It's been a week since we have gotten home. It's been so crazy that I feel like I've been here for a month. Overwhelmed is not even close to how I feel. Sasa and I flew by medical transfer and got in at 6pm. It was a long day for us. Her oxygen tanks and apnea monitors weren't ready yet, so the EMT's had to stick around. When her equipment finally arrived I had to learn how to use it all. I was running on fumes by the time I finally went to bed. Thank God my friend spent the night with me. The next day we had Dr. appointments for both girls. I was so agitated, nothing was going my way, and nobody was listening to me. Everybody wanted to help, but I wasn't given the option of who can come and at what time. They wanted to be there for me, which is great, but I just wanted to be with my kids, my husband and Sasa's nurse. There were too many people, but nobody seemed to understand that. Moving on.
My house was a wreck for days!!!! My cat STILL had fleas. We tried to give him away to someone, but it didn't work out. My husband and I were getting bitten by them and we couldn't do anything about it. Finally I saw a flea crawling on Sasa's head Saturday morning and that was it. The only place that would take Britto, my cat, was the kill-shelter. I was heartbroken and felt so guilty for leaving him there. I was in tears on and off all day. I adopted him from a kill-shelter, only to put him back in one. He had a good chance of passing the initial tests and being put up for adoption, but he's not adopted in a certain amount of time he would be put down. They have killed over 11,000 cats this year already. I hesitated for so long to sign him away. I had him for 2 years since he was 2 months old and now I was sentencing him to his death. I always speak about him in the past-tense because I'm so sure that he was put down. He was such a loving and wonderful cat. the fleas were unbearable and the hair and dander is bad for my daughters lungs. I couldn't say goodbye to him without crying. I looked him in the eyes said "I love you", he meowed, and I left as quickly as I could. My father-in-law was with me and told me that just for a second he thought we were walking out of there with Britto. He also said that I made the right choice for my daughters, but why do I feel so bad? Why do I feel so guilty for leaving him there. I could've done better for him. So, later that day, we bombed the house to get rid of the fleas and spent the night cleaning and organizing.
Sunday we went to church after 5 long months of being away and what a great time we had. There were so many new faces!!! And some old ones, too. We took Mimi with us and carried her in my awesome BabyK'tan. She did so well! I put earplugs in her ears for the music and she slept the whole service through. It was so good to be back where we were familiar with.
Monday was another Dr. appointment for the synergis shot, which is VERY important for preemies to have. It protects them from getting RSV, which could be fatal to them. So glad we got that over with.
With all that has been done already, we still have things to do. It's never ending it seems like. I still feel horrible about what I did to Britto. Part of me wants to re-adopt him again. I still can't believe I did that to him. Sasa is not on a nebulizer yet and is increasing on her nasal canula flow. Mimi is doing great, but she's a crybaby and keeps me busy. My house is slowly getting back to normal, but there is always something everyday. My air conditioner doesn't work and I live in FL, big problem. Finally, my hair is falling out and has gotten super thin. I can't go to the Dr. because Medicaid decided to close my case. Sometimes we just laugh at what is going on and we just keep on moving forward!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
I Won the Stylish Blogger Award!!!!
7 Things about me:
1. I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
2. I am a mother to micropreemie twin girls and seriously considering closing up shop
3. I love French Onion flavored Sun Chips
4. I gave birth on vacation in NY instead of in FL where I live
5. I change or tweak traditions to fit my family, not change my family to fit traditions
6. Reeses Peanut Butter Cups ALL THE WAY!!!
7. I've recently become a babywearing mami!
The blogs I have awarded are:
Rachael's Reviews and Giveaways (NICU RN)
You Do What? My Life As A Neonatologist (NICU Dr.)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Seriously, back away from my child!!
I have learned recently that people just do not understand what it's like to have a baby (in my case 2) in the hospital for almost 4 months. I've have Mimi home for a little over a month and I've taken her out to the park and supermarket. We always go before school and work rush-hour, but that doesn't mean we're the only ones in the store. I can't believe how many people are eager to come so near and sometimes touch her! I don't understand it. They see how tiny she is and can pass for a 2 week old newborn, so why would you get so close? I always explain that she's small for her age because she was born 3 months early. You would think that people would back off, but no they move in with even more interest. I don't mind answering questions because many people don't know anyone who had a preemie so early and it promotes awareness. But logically speaking, if you know the child was born 3 months early and was hospitalized, wouldn't you also know that the baby is fragile and you should keep your distance? Some may argue, "Well if the baby is that fragile, then maybe you should stay home". I'm sorry, but just because I have a baby doesn't everyone a free pass to breathe on her. I know babies are cute and bring smiles to everyone's faces, but your a complete stranger with germs and she's an infant who hasn't gotten all her shots yet. Think before you leap, right?
To help with keeping people at a distance I bought a car seat cover that has a mesh net and a solid cover to block the sun, wind, and germy strangers. Today, I went to the post office to mail a package. I took the solid cover off while we were inside and left the mesh cover over her. While I was writing the addresses down I heard "She's so cute!" from behind me. I couldn't believe this lady almost had her nose pressed up against the net to see Mimi. Really, are you kidding me? In explaining that Mimi was a preemie I said "...that's why I have the cover to keep people away from her." She sure did back up then! Next, we went over to the supermarket. This time I left the solid cover over her. Sure enough at check out a lady came up to us and tried to look at Mimi though the little bit of mesh that was left uncovered to allow air into the car seat. You could tell that she wanted me to lift the solid cover so that she could get a better look, but I did no such thing. I said my usual explanation and rolled away before she could get any other ideas. Unbelievable.
I bought the car seat cover to keep Mimi safer at the airport because it's such a crowded place. Now I'm worried that it won't be enough. Do I need to put a sign on the seat too?!?! This is one reason why I'm so happy that the March of Dimes is promoting Prematurity Awareness Month. Making others aware of the challenges babies, preemie and full-term alike, face outside of the womb is very important. We all have to do our part to keep our little ones healthy. So, when you see a car seat, with out without a cover, keep your distance knowing that taking a peek from 5 feet away is helping to keep that baby healthy because you don't know if that baby is a 28 week old preemie who fought to breathe and stay alive like my bundles of joy.
To help with keeping people at a distance I bought a car seat cover that has a mesh net and a solid cover to block the sun, wind, and germy strangers. Today, I went to the post office to mail a package. I took the solid cover off while we were inside and left the mesh cover over her. While I was writing the addresses down I heard "She's so cute!" from behind me. I couldn't believe this lady almost had her nose pressed up against the net to see Mimi. Really, are you kidding me? In explaining that Mimi was a preemie I said "...that's why I have the cover to keep people away from her." She sure did back up then! Next, we went over to the supermarket. This time I left the solid cover over her. Sure enough at check out a lady came up to us and tried to look at Mimi though the little bit of mesh that was left uncovered to allow air into the car seat. You could tell that she wanted me to lift the solid cover so that she could get a better look, but I did no such thing. I said my usual explanation and rolled away before she could get any other ideas. Unbelievable.
I bought the car seat cover to keep Mimi safer at the airport because it's such a crowded place. Now I'm worried that it won't be enough. Do I need to put a sign on the seat too?!?! This is one reason why I'm so happy that the March of Dimes is promoting Prematurity Awareness Month. Making others aware of the challenges babies, preemie and full-term alike, face outside of the womb is very important. We all have to do our part to keep our little ones healthy. So, when you see a car seat, with out without a cover, keep your distance knowing that taking a peek from 5 feet away is helping to keep that baby healthy because you don't know if that baby is a 28 week old preemie who fought to breathe and stay alive like my bundles of joy.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Sunday Social Network Exchange 11/7
Welcome to the Sunday Social Network Exchange, the place to connect with other bloggers and expand your Twitter, Facebook, Networked Blogs and Blog Frog Network. The Sunday Social Network Exchange has replaced the The Twitter Exchange here at Frugality Is Free.
In an effort to make the best use of time and blog space, Frugality Is Free will now host linkies for all of the above mentioned social networks every Sunday. If you have any suggestions as to whether or not more networks should be included, just leave me a message below.
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The Featured Blogger @ The Sunday Social Network Exchange is
Preemie Mami is written by Preemie Mama, a wife and mother to her twin girls Mimi and Sasa. Preemie Mami is from Palm Beach, but she gave birth to her premies at 28 weeks in New York in July, and she has still not been able to bring them back home to Florida. To read more about Preemie Mama's and her preemies' struggle and journey in life stop by Premie Maia and you will instantly feel a connection to Preemie Mami and her baby girls.
I hope that everyone here will help pray that Preemie Mami and her husband will be able to bring their baby girls home safe. I am sure that they can use all of the positive strength and thoughts you can send their way too. Preemie Mami just received some great news, because her babies will be going home with her very very soon!
Have a fantastic trip back home to Florida Preemie Mama and family! Make sure to bring some of the winter clothes though, because it's chilly down here now.
Congratulations to Preemie Mami, you will get the 2nd place in the linkys and
you have won a free ad space for a week at Frugality Is Free.
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1) Link up your twitter, facebook and/or Networked Blogs account
2) Follow Frugality Is Free on the Social Network(s) where you link up.
3) Follow the Featured Blog - Will this be you?
4) Follow as many Bloggers as you wish on the social networks that you link up at.
5) Please follow back
For a chance to be next weeks featured blogger
(Make sure to let me know in the comment field, if you do any of the below.)
Tomorrow you can expand your google friend connect network at the Follow Us Monday Morning blog hop right here at Frugality Is Free. The linky opens at 10 p.m. EST.
If you are looking for more places to link up, you have come to the right place. In my top navigation bar you will find a wealth of places to link up. Check out the Blog Hop Linky Collection, the Art, Craft, Tablescape and Food Linky Collection and the Savings Linky Collection for places to link up and expand your blogging network.
In an effort to make the best use of time and blog space, Frugality Is Free will now host linkies for all of the above mentioned social networks every Sunday. If you have any suggestions as to whether or not more networks should be included, just leave me a message below.
*********************************************************************
The Featured Blogger @ The Sunday Social Network Exchange is
Preemie Mami is written by Preemie Mama, a wife and mother to her twin girls Mimi and Sasa. Preemie Mami is from Palm Beach, but she gave birth to her premies at 28 weeks in New York in July, and she has still not been able to bring them back home to Florida. To read more about Preemie Mama's and her preemies' struggle and journey in life stop by Premie Maia and you will instantly feel a connection to Preemie Mami and her baby girls.
I hope that everyone here will help pray that Preemie Mami and her husband will be able to bring their baby girls home safe. I am sure that they can use all of the positive strength and thoughts you can send their way too. Preemie Mami just received some great news, because her babies will be going home with her very very soon!
Have a fantastic trip back home to Florida Preemie Mama and family! Make sure to bring some of the winter clothes though, because it's chilly down here now.
Congratulations to Preemie Mami, you will get the 2nd place in the linkys and
you have won a free ad space for a week at Frugality Is Free.
*********************************************************************
Join me at the Sunday Social Network Exchange
1) Link up your twitter, facebook and/or Networked Blogs account
2) Follow Frugality Is Free on the Social Network(s) where you link up.
3) Follow the Featured Blog - Will this be you?
4) Follow as many Bloggers as you wish on the social networks that you link up at.
5) Please follow back
For a chance to be next weeks featured blogger
(Make sure to let me know in the comment field, if you do any of the below.)
1) Make a blog post about The Sunday Social Network Exchange
2) Add the Sunday Social Network Exchange button to a blog post
3) Add the button to your main page sidebar
4) Tweet about the Sunday Social Network Exchange (Leave tweet link in comment)
Example Tweet: Come Join Me at the Sunday Social Network Exchange, the place to link up and expand all of your social networks. http://tiny.cc/ng12z
Tomorrow you can expand your google friend connect network at the Follow Us Monday Morning blog hop right here at Frugality Is Free. The linky opens at 10 p.m. EST.
If you are looking for more places to link up, you have come to the right place. In my top navigation bar you will find a wealth of places to link up. Check out the Blog Hop Linky Collection, the Art, Craft, Tablescape and Food Linky Collection and the Savings Linky Collection for places to link up and expand your blogging network.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Prematurity Awareness Month-Spread the Word
I knew I was pregnant with twins and I knew they were most likely going to be born early, probably around 36 or 37 weeks. Never in a million years did I think they would come at 28 weeks, a full three months ahead of schedule. My girls fought long and hard to grow and develop while my husband and I helplessly waited for them to grow and develop. Babies are born early for a number of reasons, baby is in distress, water broke early, contractions started and were unable to be stopped, etc. My girls came early because of preeclampsia. The cause of preeclampsia is unknown, which is why more research has to be done. The only cure for this is to give birth. I was hospitalized for a week and given steroids for the girls lungs and delivered on 7/16/2010. I was on vacation in NY when I was starting to have problems with chest pain and contractions. The journey was long, but we are finally going home next week. Knowing what I have been though and after seeing so many other babies in the NICU, I will make it my business to become more involved in raising awareness on prematurity. Please visit the March of Dimes website to gain more information on prematurity, other baby-related topics and to find ways you can spread the word. While you're there, grab a badge for your blog and stand for the fight.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wow It Just Never Ends!!!!
For those of you who know my story, you already know that I have had enough drama and trauma to last a lifetime. While waiting for my daughter to come out of the NICU we got a phone call from my friend back home who is house sitting. She started out with "I have bad news", not a good way to start a convo. My first thought was someone broke into the house. Thank God that wasn't it. I can't really handle anything else happening. I haven't mentioned my first child Britto, a 2 year old black and white cat that I've had since he was 2 months old. He has been shipped back and forth between houses and taken care of by different people, poor cat. On one of his trips he picked up fleas. He was bathed in flea shampoo when he was returned to my house, but apparently that didn't work. Now there are fleas in the house!!! Unbelievable, I know. Since my daughter will be coming home soon family and friends back home are rushing to get rid of the fleas.
I mean, really, can anything just go right so that I don't have to worry about it? I feel so bad about putting the burden on people back home. They have already done so much for us and I don't want them to be responsible for this as well. Getting rid of fleas is not easy! Thank God for the friends and family I have, I would go completely nuts about not being able to fix all these issues.
One thing that I have learned while being here is letting others help me. I hate asking for help and if I think I can do it myself then I will, if I can't then I will figure out a way to get it done. I've not only let other people help me, I've let them make decisions for me including what to do with my cat and what color to paint the girls nursery (that was a big one for me). But all is well and I'm still alive. It's ok to ask for help and to allow others to help you. Shout out to my friends and family who have made this incredible ride as smooth as possible. I love you guys!!!
I mean, really, can anything just go right so that I don't have to worry about it? I feel so bad about putting the burden on people back home. They have already done so much for us and I don't want them to be responsible for this as well. Getting rid of fleas is not easy! Thank God for the friends and family I have, I would go completely nuts about not being able to fix all these issues.
One thing that I have learned while being here is letting others help me. I hate asking for help and if I think I can do it myself then I will, if I can't then I will figure out a way to get it done. I've not only let other people help me, I've let them make decisions for me including what to do with my cat and what color to paint the girls nursery (that was a big one for me). But all is well and I'm still alive. It's ok to ask for help and to allow others to help you. Shout out to my friends and family who have made this incredible ride as smooth as possible. I love you guys!!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mom Blog Monday Blog Hop
My name is Sonya and I am very excited to be featured for Mom Blog Monday. I have been married to my husband since 2005 and we have 2 boys that are 3 and 4. I am a WAHM with 2 businesses Belly Charms and Vital IDs and 2 blogs. This means I never get to sleep:) I started my Belly Charms Blog in April and I blog about the joys of attempting to work at home with 2 wild little boys. I also introduce all of my new items on my blog and offer sales and special discounts to my followers almost every week. I love blogging and connecting with other moms. I never knew it would be this much fun.
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