What a difference a year makes

Funny thing happened the other day.  We were talking about putting up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and I thought it would be nice to get an ornament that said "baby's first Christmas."  Took me a minute to remember that this will be Zachary's second Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We sort of missed the holidays last year since we were several months into his ultimate eight month stay in the hospital. 

And what a difference a year makes. 

This time last year he was critically sick with a blood infection that was threatening his life.  His body had stopped ridding itself of fluid and his organs were starting to shut down.  Although the doctors had maxed out on the medicine and respiratory support they could provide, his condition kept worsening.  We were told it was almost time to turn off life support.

Then the most miraculous thing happened:  He pooped and peed.  Not normally cause for celebration.  But his bowel movement and urination was a sign that his body was still functioning and giving him a fighting chance.  The doctors still weren't too optimistic about his chances, but something told me that he had somehow turned the corner so to speak and was going to pull through. 

We had some very rough patches over the next few months, including episodes in which he stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated and several serious intestinal infections.   But, perhaps illogically, from Thanksgiving on I was confident that my little guy was going to make it.

So on this Thanksgiving we are thankful that Zachary is happy and getting healthier every day. Although we were told numerous times that he wouldn’t survive or could have severe physical and developmental problems, he has proven everyone wrong and is home and thriving after 249 days in the hospital. 

We’re also thankful for the talented and compassionate doctors and nurses who cared for him and for his toughness and determination in the face of such long odds. We’re also thankful for all the support we’ve received from family, friends, and strangers who have helped us navigate this strange and difficult journey called prematurity.

And we pray for all the preemie miracles out there and give thanks for their perseverance and courage in continuing to overcome their early births.