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
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
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
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
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…
Happy Coming Home Day James! Four years ago today we brought our sweet little baby boy home from the NICU. I cried, a lot. Wasn’t prepared for the crazy, conflicting emotions bringing our munchkin home would cause. It snowed, quite a bit considering we lived in Dallas. My mom drove through downtown by herself, in the snow. … Continue reading
We are very grateful that we’ve been able to create some beautiful Christmas memories with James. Each Christmas has been the ‘Best Christmas Ever’ at the time. Here are a few of our favorites. James was still in the NICU for his first Christmas. ‘Best Christmas Ever’ because, against enormous odds, he was here! Made even more special because I fed him … Continue reading
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
The wonder of a child is priceless, especially this time of year. I enjoy watching James’ reaction to the beautiful lights that decorate our neighborhood. He gets so excited just looking out the window at our neighbors’ colorful display. I can’t wait to see what he thinks of the Christmas tree, and then see his reaction Christmas morning. Fingers … Continue reading
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
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