National Prematurity Awareness day

I know I've been a little absent, and I'll catch up on things in a bit, and there's a lot to catch up. But I wanted to bring awareness to today.

Little M is a former 25-28 week preemie. This isn't breaking news to most of my readers. His birth mom claims she didn't know she was pregnant and went to the emergency room with stomach pain (contractions!). The hospital was able to stall Little M's birth for 3 days. When they could stall no more, Little M was born weighing in at 1 pound 12 ounces and 12 inches long. He would have an epic battle ahead of him. A battle he not only fought but won.

From the moment he was born, he faced challenges no person should ever have to face. And with sheer determination (and a whole lot of long distance love and encouragement!) he beat those challenges. He has been poked, prodded, man-handled, and examined more than he or I care to remember. His tiny little veins are shot making blood draws for his continuing conditions a nightmare. He has seen dozens of specialists from eye docs to neurologists, occupational therapists to allergists.

But through it all he has a smile. A smile that will light up a room and melt the heart of everyone in it. His determination and strong will propel him forward. He's not going to slow down just because everyone thinks he should.

Today, November 17th, is National Prematurity Awareness Day. Every year, half a million babies in the United States are born too soon, too small and very sick - that's 1 in every 8 babies. Since 1981, the rate of premature birth has risen 36%, and in half the cases it is not understood what went wrong. The March of Dimes is leading the fight for answers, and ultimately, prevention. Please visit the March of Dimes' Prematurity Campaign to see how you can help. We fight, so babies don't have to.

Little M the day he was born: 5/19/10

Little M as of 11/16/11 (3 days shy of 18 months!): 17 lbs 6 ozs. 27 in. :)