This last week was the week we expected Tessa to be born! She's been home for 3 and a half weeks now, after her 5 and a half at the hospital. It's still hard (she stinks at nursing), but things seem to be ok. She's quite snuggly. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
our little guy was a terrible nurser, too. made it rough on the wife. but they pulled through just fine. Snuggly, if I might add, is the best kind of baby to have.
Holy Cannoli! I just saw this thread. Actually, I can be such obsessive git, I'm almost glad I didn't see it until now since it seems like you're well out of the forest. Congratulations to Chad and metro! My first little girl had to spend a few weeks in NICU, but that was nothing, nothing, nothing like what you've just gone through. And in fact, looking back, it was sort of an odd blessing to have her in there -- because the nurses and the general attention and level of care were definitely a cut above (by necessity). So we got great tips on basics like bathing and swaddling and feeding, etc. All the stuff you see in those movies, but are (not surprisingly) quite different when it's your own child you're about to let slip through your soapy hands. Tessa is beautiful name.
Whoah, I missed that bump! Anyway, today is Tessa's first birthday, which totally blows my mind. She's doing great. She's still a bit of a peanut for her age - in contrast to her sister who was was always at the other end of the chart - but it doesn't matter. It's expected. She is crawling, pulling herself to standing, cruising, and eating finger foods. She's had a couple of colds, thanks to big sis, but other than that she has been pretty healthy since she came home. Learning to nurse was a nightmare, but she figured it out right as my wife was about to give up trying (it was very hard on her). Oh, and she couldn't have been a worse sleeper. Oh god, was she awful. Finally she is being half-decent about it. It's nuts thinking back to how I felt a year ago and how this little goofball has no idea. I have to remember that as difficult as it was for my wife and I, Tessa had it the roughest. And she did great. Thanks to all for the kind thoughts last year. And I wish everyone else who has gone though this the best.
Some good friends of mine had a baby 2-3 months early and he could fit in the palm of your hand. He is now 10 and he is a very well developed kid. He is also a genius, literally. I just thought I would share that success story. I know it is scary but things can turnout okay.
Always good to hear about success stories. When I was visiting my twins in the NICU a guy just started talking to me out of nowhere about his son. Turns out his son was born extremely early (I can't remember how early now) and is now working on becoming a doctor. At the time he was born technology was not nearly as advanced and it was thought he wouldn't make it. But he did and is thriving. That made me feel very good.
