As a mom of a preemie baby, it is so hard to come to the hospital, deliver a baby, even receive balloons congratulating you, and then walk out of the hospital with the balloons and gifts but no baby. It is even harder to drive off knowing that you have never held your baby and even been able to kiss her. Many of you have been preemie moms so know exactly the feelings or some of you have had family members or friends go through it. As a mom, it’s not a path you would choose but the day that you get to hold your baby for the first time becomes precious and monumental.

Today was our day!  At 8 days old, we held Abigail for the very first time.  It was the most special time of our lives.  Since there were no guarantees that she would be able to handle us holding her, I let Dylan hold her first because I knew how much he had been looking forward to that moment.

What a precious, tender moment it was.  She looks so incredibly tiny in Daddy’s arms and she still has so much further to go but there is no describing the joy that Dylan and I had when she responded well to our touch.

When I think of four pounds now, I will never think of it the same.  I will also think of a small fragile baby whose face is no bigger than the palm of my hand and whose little lips are not much bigger than my pinky.  I will think of the precious eyes that struggled to open to see what was going on and of the precious cry that so quietly squeaked out when the nurse placed her back in her isolate.

As a mom, I may never look at holding my baby again in the same way.  I pray I never take those night time feedings for granted.  As a mom, even when she becomes a toddler or whines, I pray that I remember this moment and cherish the miracle she truly is.Tweet