National Prematurity Awareness Day

Today might be just another day for most people but for us preemie moms- it’s a very important day. Today is November 17 and that makes today -Prematurity Awareness Day. The March of Dimes has asked all preemie moms that blog to mention the MOD in their blogs.

I participated in the MOD walk long before I know I would benefit from their research. It is hard to truly appreciate the work of the MOD until you’ve experienced the NICU. For some- a preemie is just a small baby. However the obstacles that preemies face are huge. I received so much valuable information from the MOD. Baby Kevin definitely benefited from the work that they do.

It’s crazy how the NICU experience stays with you. I am still asking myself- When will I get over it? It is weird how random things will take me right back to the NICU-Right back to those times of confusion, fear, doubt and intense worry. I was watching a show on TLC. I saw the baby in the incubator and I felt such a wave of emotion. Baby Kevin was asleep in his crib but I just had to go get him and just hold him while he slept. I needed to see his peaceful face. There are so many moments when I look at him and I am still in awe of how well he is doing. He has definitely changed Kevin and I. We are so happy to be his parents.

At a BBQ this weekend I had the following conversation.

Friend: He is so chunky! Aren’t you a little chunky little boy? Check out those
rolls mom! He’s so solid.
Friend’s Mom: Don’t say that to that to him. He’s not chunky.
Me: Yep, that’s my little man! He’s almost 16 lbs now.

Yes a very small dialogue, but it triggered so much for me. I am not offended if you call my baby chunky! Lol it’s the best compliment (right up there with “you’re a good mom and wife”)! In the NICU, we celebrated each ounce- even a fraction of an ounce. I remember when he was 4lbs 5.4oz. Yes I wrote it down. Don’t you forget the .4! He was receiving extra calories to help him put on weight. He was so small when he was born. I could see his ribs and he looked so fragile. I was terrified to hold him. I have blogged previously about the birth story so most of you know how the NICU impacted me.

I have to go work so I am cutting this short. I just make you aware of today’s importance. Please pray for those moms who are still in the NICU and pray for their preemies. Baby Kevin was very fortunate. He did not come home on a monitor or oxygen and that’s very often not the case. So many moms have to deal with these issues. I am in awe each day of their strength. I have met a lot of preemie moms on a board (the bump) online. These women have been very supportive and such a wealth of information. I just wanted to mention them because they have become a part of my life. I plan on posting some links later so you can check out their stories.