Mission: Accomplished

Today was the day... Race day.  I woke up at 4 am from a bad dream, and couldn't get back to sleep.  Even though it wasn't a competitive race, I guess I had a minor case of the jitters.  So many people generously supported the cause, I really wanted to have a good run.  Here are a few of my favourite parts of today.

1. Sadie was excited to ride her bike to raise money for 'tiny babies'
2. We were on time
3. I got to spend time with a great friend who has been a huge support since day 1
4. Sadie had a great time completing her 'ride'
5. As a combined total, we raised over $600 for the Linden Fund
6. My friend Kristi captured some great moments from the run
7. I finished it. Without dying.

Weather-wise it could've been better, but I can't complain about a day out in the sun with some of my favourite people.

Done.



Mother's Day... a little later

I realized yesterday that I totally missed doing a Mother's Day post.  So, if you're a mom I hope you had a good day.  If you have a baby, it's really not mother's day unless you get puked or pooped on... Ryan decided to save my puke gift until the end of the day, and he decided to deliver it to Grandma's floor... thank you buddy. 
Compared to last year, this mother's day was 10 000 times better.  This is where we were last year:

 

and here is where we are this year: 



 

 

 A few things of note in this picture: 1) no oxygen 2)no monitor (only because he was in the midst of getting changed) 3) after this picture, Sadie spontaneously said, "I love you!"  This was the first time she said it.  Even though I got a nice new jacket, that was the best present I could've asked for.  I think that without all the medical stuff, she'll start responding even better to him. 

Here are a few more, because these pics are pretty awesome. Thanks to Martine for capturing the moment.

 

 

Glowing ears

Love.

 

 

 

 

Aiming High

The other night I remembered an event that took place around this time last year.  It's called Pedal for Preemies. It's a bike/walk/run to raise money for the Linden Fund.  A charity that provides items (medical things, nursing pillows, chairs, comfort items for babies) to NICUs.  I would have liked to participate in the event last year, but we were a tad busy... and things weren't going well.  I looked it up to see when it was happening this year.  May 25.  You can sign up for a 1, 5, or 10 K walk, bike, or run.  I'm not a runner. I do spin class and cardio/strength classes, but have never gotten into running.  I've run 5 K a few times and 10 K once. When I was deciding what to register for, I felt like 5 K wasn't quite challenging enough.  If these tiny babies can go through all they do and end up with such a huge smile like Ryan, I'm sure I can push through  a 10 K run... probably not with the adorable smile, but with a satisfied heart.  Maybe I won't even be able to finish, but I have to try.  I had high hopes for 'training' over the next 20 days, but as per usual things aren't really going according to plan.  Bedtime is dragging out til at least 9 pm now so it's tricky to go out that late when the morning feed sneaks up between 5 and 6 am.  I could go during the day when we have the extra help, but being 'not a runner', I can't run after I eat... which I do, pretty much all day. Ha ha.  Oh well.  It's the thought that counts right?  The other thing I'm blown away by, is how generous people are! I set my fundraising goal at $100 because I've never been comfortable with asking for money for these things.  So many of my friends participate in all kinds of races for all different charities and I wish I could support them all.  So far I've tripled my goal! So thanks to those who have donated, shared my link, and who have sent words of encouragement.  Every night I picture myself running... hey - it's a start. Check out my page but please don't feel obligated to donate - you've done enough.
http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1472&AID=2318&PID=352503

May 4

It is still kind of mind boggling when we think of where we were this time last year.  If we look at our day today, it *almost* felt normal.  We still need a third grown-up in the house to help keep things running smoothly, but other than that, we are still moving in the right direction.  The biggest news of the week is that we've started the oxygen weaning protocol.  For 3 days, he has had 1 hour off oxygen.  Tomorrow, we increase to 3 hours off. There are lots of details about when to turn it off, and when he may need it back on again - it's a slow process (about 21 days if all goes well).  After the 21 days, hopefully he'll be 'off' for all daytime hours and only need it for sleep.  Following that, they send a machine to track him overnight to make sure his heart rate and oxygen levels stay normal, after that, all done.  I have made it sound pretty simple, but it's not and realistically I think it will probably be July or August by the time we are free of tubes, probes, and tanks.  When his tummy is cooperating, he's a happy guy and is definitely interested in his world.  One of the therapists said that there are certain areas that he seems like he's 'on par' with an 8 month old (his corrected age) but some areas (mostly physical) are holding him back.  I'm happy with this because the physical stuff can come with time - especially now that we found the new place to go for extra physio.
A huge thank you to all the nice birthday wishes for Ryan (and us!).  I'm excited to share them with him one day.