Some days, I forget about how Sam's Autism (and former preemie status) has impacted Irene. She has had to give up a lot for her little brother. More than most of us. And more often than not, she has done this quietly and without complaint. Because of the maturity that Irene has shown, I sometimes … [Read more...] about Sometimes in the background
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Waking from a long slumber
Sadly, no. I am not talking about the mythical creature all parents have heard tales of that sleeps for hours at a time - uninterrupted. Sadly, the slumber I am talking about is more metaphorical than actual. I have come to the realization that I have been sleepwalking through the past five years … [Read more...] about Waking from a long slumber
Have I really been gone for 4 months?
Yikes. I knew I had not written in a while, but it never occurred to me it had been four months. I guess it is fair to say life around here has been hectic at best and manic at worst. Much has been going on since I last wrote - it is actually hard to know where to start. I guess the best place is … [Read more...] about Have I really been gone for 4 months?
Facing my new reality
Back in December, I wrote about my joy at Sam's PDD-NOS diagnosis. I was relieved that he was not diagnosed with Autism, but his own odditites, some of which were autistic in nature and some that were not. Since that diagnosis, I have done everything I could to help Sam achieve "normalcy". The … [Read more...] about Facing my new reality
You Have Come A Long Way Baby
Then you were only 1 lbs 12 ozs. Now you are 31 lbs. Then your heart had a leaky valve. Now, a tiny clip has done its job and your heart is perfect - and you are learning the art of shaving. Then you needed a machine to help you breathe. Now, your lungs can carry you through a … [Read more...] about You Have Come A Long Way Baby
Uncertainty
In terms of micro-preemies, I have had it pretty easy. Sam was big for his gestational age. Yes, you read that right. One pound twelve ounces is considered big. His time in the NICU was pretty uneventful… at least after he had his PDA ligation and began peeing regularly. Yes, we were there … [Read more...] about Uncertainty
Redux: In honor of World Breastfeeding Week
Realizing it is World Breastfeeding Week, I thought it would be good to open up the archives and bring out this post I wrote about my two different experiences with breastfeeding. The topic is something I obsessed about with both of my children - term and preemie. In one, I was able to … [Read more...] about Redux: In honor of World Breastfeeding Week
Making The Decsion
A recent New York Times Op-Ed Piece called "End of Life, at Birth" has cause me to go back and relive those days almost three years ago when my husband and I were confronted with the terrible choice of trying to continue my pregnancy or to let our baby go. For those of you that haven't been … [Read more...] about Making The Decsion
Travels in a Thin Country
While I wish our trip had just ended, the reality is we got home on July 4th... but things were crazed and complicated on our arrival (New puppy + my 2 night stay in the hospital for back issues) so it has taken me until today to finally be able to write about our adventures in Chile. As anyone … [Read more...] about Travels in a Thin Country
Leaving on a jet plane
Or three... Next week, the whole clan (grandparents included) are heading out on a grand South American adventure. The trip should be fantastic- as we will get to show Sam off to a multitude of friends and family. For Irene, it will be a great opportunity to speak Spanish as she prepares to … [Read more...] about Leaving on a jet plane
Compare and Contrast
Disclaimer: Since I am sure this might worry one particular friend - let me go on record... I LOVE your son. I celebrate his amazing progress. I love seeing him every week. I want nothing but for him to continue to be a presence in my home and my life. Please, do not be disheartened by what I am … [Read more...] about Compare and Contrast
Singing to Soothe the Savage Preemie
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics has shown the positive benefits of singing to your preemie. Thank god! At least now I can stop apologizing in my head for subjecting my wonderful nurses to my terrible singing voice for all those months! I wasn't just singing for myself - I was … [Read more...] about Singing to Soothe the Savage Preemie
Once Tiny, Now Average
I know. It's not often you hear a parent bragging about their child being average... but for the parent of a mico-preemie, average is something we often only dream of. Think about it, when your baby starts life at just one pound twelve ounces and only twelve inches long, the thought of … [Read more...] about Once Tiny, Now Average
One Month Into ABA Therapy
Wow. I mean W.O.W. We are one month into Sam's ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy and what a month it has been. We are truly blessed to have selected the ABA company we did (Milestones), had the good fortune to have two of the most amazing therapists assigned to Sam's case (Ilona and … [Read more...] about One Month Into ABA Therapy
Therpaist Chemistry is Everything
As Sam and I start down the road of Autism Spectrum Therapy, we are getting to know a bunch of different therapists and therapy types. We have been very lucky so far with who we have been paired with - except for one. So, I did what any mama bear mom should do, I gutted up and fired the therapist I … [Read more...] about Therpaist Chemistry is Everything
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