A New Addition to the Family!

On the longest day of the year, my brother and sister-in-law welcomed my Nephew. Baby Sullivan arrived a bit early, yet took a very long time making his debut. Sullivan is proof there are miracles. He finally gets to go home today where his big sister is waiting. Welcome to the world little one! This is me, the proud Aunt, with Sullivan. He is so precious. I had a hard time not making a run for it with him!

Betting on Better Lives for Newborns.

What a hot night! Not only was there a lot of action at the tables, but it was a 90 degree weekend. Great prep for Las Vegas weather, although 90 degrees has nothing on 105. We had a great time at the Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. The tables were packed with players. Everyone came out to help us raise both money and awareness about our Safe Haven Laws in Illinois. The fundraiser helps afford Safe Haven education and further legislation. 35 newborns in Illinois have been brought to Safe Havens since 2001.

1) Dawn Geras/Founder of Save Abandoned Babies Foundation
2) Rep. Coulson’s Chief of Staff, Eric Miller (SAB Board member) and Author Frank Polancic
3) All the action

Happy Father's Day!!!

My husband John is so deserving of this day. He actually deserves a whole week! Even before our baby was born,John came to every doctor's appointment with me and even took some extra parenting classes on his own! When our son was first born, John would stay up until midnight so I could catch a few hours of solid sleep before taking over the night shift as we called it. Even now, a year and a half later, he gets up every morning at O-dark early when our early bird of a son wakes. John has a hectic practice with deadlines, mediations, and litigation. Still, he comes home early everyday and every night he is there to help put our son to bed. Not only am I lucky to have such a great husband and source of support,our son is lucky to have such a wonderful dad. I find fathers are becoming much more involved with their children. From my brother and his family, to our friends with children...they are doing a heck of a job. So to my husband, my dad, my father-in-law, my grandfathers, and all dads out there...thank you.

Here's to my fellow Queens!

This week at work, I had the challenge of explaining how parents can kill their own children. Chilling and unimaginable? Yes, for most of us. But here in the Chicago market (stems from Indiana to Wisconsin) we have had 8 children shot in the last 7 days. 6 of them are dead. Many of the incidents involved a murder-suicide by family member. It is happening so often, there is now a term for it called "Family Annihilation." So how does one explain it? Well, as I am told, many of these cases of someone taking a loved one's life and then a child's life is a result of domestic abuse. Not always, but many times. A relationship ends and is out of that person's control and they can't handle that.

So, I get to some of the other delegates. Mrs. New York, Mrs. Hawaii,Mrs. Louisiana, Mrs. New Hampshire, And Mrs. Virgin Islands are working to eliminate domestic violence nationwide. Domestic violence has a far reaching ripple effect. And to reach out to those who need help in making it stop...is to truly create a positive impact on the world. And anyone who is out there helping to create a better future for "everyone's," children is worthy of a hand. Way to go ladies. See you soon in Vegas;)

Put Your Poker Face on!

The Texas Hold 'Em Tournament benefiting the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation is Saturday, June 16th! The event is critical to fund raising efforts which are vital as once again realized here is Chicago on May 30th.

A woman gave birth to a baby boy at home. She already had two small children and was living with her mother at the time. She had hidden her pregnancy and must have been overwhelmed. If she had been aware of the Safe Haven Law, she may not have placed her baby in a plastic garbage bag,leaving him in the corner of her closet. Shortly after, she had to be treated by paramedics who quickly realized there was a newborn somewhere. He was found and amazingly, revived.

Time to Take Action

A few years ago the Governor of Hawaii, Linda Lingle, vetoed a bill that would have provided a Safe Haven law. Hawaii is one of a few states that still does not have such a law for newborns. Now, a similar bill has passed in both houses. However, Gov. Lingle is once again expected to veto it

Over the last month, members of the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation and others from the Safe Haven Alliance have been working with State Reps. and Senators from Hawaii. We are pounding on the door of the Governor. Also helping...Mrs. Hawaii United States 2005, Kerry Cecil. Way to go! Let’s hope the efforts are successful.