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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What a precious little boy. And such an amazing journey.
I need to remember that coming here requires tissues. You write so beautifully, Jessica.
Thanks so much Angie, it has been great connecting with you this year.
I don’t know how else to say this . . . this is so beautiful! You are amazing!
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!
7lbs at 32 weeks? Wow! My youngest was 5 lbs. 2 oz. at 34 weeks.
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.
Beautiful. So tiny and beautiful. Thinking of you. xoxo
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.
Your writing always touches me so deeply…moves me so powerfully. Love this.
Thank you for reminding me that it was World Prematurity Day. Take care.
I can hardly take that. But I’ve watched it like eight times.
So beautiful. thank you for sharing with us.
So amazing. What a little miracle. And thanks for reminding us of such an important day.
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.
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.
You certainly have a way with words. bless his sweet little heart.
What a very long way he has come!
How tiny he was then and what a big boy he has become. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
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
Oh the tears. What a beautiful baby he was and amazing boy he’s become. He’s a blessing.
What a beautiful post and reminder.
That was awesome…
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.
Thanks for sharing your little guy. It’s so amazing how teeny he is and how full of gorgeous energy he is now 🙂
Beautiful!! Thank you for the reminder about this important day!
Goosebumps. Never fails. Every time I come here, I get them. This was beautiful.
*sniff*
I give to MOD every year. I know too many mothers like you not to. God bless you and your feisty little fighters.
He is truly a miracle! love!
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
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.
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.
Love!
That is all, just love.
And you touch my heart.
Thanks so much Jen. So amazing to look back.
Look at that amazing big boy! What a blessing!
Oh, the tears. What a beautiful moment. Thanks for sharing.
it always amazes me how much these little ones can overcome…
Tears. Parker is a little miracle to be celebrated on this day and every day! And I loooove that song… 🙂
I have no words, just tears. So powerful, beautiful, and important. xo
Sweet little baby. He’s come a long way. A good reminder that our children’s lives are so beautiful and precious.
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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.
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.
Oh my heart, oh my tears. xo
Tears. Love. Joy. Beauty. Oh that little boy. My mother heart.
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.
Beautiful. And such a great reminder about a wonderful charity. I think everyone has been touched by premature birth in some way.