The journey of becoming a mother is filled with love, hope, and anticipation. However, for some mothers, it is also filled with uncertainty, fear, and challenges. Today, I share the story of my son, a true fighter from the moment he entered this world, and the strength he has shown through every hurdle. As I reflect on the past few days, my heart swells with pride, gratitude, and awe for the little boy who has already defied so much and continues to grow stronger every day.
My sweet boy, just a few days old, has already made remarkable strides. He was able to be taken off the bubbler, which was a huge milestone in his recovery. He even managed to pass two pee diapers and was working on a poop, signs that his little body was beginning to function as it should. But the most encouraging moment came when he was able to take 10ml of breast milk. For a preemie like him, these seemingly small accomplishments are enormous. With each passing day, we remain focused on two main things: keeping his oxygen levels up and ensuring that he gets the nutrition he needs to thrive. Once those milestones are met, our only focus will be getting his weight up, and I have no doubt that he will continue to show us his strength.
As I watch him, I am overwhelmed with pride. He has so much fight in him, more than I ever thought possible. In fact, he was so determined that he managed to push most of my bag of water out before contractions even started back up. From the very start, his resilience has been clear, and it gives me hope for the future.
I am also incredibly grateful for the care and support we’ve received from the staff at Nortons. Over the past 19 days, the nurses have been a vital part of our journey, and I can honestly say that they have been more than just caregivers—they have been friends, mentors, and sources of unwavering support. Each nurse took the time to build a relationship with me, and I felt that care deeply.
One nurse, Paige, stood out for me. She went above and beyond, not just in her medical expertise but in her emotional support as well. During my delivery, when I was overwhelmed with emotion, Paige was there to calm me down and reassure me. Her kindness and understanding were exactly what I needed in that moment. After delivery, she made sure my whole team was on the same page before leaving, which gave me peace of mind as I navigated the challenges of the next few days. I can never thank her enough for her genuine support.
Another nurse, Brittany, may have been quiet at first, but she quickly became someone I could rely on. I’m not the quietest person, so naturally, I got Brittany to open up, and she quickly became a true partner in my care. Her readiness to be there for me, whether it was with a comforting hand or stepping in to deliver my baby if needed, was something I will never forget. She was always on top of everything and truly stood by my side when I needed her most.
Then there was my doctor, who truly went above and beyond. From the moment I stepped into his care, I felt heard and understood. He gave me full control of the decisions surrounding my labor, and that made all the difference. Even though he doesn’t deliver often anymore, he stayed over his shift to deliver my baby and took full responsibility for his well-being. His faith in both my son and me was palpable, and it meant the world to me. He even sat outside my door, ready to jump in whenever necessary. His calm presence and dedication helped make my delivery one of the best experiences possible, despite all the uncertainty surrounding it.
As I reflect on all that has happened, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for my son’s strength, gratitude for the medical team that supported us, and gratitude for the love that surrounds us. These past few days have been filled with emotions—fear, joy, exhaustion—but through it all, one thing has remained constant: my love for my little fighter.
Every day, he gets stronger, and every day, I get more confident that we are on the right path. The road ahead will not be easy, but I know that with the strength he has already shown, he will continue to fight and thrive. I am blessed to be his mother, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us, offered prayers, and sent positive energy. Your love means more than you will ever know, and I believe it is part of what is helping my son grow stronger each day. As we continue on this journey, I know that together, we will overcome whatever comes our way.
This experience has shown me the true meaning of strength, love, and community. I am so proud of my son and so grateful for everyone who has walked alongside us. The journey is far from over, but with faith and love, I know that we can face whatever challenges lie ahead. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us.