. 9.2.13
    Courtney said:

    Beautiful! <3

  199. 9.2.13
    Kameron said:

    I am in tears after reading that. My mom and grandma were my best friends and I miss them dearly. My mom never met my kids but she is in each one of them. 🙂

  200. 9.2.13
    swissmiss2013 said:

    Thank you for this beautiful post. I also have a grandmother who means the world to me, and just found out we are having our second little boy. 😉

  201. 9.2.13
    Heather @ Housewife Heather said:

    What a beautiful story! Victoria for Victory it’s a Girl…precious! Enjoy all the pink, bows, ruffles, tutus, glitter & all things girlie!!

  202. 9.2.13
    candice said:

    Such an amazing post! What a beautiful moment and Victoria is such a blessing!

  203. 9.3.13
    Poppy said:

    Such a sweet story, thank you so much for sharing it. And thank you for helping save other babies’ lives with vaccinations. xoxo

  204. 9.3.13
    Nicole said:

    Beautiful story, tears in my eyes

  205. 9.4.13
    amy Z said:

    lovely story. Thanks for sharing. And fabulous cause.

  206. 9.4.13
    Bernadette said:

    Wonderful story, wonderful cause!

  207. 9.4.13
    Susan said:

    Thank you for sharing such a truly touching story. I felt like I know your Nana too.

  208. 9.6.13
    Alina said:

    Here’s to the vaccines!

  209. 9.8.13
    jimmibo said:

    Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Comments are closed.