An hour deep into an endless bedtime and he was perfecting his somersault. Exhausted and yearning for five minutes of quiet, I gave up and let him play until his never-ending energy ran out a bit more.
He moved his circus act to my computer chair and insisted on a “Baby Movie.”
My sigh was met with a library of videos that buried me in memories.
Seconds into the first clip, I was reminded of the feist and spirit and will of my little boy’s heart.
I curled him into my arms, tucked his blonde head under my chin and basked in gratitude for the precious life sitting on my lap.
Today is World Prematurity Day. Take a moment to visit the March of Dimes and find out what you can do to help.
As a family, we will be dedicated to preventing premature birth for the rest of our lives…
because thank you just isn’t enough.
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Angie @ The Little Mumma says
What a precious little boy. And such an amazing journey.
I need to remember that coming here requires tissues. You write so beautifully, Jessica.
Jessica says
Thanks so much Angie, it has been great connecting with you this year.
Elisa says
I don’t know how else to say this . . . this is so beautiful! You are amazing!
Erin says
Completely blessed! I have two miracles that I Thank God for daily, even though my premie was 7 lbs 13 oz at 32 weeks!
Parker is absolutely precious!
Jessica says
7lbs at 32 weeks? Wow! My youngest was 5 lbs. 2 oz. at 34 weeks.
Tonya says
I have tears in my eyes. This is a beautiful post. I love what the March of Dimes does and have donated many times. This year will be no different.
Hugs to you, my dear sweet friend and your beautiful boy.
Practical Parenting says
Beautiful. So tiny and beautiful. Thinking of you. xoxo
julie gardner says
Perhaps “Thank you” isn’t enough; but your gratitude is so much more than that.
And Parker is so much more than an inspiration.
Forever a miracle, indeed.
XLMIC says
Your writing always touches me so deeply…moves me so powerfully. Love this.
Lanie says
Thank you for reminding me that it was World Prematurity Day. Take care.
Jamie says
I can hardly take that. But I’ve watched it like eight times.
Devan @ Accustomed Chaos says
So beautiful. thank you for sharing with us.
christine says
So amazing. What a little miracle. And thanks for reminding us of such an important day.
tulpen says
Oh. The verklemptedness.
It truly is unbelievable what these little rock stars endured.
Owen asks to see videos and pics of him in the ICU sometimes. It usually ends up with me crying and him comforting me.
Ack. I’m crying.
Jessica says
Isn\’t it amazing? I was a blubbering mess watching the videos in order to edit this one together. I see the clips and wonder how in the world we actually got through this and watched our babies struggle for life every day.
Amanda Austin says
You certainly have a way with words. bless his sweet little heart.
Shell says
What a very long way he has come!
Mommy's Paradise says
How tiny he was then and what a big boy he has become. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Kir says
Oh my heart…Jessica..wow!!!! I know when I see the videos and the ultrasound pictures of my babies my heart somersaults. I am so lucky…we are so lucky and because I know the joy of bringing home your babies after you fought so hard for them…this truly made me tear up with happy tears for our “dreams come true” xoxo
Kimberly says
Oh the tears. What a beautiful baby he was and amazing boy he’s become. He’s a blessing.
Ann says
What a beautiful post and reminder.
Kate F. says
That was awesome…
Nana says
Such a tiny body, so much strength, and I know the people he drew it from. Two amazing parents and an angel from above. This brought back so many memories.
angela says
Thanks for sharing your little guy. It’s so amazing how teeny he is and how full of gorgeous energy he is now 🙂
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation says
Beautiful!! Thank you for the reminder about this important day!
Charlotte says
Goosebumps. Never fails. Every time I come here, I get them. This was beautiful.
*sniff*
Kristin @ What She Said says
I give to MOD every year. I know too many mothers like you not to. God bless you and your feisty little fighters.
Barbara says
He is truly a miracle! love!
Samantha says
I am so sorry, but I couldn’t watch the whole video. Something about seeing a preemie that just brings a rush of emotions all over again. Even the preemies on Grey’s have me in tears!!
Preemies are such special babies. 🙂 Thanks for sharing a little bit of your little one’s story!
Sam
Jessica says
Thank you so much for watching as much as you could. I always have a hard time watching too, it is amazing what they have overcome.
Alyssa @NearNormalcy says
Oh my. My heart melts. My Monster was 5 weeks early and a robust 6 lbs. We were so blessed. He was only in NICU for 48 hours but they were the longest 48 hours of my life. 77 days! I cannot imagine.
Jen says
Love!
That is all, just love.
And you touch my heart.
Jessica says
Thanks so much Jen. So amazing to look back.
Ali says
Look at that amazing big boy! What a blessing!
Jenn says
Oh, the tears. What a beautiful moment. Thanks for sharing.
Not a Perfect Mom says
it always amazes me how much these little ones can overcome…
Mrs. Weber says
Tears. Parker is a little miracle to be celebrated on this day and every day! And I loooove that song… 🙂
Kristen @ Motherese says
I have no words, just tears. So powerful, beautiful, and important. xo
Rach (DonutsMama) says
Sweet little baby. He’s come a long way. A good reminder that our children’s lives are so beautiful and precious.
Krista says
Oh my. ever amazed at the strength of you and other mothers who have been in your shoes. but in the same moment i know that you just “do.” you just find a way, i guess. because as mothers we have no other choice.
He was a beautiful baby and is a gorgeous boy.
Jessica says
Watching these videos I do wonder how we did this each day and watched our babies in such critical condition but as you said, we just \”do\” because they are our children and we wouldn\’t have it any other way.
Liz says
Love the video and the little guy starring in it! You’re so lucky to have those early moments captured. We weren’t allowed to have video cameras in the NICU…
P.S. Lucian said “baby” as we watched it. 🙂
Jessica says
I have no idea why we were allowed to have video cameras because they were so strict about everything else but thank goodness we were. Aww, miss that Lucian.
Alexandra says
Eyes filled with tears.
My 3 were born early, after being on bedrest for months. Even with medication and a cerclage: still born early. The sounds of the NICU…I’ll hear them forever.
Miracles.
I love them so much b/c we were told early on 50/50 for each one.
I love them so much.
Leigh Ann says
Thanks for the early morning cry! Such a beautiful video and such familiar sights. The wires, the dings, the little velcro patches on the side of the head for the bili mask. Sigh. It was like a lifetime ago…and like yesterday.
Galit Breen says
Oh my heart, oh my tears. xo
tracy says
Tears. Love. Joy. Beauty. Oh that little boy. My mother heart.
Jessica says
I honestly could spend my day watching that video over and over. That video amazes me every time I watch. Even as his mom I forget how small he was.
Making It Work Mom says
Beautiful. And such a great reminder about a wonderful charity. I think everyone has been touched by premature birth in some way.