#24weeker

For a NICU parent and for a NICU nurse, not a day goes by where we are not aware of prematurity and the life and times of babies born much too soon, fitting perfectly in our hand. But today is the day to celebrate, honor and perhaps educate the world on the truths that 1 in 10 pregnancies ends with a premature birth , and that as advanced the US might be in science and medical technology, we aren’t doing so great. Shoutout to some of my favorite tiny humans and their wonderful families, who honor me sharing their children growing and thriving. I love you all. Today, however, I celebrate most of all my most favorite micropreemie, my favorite son. #worldprematurityday #nicunurse #nicumom #micropreemie #24weeker #favoriteson https://www.instagram.com/p/CHswQhtHddS/?igshid=ukz2t2zkug4

Nearly 18 years ago, I met one of the mightiest tiny humans I have ever known. He calls me mom. #worldprematurityday #24weeker #micropreemie #tinybutmighty https://www.instagram.com/p/B4_D1Wwn2F3/?igshid=1km2uoczz317a

Talking about this year with our favorite grandson/nephew: “It’s crazy how fast time goes!” Yes. #throwbackthursday #favoriteson #24weeker #micropreemie ##14monthsold #10monthsadjusted https://www.instagram.com/p/BswE7gogLwW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=uc8ng3hf5ib0

Seventeen today. #favoriteson #happybirthday #24weeker #micropreemie #albumcover https://www.instagram.com/p/BsfaYQXgJkI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vad03s0iseic

Seventeen today. #favoriteson #happybirthday #24weeker #micropreemie #albumcover https://www.instagram.com/p/BsfaYQXgJkI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5lntq2o34h65

For this #worldprematurityday I look at how far this one has come and I am thankful. It feels like a blink of an eye ago that he fit perfectly in my hand at 1lb 6oz, born 4 months too soon. It was quite the journey those 132 days in the NICU and those first few years. As a NICU nurse I was humbled post discharge realizing how much more of a difficult journey was ahead for us. I learned so much that truly has had an effect on my nursing practice. We all learned so much as a family. It’s quite the adventure! I can’t imagine making it with anyone other than my favorite son. #worldprematurityday2018 #preemie #micropreemie #24weeker #favoriteson https://www.instagram.com/p/BqTEq3zgYbd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lkpxwkfvf7hj

He is that ex-24 weeker where NICU professionals pat themselves on the back and high five for his successes in spite of the odds. He is also that student in special education that education professionals pat themselves on the back and high five for his successes. They’re all so proud. We’re so proud. Most importantly, he is so proud because all the successes are all his own. #favoriteson #24weeker #micropreemie #againstallodds #hardestworkerintheroom https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn7LxAOgyGv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1t5f7v2ob0ls8

He is that ex-24 weeker where NICU professionals pat themselves on the back and high five for his successes in spite of the odds. He is also that student in special education that education professionals pat themselves on the back and high five for his successes. They’re all so proud. We’re so proud. Most importantly, he is so proud because all the successes are all his own. #favoriteson #24weeker #micropreemie #againstallodds #hardestworkerintheroom https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn7LxAOgyGv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4cq49m7f2z43