My son Aidan was born perfect in my eyes, God’s masterpiece. He had the softest skin, chubby cheeks, 10 delicious toes. The birth experience was also perfect; he popped out in no time and I had the water birth I had wanted. We snuggled, kissed, and cooed for hours when he arrived…. Today I write my very first guest post. To read more please visit Alise-Write. If you’re new here read about our life without a...
We’ve all been reading a lot about parenting this week, right? I’ve decided to chime in. There seems to be a dichotomy between what’s presented in the media and what flesh and bone, heart and soul women are communicating to each other. In the media, we look like we’re tearing each other down (are you parenting in this particular way because if you’re not than you suck) while I believe women tend to support each...
Aidan came home on Saturday, June 2 after 12 weeks in the hospital. He had a feeding tube and was on a small amount of oxygen. The hospital set us up with visiting nurses and therapists for home so Aidan could make progress. The nurses had encouraged us by saying that kids often heal better at home in a less traumatic environment. We saw that. The doctor stopped by the night before Aidan was discharged...
Update Week 12 by me: We had a great weekend at the hospital last weekend as a family—me and Garreth and his mom and Liam. We were finally able to take Aidan off his monitors, just walk him around a bit and sit in the waiting room which is full of natural light. Liam even asked to snuggle Aidan. He did a great job holding him and kissing him. This, of course, was a great...
Week 10 Update by Becca As of today Aidan is still off Oxygen. Way to go kiddo. He was started on Pedialyte through his G-tube yesterday and yummy formula today. It is still the constant feed and they will work up to the bolus feed in a few days. H+G are going to the hospital tomorrow to begin their training and to discuss discharge planning. Aidan could be home by the weekend. Anne, Garreth’s mum,...
In case there was any doubt, I enjoy writing, not techno-geeking and I have no patience when the computer doesn’t do what I ask. Hey BlogMaster Uncle Bill, wanna get on that? Everyone else, aren’t Aidan’s cutie cheeks worth all that white space? [Done and done. Love–Uncle Blogmaster Bill] Update Week 8 by Me: Hello Friends! Before Aidan was born I was super organized and had my announcements addressed and thank-you cards stamped. I’ve...
Update Week 8 by Becca Good evening everyone. Heather spent the weekend with Liam and Joshy (brother) at home while Garreth had a little father-son time in Boston. Joshy is moving to California in two weeks and Heather wanted to get some time in with him before he leaves. It was a great weekend. As for Aidan, he had a quiet weekend with his daddy. The plan as of last thursday was for one more...
Here is an email I received from YaYa Jen’s mom who held Aidan when I couldn’t. It should serve as a reminder that asking for help is really about giving someone an opportunity to be part of your life and that’s always the right thing to do: I had the best day yesterday with your handsome son Aidan. Thank you so much for allowing me to be able to go and sit and hold him....
We had people bringing us meals, taking care of Liam, holding Aidan in the hospital. We were incredibly blessed. One of my book club friends was in the hospital in Boston visiting her mother and she stopped by to see me. Here is an excerpt from her email to the rest of our friends: I went down to Boston to see Heather. I thought I was all prepared…I found my way down to the NICU...
There was a lot going on behind the scenes that I found out much later. My aunt, who has had plenty of experience in the medical world as a patient and parent, sent my sister this email with some wise advise: Heather and Garreth must be perceived as strong, capable decision makers at all times. Every single time anything is discussed with them about Aidan, they must ask about all possibilities associated with saying yes...
Got a synaptic story you'd love to tell? I'd love to help you share it right here on FamilySynapse.com as a guest writer.
