#nicu

8/10/2025

my blog's not dead :')

He has some heart and lung problems, and man, the Pentecost propers this year hit hard. Lord, fill his lungs with the strong driving wind of your Spirit. Heal his wounds, his strength renew, correct what has gone astray. Mend his heart, and kindle in him the fire of your love.

In our labor, rest most sweet; grateful coolness in the heat; solace in the midst of woe.

O most blessed Light divine, shine within these hearts of yours, and our inmost being fill!

Where you are not, we have naught, nothing good in deed or thought, nothing free from taint of ill.

Please keep us in your prayers. I've been asking for the intercession of Fr. Mychal Judge for my little one. We learned about our baby's birth defect a week ago. Things change so quickly and all you can do is trust in God and put one foot in front of the other. While in the NICU, I've been praying over Fr. Mychal's last homily.

"That’s the way it is. Good days. And bad days. Up days. Down days. Sad days. Happy days. But never a boring day on this job. You do what God has called you to do. You show up. You put one foot in front of another. You get on the rig and you go out and you do the job – which is a mystery. And a surprise. You have no idea when you get on that rig. No matter how big the call. No matter how small. You have no idea what God is calling you to. "

Near prophetic words on September 10, 2001, but also a strong reminder that parenting and openness to life is a mystery and a surprise, unknowable and ever-changing, and all you can do is put one foot in front of the other and do your best to answer God's call.

and it isn't like I did it non-stop (I still had a fulltime job). but at least once a week, I got to go in, early morning, and hold a tiny human against my chest for a few hours. sometimes sing and pat them while all the machines said they were OKAY and absolutely nothing to worry about regarding oxygen and heart rate, so you can't spiral into thoughts wondering if they're actually alive when they're so small and still. plus I was surrounded by medical staff if anything at all went wrong, handling all the actual medicine, my sole job just to hold and comfort. and the babies would cry, and some had addictions that made them hurt and oversensitive to light or sound or touch, and many were still all hooked up on tubes. but their tiny little hands would hold my finger if they worked an arm out of the swaddling, and their toothless mouths would breathe against my neck, and they'd look up with their myopic little eyes with no idea who I was and go back to sleep in my arms. and then I could put them back into their safe bassinets and go home.

Every year on their birthday we donate books to the NICU's literary program as a way to honor their memory and give back to the NICU that gave so much to our family. This year my parents decided they wanted to do more. It has been finalized that through their business they will make an annual donation so that every NICU family will leave with a book upon discharge. Each book with have a sticker honoring Rhett and Thea, and a plaque will be displayed on the unit honoring my babies.

IF EVEN JUST 200 PEOPLE DONATED JUST $5 EACH TO THIS PAGE @slickpens WILL HAVE FULLY FUNDED HER THRONE FOR HER PREEMIE BABY!!!

If you’re a NICU nurse, or you know someone who is one, you already understand: those quiet nights, tiny victories, and big ❤️ moments don’t go unnoticed. Here’s something to wear those moments.

✨ NICU Nurse Pumpkin / Fall “Garment-Dyed Tee” by TeninoVentures is now live on Etsy!

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Why this T-shirt Isn’t Just a Shirt

• Unisex, soft garment-dyed fabric that feels like comfort for long shifts or cuddling in autumn evenings.

• Comes in sizes S up to 4XL — because all NICU nurses deserve a fit that works.

• Gorgeous fall-season color options: pumpkin vibes, warm tones, neutrals and more. Perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just embracing the cozy season.

• Double-needle stitching, seamless design — built to last through wash after wash.

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Why It’s Extra Meaningful

Wearing this isn’t just about style. It’s about:

• Showing off the pride of caring for the tiniest lives.

• A symbol of all those nights of holding little hands, encouraging families, keeping hope alive.

• A perfect gift: for yourself, for your mentor, or for the NICU nurse who changed your story.

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Grab Yours Now

📍 Order here: NICU Nurse Pumpkin / Fall Tee on Etsy

• Ships from the U.S., free shipping if your cart ≥ $35. 

• Order today to get it by Sep 26-Oct 3 if you’re in the US. 

#NICUNurse #NurseGift #FallNurseTee #PumpkinSeason #HealthcareHeroes #NurseAppreciation #NICUFashion #UnisexTee #CozyNurseStyle #HalloweenNurse #ThankYouNurse

If you reblog this, share a message to your favorite NICU nurse — tag them, thank them. Let’s make sure they know how seen and how appreciated they are. 💙