Then and Now

I belong to an online group that consists of mothers who had babies born in March 2012. I recently posted the following photo to the group. I wanted to show how much Isaac had grown in 14 weeks.

Many people commented on the photo. Lot's of "wow! he's grown" or "great job mama." There was one comment though which I know was not meant to be hurtful and on a bad day it would have really stung. The commenter was trying to compliment how well Isaac was doing and how much he had grown. 

What did she say? "oh my goodness! He hardly even looks real in that first photo. What a difference a couple of months make." Lucky for me I was in a good mood and it didn't bother me. 

Of course I commented. And I tried to keep it nice. I said, "I know you mean well and your comment was not meant to be hurtful. I  know it is a compliment for how well he has done.. is doing but a comment like that would hurt most preemie mom's feelings. I just wanted to give you a heads up in case you ever have a family member or friend that has a preemie. Never under any circumstances say their baby looks or ever look "not real" " 

She never responded but I hope she saw the message. Take note. If you ever know anyone who has a preemie, especially a micro-premie (those are babies born much earlier and spend months in the NICU), never ever EVER tell them their baby doesn't look real or human. You'd think that'd be rocket science but it happens. Some moms even those that aren't preemie mommies get hurt but the "she/he's so tiny!" So try and stir clear of that one too. 

Back to the photo... The photo on the right is the day Isaac was discharged. He weighed 4 pounds. I remember when we put him in the carseat the nurse said something like, "Don't worry. Before you know it he'll be filling out that carseat." At that moment I never believed it could happen. The NICU does crazy things to your mind. But... here we are 14 weeks later and look. He fits nicely in that carseat. At 17 weeks Isaac weighed 11 pounds 6 ounces. I am so proud of my little guy!! He has his four month check up next week. I am not looking forward to the shots but I can't wait to see how tall he is. The public health nurse that comes every other week only checks his weight. 

I am happy to have the day of today. Having an extra day with Isaac is always a good thing.