Advocate

Did you know that I’m a diabetic? Most do.

Why?

Because I talk about it.

& in the last few weeks, I have had others reach out to me not once but twice to help them understand and get through a new diagnosis.

Did you know that I struggled with infertility? Most do.

Why?

Because I talk about it.

& since I was diagnosed in 2017, I have been able to help other women with their infertility struggles.

Did you know that my son has a heart condition? Most do.

Why?

Because I talk about it.

& I have grown a CHD family because of it.

Did you know that I’ve had two NICU experiences? Most do.

Why?

Because I talk about it.

& I have helped reduce the fear of new NICU moms or moms who may be expecting a NICU stay.

But why do I talk about it?

Because I don’t want anyone to feel like they are alone. I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t talk to someone.

Yes, MANY may not talk about it. & that’s okay too. But I will, for you.

Medication Free!!

Today marks the first day without having to give our youngest son heart medication!

If you’ve never given a infant/child medication for months/years on end, you will not understand why we are rejoicing!

But I’ll try to explain it to you.

No more waking up a sleeping child to give him his medication.

No more alarms set to remind you.

No more packing a bottle of meds and syringes whenever you’d leave the house.

No more asking if he’s already been given his medication by the other parent or nanny.

No more worry about him getting it too early.

No more fear of what will happen if he does get it early (only happened once!).

No more temperature regulation if it’s too hot or too cold.

No more forcing a baby to take it (he has been a pro the last year!).

No more choking on yucky medication when it goes down the wrong tube.

No more explaining to older siblings why he gets medication and they don’t.

& hopefully, no more 6 month echos!!

So yes, today we celebrate!

Because today, Finley is medication free!

1st Birthday

Today was my sons 1st birthday.

It was an amazing day celebrating him but also a hard day remembering a year ago.

My son was born 4 weeks early via urgent c-section due to decreased fetal movement. He was born with an Apgar score of a 1. We did not get to hold him or see him for more than a second before he was taken away.

Once intubated and an umbilical line placed, he was stable but not without a fight.

The next 7 days were hard. We didn’t get to hold him. We didn’t get to feed him. He laid there, fighting for his life.

& there was no guarantee that he would survive.

But he did and we are forever thankful.

Now a year later, he is still fighting.

He is happy, healthy but he has a bad heart. He takes medication 3 times a day & gives his mama a heart attack at least once a day.

Our lives will never be worry free but every year, every day, it gets a little easier.

Because we hope that one day, it will all just be a memory.

Happy 1st Birthday baby boy. Mom & Dad love you.

NEVER stop fighting 💙