[DocSanae]

May 5th is Children's Day in Japan, a holiday to celebrate the growth and well being of children. Carp streamers color the sky, and rice cake wrapped in oak leaves are served as treats.

While those of us who have access to the internet are fortunate enough to live in a world overflowing with material and techinical goodies, wherein the source of our daily stress lies, are able bring up our children in relative comfort that may even be seen as opulence to the vast majority of the world that still lacks what we think of as basic comfort, there are children who are not as fortunate, and I just read in a newspaper column about "invisible" children and thought I'd share.

Did you know that the birth of over 1/3 of the babies born in this world are unregistered? South of the Sahara Desert, 62%, in South Africa 70% go unregistered, and in Bangladesh, a only mere 7% are registered! These children are exposed to and suffer from such things as heavy child labor, slave trade, and recuritment into rebel and terrorist armies. They slip out of the net of family and welfare support, and are at a great disadvantage from the first day of their lives. Even if they are somehow rescued by caring hands, they have a hard time readjusting to the "normal" life, once they are caught in the vicious cycle. With such a big number, no wonder some parts of the world seem to be suffering from a never-ending era of violence and terror. Not only should the individual governments and support organizations work to relieve their tragedy, but we as reponsible adults in the international community need to recognize the existence of such children, and make the effort to "see" these invisible children so they may have a better chance at a meaningful life.

Okay, off my soap box.

[LittleLisaMarie]

Hi Doc, its childerens day over there that is great! Today is also my little mans Birthday! He is 3 today and it sure is a day to celebrate. When i was pregnant with him i landed in the hospital on bedrest at 28 weeks, due to placenta previa and lots of bleeding. I also had preterm labor that needed to be stopped a few times while in the hospital. I was in the hospital on bed rest for 4 weeks! Finally Austin had enough and was born at 32 weeks. I ended up having abrupto during the emergency c section because of severe bleeding. Well he was born 4 pounds 4 oz which is great for a 32 weeker. He only spend 2 weeks in NICU and came home. He is doing AMAZING and you would never know he was a preemie. He is smart and built like a linebacker. Almost 45 pounds, but not fat, solid. So i am celebrating big time today my wonderful gift. He is number 4 in the chain of siblings and he is truely a blessing on all of us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!

[freebird]

childrens day sounds like a wonderful day, do we have one here in canada? i'll have to check.
the fact that their are children in this world, anywhere in this world who have to suffer is heart breaking, how do they go unregistered? why?
Have you ever heard the song Paradise? i can't remember the name of the guy who wrote it and sung it, oh i hate that i can picture him..... well i'll have to let you know later but i've always loved that song.....
Wow! LM that must have been a rough time for you, i'm glad everything worked out and all is well
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN! May you have many years of joy from all of your children,
i wish i had children and hope to some day but it'll be at least 3 years before i'm even gonna look at the possibility.

[LittleLisaMarie]

Aww thanks Free, it was a rough time but worth every second. Austin was a little suprise for us espically since he and my 4 year old are only 11 mths apart. My Justin will be 4 on May 24th. Lots to celebrate here. My kids are my world. Even when i work i work pediatrics. Love children if they are my own or not! I wish you the best with being able to start a family when the time is right.

[DocSanae]

Hey, LisaMarie, Happy Birthday to Austin!
I have a grand-nephew who's birthday is also May 5th. He's one year old today! His daddy is an American, and his mommy, my hubby's niece. They live in Japan, but in a city several hours away from here, so I haven't seen him since he was only a few weeks old. He must be a naughty little tyke by now!

[freebird]

LM thanks i love children too and took a behavioural science technician course and did on job training so i could work with children,mentally challenged and the elderly.

since i don't yet have children of my own i used to be a beaver leader with scouts canada, but had to quit because of my weight. i still babysit but i miss my little beavers and can't wait to get back to them after i've lost the weight and am able to move around and keep up with them though.

I still babysit however so if you ever need a babysitter let me know, (hehe), oh wait, you'd have to send them to me by plane or train, hmmm? Not such a good idea i guess

[FemmeMode]

Yeah....he's 3!! Can you even believe it???
Isabella is going to be three this summer and I can hardly believe she is going to be 3 years old already!!

I am thankful for her in my life...it is amazing what a gift she is....

I hope at some point in time at Isabella and Austin will become fast friends...and we can have play dates every now and then!! Won't that be fun!

Hope AUSTIN'S Birthday was soooo fun!! I might just have to have a little party with Austin, Taylor...and Fr1endly's little boy...and we all can have a fun time together!