Rambling Rhodes

One of the things we did for my daughter when she was in the NI was we made her a cassette tape (yes, I know... that was 15 years ago). My husband read stories to her and I read stories and sang to her. The nurses (God bless them!) would play it a couple times a day for her. The first day she was in an open crib two months after being born, I walked in and said Hi to a nurse and Stefani turned her head toward me. The nurse said, "Oh, look, Mom, she knows your voice."

I know time is stretched, and I don't know how you might do this with the new technology. But I know it was one of the things I was most glad we did while we were in there.

And those little legs and all the wires bring back so many memories. The sleep apnea, the beeping oxygen levels, the feeding tubes, the IV's and blood transfusions... The good news is, they can do amazing things with the beautiful Zoey's of the world. I know. I have one who's driving my car now!

I long to reach through my computer and hug each of you. Know that you are being virtually hugged (taking special care with the hug for little Zoey).

You will be in my prayers.

You have my prayers. G*d bless you in your time of need.

J

I've never been through struggles like yours, but one of my best friends has. Her first two children were both preemies, the second, like Zoey, having to stay in the hospital for quite a while after birth. Both babies - girls - are in their early teens now and doing fabulously. They're extremely smart, creative, and very physically healthy. Beautiful, too. I just know that's Zoey's future. Prayers going up for you and your family, including prayers that your thoughts and memories of Finn stay clear and sweet.

Zoey is absolutely beautiful.

My prayers go out for Zoey's continued growth and strength; for you and your wife, that you get the rest and stamina you need to get through the days until Zoey comes home; and for Aiden, who will be a great big brother!

My condolences on Finn's passing. That precious baby received, truly, a lifetime of love. Zoey has two brothers to watch over her, Aiden here on earth and Finn in heaven.

I'll be reading for updates...

Our son arrived two months early at 2 lbs. 13 oz. after my wife spent her 30 and 31st week in observation for pregnancy induced hypertension. We were lucky because we had warning and she got the steroid early. Everett spent almost a month and a half in the NICU (there was a point where every one of the 26 babies in the NYU NICU were boys. The girls develop faster; it's all about the lungs). And, although I hated going to the hospital (also in the dead of winter), the NICU was one of the few places where I felt like nothing bad would happen as long as I was there. But I spent many nights sleeping in the waiting rooms while other people celebrated the births of their healthy babies. It was tough, but I can only imagine how hard it's been for you. Stay strong. A day will come when this will all be a memory.

Lots of us praying for you!

My brother and sister were born two months premature. They were maybe 2 lbs each. They could fit in the palm of my 14 year old hand. In 1974. They are now in their mid-30s and have 7 kids between them. Miracles happen.