...one year ago today

...i went to the hospital because something just didn't feel right. I was just shy of 33 weeks pregnant and 3-4 centimeters dilated.

There was a hushed conversation with a NICU doctor about potential complications. Tears. My vision went in, out, back in and back out from the magnesium. There were ultrasounds. Lots and lots of ultrasounds. Shots and steroids and IVs. A cup of ice chips looked as good as Thanksgiving dinner I was so hungry after 36 hours of not eating. My OB came in the wee hours of the morning to check on me. The pediatrician called from vacation to check on the baby. Flowers and gift packages from friends. Late night hospital room service of two packages of Rice Krispies and milk.  I watched through the windows of my room as Charlie walked out to the car, my heart aching about how his little life was about to change.

Clara Louise would stay put for another six weeks. And today, this year, she is walking, talking, smiling, teething, and a new curly ringlet pops up every day. Today she ate tomato for the first time. Today her brother shared his cupcake with her and washed her eyes in the bath. Today we are preparing for a first birthday.

Comments

[heidi]

xoxo

[gabby]

gahhhhhhhhhhhh. she is TOO CUTE.
love love love.
xoxo.

[Mercer]

Charlotte and Clara are so hip. CA just had some tomato too and loved it.

[laurielariviere]

how exciting ,she is sooo cute!! happy birthday Clara (almost) !!

[melanie]

my how time flies! :)

[Keshet]

This is so sweet:) She's a beautiful baby, I can't believe how big she is!

[Kate Teague]

How similar our stories are except mine did not stay put and we did have 6 weeks of NICU. She was born just shy of 33 weeks after 10 days in the hospital. 10 long days. But now she is a gorgeous thriving 11 pounder who smiles all the time now. Clara is precious and I am gla dypu got to keep her in for 6 more weeks. The NICU stay is a long hard time.

[Becky Trump]

And what a sweet and most lovely little girl she is today :) Gosh, a year goes fast!.