You Have Come A Long Way Baby

Then you were only 1 lbs 12 ozs.

Now you are 31 lbs.

Then your heart had a leaky valve.

Now, a tiny clip has done its job and your heart is perfect – and you are learning the art of shaving.

Then you needed a machine to help you breathe.

Now, your lungs can carry you through a rousing rendition of “Mercedes Benz”.

Then you needed an isolette to keep your body temp normal.

Now, you can burn a 104 fever for a day and survive (and mom can get through it without panicking).

Then you were only 12 inches long.

Now, you spill out of my lap in every direction.

Then your eyes were fused shut.

Now, you see everything- whether we want you too or not.

Then your skin was so fragile, we were limited in how much we could touch you.

Now, you can tumble on a playground black top and stand up yelling “I’m ok”.

Then your body was covered in freakishly long and thick blond hair- but your head was bald.

Now, you have a head of beautiful blond curls.

Then you were surrounded by the amazing and talented staff of the NICU.=

Now, your daily adoring public is smaller but adores you more than they thought possible.

Then you had tubes and wires coming out of you.

Now, you are free of all synthetic medications and support.

Then your food intake was measure in milliliters – causing frozen breast milk to spill out of my freezer.

Now, you hoover food down like I may not remember to feed later.

Then you were so small, not even the smallest of preemie clothes would fit you.

Now, you are busting out of your size 2T clothing.

Then, the preemie diaper was so big, we had to fold it in half to fit you.

Now, you are in the largest size of non pull-up diapers available.

Then I had to leave you every night alone in a hospital.

Now, I get to read to you, sing to you (while you laugh) and tuck you in every night… And sometimes sneak in just to look at you sleep.

Then – I had no idea how you would change me. Now, I would not go back for anything in the world.

I love you my boy. Happy Third Birthday.