Here’s the thing about the NICU experience, it was never in the plan. It doesn’t matter if you were 33 weeks and almost to the full term mark or 25 weeks and just shy of the third trimester…not a single NICU parent was prepared for this journey. With all the time we have spent watching this little angel grow bigger an stronger it’s just natural to spend most of that time over thinking the whole pregnancy/post partum situation. So since we’ve been in the “business” of helping Sofia grow, I figured I would use a little business strategy to recap the last 75 days.
•Losses: Missed the 3rd trimester, missed my maternity pictures, missed my baby shower (funny point here; she was born on the RSVP date!). Never made it to the nesting phase, haven’t decorated a nursery and hadn’t even picked out a pediatrician!
•Gains: Didn’t have to deal with the 3rd trimester! (can we say blessing and a curse?!) That’s right, no swollen ankles, no stretch marks, no sleepless nights (unless you count the middle of the night pumping sessions for the last 75 days). Extended newborn phase, we get 15 extra weeks of having a little one at every stage till the 2 year mark. An appreciation for every new stage she reaches and every breath I watch her take.
•Takeaways: I hope I always remember how amazingly lucky we were to be put on hospital bed rest. I hope I’m always amazed and appreciative of every moment I have with this strong little girl. I feel like she makes me a better person, a more glass-half-full-person, a smile for the road we’re on not mourning the path we missed taking person. I hope to pass this on to Sofia as she gets older.
I’d never wish this experience on anyone but I for those that ever find themselves faced with this challenge, just know that your fear will eventually be your strength.
