Thursday, November 17, 2011

World Prematurity Day - November 17

(Cross posted on the boys' blog)

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Today we are purple.

Purple to honor all of the millions of babies worldwide who were born too soon.

Purple to honor the fight of those babies and their families for survival.

Purple to honor those babies who can fight no more.

Today we are purple to honor those we love who have been touched by prematurity.

Today I was purple to honor our super boys, Sh.awn and Ja.son.

I will forever be amazed by the strength and determination our two boys showed in the early days of their lives. They endured more in those months than many people ever experience in their entire lives. It seemed like every complication possible was thrown their way, but together they conquered the NICU.

They captured the hearts of everyone who worked with them. (I think they still do. :) )

Our guys survived and thrive.

We are the lucky ones.

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Born at 28 weeks and 3 days, our guys were not even 3 pounds and about as long as a Barbie doll.

Shortly after the boys were born. This is Is.aac's ring.
It would have easily slid all the way up to their armpits.
Is.aac's ring on a foot.


A little hand barely able to hold daddy's thumb.

A small round band aid to protect a delicate knee
(their knees were so delicate that the skin would
get raw when they'd lay on their bellies)

Our guys were tiny but mighty.

Sh.awn, baby A:

The first time I was able to see Sh.awn.
I didn't even get to see him in the delivery room.
Sh.awn - not even a week old.

Holding Sh.awn for the first time. I am so grateful to
our respiratory therapist who made this happen.

Sh.awn in his first clothes.
They were preemie size and still swam on him for weeks.

Mommy and daddy with Sh.awn.
Sh.awn in December 2007
Ja.son, baby B:


Meeting Ja.son for the first time. I was given a brief glimpse
of Ja.son in the operating room, but they held him up for me for literally a second.

Mommy and daddy with Ja.son

Ja.son under the Billi lights for jaundice.
 
Holding Ja.son for the first time.
He was on a ventilator to help him breathe.

Daddy with Ja.son
Ja.son in December 2007
Our first picture as a family of 4 (and the first time I'd held both boys together).
December 2007

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They had a rough start, but our super boys are strong, smart, determined, and funny.

We are the lucky ones. I hold that knowledge in my heart. Our boys are here with us.

Please consider visiting the March of Dimes website for more information or even donate to this worthy cause. Their research helped save our boys.

4 comments:

k said...

What a strong family you are.

Roccie said...

Those pictures are like no others I have seen. Sweet tiny loves, thank God they are so magnificent today. I bet this awareness day is a big one for you.

Rebecca said...

omg...that little picture with the santa hats...i am dying! love these...those boys are so brave like their parents. amazing.

Jes G said...

the pictures of your family are so precious.. your family is beautiful.
hoping the germs clear out quickly.
xoxo
iclw

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