A Preemie's Year in Review

What a year we have experienced!  Below is a quick review of 2013!

January: 

 

Emily was born three months early, weighing one pound, eight ounces. She met Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma Jensen for the very first time.
 

Two days after birth, she was able to experience her very first kangaroo care time with Mommy.  She also experienced her first of many Bililight treatments.
 

Emily received her very first blanket, featuring a galloping horse, from Daddy.  The blanket was very appropriate, particularly given that her heart rate sounded like a horse racing through the forest on all of Mommy's non-stress tests.
 

Emily received her first tiny amount of breast milk through a GI tube and experienced caffeine for the first time.  She also received her first massage via a toothbrush.

Emily transitioned from SiPAP to high flow nasal cannula oxygen.  Due to breathing difficulty, she was put back on the SiPAP.

Emily received her first dose of Epogen to help her to maintain her red blood cells.
 

Emily lost her belly button scab.  She started to wave her hand in the isolette, as if she were saying hi to Mommy and Daddy.
 

Emily sucked on her purple NICU pacifier for the fist time.
 

Emily received her first PICC line --which ultimately eroded in her teeny tiny veins -- and got a replacement.
 

Emily had her first echocardiogram.
 

February: 

 

Grandma Jensen held Emily for the very first time before returning home to California.

Emily's PICC line was removed for the last time.
 

Emily was put in isolation for the first time as a baby in another NICU room had been diagnosed with MRSA.
 

Emily met Grandma and Grandpa Stevens for the very first time.
 

Emily wore micro-preemie clothes for the very first time.  She weighed two pounds, one ounce.
 

Emily was put in isolation again.  This time for MRSA colonization.  She was moved for the first time to a new NICU room.
 

Emily had her very first sip of milk from a bottle (3 ccs total).

March: 

 

Emily doubled her birth weight and was moved into an open crib for the first time.  She gradually transitioned from gavage feedings to bottle feedings. 
 

Emily was moved to another NICU room.

Emily tried to escape from her isolette.

Emily received her first bath in the NICU from Mommy and Daddy (with nurse supervision).
 

After 67 days, Emily was discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), weighing three pounds, ten ounces.  Emily experienced her first car ride in her very own car seat (which was stuffed with hospital towels for proper snugness).  She saw her house for the first time and spent her first night in her own home with Mommy and Daddy.  She also met her brother, Bentley, for the first time.  Her nursery furniture (crib, dresser, nightstand, and recliner) were delivered. 
 

Emily went to the pediatrician's office for the first time.

Emily's real due date came; Emily was 12 weeks actual age.

Emily experienced her first Easter and saw a bunny in the backyard.

April: 

 

Emily went to Frying Pan Farm Park for the first time.  The Park features horses, cows, sheep, pigs, goats, and other farm animals.

May: 

 

Emily received multiple vaccines (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, Haemophilus influenza B, and the Rotavirus live monovalent).

June: 

Emily honored Craig for Father's Day.  We took Craig to the Model T Car Show at Sully Plantation.  Emily saw hundreds of antique cars.  The oldest one she saw was made in 1909 -- and was somewhat like a carriage.

July: 

Emily took her first dip in a small inflatable pool that we put in the backyard.

August: 

Emily's weight hit the double digits and she attempted tripod sitting for the first time.  She also had her first bit of baby food -- bananas!

September: 

Emily went on her first vacation to the Outer Banks.  Her luggage, including Pack 'N Play and stroller, took up the entire trunk and then some, leaving Mommy, Daddy, and Bentley with little room. 

Emily wore a bikini for the first time and experienced her first dip in the ocean, as well as the big-girl pool. 
 

She also got her first teeth simultaneously -- the two teeth in the bottom center of her mouth.

October: 

Emily was baptized in a private service at home.  Both sets of Grandparents came to visit.

November:  

Emily started her Synagis shots in preparation for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season. 

She also started to sit without assistance and learned how to clap using both hands.

December: 

Emily experienced a lot of firsts in December.  At the beginning of the month, she started to say, "Momma."  Now, when she is upset, she bursts out "Momma" in a repetitive fashion while crying.  It's simply adorable. 

She also had her first hearing test out of the NICU.  Luckily, her hearing test went well and no deficiencies were detected.

Emily also started to crawl, inch worm style. 
 

In addition, Emily experienced her first Christmas, first visit with Santa Claus, and first presents.  She also developed a love for boxes, tissue paper, and gift wrap. 

She also held two toys (one in each hand).

I'm looking forward to many more firsts in 2014! 
 

Preemie Blessings wishes you a very Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and milestones met!