A Preemie Paradise

Happy Friday, everyone! Things have been a little heavy on the blog this week, huh? Well, let’s lighten it up a bit, shall we? Yesterday, Jax and I got to meet 4 preemie moms and their kids at the park! It was amazing being in a group of women who just “got it.” Everyone shared stories and asked questions without any judgement. They understood what I meant when I said “The first birthday wasn’t so great.” I’m so thankful for our MN Preemie Parent Facebook group because without that group, I wouldn’t have met any of them.

And the KIDS! Talk about an amazing group of little ones.

Owen, RE, Jax, Aidyn, and Xander were all preemies. (Hayden was camera shy, but she was the “big kid” of the group at 3 years old!)  Everyone spent considerable time in the NICU. Everyone has had at least 1 surgery, many have had 5. Heart surgery. Brain surgery. Eye surgery. Stomach and intestines surgery. I could go on… One of the moms did the math: The combined birth weight of all five kids in this picture is 10 lbs 4 oz.

Many of these kids were given small chances of survival. And now, 12 – 15 months later, I’d say they are doing more than just surviving!

Jax, RE, Aidyn, Owen, and Xander taking a dip. Check out the stroller parking! I love how all the boys are lined up on the shore and RE is rocking it in the “deep end!” RE, Aidyn, Owen, and Xander were all at Amplatz hospital together! Jax is the lone Children’s kid, but he didn’t seem to mind!

It was a great day and we had a blast. Jax slept like a rock from playing so hard! Can’t wait until next time…

Author: Andrea M

Oh man, what an adventure! I went into labor unexpectedly when I was 23w3d pregnant. Jaxson was born weighing 1 lb 8 oz. A tiny little peanut, but boy was he feisty. He still is! We love it now, but we probably won't when he is a teenager. I write about our journey and all other things that come with it, including a brain tumor. We look forward to "meeting" you - come hang out with us...we're pretty cool. View all posts by Andrea M