There are so many things that nobody tells you about when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. I knew about the joys felt when you can feel that first flutter, and how my heart would be so full when I heard baby's heartbeat for the first time or saw baby's first ultrasound. Nothing anyone could have said would have ever prepared me for what was to come. Sure, I read … [Read more...]
On Being a Parent
I lay in bed watching her drift into slumber. Her tiny hand clutching onto my fingers, she whispered, "Mama, stay with me". I lingered for a bit, not wanting to get out of bed. I was content to lay beside my little girl and just soak in the moment. You know that moment right before your child falls asleep? It's that moment when you want to be the last person they see … [Read more...]
November 17th ~ World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day is November 17th! Every November it hits me. Though the years have flown by and Little One is relatively healthy, this time of the year always brings back a flood of memories. There was a time when life was pretty scary for us. I honestly don't know how we survived those early days to Little One's rough start in life. Though I have tried to … [Read more...]
From Pea to Pumpkin: A Pregnancy Journal
There's nothing quite so magical as growing a baby inside you. I know it may sound like an odd thing to say, but I'm sure many moms (and expectant moms) agree.When I was pregnant with Little One, I was in constant awe of everything. I could not believe that there was a tiny being inside me, growing, being nurtured by me and who would eventually give me the gift of being her … [Read more...]
Thoughtful Thursday – This Time Four Years Ago
While tweeting with my friend, @inkscrblr, I was reminded that this time four years ago, I was put on complete hospital bed rest. Just thinking of what was going on four years ago brought tears to my eyes. To be honest, sometimes those memories are so far behind, locked in the deep recesses of my mind. Just a memory. The fears and emotions were definitely real, but the end … [Read more...]
NaBloPoMo Day 9: Why the Internet World Amazes Me
Three years ago today, I was on bed rest at Mount Sinai Hospital. I remember being sad that I couldn't enjoy my pregnancy like most moms do. I would never become hugely pregnant. I would never experience my last trimester. Instead, I had to spend my days and nights on my back so my baby wouldn't arrive too soon. I was six hours away from my husband, family, and my home. To be … [Read more...]
Time Keeps on Slipping
It's hard to believe that this time three years ago, I was sent to Toronto by air ambulance and was placed on strict hospital bed rest. I didn't realize that I'd be spending the next weeks/months practically living in the NICU with my baby.That was when I really started blogging. After all, there wasn't much I was able to do while confined to the bed and on my back.I blogged … [Read more...]
Fears About Having Baby Number Two
When you're a newly married couple, people always ask, "When are you going to start a family?"When you have your first child, people always seem to ask, "When are you going to have Baby #2?"I can't help but feel a little bit of anxiety when people ask these rather innocent questions. Though I do wish for a younger sibling for Little One, I can't help but be scared.READ MORE … [Read more...]
Happiness is…
As we approached High Park, my heart began to race with excitement and anticipation. In the distance, I could see the big bouncy castles and hear the children's laughter. The park was filled with families and their NICU graduates. I wasn't sure what to expect with this being the first Mount Sinai Hospital NICU Graduates Picnic we were able to attend.I felt overwhelmed with … [Read more...]
Fear
Something I have been suppressing is that I have a terrible fear of getting pregnant again after my 28 weeker's long stay in the NICU. I haven't really spoken about it to anyone other than my best friend and my husband. Now that Little One is a toddler, everyone has been harrassing asking me when #2 will be here. I get the "Little One needs a sibling" or "You're getting too … [Read more...]
NaBloPoMo Day 17: Fight For Preemies
It seems fitting that November is Preemie Awareness Month, since our little preemie was born in November.I have to admit that prior to giving birth to Little One, I never so much as gave any thought to premature births or the causes of prematurity. No one I knew had a preemie before. After all, getting pregnant was supposed to be a piece of cake, right? You meet someone, … [Read more...]
NaBloPoMo Day 11: Little One Turns TWO!
It really is hard to believe that exactly two years ago, Little One cannon-balled her way into the world. At only 28 weeks in the womb, she wanted to get a jump start on life on the outside.It was a shock when the doctors told me she was coming. I must have been in disbelief (or denial), because I honestly thought I was going to hold on until week 40! I was determined to have … [Read more...]
NaBloPoMo Day 2: Fear
Little One is turning 2 next week. Now that my baby is no longer a "baby", the thought of having a sibling for her has crossed my mind. Hubby and I always wanted to have lots of children. Now, I think two would be fine with me.I have to say that the thought of having another baby is a bit daunting. With my high risk pregnancy with Little One and her cannon-balling her way … [Read more...]
How Could I Have Forgotten
...that two years ago (on September 16th, 2008) I was put on complete bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy?I remember it clearly. My wonderful cousin (who was my Maid of Honour at our wedding in 2006) was throwing me a baby shower. It was supposed to be a joyous event. It was something I was looking forward to.On our way to Montreal, where the baby shower was being held, … [Read more...]
My First
...My first ARTICLE for Mom Nation, that is!!!That's right! Me! :)I'm glad to be a member of Mom Nation, a social community and blog network for Canadians. I wrote my first article in a series on high risk pregnancies, bed rest during pregnancy, premature babies, and life in the NICU.Check out the Mom Nation site. It's an ever growing community of fantastic writers and … [Read more...]