Today is World Prematurity Day! Today was made to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally. It is also a day to thank those #NICUHeroes
When I found out I was pregnant with twins... I knew that the risks of having premature babies was really high. I knew that if they came early that they would most likely have to spend some time in the NICU. Even after hearing all of that.. No one could actually prepare you for that experience.
I will never forget our days with our little preemies! Those days were the scariest times of my life! I was always so worried for them and their fight to survive.
I hated that they had only been on this planet for a couple of weeks and they were fighting so hard to get stronger and healthier to come home with us.
I will tell you one thing... It was a total mind game after being pregnant for 7 months (they came at 33 weeks) and then going through labor and delivery only to leave without those babies.
Being a NICU parent is scary, emotional, and overwhelming! You basically put your newborn's life in someone else's hands... BUT we knew they were in the BEST Hands!
The Nurses AKA HEROES would always keep us updated when we weren't in the NICU and they always kept checking on us and our well being. One thing that I LOVED about our experience in the NICU is that they always had activities for us to do to keep our minds busy. They had art classes, bracelet making classes, a beautiful break room... they literally thought of everything!
I am happy to announce that U.S. News & World Report has recognized AdventHealth for Children as a Best Children’s Hospital for newborn care, and the best in Florida for neonatology. THEY TOTALLY DESERVE this recognition!
Siena and Leonardo, spent two weeks in the NICU before going home, and we're so honored to have AdventHealth a part of our family's journey to feeling whole.
If you are a preemie parent... just know that things will get better! You will look at your kids as they get older and barely remember those days you all struggled. You and your kids will have a beautiful story to tell!
Check out our NICU video HERE --->
It is SO crazy to see how big they are now and how quickly things can change! Check out these pictures from their first days in the NICU to Now! <3
1 of 4 This is when they first met in the NICU!
2 of 4 Doing skin to skin with Siena in the NicuPhoto: Love is me photography
3 of 4 Doing skin to skin with Leonardo Photo: Love is me photography
4 of 4 LOOK at how big and goofy they are now!