We rounded the corner after scrubbing in for the obligatory 3 minutes. As we neared the fourth pod, I saw that the neonatologist was sitting on a stool right beside Tucker’s isolette. We were only 4 days new to the NICU experience. But I knew enough to know that if the neonatologist was camped out at our isolette, it probably wasn't good news. We walked up and I peered in at the teeny 1 pounder. The impossibly small human behind the plexiglass was jerking his twig thin leg, in an unnatural ... View the Post
The 8 Year Gap
For those of you expecting Heather’s normal wit and charm, please don’t be disappointed. It’s Father’s Day so it’s my yearly opportunity to post on Team Hucks. Today is the third Father’s Day that I get to celebrate as a Dad. I’ll have to say they get better every year. But for 8 years, this day meant very little. I lost my dad to an ugly battle with cancer in January of 2003. For 8 years I had no father here to celebrate this special day. For 8 years I had no children of my own to ... View the Post
To You
Today is Mother's Day. The day brings all kinds of feelings for all kinds of circumstances. So this. Is for you. To the mothers for whom today was a special day. The ones who, tonight, lay your head on the pillow, full up with love. To the moms who celebrated this day for the first time. To the mothers in waiting who long for a baby. To the moms who are doing parenthood solo, without a partner to recognize you on this day. To the moms who have had to say goodbye. The ones for whom this day ... View the Post
I Packed A Bag
When will I stop packing a bag? I threw it together in 4 minutes. It sat in the backseat. A change of clothes, 2 sets of Tucker's pj's. His favorite books, some toys and of course, his sidekick Snoopy. I had just gotten off the phone with the pediatrician, "Yes", she'd said, "I want to see him.". My message to the triage nurse had gone something like this: "Hi, this is Tucker's mom, he sees Dr So and So. He's a former 24 weeker. He's had a cold for 5 days. It's not getting better. I listen to ... View the Post
The Scrub Room
Week 1. We had started to corral all the foreign routines that were to become our life for the next 5 months. Showing our hospital bracelets to the receptionist. Remembering to bring the syringes of breast milk. Sorting out the faces between nurse, respiratory therapist, neonatologist, nurse practitioner, lactation specialist and social worker. Deciphering the monitor alarms from 'this is not good' to 'this is normal' to 'the nurses are running'. And of course, learning the ritual of scrubbing ... View the Post
A Complaint. About Complainers.
I'd like to issue a small complaint. About complainers. If you've read this blog for very long, you know that I back away from doing public service announcements. I try not to post "Don't Do This" or "Things You Shouldn't Say" lists. Mostly because, ahem. I've done it or said it. Soap boxes are slippery that way. I've been insensitive. I've opened my mouth without thinking. I've uttered the completely wrong sentiment to someone who is going through something of which I have no understanding. ... View the Post