Christmas Wishes for the NICU

Thursday, December 24, 2009 13:56

Posted in category Preemies

As we prepare our Christmas dinner, and bake up treats for our special Christmas breakfast, my belly can’t help but get in the way. It’s straining my usually way too big apron to it’s breaking point, and bumping into the counter as I lean in to grab a bowl or dish. Four years ago on Christmas, I wasn’t so fortunate. That Christmas Eve we left the hospital with empty arms after a ten day hospitalization. Our daughter, who weighed in at 3 pounds 15 ounces, was in the NICU on a ventilator.

This year, I am enormously grateful to be uncomfortable and pregnant as I cook our Christmas dinner. Still, I can’t help but tear up a little cry like a baby every time I think about walking out of that hospital without our little girl. I know we are among the lucky though, because today that tiny baby is a lively and happy 4 year-old, and many other parents aren’t so fortunate.

As we move through our final holiday preparations today, all of those babies who are currently in the NICU are weighing heavily on my mind. I hope for peace for their families, and a day full of progress towards coming home for those little ones. If a baby in your life is spending the holidays in the NICU, you can read some of my own tips for coping with Christmas in the NICU.

For everyone else, Merry Christmas, and in case I get too busy, have a Happy New Year!