My Tiny is 18 months old today.
In 18 months she has grown into her own independent, happy go lucky, contemplative, TINY human being.
Although born 10 weeks early at only 1lb 10 oz, she finally made the growth chart last month when she hit 17 lbs.
She IS a miracle. A miracle that the doctors cannot explain. At 20 weeks gestation, I was advised that termination might be the best option for her, because she was so far behind in growth. If her twin was to live, they thought she needed to go. Instead, her twin did all that she could, despite her failing heart and underdeveloped lungs, fluid building up continuously in her body, to do what she needed to do so that Tiny had a chance to survive.
At 26 weeks she pulled a little trick that probably saved her life. When they noticed reverse end diastolic flow (in other words, she was sending fluid in reverse through the umbilical cord) it was determined that we had to be hospitalized. Dr. B thought they would be born soon. Had she been born then, it would have been a quick goodbye. But, it seems that she knew that she needed more fluids, oxygen, and for mommy to be in the hospital bed getting all of that for four more weeks. So that’s what we did.
You decided to fight it. Our surviving twin.
My sweet little preemie. After 12 weeks in the NICU, we finally got to bring you home. And for weeks I could not sleep, so terrified that you would die in your sleep without any machines to let us know that you had stopped breathing.
But you didn’t.
Even though you came home with a G tube “feeding tube” surgically implanted into your abdomen, you were drinking your bottles in no time. You amazed everyone by how quickly you were feeding without needing the tube, and after 3 months, it came out.
Your physical therapist cried tears of pure joy as we watched you crawl the first time. You met incredible milestones, just a little bit behind schedule. But you met them. And we were amazed. The PT said she had never discharged a baby from her care so quickly.
You started walking at 17 months. Not altogether that far off track. But we all laugh because you are still so tiny and you look like a nine month old walking around. I call you my little duckling because you look like a tiny little fuzzy duckling waddling quickly from place to place.
You are so serious! Oh the things you must know! It is apparent that you have a wise soul. You take in all of your surroundings and refuse to give up smiles unless they are truly merited.
You are our special baby. I watch your daddy watch you, and I see in his eyes what I know must also be reflected in mine.
Pure amazement.
Pure joy.
Pure love.
We are lucky and blessed to have you.
Forever only half of a duo, but you fill my heart. You make me smile.
And I thank you for fighting so hard to stay with us.
I love you more than words can ever express.
I’m happy to share this day with my friends Galit and Alison through their Memories Captured link up.
katbiggie
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Ilene says
June 10, 2013 at 5:53 amHappy 18 months to your miracle baby! My preemie reminds me every day what a miracle life really is. And I just know your girl does the same for you! xo
Ilene recently posted…Never Mind
Janine Huldie says
June 10, 2013 at 7:23 amOh happy 18 months to Tiny and she is a true miracle in every sense of the word. And she is quite adorable, too!! 🙂 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…Dance Recital Hangover, My Birthday & So Much More!!
another jennifer says
June 10, 2013 at 8:02 amThere are some things in life you just can’t explain. Tiny truly is a wonderful miracle. Happy 18 months to her. Such a milestone!
another jennifer recently posted…Pinterest-Inspired DIY Recycled Bird Feeder. Sort of.
Gayle Haddock says
June 10, 2013 at 9:26 amHappy 18 months, to our wee sweet girl that God clearly has great plans for!
The Dose of Reality says
June 10, 2013 at 10:23 amAWWW, happy 18th month birthday Tiny! So sweet! 🙂 What a lovely, heartfelt post. Totally made us cry!-The Dose Girls
The Dose of Reality recently posted…The Revival Of The Yes Day
Natalie says
June 10, 2013 at 11:23 amWhat a beautiful story…and what a fighter she is! Happy 18 months to your special Tiny! 🙂
Natalie recently posted…Old School Blogging: ABC’s
Kerstin @ Auer Life says
June 10, 2013 at 7:13 pmWow, what an amazing story!
So glad to meet you trough the link-up (and Twitter)!
Amazing how resilient a tiny human being like that can be.
Very happy 18 months to your beautiful daughter!
Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…Capturing memories – and a bucket list
Maureen@ScoopsofJoy says
June 10, 2013 at 9:23 pmHappy 18 months beautiful strong little girl!
My son was born a preemie too and I know the scare.
You have beautiful babies 🙂
Maureen@ScoopsofJoy recently posted…I Am Not Fine
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
June 10, 2013 at 9:37 pm1lb. 10oz.? Wow! Tiny is really a miracle baby. Happy 18 months sweetie! God bless you! 😀
Vashti Quiroz-Vega recently posted…Disconnect
Chris Carter says
June 10, 2013 at 10:43 pmTears of joy… bittersweet always… but pure joy resonates in your words and in your heart for the one miracle that will continue to bless you all of the days of your life. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Happy Birthday sweet precious Tiny!! 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted…Devotional Diaries: Hope… Jeremiah 29:11
Alison says
June 11, 2013 at 2:34 amHappy, happy 18 months, sweet Tiny!!
Thank you for sharing her with us, Alexa.
Alison recently posted…Memories Captured: We’re Back!
JDaniel4's Mom says
June 11, 2013 at 8:10 amShe is a true fighter! What a wonderful tribute to her.
JDaniel4’s Mom recently posted…Car Trip- 15 Music CDs for Kids
Galit Breen says
June 11, 2013 at 8:40 amOh, your little fighter warms my heart! This is such a perfect tribute to your love!
Galit Breen recently posted…Memories Captured!
Pary Moppins says
June 11, 2013 at 8:53 amSuch a sweet ode to Tiny. 🙂
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Tracie says
June 11, 2013 at 12:43 pmThis picture is so cute and special!!
Happy 18 months to your little on.
Tracie recently posted…A-B-C’s Of Me