Shaving The Beard

I've been meaning to put a wrap on Beard for Babies for a while now, but I just hadn't taken the time to learn how to convert video from our new video camera to the computer. You see, months ago I promised to show Micah's first encounter with my beard as gratitude for your support for Beards for Babies. That was a promise my mother would simply not let me forget. She has reminded me at least four million times since then that she wanted to see the video, so finally I got the time to convert it. Here, as restitution, is the video of Micah and his daddy's disgusting, scratchy beard, on the first morning home from the NICU.

Despite Micah's complete indifference for my pathetic facial hair, Beards for Babies was a rousing success. In the six weeks since we started the charity, you all provided nearly one-thousand dollars for the Wolfson's Children's Hospital NICU. The monetary amount is not the only accomplishment for the short lived donation campaign. I can not express the pressure and anxiety that was relieved by just having something to do while my kids were in the hospital. The time Rachel and I used organizing and starting Beards for Babies would have otherwise been spent worrying, wishing, or waiting. Finally, I plan on showing Micah and Malorie the impact they had before they even left the hospital once they are old enough to understand. To be able to raise the money and help others the way they did makes me proud of my babies for more than the fact that they are here. I am proud of their civic achievements, a sentiment I hope to carry forward as we teach our children how to be good stewards of their world.

Thank you to everyone who donated money, prayers, or grew an ill-fated Mal-stache. Also, I'd be completely remiss if I did not thank Nicole White and her talented team of mommy bloggers who created this hilarious picture of me, gave the charity its catchy name, and then carried it to a level well beyond the reach of our family and friends. Nic, you are an amazing woman and we are lucky to have you.

Finally, for those Johnny-Come-Lately's just stumbling onto this site, sorry you missed the chance to be a part of Beards for Babies and Mal-staches. However, if you are still in the philanthropic mood, I'd like to invite you to check out Friends of Maddie, a fantastic charity supporting a noble cause. It was started by a friend of a friend that helps NICU parents find their way during a terribly confusing, anxious and often times frightening period of their lives. Give generously, the entire Klug Crew thanks you.

http://friendsofmaddie.org/