Poor Sean is going to miss so much while he's away those 6 weeks. He's first going to miss Kieran's 6th birthday which is next week. Then he'll miss his own 40th birthday and St. Patricks Day which is right after. And then he'll miss Easter. This sucks! Tomorrow night we're staying home and vegging, having cake and celebrating all of those things before he leaves. (And we're going to be celebrating them again once he gets back but we'll be with our close friends up in North Carolina so we're all going to celebrate everything together!!!)

I got this off of my friend/fellow bloggers blog Alexis. They have unfortunately been personally touched by this disease. Alexis, you and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Most people know that February is American Heart Month. But did you know that within February is also CHD Awareness Week?

To read Alexis' own personal story, please visit her blog.

Each year, an estimated 1 in 100 babies are born in the United States with a congenital heart defect; CHDs are the most common birth defect and the number one cause of death from birth defects during infancy. Nearly twice as many children die from congenital heart defects as from all childhood cancers combined, yet research for cancer receives five times the funding. This is due in large part to the lack of awareness most people have about congenital heart defects.

So what can you do to help?

• If you blog, please make an entry helping to raise awareness. You can even link to her entry.
• Place a button on your blog for the month.
• If you are looking to give to a charity, think about donating to one that supports CHD research, such as the Children's Heart Foundation.
• If you give to the American Heart Association, put "Zachary Brooks Foundation" in the memo designating that your funds will go to a foundation set up specifically for CHD heart awareness.
• Wear read on February 14 to remember those who are affected by CHDs.
• And if you have children, hug them a little tighter and thank God for the miracle and wonderful gift you have been given.