Guest Post - Cheryl from Lips Unzipped

I asked a new friend a couple weeks ago to share her preemie story. Unfortunately, last week I wasn't able to post her story because of a trip to Indiana and no internet, but this week, I am thrilled to introduce you to Cheryl from Lips Unzipped!

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Hi everyone!!! Denise recently asked if anyone would be willing to write a guest post on preemies, since it is prematurity awareness month! I’ll introduce myself a little bit and then get into the nitty gritty details! I’m Cheryl, a 28 year old mom to 2 beautiful little girls. Lauren who is almost 3 and Jillian who turned 1 in September. Married to my “soul mate” (sound sickening?? Well, I didn’t believe in soul mates either until I met Adam) we’ve been together for almost 10 years, married for almost 5.

My first daughter, Lauren was born at 38 weeks, 1 day. Via c-section. I had been having pretty regular contractions and she was sitting VERY low in my pelvis. I actually started with preterm labour on Christmas Eve of 2006. Lauren is my “atypically” developing child. No serious complications after birth, nothing that would ever clue me into problems we might have with subsequent children. My wish was always to have a large family, since I’m an only child. However, it didn’t work out that way!

Jillian is the icing to our cake, I guess. My worrying about her started at 12 weeks gestation. When I had the triple screen done to check for chromosomal defects. I went to the doctor and he told me that my levels for Downs Syndrome and Spina Bifida were raised. Adam and I opted to have an amnio, not that we would have done anything with the results, we just needed to know. Come to find out, Jillian’s chromosomes were all there, happy, healthy and accounted for. My doctor warned that it might be a placental problem, so, we’d have to keep an eye on it.

Now while I was pregnant, I met a wonderful friend Anna. Who actually had a 26 weeker. I visited them on a regular basis and hoped that I would be BEGGING Jillian to vacate my body. Almost a month after Noel was born, I was walking back from visiting him and noticed that my pants and underwear were wet. It was summer. I started making excuses about why it might be happening. “Maybe I peed myself?” (Jillian was also a frank breech presentation) “Maybe Jillian kicked something?” Lauren needed a nap, so, I laid down to get some rest when she fell asleep. When I stood up, I felt a small gush. I panicked. I was 29 weeks, 3 days. I immediately called Adam and asked him to come home.

Fast forward 4 days. My doctor and I had already discussed that I was going to have a repeat c-section. I REALLY wanted a VBAC, but, my uterine scar was thinning. I was put on complete hospital bedrest for 4 days. I was only allowed up to use the bathroom, oh and a 5 minute shower every 2 days, where a nurse would stand outside and knock when my time was up. I felt like a prisoner, but I was willing to do anything to keep Jillian inside! Luckily, Adam was able to stay home with Lauren and they made twice daily treks to the hospital.

September 8th, 2008 marked the day that Jillian entered our family. She was born at 30 weeks gestation. Jillian gave us a scare the night before she was born when her heart rate was up to 190 bpm. She settled down and I attempted to sleep. My doctor arrived in the morning (after being on call all night) and did an ultrasound. I was contracting every 10 minutes, but it wasn’t painful at all. I thought it was Braxton hicks and that it would go away. He checked my cervical length and dilation through the ultrasound since my water had broken, they didn’t want to introduce any bacteria. At 8am, I was completely closed, not effaced, feeling I had nothing to worry about.

By 10 o’clock, I was having to breathe through contractions and concentrate. I paged my nurse (who immediately came running because she knew I didn’t page them unless absolutely necessary) my nurse paged the resident on call. They were all trying to decide if they should take me to labour and delivery to monitor my contractions, or just take Jillian out. The resident decided to check to see if I were dilating. I had made it to 3 cms (in less than 2 hours). Since my blood pressure was so low, they couldn’t put me on ANY drugs to stop the contractions. So, it was go time. I asked them how long I had before we went to the OR. I was told 10 minutes, TOPS. I IMMEDIATELY called Adam and told him to get to the hospital. Thankfully a nurse and a social worker were able to watch Lauren. By the time my spinal was placed they checked me again and I was 6 cms dilated, guess it is true that you go faster with your second baby!

Since Jillian was breech, when the doctors lifted her out, they flashed me her bum before heading to the NICU. I was so upset to be separated from her, but, I knew she was in VERY competent hands. Considering her gestational age, it really surprised EVERYONE that she cried when she was born.
After spending 5 weeks in the NICU, Jillian FINALLY got to come home on Thanksgiving Monday (October 13, 2008- we’re Canadian, eh?!) I thought that our battle with prematurity was over . Sure, we had TONS of doctors visits and other things to keep her healthy, but I didn’t think we’d see any long term effects.

In November of 2008, Jillian was hospitalized briefly for a blue spell. She stopped breathing for 5 seconds, twice. HOW SCARY! They decided to do a head ultrasound while we were there (VERY common in preemies) they did see that she had a PVL and told me it could lead to Cerebral Palsy. Obviously devastated, I wanted to be able to fight for Jillian. We ended up having another head ultrasound in February of 2009. Fortunately, they saw that her PVL was gone. Adam and I were ecstatic. Unfortunately, her soft spot was fusing, so they didn’t get an accurate picture.

Jillian is developmentally delayed, with VERY high muscle tone in her legs and trunk. Depending on early intervention, we started therapies. In September of 2009, Jillian’s fabulous doctor decided that she needed a sedated MRI to see if there were any underlying causes of her delays and muscle tone. It was then we learned that the PVL wasn’t gone, in fact, it had gotten bigger. Obviously upset again, I decided we needed to fight harder for Jillian.

As of October 22nd, 2009, Jillian has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. We don’t know the type or severity yet as we have to see what Jillian will do on her own. Our hopes are high that Jillian will over come this, but we also have to be realistic about the whole thing. Jillian’s CP is a result of her early birth. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have a “special needs” baby. Not that I’m close minded or anything like that. But, I think we as parents NEVER want to hear that there is something wrong with your child.

We are now awaiting so many specialists I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to sleep. Jillian is our icing on the cake, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

NICU Terms H-K

***sorry for my lack of posts the past few days - Parker's been sick and we've been busy!***

Heel Stick
Pricking the baby's heel to obtain small amounts of blood for testing.

Hemaglobin
A material in red blood cells that carries oxygen and contains iron.

High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilator
A special ventilator capable of breathing for a baby at rates exceeding those of a normal ventilator (for example, 120 - 1,320 BPM, or Breaths Per Minute).

Hydrocephalus
Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain. It is sometimes known as "water on the brain." Within the center of our brains each of us has two fluid-filled areas called cerebral ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid is made within these ventricles and distributed over the surface of the brain and spinal cord. When the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid is interrupted, fluid can accumulate within the ventricles. This fluid puts pressure on the brain, forcing it against the skull and enlarging the ventricles. In infants, this fluid accumulation often results in bulging of the fontanelle (soft spot) and abnormally rapid head growth. The head enlarges because the bony plates making up the skull have not yet fused together. In preemies the most common cause of hydrocephalus is intraventricular hemorrhage.

I & O (Input & Output)
Refers to the amount of fluids given by oral feedings and/or by IV, and the amount of fluid excreted in the urine or stools.

Isolette
Also known as an incubator, an isolette is a clear plastic, enclosed bassinet used to keep prematurely born infants warm. Preemies often loose heat very quickly unless they are put in a protected thermal environment. The temperature of the isolette can be adjusted to keep the infant warm regardless of the infant's size or room temperature.

Kangaroo Care
Skin-to-skin contact between parent and baby. During kangaroo care, the baby is placed on the parent's chest, dressed only in a diaper and sometimes a hat. The baby's head is turned to the side so the baby can hear the parent's heartbeat and feel the parent's warmth. Kangaroo care is effective, but it's limited to babies whose condition is not critical.

NICU Terms D - G

More terms that you may here being thrown around on here or in a NICU or when referencing a preemie....

Again taken from ttmf.org

Developmentally Delayed / Disabled
A term used to describe infants and toddlers who have not achieved skills and abilities which are expected to be mastered by children of the same age. Delays can be in any of the following areas: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, speech and language and/or adaptive development, sometimes called self-help skills, which include dressing, toileting, and feeding. Many developmental delays can be overcome with early intervention programs.

Early Intervention Program
Planned use of physical therapy and other interventions in the first few years of a child's life to enhance the child's development. Connecticut's Birth To Three program is an early intervention program.

Echocardiogram (“Echo”)
Ultrasound picture of the heart. This is a painless, non-invasive procedure that takes accurate pictures of almost all parts of the heart. Many preemies have a cardiac ultrasound if the doctor is looking for evidence of a patent ductus arteriosus.

Endotracheal Tube (ETT or ET Tube)
Tube placed through the mouth or nose into the throat and the child's trachea (windpipe). This tube provides a secure pathway through which air can be circulated to the lungs.

Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW)
A baby born weighing less than 2 pounds, 3 ounces (1,000 grams). Also known as a "micropreemie." See also Very Low Birth Weight and Low Birth Weight.

Extubation
Removing the Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube) from the baby's windpipe.

Gastroesophageal Reflex (GER)
Contents on the stomach coming back up into the esophagus, which occurs when the junction between the esophagus and the stomach is not completely developed or is abnormal. GER is very common among preemies. In some babies, reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause a form of "heartburn" which causes them to become irritable and uncomfortable. Mild forms of GER are common, require no treatment, and go away on their own over a period of months. However, it is necessary to evaluate how severe the GER is and whether or not it requires treatment.
Treatment of GER may include keeping the baby upright, thickening of the feedings, giving medication to reduce stomach acid, and sometimes giving medication to increase the ability of the stomach to contract.

Gavage Feeding
Feeding a baby through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Also called tube feeding.

Parker had GER as well as ELBW - he was exactly 1000 grams (or 2 pounds 3 ozs at birth) Parker was also fed through a gavage...for a while actually, because of his GER.

65 Minutes in the Hallway

Today is the first of my guest posts and I have asked my husband to share his side of the preemie experience. I hope that you enjoy his part of the story...

When Denise asked me to write about my experience as a NICU dad and father of a preemie, I knew I needed to accept the offer. Parker is probably the single greatest accomplishment in my life so far. For years I have realized that being a dad is among the greatest honors that I can imagine. His birth, though, was one of the most disorienting experiences possible.

9 days prior to Parker's birth, Denise & I had been to the hospital in the middle of the night because she was experiencing difficulty breathing. During that long ordeal, the diagnosis was the severe heartburn that plagues many women during pregnancy. Her OB, though, did follow up and was paying attention to all of the right things in those 9 days until Parker's birth.

Having set that context, when Denise wasn't able to sleep comfortably on May 28, neither of us suspected what was going to be happening in the next few hours. At 3am, having exhausted all of our ideas for making her comfortable, we called the doctor who referred us back to the hospital. When we arrived at 4am, both of us assumed it would be another short stay in the triage section of labor & delivery for a similar ailment.

As things progressed and we learned the seriousness of Denise's condition, that's when I went into "hospital mode". When I was growing up, my brother, Steve have multiple medical complications that led to routine hospitalizations. Being 4 years older than me, I never knew life that wasn't in and out of the hospital. Personally, I've never been admitted to a hospital, but I've spent significant time around them and doctors' offices. That's led to me having pretty strong coping mechanisms and such for that environment that I collectively call "hospital mode".

On the morning of May 29, 2008, all I knew was that I had to go into "hospital mode" in order to be strong and be there for my wife and soon-to-be-born child. I disconnected myself emotionally from what was happening and was simply "there" for Denise. During the hour or so we had between the decision for the emergency c-section and her being wheeled back into the surgical suite, I simply stood by her bed and sought to comfort her.

When they took her back to surgery, I was unable to go with her. The process of getting me prepped to be in the operating room was going to take too long, particularly in light of the fact that she would be under general anesthesia and that this was an emergency procedure. I was able to walk alongside as they wheeled her back to the operating suite, but had to stop at the big red line on the floor that divides the sterile from open environments. At the big red line, I was introduced to my companion for the next 65 minutes, the bench.

Just outside the recovery section of the labor & delivery surgical suite, there is a bench in the hallway. That was where I spent the approximately 65 minutes between when Denise was wheeled into surgery and when she was taken to the ICU. In those 65 minutes, I sat numbly texting furiously to keep myself occupied. The staff at the hospital was so gracious to me. They checked on me, they offered me snacks, and they updated me on my family. I cannot thank them enough.

Those 65 minutes are the longest of my life. When it comes to my family, I am a doer. I do things. I don't sit by. I have this compulsion to fix things and to be active. For those 65 minutes, sitting alone in the hallway on a bench, I could do nothing.

Finding out that I had a son, meeting him as he was transported to the NICU, walking with Denise as she was transported to the ICU - these are all memories that I take with me from that hallway.

After those 65 minutes in the hallway, I wasn't just a husband, I was a dad too. In the 525 days since then, I have grown, I have spent 69 days watching my son fight and grow in the NICU. I have seen him become a toddler. I have walked in the March for Babies. I have done many things since that time, but it to me is the center of my experience as the dad of a preemie.

Writing about this has been a good step for me. Honestly, I am still working through the emotional side of things from those 65 minutes in the hallway. Much of me is still in "hospital mode" when it comes to that experience. Being the parent of a preemie doesn't stop at a given time, it is an experience that shapes the rest of your life.

If my story has helped you understand prematurity a bit more or even piqued your interest in the topic, please visit www.marchofdimes.com to learn about the reality and see how you can become involved in the work surrounding prematurity.

NICU Terms A-C

One thing I wish I would have studied while Parker was in the NICU were some of the terms I heard on a daily basis. I got used to them after a while and even now - there are times where I have to explain some of these terms. On Tuesday's and Friday's I will share with you some of the terminology of the NICU. I want to do this so the next time you come across someone saying something about being in the NICU and using big words or phrases you may not understand, you will have a resource that will give you the info you need...

(this is taken from ttmf.org)

Adjusted Age
Also known as "corrected age." This is your child's chronological age minus the number of weeks he or she was born early. For example, if your 9-month-old was born 2 months early, you can expect him or her to look and act like a 7-month old. Usually you can stop age-adjusting by the age of 2 or 3.

Anemia
A condition in which the red blood cells in the blood — measured by a hematocrit, or "crit" — are lower than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissue

Apnea
Cessation of breathing lasting 20 seconds or longer. Also known as an apneic episodes or apneic spells. It is common for premature infants to stop breathing for a few seconds. They almost always restart on their own, but occasionally they need stimulation or drug therapy to maintain regular breathing. The heart rate often slows with apnea; this is called bradycardia. The combination of apnea and bradycardia is often called an A&B spell.
Apnea gradually becomes less frequent as premature infants mature and grow. There is no relationship between apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Aspiration
1. The accidental sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs.
2. Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle.

Blood Gas
A blood test used to evaluate an infant's level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acid. This test is significant because it helps to evaluate an infant's respiratory status.

Bradycardia (“Brady”)
An abnormally low heart rate. Bradys are usually associated with apnea in premature infants. During these spells the infant will stop breathing for at least 15 seconds and the heart rate will start to slow, also referred to as an "A&B spell." Gentle touching or other stimulation almost always restarts the breathing and increases the heart rate. Medications (theophylline or caffeine) are often used to treat these spells in newborn babies.

Charge Nurse
The registered nurse who has general responsibility for coordinating the nursing care of all babies in a unit for a particular shift. Nursing shifts may be either 8 or 12 hours.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Supplemental oxygen or room air delivered under pressure though either an endotracheal tube (tube that goes directly into the infant's lungs) or small tubes or prongs that sit in the nostrils. Delivering oxygen under pressure helps keep air sacs in the lungs open and also helps maintain a clear airway to the lungs. Nasal CPAP (NCPAP) is commonly used immediately after removing the endotracheal tube to treat apnea and/or prevent the need for an endotracheal tube and ventilator.

These are ones that I used regularly when blogging or where often uttered in the NICU when I was there. My son was on a CPAP for part of his time...and initially had a lot of Brady's and issues with aspiration. I am still not 100% used to having to use the term adjusted age - which for Parker is just about 14.5 months.

Tomorrow begins my journal journey wednesdays...I look forward to sharing with you what went through my mind as I was with Parker in the NICU each day.

Please know that if you have a question or would like certain information to be posted, I'd be happy to do so!

Not What I Expected

As a women I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I was when I found I was pregnant in Dec of 2007. Growing up, it was my dream to have children, to love a child, to be a mommy and there it was in front of me - my 2 tests telling me "Yup Deni, you are pregnant!" It was a surreal moment to know that in my belly was a little itty bitty bean that in a mere 10 months would be in my arms screaming - covered in ooky goo but more beautiful than anything.

But, that didn't happen. Nope...not in the least. I won't get into my story at this point, that's for the 17th of November, but I will say this...when I had Parker, it wasn't want I expected.

When you have a baby, you expect to be in labor for hours, screaming for epidurals, yelling at your husband, screaming, pushing, ect (or maybe that's what I expected!) You don't expect to have an emergency c-section and not get to see your baby for 3 days (other than in pictures).

You expect to have that crying child covered in goo weighing in the 5-8 pound mark put on your belly and you cry tears of joy...not this...


You don't expect to have to see tubes in your child, breathing apparatuses on his face, noises going off everywhere and you certainly don't expect for that child to weigh a mere 2lbs 3ozs...



You also don't expect to have to be wheeled to another place in the hospital to see that little bundle of joy lying in an incubator while there are other children just like that around.



And you don't expect your first time holding him will be the day you are discharged from the hospital. You also don't expect to not bring him home with you that day - it's not supposed to be like that.

However, that was my reality and that is the reality (though each person is different) of many today. More than 13 million babies are born too soon worldwide. In fact in an average week in the US 10,440 babies are born preterm of those 1,664 babies are born VERY early. Those numbers are just not what you want to see.

I never thought I would be one of those 10,440 and I certainly didn't expect to be one of the 1,664. I did everything right in my pregnancy, I expected to have Parker in august and go through labor and bring my baby home just a couple days after having him.

But God had a different plan and looking back now I am thankful for that. Having a preemie has made me more aware of what March of Dimes is doing for women and baby everywhere. I have gained more faith and have really been able to work with March of Dimes and other preemie parents to make aware the realities of preterm birth.

I certainly didn't plan to have a preemie, nor do I plan to have another. But I am glad that I can use what I have been through to reach out to others.


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This month I am hoping to blog regularly about prematurity and my journey within the community of preemie parents. This blog will give you statistics, information, and I will also share bits and pieces of our journey. I hope to have some guest posts (if you are interested, please let me know), Wednesdays I will share with you some excerpts from the journal I kept during Parker's 69 days in the hospital and much much more.

You don't have to be a preemie parent to blog about prematurity. On Nov. 17th, prematurity awareness day, BloggersUnite wants you to blog the story of a preemie you know or have to promote awareness. You can always add a badge to your blog as well. (See my post from Sat. Oct. 31 for links!)

Be Blessed!

Prematurity Awareness Month

Tomorrow kicks of a whole month long of promoting March of Dimes and making others aware of prematurity in infants. As a mom of a preemie, this month is so very important to me, because I feel like we need to raise awareness of what prematurity is all about and show that preemies can come out the other side just fine and dandy.

This month I am planning to make my blog all or mostly about prematurity. I am hoping to have a few guest bloggers (if you are the parent of a preemie and would like to do a guest blog post please let me know!) I am also planning to highlight statistics and information regarding prematurity.

Prematurity awareness day is Nov. 17th and BloggersUnite has a goal for that day - below is some important info from that site...

Objective:
Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick ― half a million of them in the United States. November 17 is when we fight.

Medical advances give even the tiniest babies a chance of survival, yet for many babies premature birth is still a life or death condition. It’s the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. And babies who survive face serious health challenges and risk lifelong disabilities.

November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. The March of Dimes invites bloggers like you to get involved.

• Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies
• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®
• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others

We need to fight ― because babies shouldn’t have to.

Please consider helping on Nov. 17th through a blog post. Also, please also help by putting a badge on your blog or any other personal site.

More to come this month...

March of Dimes Walk!!!!

Wow, sorry for the delay getting these photos up. I got behind, forgot to empty the camera and got busy with other things this week. The walk was amazing! It was hotter than heck out and it was a 5 mile walk, but so worth it. I enjoyed it a lot and enjoyed making our team shirts. The front said "Team Parker" with a turtle and the back said "March for Babies 2009". Parker's outfit said "NICU GRAD." I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the support and love you all gave us. Next year, we will be working hard to raise more money, but please remember, you can give to the March of Dimes at any time! And now, without further adeu, here are some pictures!!!!

Parker's Sign along the street!





At the starting line - a mass of people


Mommy and Parker getting ready to walk!


Daddy is ready to walk!


Parker resting at a rest area!


Mile 1 of 5


Team Parker: (L-R) Christina, Teresa, Drew and Parker, Kim and Kara


Drew and Kim headed up the first hill!


The Finish Line!!!


Parker and Mommy at the end! My little NICU GRAD!!!

Tidbits - What's on my mind!

Hi friends!

Today on Tidbits I am going to share a little bit of everything on my mind!

March of Dimes Walk
Yesterday was the walk! Because it was the first year that I did it I wasn't sure what to expect. I had these ideas in my head, but you can only be so prepared. Let me tell you, it was way more exciting and long than I expected. I certainly didn't expect 5 miles to be so long...it doesn't seem like it would be long, but holy cow! I am proud to say that we did finish the 5 miles with very few stops (towards the end I did start to get sick, thank goodness for Steak and Shake!) We finished strong and very proud to have been a part of such a great event. Yes, I even shed a tear or two or 70. There were a ton of other's there, though I have clue what the actual number was! My team consisted of Drew, Parker and me, as well as our friends Teresa, Kim and Kara and one of my blogger friends even walked with us (Thanks C.). We ran into one of Parker's nurses from the NICU! That was exciting and unexpected and so good! We didn't get to see anyone else, though she did say there were some others there! It was cool to see other family teams and their posters. Ours was out and I was so excited, I am also excited because we got to keep it if we wanted to! Parker did so so good! I was expecting a meltdown from being too hot or not getting a diaper change - but no, he sat in his stroller with his incredibly cute outfit and played with his toys and talked! I think we finished in an hour and 45 minutes. After the walk we spent the afternoon resting (while Parker spent it playing!). I am not too sore today, my blister on my foot hurts, and the random sunburn I got on only one arm and only on the back! Pictures to come - I haven't dumped the camera!

Saturday
Saturday was a good day too - just really busy. That morning, Parker and I got up early and went to a soccer game to cheer on M. He is the son of my good friend C and B and we promised him we'd come to a game. He adores Parker and visa versa. His team did well and won!!! We came home and our friend Teresa came over to help me make our team shirts! (We were the only team there with hand maid shirts!) After she left I headed to a coupon class hosted by Ellen of ThriftyChicMom. She is an insane (good insane) couponer and she shared her tips! I look forward to getting into it. I have clipped coupons, but I have never been so organized and thoughtful in my shopping. After that I went grocery shopping for a little bit of stuff and came home and relaxed.

Parker
This little man is giving mommy and daddy headaches! He gets into everything, pulls up on everything, bumps his head on everything (nothing serious) and is just running amuck! This weekend he has started crawling more and more and he pulls up on anything he can. It's crazy to think a week ago he barely did anything but roll and now...yah, not so much. He's such a big boy and he is doing so well!

Today I am going to do some spring cleaning! Our house is so cluttered and especially our walk in closet - A MESS! i am planning on getting some new clothes since I can't fit into most of my summer clothes from last year. We are going to tennessee in two weeks so I want to get some new things for that trip. Also, I need to get all the winter clothes put away too. Plus, with how sore I am it will be a good break before I am busy later this week!

I am done, thanks for reading my novel! I hope to get pictures up later today of the walk!

Whata day!!!

The March of Dimes walk was awesome today - except of course for the hot weather, small sunburn I have, the blister on my foot and being hungry and thirsty now!

I just wanted to left everyone know it went well. I will share stories, pictures and other things tomorrow!

Hope everyone else had a fantastic Sunday!

I'm In Trouble!

That's right friends, a certain little man has learned to pull himself up in bed! Oh and he crawls, sits, rolls and is getting faster at chasing the cat! He also has a second tooth - he has two little vampire fangs. He weights 14.5 lbs. now and is 26' long. He likes to eat too!

Just thought I'd share that with you. Please feel free to donate to our March of Dimes team, just two more days!!!!

The Preemie Reality

Have you ever had one of those days where things are going great and then all of the sudden one thing changes your mood? Yah, well, me too, and that was my Friday.

Friday I got a call from P-town's* occupational therapist. She is a sweet lady and has been following Parker's development since day one! We went in a few weeks ago for his most recent follow up appointment and she was impressed with how well P-town was doing. He was in the average points value for his adjusted age! That's good! But she was concerned with his muscle tone and how he has a tendancy, ok, not a tendancy, but a almost consistent way of tensing his legs and body. Now, don't get me wrong, he can bend his legs, arms, ect, but more often then not, he will tense up while sitting, standing (he does this with support) and such. For example, most babies, when they sit, will sit with their legs bent in some way, Parker automatically puts his straight out and tenses them. Anyways, like I said I got a call from "K" friday, she was reviewing his file and writing his letter to Dr. D and to "S" our Help Me Grow case worker. She said that she wants him to be evaluated and start some physical therapy for a few months. It's really to help with his tone, but when I heard that, I became negative Nancy and worrisome Wanda and now I am in a mood.

For whatever reason, I can't seem to get out of the haze that is my Nancy-ness and my Wanda-ness. If I really think about it, this isn't that big of a deal, he's not getting speech therapy or physical therapy because he can't walk or something. It's just to help him loosen up and such. I should be happy and thankful that he has this opportunity, but the Nancy in me is thinking it's the end of the world and that my son has issues and the Wanda in me, well she's just a pain in the rear! She has me thinking that he will never be "normal". What a liar that wanda can be! And the Denise in me, the Denise and me knows that hey, this is the reality of a preemie, some have more challenges than others and I am thankful that his seem to be little in comparison to other preemies out there. The Denise in me know that this is my reality now, my focus, the focus of other's is helping Parker to be the best he can be and to catch up with his actual age.

The reality is this: preemies face challenges, big and small. Some preemies spend time on oxygen, some have heart problems, some need speech therapy, other's deeper physical therapy. It's the life of a preemie parent to focus on you child, head to appointments, remember you child is only "this" age developmentally, ect. The reality is, our children, our beautiful preemies are special and require more care than children born at full gestation. My hubby's brother was born with many physical disabilities and his mom and dad's reality was taking care of a son who was confined to a wheel chair, with few words, a little movement and had many many hospitalizations. Like them, I have a reality too, the reality that, my son is small for his actual age, is viewed as an (almost) 11 month old, but developmentally is 8.5 months old, he requires more "work", he has 1 tooth and he will be one next month, he takes meds daily...ect.

That's my reality - I am a preemie parent - A PROUD ONE! I love and adore my son. Of course I wish that he had been born in August and that I didn't have this reality, but can't change that. God blessed me with a son born 11 weeks early, a son that will require some more attention. Most days, I feel blessed and humbled by this reality, some days though, like friday, I feel cursed. I cry sometimes realizing that this is what I will be working with for a while, but the truth is, Parker WILL catch up and years down the road, I will be able to tell him his story and share all that I was able to learn. God knows what he is doing and why, I just need to trust that. God has taught me lesson thus far and I can only imagine what He has planned for me.

Parker - if you read this many years later, know that I am honored and blessed to be your mommy. I love you more and more each day. I am only human and I have unfortunately human emotions that can challenge me. I am proud of you an all you have overcome in these past almost 11 months and I can only imagine how much you will overcome and accomplish many years down the road. You teach me every day, you make me smile and you are worth it all!

I really hope this post has not come out insensitive or whiney or negative to any of you. I certainly didn't mean it that way. I think it may be a way for me to vent, to let my emotions work themselves out. I am thankful that Parker has not had some of the challenges he could have and I certainly do not want to make those who do think I have it worse, I know I don't!

Just a reminder, our March of Dimes walk is this Sunday, there is still time to donate! Click the purple box on the right side bar to donate!!!

*P-town is turning into Parker's newest nickname thanks to my friend Amber! I have been saying it more and more recently!

He is why...

...my life has changed!
...my soul is filled!
...my heart is happy!
...my head hurts!
...I am stronger than I was!
...my faith is bigger and stronger!
...I do this blog!
...I smile each day!
...I am a mom!
...I believe in miracles!
...I wash my hands all the time!
...I typcially have throw up on me!
...I also typically have baby food on me!
...I giggle all the time.
...I know how to work a baby gate!
...I have to do laundry a lot!
...I have met many new friends!
...I am doing this - Walk and Ask!


He is why I walk on April 26th! He is an inspiration, a miracle, a strong boy, a silly boy! He is my everything, he's taught me much, he's made my cry, he's made me smile and laugh and even pee my pants.

He is one reason why the March of Dimes is so important!

Parker James is why I am closer to God, closer to family and friends, closer to Drew, and why I am raising donations!

Parker James!

And now for your view pleasure:

In his Easter duds! :)

Snuggling with mommy

Meeting Fluffy at the zoo - the worlds largest snake in captivity - 300lbs 25 feet long!

I love his smile!

With a plastic easter egg!

Under the couch!

Please consider donating to our team or joining and walking with us. We are in the final stretch - the event takes place on April 26th!

Growing a Parker!

**Anyone know of a good place to have a t-shirt made? I want to make some for my march of dimes team...I'd like it to be relatively inexpensive. **

Hi friends,

So as it seems, I am a horrible gardner, but a great mother! Really, neither of those compare, but considering me and plants get along about as well as cats and dogs I figured I would struggle with taking care of a baby. I mean, after all, you need to feed, water and bathe it too....well and change it's diaper and play with it and love it and nurture it. I digress...

Today was Parker's *gasp* 9 month check up. First of all, where in the world did these last 9 months go? I missed some somewhere, I am sure of it. Parker and I arrived at the Dr and waited forever. This has never happened...it took them 30 minutes to see us...but it was right before lunch so parker just hung out with me in the waiting room, playing on his blankie on the floor. We got back and took the measurements...13 lbs. 8 ozs!!!! 25.75 inches long and I think the circumference on his head was 17in. That's my boy. The doctor was VERY please with Parker's growth...he's gained 4 lbs since his 6 month check up in Nov. The only thing that could be concerning and really it doesn't come in to play until he is 24 months, is getting on to the growth curve for a normal 9 mth old. If he isn't on to that curve by 2 years, he will have to see an endocrinologist and see if he has any issues like deficiencies. But at this point, we just keep doing what we do! Continue to feed him and bathe him and water him! In all seriousness, he is doing so well! I am glad to know that he is doing well! He did get his almost last Synagis shot. He hated that part, I hated that part. But he survived and came home and napped all afternoon. So it looks like with all I do, I can grow a Parker! How bout that?

Other than that - we did take Parker to the zoo yesterday. It was so funny, not all the animals were out, but it didn't bother me and it was quiet and cool and it was our first family date in a LONG time. And we spent only 5 bucks for coffee and a bottle of water. YAY ZOO MEMBERSHIP. It also helped me to get ready (sorta) for the March of Dimes walk in April. I am planning on going to the zoo once a week to just walk, so if you are in the C-bus area and want to meet up and join me...please let me know, I'd love company! I am also of planning on trying to go to a metro park too and even just walk around the complex!

Back to the zoo...

The zoo was fun, I got to see the Gorilla's and the Elephants! LOVE THEM. I even got to see the Langur's and I was sitting near the glass and the littlest one, born 8-8-08 came up to the class and I put my hand up and it put it's hand up...SO CUTE. It was fun to show Parker all these animals, even if he didn't get it so much. He was so mesmerized by the fish...he loved them. After the zoo, we went to babies r us and got a baby gate for the top of our stairs. Yes folks, little Parker is moving enough that it's better to have one then to not. He is getting on all fours...doesn't crawl, but with as fast as he has been accomplishing things....yah...so we got a gate. To be installed tonight!

After all of this we went to the March of Dimes family team night and started our poster that will be in the family tent at the walk. I didn't get done...which is ok because I had left some stuff at home! I am getting more and more excited for the march of dimes walk on April 26th. I met some great people last night and really enjoyed myself. If you would like to join our team and walk with us or donate, please visit our family page: Northern Family.

Other than that, things are good here...like I said in yesterday's post, I am in a very very good place! I am happy and I feel good! It's been a long time since I have been this content in my life!

I am not sure if I will post again until thursday. I got a text last last night from my brother, Phillip, asking to come visit. He has yet to meet Parker, so of course I said yes. I am excited that he and my sister Steph are coming to hang out tomorrow. I just wish our brother Brandon could be here too, but he's in school! So I am sure I will be busy!

I hope you all are having a terrific tuesday!

Writer's Workshop: Behind the Blog

Here I am in all my non hair brushed, non hair washed, non bathed, non made up with make up and in my jammies glories. This is me every morning. I don't really have a daily beauty routine. I am anti-makeup. I hate the stuff, I only wear it on special occasions...like a wedding. Make up takes too much time and to be honest it's been YEARS since I have worn it regularly. I just simply do not like it. Make up = blechy.

As far as my hair, I am hating it right now so I basically keep it in a pony tail, pulled back. I wash it every other day (If I am lucky) and I sometimes just don't want to brush it because it's thick, curly and annoying. I am really wanting to chop it off. I wear it curly about 95% of the time...I hate taking the time to straighten it, though I prefer it that way. But again, it plays back into the being thick and curly...straightening it with it like that is a nightmare and after doing like 5 minutes of it, I am sick of it. If I do straighten it, it takes me at least an hour...if not more. I am planning on getting it all chopped off and wearing it short, hopefully in a bob, if that works ok with my hair type. I would straighten it more and do more with it if I had less of it on my head. (That's another post of another day!).

As far as bathing...yah, I am lucky if I get to bathe. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I am gross and smell....I just don't bathe often and when I do - its like 5 minutes while Parker lays in the bedroom and plays. If I never had to bathe, I would be fine with that. I hate the whole process of it. I hate shaving - I. HATE. SHAVING. I hate being in my birthday suit. I am a very modest person and even though it's just bathing and that's why I am naked, I still hate it. I hate being wet, I hate being wet and cold, I hate that most towels don't fit all the way around me. Meh, it all is just, meh. I do attempt to bathe every other day, even if for just 5 minutes, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't.

I basically am always in pjs or sweats most days. I have a child with bad reflux, so about 9 times out of 10 I am wearing most of what he's eaten. (He has this impeccable timing of puking when mommy picks him up when he cries!) So that's why I am almost always in pjs or sweats, that and they are super comfy. When I go out, I at least try to throw on jeans, but I also mostly wear tshirts or sweatshirts out.

So what do you think of me now???? I have an "ugly" side - or well a normal side. This is what I look like when I sit here and write my posts. No glamour, no hotness, just me, in all my comfy, non bathed, non hair brushed/washed, jammie wearing glory!!!!


Your Turn:

Choose a prompt, write your little blurb and go back to MamaKat's site and share with the rest of us on Mr. Linky:

The Prompts:

1.) If you were starring on American Idol TONIGHT and HAD to sing, what song would you choose and why.

2.) Take a picture of yourself right this minute without primping and explain to us why it is you have not washed your hair today.
3.) I just asked Pat to help me with a writing prompt so here's his: "What do you think about the NBA All Star game"...blech.

4.) What's your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act.

5.) Write about something mean you did to a sibling growing up.


And in case you didn't get to, please read my post from yesterday, its something VERY near and dear to my heart and I would love your help!!!

Please Help Us Out!!!!

Hello Friends!

Please read the below email I sent out today. If you feel compelled to help out, I would love for you to donate or join our team! You can click on the purple box on the right to donate, or the link the email. Also, please feel free to direct your blog readers here to help get the word out!

Thank you so much! I hope you realize that Parker means the world to us and it because of him that we are doing this!




Hello Friends and Family,

Our family is forming a March for Babies Family Team to help the March of Dimes work towards the day when all babies are born healthy. We are writing today to ask you to join us!

We are forming our team in honor of Parker James Northern our amazing son who was born 11 weeks early oh May 29, 2008 by emergency c-section. Our sweet Parker weighed only 2 lbs. 3ozs at the time of his birth and spent a total of 69 days in the hospital, coming home a week before his original due date of August 12. Those 69 days in the hospital were not only frightening, but had their shares of ups and downs, tears, and uncertainty. While we realize that there may have been no other way to change the outcome of our last summer, we certainly would never want anyone else to go through what we went through. By sharing our story, we hope to remind everyone of the urgency of the mission of the March of Dimes and inspire our friends and family to join our team.

Ours is not the only story of frightening, touch-and-go days in neonatal intensive care with our baby. Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. Birth defects pose another serious threat – taking the lives of many babies and cause lifelong disabilities for thousands more. So it’s important for us to help the March of Dimes help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

We are doing just that by participating in March for Babies as a Family Team. No one is working harder than the March of Dimes to understand the causes of prematurity and birth defects. March for Babies offers hope by raising funds for lifesaving research, education and innovative programs that offer hope for preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects.

We would like to invite you to join our family team: Parker Northern Family and Friends. Our team captain is Parker's mommy, Denise and she would love for you to participate in the march! The march will take place on April 26, 2009 at 10am here in Columbus, Ohio. The walk is a 5 mile walk which you an take at our own pace! If you would like to join our team and walk with us that day and join in our fundraising efforts, please click on our team link below and sign up to be on our team.

If you are unable to be on our team, we completely understand and would like to ask you to consider sponsoring us by donating to our team. Every little bit helps so please donate only what you can!

To donate or join our team, please stop by our family page located at: http://www.marchforbabies.org/627804

One day all babies will be born healthy. But we’ll have to walk to get there! Thank you for your help.

With much love and gratitude,

Andrew, Denise and Parker Northern