About a month ago our little family was saying are family prayer before bed and I caught myself looking over at my Michelle (who prays by squeezing her eyes shut and placing her hands on her elbows!) and I just started tearing up! Its been a year and a half with her and I just felt sooooo lucky that she's healthy and so engaged in learning and growing. Sure there are some very bratty moments, and I've probably lost two inches this week running around after her (here's hoping) But its been a ride I never want to stop!
A couple weeks later the hospital she was born at asked if I was interested in sharing her story with parents currently going through the trials of having a preemie. Surprised I decided to jump on, since success stories helped me so much during that time.
So the next day I went looking through her baby stuff (emotional again) Her foot prints, progress sheets, the little name sign I made for her NICU crib. Then I found the packets March of Dimes sent to me frequently. I remember the support groups, the clothing donated, all the things that gave me such hope! Without then I know I would've been a depressed wreak! I realized I needed to give back!
I started my own Family Group for the March of Babies! Being a team captain keeps me busy, but Michelle and I are having so much fun meeting new friends and celebrating hope and good health! I want to feel like there will never be a 25% risk for my next pregnancy, and I want my friends who've had their first babies following me to feel safe!
Its been uplifting and exciting! My link if you're interested in a small donation or a chance to Walk for Babies! - www.marchforbabies.org/Clermont_Survivors
Of course all this revisiting also brings up crazy feelings
About so wanting another baby....hmmmm
You know your a parent of a preemie when...
Found this through a link on the Preemie Today site! So true, I wish I had read this before!
If this list looks familiar, you might be a parent of a preemie baby! We have to laugh about it to keep our sanity! :)
You know you're a preemie parent when...
*You measure everything in cc's
*Luxury = sleeping three hours in a row
*You can change your baby's diaper with one hand
*In the course of the same day, you have wanted to slap and bear hug the same NICU nurse
*You feel a secret pull of jealousy when one of your friends delivers full term
*Hate when parents of full term babies buy preemie size clothes (your 7lb baby may fit in them for a week or two but duh! That's how big a preemie is by the time they fit perfect too!), diapers, and formula! The supply is low enough thank you!
*You have gotten a rash on your hands from washing with hot water and the NICU soap... eight times in one day
*The statement "breastfeeding is simple and natural" makes you laugh -- or cry, depending on the day and the hour.
*Your baby has ever outgrown an outfit... while s/he was wearing it.
*You cry when you're happy, laugh when you're mad, and throw things across the room when you're sad.
*You could drive the route from your house to the hospital in your sleep... and maybe you have.
*You can't remember what you talked about before feeding schedules, diapers, and growth charts.
*You're more interested in your baby's diaper than the State of the Union
*Your idea of a vacation is walking outside to get the mail
*When someone offers you their hand to shake, you think twice, envisioning the germs that you might take home from them
*The sound of your baby crying is beautiful, not annoying.
*While everyone else coos, "He's so tiny!" your six-pound baby looks huge to you.
*You cringe when some parents complain about spending one night away from their baby in the hospital, and still get to go home with them a day or two later, when you've come and gone from the hospital while your baby stays for days, weeks, months.
*Your heart almost bursts with love at least once a day
*You would climb to the top of Mt. Everest, barefoot, if it would help your baby to grow healthier, bigger, or stronger.
*You not only know what "bilirubin" is, you have had several extensive conversations about it.
*You never knew how grateful you could feel that your baby has gained an ounce.
*You know where all the vending machines are on your floor of the hospital... and which ones have the good snacks.
*Have been judged by people for taking a baby in public just a couple days old, when really a couple months old.
*You literally live your life one hour at a time.
*The security guard at the front door of the hospital just waves you in when he sees you.
*You are grateful for the smallest things now -- a shower, clean socks, a meal that you didn't have to cook, a friend who has a whole conversation with you without offering you any useless advice.
*When someone asks you what scent you're wearing, you say "Germ-X" without batting an eye.
*You had to give up your shower today to make time to read this list.
If this list looks familiar, you might be a parent of a preemie baby! We have to laugh about it to keep our sanity! :)
You know you're a preemie parent when...
*You measure everything in cc's
*Luxury = sleeping three hours in a row
*You can change your baby's diaper with one hand
*In the course of the same day, you have wanted to slap and bear hug the same NICU nurse
*You feel a secret pull of jealousy when one of your friends delivers full term
*Hate when parents of full term babies buy preemie size clothes (your 7lb baby may fit in them for a week or two but duh! That's how big a preemie is by the time they fit perfect too!), diapers, and formula! The supply is low enough thank you!
*You have gotten a rash on your hands from washing with hot water and the NICU soap... eight times in one day
*The statement "breastfeeding is simple and natural" makes you laugh -- or cry, depending on the day and the hour.
*Your baby has ever outgrown an outfit... while s/he was wearing it.
*You cry when you're happy, laugh when you're mad, and throw things across the room when you're sad.
*You could drive the route from your house to the hospital in your sleep... and maybe you have.
*You can't remember what you talked about before feeding schedules, diapers, and growth charts.
*You're more interested in your baby's diaper than the State of the Union
*Your idea of a vacation is walking outside to get the mail
*When someone offers you their hand to shake, you think twice, envisioning the germs that you might take home from them
*The sound of your baby crying is beautiful, not annoying.
*While everyone else coos, "He's so tiny!" your six-pound baby looks huge to you.
*You cringe when some parents complain about spending one night away from their baby in the hospital, and still get to go home with them a day or two later, when you've come and gone from the hospital while your baby stays for days, weeks, months.
*Your heart almost bursts with love at least once a day
*You would climb to the top of Mt. Everest, barefoot, if it would help your baby to grow healthier, bigger, or stronger.
*You not only know what "bilirubin" is, you have had several extensive conversations about it.
*You never knew how grateful you could feel that your baby has gained an ounce.
*You know where all the vending machines are on your floor of the hospital... and which ones have the good snacks.
*Have been judged by people for taking a baby in public just a couple days old, when really a couple months old.
*You literally live your life one hour at a time.
*The security guard at the front door of the hospital just waves you in when he sees you.
*You are grateful for the smallest things now -- a shower, clean socks, a meal that you didn't have to cook, a friend who has a whole conversation with you without offering you any useless advice.
*When someone asks you what scent you're wearing, you say "Germ-X" without batting an eye.
*You had to give up your shower today to make time to read this list.
1 comment:
awww... we miss you! i'm SO glad you have a blog! I already added you to my list!
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