At least not yet… I am so happy and excited right now I could burst. We’ve been looking for activities to get James involved with in our community. Hoping to find something that’s fun for him, and something that works on developmental goals and social skills. It’s proven to be a little more difficult than it should be, but I think … Continue reading
Category Archives: Life After NICU
Was James Really 22 Weeks 6 Days?
A friend of mine would pose that question whenever we had discussions about preemies and gestational age. She didn’t say it quite that bluntly, but did clearly state that James could have been 23 weeks and 3 or 4 days when he was born. In fact, she thinks it is likely he was 23 weeks and some number of … Continue reading
A Quick Update From Neurology
We finally saw James’ new neurologist. Not impressed with the ability of his former doctors to make a referral, but like Pete would say, “It’s all good.” James has had several seizures since our move. This has followed the same pattern we’ve seen since he began having seizures back in April. At first his medication works, seizures stop, all … Continue reading
‘Thank You’ Will Never Be Enough
We’re always thankful for James. Not a day goes by that I’m not cognizant of the fact that our lives could be very different. That reality is clearer than ever now, as I’ve been researching prematurity and viability for a personal project. I expected to find controversy and a range of opinions regarding viability of the earliest micro preemies. I have … Continue reading
Daddy Has Arrived!
James’ reunion with his Daddy was more than perfect. You never know what to expect with James. There was no doubt in my mind that he would know exactly who Andy was when he saw him. I was sure James would be excited to see him, too. What I wasn’t sure of, was how James would react. Sometimes … Continue reading
World Prematurity Awareness Day 2014
Today is World Prematurity Awareness Day. In honor of that I created a little video that highlights photos of James and his journey after being born early. I was aware of prematurity before James was born, but I didn’t fully understand the impact prematurity can have on a child and family until we went through … Continue reading
Navigating Our Way Through Meltdowns and Tantrums
James has never been one to have huge meltdowns or unmanageable tantrums. Believe me, we’re thankful and know that we’re very fortunate. They’ve been happening a little more frequently since we moved. In order to get a handle on this, and to get some insight into how best to help James in all areas of … Continue reading
Life in Tennessee; Adjusting to Our Move
James rolls with most things, we’re very fortunate in that regard. He had a couple of weeks when screaming increased, he didn’t sleep well, and he would lead me to the car and want to “go.” Heartbreaking for sure. He’s good now, though. When we pull up in our driveway he exclaims, “We’re home!” (Or says, … Continue reading
Weight Gain, Growth, and Percentiles; Little Guy Isn’t So Little Anymore!
One year ago today James had surgery to place his g-tube. I remember the night before surgery, giving James a bath and crying. I fought back tears all day, but as I watched my sweet boy playing happily in the tub, I couldn’t hold them back any longer. He had no idea what was coming. … Continue reading
Our Phone Call, An Update on James’ MRI
We finally received our phone call from neurology on Monday. Not exactly the news we wanted to hear, but definitely better than it could have been. In their words, his MRI “is abnormal, but sooooo much better than we expected given his birth history.” James has two abnormalities in his brain. One is responsible for … Continue reading