When I started this blog last year, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I thought that maybe once Jax came home from the hospital (on his 3-month birthday) that people would stop caring. Even as a NICU parent, I naively thought that once we came home from the hospital, our story would end.
Now I know that’s when our story really started.
Not only has this blog chronicled Jax’s progress – it’s his baby book – but it’s connected me to others in a way I never thought possible. Through this blog, I’ve met countless other parents who have preemies or who have spent time in the NICU. Everyone’s story is different, but we all have one thing in common: we didn’t expect it. We know what it’s like to be utterly and completely leveled. We know what it’s like to be disappointed, guilty, sad, happy, excited, and angry all at the same time. We can empathize with each other. We can learn from each other. Most importantly, we can support each other. I’m so thankful for all of the preemie parents who have reached out to me on this blog. Thank you for understanding me, when I barely understand myself.
The blog has helped me process what happened the day Jax was born; it has helped me heal (although I still have a long way to go). Thank you for your words of encouragement when I write about the not-so-fun parts of raising a micropreemie.
Gang – you will never believe this, but the blog reached 1000 followers today. That’s 1000 people reading Jax’s story and sending prayers and positive thoughts when he (and we) needs them. That’s 1000 people raising awareness about prematurity. That’s 1000 people standing by us as we learn what it means to be a family.
For some reason, you’ve stuck with us. Thanks.
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An Early Start 
Congratulations!
I believe parents of premature babies share a special bond, as you said although each of our stories are different… we seem to just ‘get’ each other. I don’t know how people coped before the internet and social media. It has been my life line, my therapy, my support and my friend since my son was born.
Here’s to another 1000 followers!!! 🙂
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Thank you! I’m so glad you’ve joined the WordPress world! I love reading about Henry. I don’t know what I would do without my online friends these days…
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Oh thank you, I’m finding it very difficult writing it all to be honest. Very emotional! I’m not much if a writer but I just felt I needed to get it all down, even though I go on, and on, and on!!! Ha ha x
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Ha – I know what you mean! Writing has definitely helped me process, though. It feels good sometimes, to press Publish and have my mess of emotions out there for the universe to absorb them – it seems to take a load off my shoulders each time. I also have tons and tons of draft posts that will probably never see the light of day, but they still help, too.
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You’ve helped me many times by articulating what I was feeling when I didn’t have the words. And you’ve helped me discover other really valuable resources that I didn’t know about. So happy for you and Jax!
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Thanks, Leslie! I’m so happy we “met” – you’ve helped me, too! 🙂
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Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your family’s story!
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Thank you! You, too! 🙂
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