Today preemies the world over have been celebrated, remembered and cheered. Did you wear purple?
As I reflect on the last 17 months, I realized how much I have grown and changed as a person. I didn't get to be a typical mom and have neurotic first time mom fears. I was doused with a different reality. I have a preemie and a sick one at that. My kid catches germs like most kids catch frogs. I have to spend 4/5 mornings at various therapy sessions and spent the month of October shuffling between our regular pediatrician, our NICU physicians, the pediatric dentist, opthalmalogist, and the physicians at our local ER. A double ear infection, gum infection, viral disease around the eye and a viral disease that attacked her gums. All because her immune system compromised from premature birth.
Even with all of that, my kid is a rock star! She learned to walk even though she's only 16 pounds, she's in 18M leggings and she's 17M, she can now say mama, yes, ka (car), daddy, and "reads." She's a little pistol and let's nothing stop her for long.
Was she born 11 weeks early? Yes. Is she delayed? Yes. Do I get frustrated? Absolutely! Would I wish it different? No. She wouldn't have the will, tenacity and spirit she possesses now if she didn't spend 77 days fighting for her life and showing her father and I the true meaning of life.
She is one of 12 million babies born to soon but we are lucky, she came home.
