November 17th...Fight for Preemies!

Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick ― half a million of them in the United States. November 17 is when we fight.

Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own? Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives and health of nearly half-million babies each year. It is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. Worse: the number has increased 31 percent since 1981. It can happen without warning and for no known reason. Until we have more answers, anyone’s baby, could be born too soon.

Medical advances give even the tiniest babies a chance of survival, yet for many babies premature birth is still a life or death condition. It’s the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. And babies who survive face serious health challenges and risk lifelong disabilities.

The rate of premature birth has never been higher. In half the cases, we simply don’t understand what went wrong. We need to fight for answers. And, ultimately, preventions.

November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. The March of Dimes invites bloggers like you to get involved.

• Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies

• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®

• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others

We need to fight ― because babies shouldn’t have to.

November 17th: Calling all Bloggers--Fight For Preemies

Did you know?

Preterm birth is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually. It is the leading cause of newborn death and babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifelong health challenges, such as breathing problems, mental retardation and others. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon (34-36 weeks gestation, also known as late preterm) have higher rates of death and disability than full-term babies.

I personally can attest to this...the hospital bills I have seen this year..wow

Bills or Blog???

The answer to that question should be obvioius....well, I am actually multitasking, calling on a bill for Gunner and blogging. I am only able to do this while he is awake because he is soooo engorssed in a new old toy I just brought up from the basement. I will attach photo evidence for your viewing pleasure!

Back to the original thought..why is it that I have to call and question each and every bill that isn't covered? Do they not pay people to do this? I'm not getting paid and I could use the money..

I look at the history of my blogging and I see that I had a lot more time when Gunner was in the hospital and now that he is sleeping or playing more, I am more able to find time...but I am predicting that very soon I will be MIA again unless the stars align and it is quiet time all over the house at the same time. Gunner is getting to be quite the mover and shaker..

Have I mentioned that November is Prematurity Awareness Month yet?? lol, I know silly question...I know the answer to that!

Random thoughts at "Quiet Time"

Just enjoying another day of RSV hibernation/deer hunting widowdom...that means making cookies with Greyson (Grama D's famous molasses cookies, which is special in itself, because when you include Greyson in the mix, that is 4 generations of tradiation) and cuddling with Gunner.

We hope Brian is successful in the woods, that will fill the freezer, which means I have to go to Bronson and drop off milk...since Brian is now laid off (not that he has gotten a pay check in the last 6 weeks) so this will be a stressful winter. But, let's not talk money...

Nothing really special to report, besides the fact that Gunner is now over 13 lbs, which I know because we went into the peditrician's yesterday because he has been stuffy for so long and I was worried it might be getting into his ears causing an infection...yep, we caught it very early, but now he has to take antibiotics 2x's a day. So, yes, that means he will need 2-3 viles of synagis for RSV.

So here are my random thoughts that I promised:

• Today has been quite productive...I have already sanitized the house and made three dinners for the week.

• Too many women together almost always spells drama. Especially when the whole truth is not involved.

• My new favorite scents are lysol and bleach...too bad my hands are taking the brunt of this new obsession.

• Brian has officially diagnosed me as nuerotic. I lysoled the air after my brother stopped by and coughed in our living room.

• Money is the root of all evil. I have heard this many times...I now know it to be true.

• Lifetime movie marathons (which is what happens when Brian goes hunting) reminds me of hospital bedrest.

• In hindsight, with a sleeping prince next to me, hospital bedrest wasn't that bad!

• I am getting emotional as I pack away baby clothes Gunner has outgrown. He is now in 0-3 months, but soon will be in 3-6. He is growing like crazy!

• Gunner has a favorite blanket. It is a pale green hand-me-down from Greyson that seemingly never appealed to him. It is a "nany" (na-nee) which means a thermal blanket with a silky trim. Every kid in my family had one, except me. He especially loves it when he gets tired and wants to cuddle with it and his paci. That is the only time he wants a paci...otherwise he acts like it gags him. here is the infamous blanket.

• Gunner is cooing, smiling and communicating with us. He very soon will be babbling, as I have heard him do it on accident. He also follows people and objects and voluntarily grabs and transfers from hand to hand. He is behaving much like a 4 month old baby, which is right in where should be in terms of developmental milestones on both motor and social scales.


• We tried the jumperoo...not so interested yet...but he fits, which is a huge deal. I just wanted to see if it was anything he wanted to try. Not yet, so we will stick to a lot of floor time and in the bouncy seat. I took a pic of him in it just for fun...




• Greyson is very concerned about "his baby", if Gunner should cry, he makes it known "his baby" needs to be taken care of! This has been happening several times a day when I have to suction him (not to mention in the middle of the night!)
  

• One more pic of Greyson that I am in love with. He is actually **smiling** not saying "cheese" which produces the most odd looking face.
  
  
  Remember, November is almost here....

Million $$ Baby....and worth every penny

Gunner's goal is to be worth a million dollars, so I think. What brings on this?

The synagis shots that I celebrated the other day, well they are pricey. How pricey you ask...how about $2500 per 50mg. And 50mg is only good for a 7lb baby.

Well, I am proud that Gunner is a healthy 12 lbs! That means each of his shots will run $5000 at first and then when he hits the 14lb mark, they go up to $7500 per shot. So I am conservatively guessing his whole treatment for the five shots will cost about $35,000. Thank God for insurance. The two treatments this year will be covered 100%, but then the treatments in January, February, and March our on us. Yes, we only pay 10% after our deductible, but that is still $750 per shot.

Gotta love healthcare hiway robbery. I know, I will not complain, there are many deserving babies being DENIED!!! So I will gratefully rack up another hospital bill and worry about it later. As I said, worth every penny. You cannot really put a price on him.

Especially when he gives you these puppy dog eyes!

Whoo hoo approval for synagis

What is synagis? I might file that answer under the topic "Only a preemie mom knows". It is a treatment that will help Gunner lessen the effects of RSV, if he should get it. Remember the neurotic RSV letter? Yeah, that stuff.

Here is what I read yesterday on the Synagis website:

Q. Is Synagis a vaccine?
A. No. Even though Synagis is given as a shot, it's not a vaccine and it works differently. Each Synagis shot provides a dose of virus-fighting substances called antibodies that help prevent RSV from infecting your baby's lungs for about 28 to 30 days. That's why babies who need Synagis get monthly shots during RSV season.


Q. How many Synagis shots will my baby need?
A. If your baby is on Synagis, he or she will need one shot each month during RSV season. Your baby needs to keep getting Synagis as long as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

So basically, he will get a treatment every 4 weeks during RSV season, which is November to April. Five shots. Not fun for him, but certainly a reassuring treatment. No it won't prevent it, but it will lessen the effects of it.

Things happen for a reason

well, it has been said many a time that things happen for a reason. I would like to think that I was chosen to have a preemie because something good would come of it. I have this undeniable urge to "give back" to all that made it possible for us to have what has become the most amazing little boy in our life, equal only of course to his brother!

I want to do March of Dimes fundraisers, raise awareness of prematurity, do nice things for our nurses, and provide support to other NICU parents. So be prepared, I may enlist you in my quest!

Teaser..birth story to come

I have finally finished Gunner's birth story, a labor of love in itself. I will be posting it on November 17th in honor of National Prematurity Awareness Day. Stay tuned!

A visual...for those who find me neurotic

This is the difference between Gunner and a full term newborn baby:



So, when you look at the perfect fatty fatso outside, you have to remember this is the preterm 4lb at birth inside. His lungs won't catch up until he is at the very least two. So that may be when I will become less neurotic. maybe.

the RSV letter...

To all our Family & Friends,

Now that Fall is upon us and Winter is right around the corner, I wanted to take this time to remind everyone that RSV season is here (October thru April). For those of you who are unaware what RSV is, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), is more than just a cold. It's a serious and contagious virus for young children especially those born less than 36 weeks. Our little Gunner was born at 33 weeks. What is a common cold or mild cough for us as adults can manifest itself into something more dangerous to the babies if they are exposed to it, especially our babies who were born prematurely.

It is very, very easy to contract RSV. It is spread by physical contact (such as shaking hands with an infected person) or thru the air (usually from sneezing or coughing). RSV can also live for several hours on surfaces, such as doorknobs, telephones, faucet handles, counters or used tissues, towels, etc. RSV infections are very common in areas where people are crowded together. In homes where there are multiple children, such as us, RSV can spread very rapidly from child to child. And older children can even bring the virus home from school or a friend's house.

Gunner considered high-risk. Greyson and I have received our flu shots and Brian is getting one too. I am fighting with the insurance company to get synagis, a shot that will help prevent or lessen the effects of RSV for Gunner. If babies his age get RSV it can be really problematic with breathing. Greyson got it and had to have breathing treatments and they were really worried about him. Gunner on the other hand will most likely have to be hospitalized if he gets it and due to his prematurity it may even be fatal.

Even though his is getting big, is doing so well, and is otherwise healthy, we still need to be extra careful (maybe even anal) about illness, especially RSV.

So with that, we would like to ask visitors, that if or when you come over, to please wash your hands before touching Gunner. Please try to get a flu shot, if it's possible for you, before they run out. Also, please refrain from coming over if you are currently sick, or you were sick but have not been symptom-free for at least 5 days, or have been in contact with someone who is/was really sick.

We will not be venturing out much with Gunner until Spring is here, which unfortunately includes some family, birthday, and holiday gatherings, unless we determine the environment will be safe and germ free for him at that particular time.

We really want to make it through the winter without ending up in the hospital. His lungs have come a long way. But believe it or not, they are still very fragile, at least until they are two. Then we can all breathe a little easier.

Please don't take this the wrong way. This email was not meant to offend anyone or isolate us from anyone or anything in particular. We are just trying to do what is best for the kids. We are taking the threat of RSV very seriously and just needed to set some simple guidelines. We hope you understand and appreciate your respect on this matter.

Here is a link to better educate you on RSV and what can be done to prevent it:
[www.preemiecare.org]

Proof of a Miracle

That is what his onsie says... I agree.



As we embark on the beginning of cold and flu season, I find my self just plain neurotic. Brian is convinced that I am, I will wear that label proudly. I have been trying to decide wether to post the "RSV Letter" that has been circling the Preemie Board where I go to chat with other preemie moms who dealing with the same issues I am. I probably will, although everyone who reads this already knows what it says. oh well.

Gunner has a stuffy nose. So what do I do? Obsessively check his head for a temp, google RSV symptoms, and worry my butt off. Yes, he is a miracle, we got it once, do I really want to risk it again?

How Preemie Moms are Chosen

Stolen from a fellow preemie mom's blog, in honor of all of us, especially during November! I'm "borrowing" this from Million $$'s blog. Not sure if it's been posted before, but I absolutely love it. A little religious, but beautiful.



~How Preemie Moms Are Chosen~*~
(Erma Bombeck)

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his
instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he
observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew.
Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia.
Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint...give her Gerard. He's used to
profanity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles.
"Give her a preemie." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God?
She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God.
"Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That
would be cruel."
"But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea
of self-pity and despair.
Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it.
I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so
rare and so necessary in a mother.
You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own.
She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect She has
just the right amount of selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally,
she will never survive.
Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect.
She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied.
She will never take for granted a spoken word.
She will never consider a step ordinary.
When her child says momma for the first time,
she will be witness to a miracle and know it.
I will permit her to see clearly the things I see--
ignorance, cruelty, prejudice--
and allow her to rise above them.
She will never be alone.
I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life
because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in
the air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month

I have to say we were lucky....so lucky. There are tons of babies who are not. If you click on the link you can donate in Gunner's name if you feel so obliged. Not forcing anyone...however, in April, when I do the local March of Dimes Walk, there will be some force :)

4 month (actual) chek up

We just got back from Gunner's 4 month check up and he did great, the doc is very pleased with his growth and development. She said he seems to be pretty on track as far as development goes and as he has put on 4 pounds and 5 inches in less than three months!

here are the stats:

weight: 11lb 15oz (4th percentile--for FT babies)

length: 22 1/2in (not on term scale yet)

Head Circ: 40cm (5th percentile--for FT babies)

She has been the only one to see him and immediately noticed how big he is getting as she walked in the door! So in other words, it went well. No news on synagis yet...I will fight for it, but can't guarantee he will get it.

Ribbit...ribbit

Guess what Gunner is going to be for Halloween? My little frog prince.