Repost: This was originally published in 2013 on shine.yaoo.com (a site which has since been shut down) Postpartum depression (PPD) has been great fodder for many a sitcom writer. Even in pregnancy and birth classes, time is dedicated to the perils of what could happen should you suffer from … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Preemie Mom: My Battle with PTSD
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Acronyms acronyms acronyms
Welcome to Prematurity Awareness Month... and my book publication month. In honor of these two big events, I have committed myself to writing a new post a week. Say that fast five times. Ok. Don't. I got tongue tied after the first one. When you are in the NICU (ah yes - the first acronym) … [Read more...] about Acronyms acronyms acronyms
NICU Survival Kit
Welcome to Prematurity Awareness Month... and my book publication month. In honor of these two big events, I have committed myself to writing a new post a week. So, you are going to be spending some time in the NICU. Your baby is fully taken care of. They have everything they could possibly need. … [Read more...] about NICU Survival Kit
This one goes to 11
If I am posting, it can only mean one thing.... It's Sam's birthday. That's right. This former One Pound Twelve Ouncer is now eleven. I am not sure who is more excited about this... Sam or me (because I get to use a Spinal Tap reference). This has been an interesting time to say the least. I have … [Read more...] about This one goes to 11
A Full Decade Old
Its hard to believe Sam is now 10, double digits, an entire decade old. For a kid that was given little odds of survival, Sam has done his best to LIVE. And not just live... but thrive. So, this year, to celebrate the big ten-o... I have compiled a list of the ten things about Sam that make me … [Read more...] about A Full Decade Old
I Trained For This
Who knew when I brought Sam home from the NICU way back in 2010 that my 5 months of house arrest would end up being so useful ten years later. Now, of course, house arrest has a new name - sheltering in place. That is what Sam, Irene and I have been doing for the past 136 days. On March 16, Sam came … [Read more...] about I Trained For This
Welcome to PTSD Season
Hear ye! Hear ye! PTSD season is upon us. I don’t mean to make light of a very serious condition – but making light of it is the only way I manage to get through what I have loving termed PTSD season. Since Sam was born, PTSD season runs from September 10 – September 16. In this time, I am … [Read more...] about Welcome to PTSD Season
You Have Come A Long Way Baby – Revisited
Then you were only 1 lbs 12 ozs. At 3, you were 31 lbs. Now, you are almost 50(?!) pounds Then your heart had a leaky valve. At 3, a tiny clip has done its job and your heart is perfect - and you are learning the art of shaving. Now, you are doing martial … [Read more...] about You Have Come A Long Way Baby – Revisited
Updated: Sam, the Pre-Existing Condition
Since this blog launched, I have always referred to Sam as "Sam, the Anti-Preemie". I am thinking of changing his name to "Sam, the Pre-Existing Condition". When Sam decided to make his early entry into the world, my life was turned upside down. I don't need to go back an chronicle that for … [Read more...] about Updated: Sam, the Pre-Existing Condition
The School District vs. The Anti-Preemie
I have debated writing about my battle with my local school district publicly. What if someone reads this and all my hard work goes down the drain due to someone's bruised ego. But then I remembered, I don't shy away from anything on this site. And I have never once worried about what someone else … [Read more...] about The School District vs. The Anti-Preemie
Six years and counting
My sweet boy. It has been a while since I wrote just to you. Life with you is never dull - and I am so thankful for that. There are a few things I could do without- lets never have to be hospitalized for an impacted bowel again - ok? The reality is, you have overcome so much, but more than … [Read more...] about Six years and counting
Transitions
Hang in there folks - because the next couple of weeks are going to be wild in the land of Sam. Up first - the end of preschool. Yep, you read that right. Sam will be ending his time at preschool this Friday. Now, before you ask, I am doing my best not to think about it. This preschool has been … [Read more...] about Transitions
“As Needed”
There is one topic I have written about on this site a lot: poop or the lack thereof. From the day Sam was born the one thing he wasn't so good at was pooping. We have tried everything: Miralax, acupuncture, herbs, Senna, a gluten free diet, a dairy free diet and every combination of the above … [Read more...] about “As Needed”
Its Been 4 Months since Sam’s IEP
Want to know what overwhelmed looks like... well... it looks like me. Since Sam's IEP, I have done what I do best - educate myself. I have read the full IDEA statute. I have learned terms like LRE, FAPE, ADR, Prior Written Notice, and, well, IDEA. I have become a minor expert in Special … [Read more...] about Its Been 4 Months since Sam’s IEP
Blindsided by an IEP
I knew it was coming. Every three years, children with an IEP in the Oakland Unified School District have a major review of eligibility. Besides, Sam will be entering kindergarten (holy shit!) in the fall, and I figured the IEP they did for Sam when he was three would need to be updated. I … [Read more...] about Blindsided by an IEP
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