Seven years ago today our tiny baby boy was delivered. He was having severe heart rate decelerations and my doctor was concerned that he would not continue to recover. The decelerations were becoming more frequent as the day progressed and James was getting tired. His best chance for survival was an emergency C-section, and that’s … Continue reading
The Need for Change
Yesterday, November 30th, was the final day of Prematurity Awareness Month. It was also the day, six years ago, that James was due to be born. But on November 30th six years ago, James was already 120 days old. 17.14 weeks. He had gone from weighing 15 ounces to a whopping five pounds. … Continue reading
World Prematurity Awareness Day 2016
Every year during the month of November I share photos and memories about James’ premature birth. I’m sure some friends grow tired of the flood of preemie posts, but November is Prematurity Awareness Month. There is no cause more dear to my heart than prematurity. Continue reading
PB 101 – Parenting One Mistake at a Time
My latest post for Preemie Babies 101 was published on their page yesterday. It’s about sleep. That oh so precious commodity that many moms are severely lacking. Sleep has always been a challenge for us with James. He usually sleeps well once he’s asleep. It’s the getting to sleep and where he sleeps that presents … Continue reading
Kangaroo Care Awareness Day 2015
There is something about the first time your baby is placed on your chest, skin to skin, that feels almost holy. The fragile nature of it, feeling your baby for the first time, beginning to truly bond, whispering little words of love; it is magical. Amid the reality and harshness of the NICU, Kangaroo Care is one of the most loving, … Continue reading
Preemie Support and Awareness
I am so honored that I was asked to write a Mother’s Day post for Preemie Support and Awareness. They do an amazing job providing support and resources to preemie families. Here’s a little snippet. There’s a link to their page for the rest of the post, and while you’re there check out the resources they … Continue reading
Dear NICU Doctor
There is an amazingly hopeful article in the NY Times about the survival of 22 weekers. I can’t begin to describe how I felt as I read that article. There are doctors who agree that viability could begin under 23 weeks. There is hope!! The following letter is sitting in envelopes ready to be mailed, … Continue reading
Quality of Life and Viability, The Debate Continues
Originally posted on 22w6d:
I was getting ready to work on my blog, prepared to write about truly enjoying James’ third birthday without any of the anxiety that has come each year at this time, when I read End of Life, at Birth, an Op-Ed piece that appeared in The New York Times August 5th. The author, April R. Dworetz, is…
He Has a New Trick, and I Have a New Obsession
I recently discovered a new world. The world of podcasts. Maybe discovered isn’t the right word. I knew they were there, and I even downloaded a couple a few years ago to listen to on a very long road trip. They didn’t really keep my interest though, and that was pretty much my experience with them, until now. One of my … Continue reading
Wrong Once, Good, Maybe You’ll Be Wrong Twice
A little quicker than we anticipated, James is completely off Keppra, and wow, what a difference. We expected it would take a little time to see a change in him while the medicine is fully flushed from his body, but the change has been rapid. Rapid, and so, so good!! James is still a four year old with strong opinions … Continue reading