grati-tuesday

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
Thornton Wilder

Well, today I have thought of three things that I am feeling very grateful for and I could not narrow it down... so...just... DEAL WITH IT. kthanks.

First of all, I am so very grateful for all the wonderful advice and support I have gotten from ladies through this blog and on various message boards and such. I have never been an active participant in any message boards, chat rooms, or support groups. I have never made connections with people over the internet (due to a very scary incident when I was 14. i.e. a STALKER who showed up AT MY HOUSE after I gave him my phone number and was not the 16 year old boy he claimed to be on the christian message board my parents let me subscribe to... but a 20-something year old psycho who decided he was in love with me. Oh, stupidity). However, when this particular life event rolled around.. it became clear pretty quickly that I would need some outside input from others who had been through a similar situation and it has really been a lifesaver. I found support through babyfit during my pregnancy and have found a wonderful group of preemie parents who are all so willing to answer any question, no matter how silly, through babycenter. It has been truly overwhelming and I find it rather amazing how people all over the country (and even the world) can come together and support each other. It is a very real blessing.

The responses to my pumping question were all so fantastic and I have taken and applied as much of the advice I received as I possibly could. I am already noticing a slight increase in my supply. I was barely getting the bottles wet and today I have gotten about an ounce at every pumping so far. The lactation consultant called me this morning. (The NICU nurses let her know that I was having some trouble) and suggested Reglan so I called my OB/GYN and will be picking up the prescription this afternoon. I think the risk of being stuck bottle-feeding my own child outweighs, in my mind, any side effects of the medicine. I know that there is really nothing wrong with relying on formula.. but it is really very important to me to be able to breastfeed Liam if at all possible.

So.. that is what is happening with that.. and again THANK YOU to all the wonderful ladies who took the time to give me so much wonderful advice. It is really making a difference.

Next.... I am exceedingly grateful for the NEGATIVE pregnancy test I received this morning.... (yeah, I know you are all DYING to know the story behind that one.. but 'nough said.)

Fiinally... and most importantly... I am feeling very grateful that Liam is the only baby in our NICU right now. I know that sounds a little bit strange.. and, of course, I would much rather this all be behind us, but his last two little buddies were discharged this morning and I am just thinking about how wonderful those families must be feeling to have their babies home for the holiday season. When Liam was born there were 14 other babies in the NICU... and as the weeks have gone by every single one of them has gone home.. and not a single new baby has been admitted. To me this is a wonderful thing.

And.. what are you feeling grateful for today?