It takes a village

On this eve of Claire's homecoming I can't help but think of all of the people who have been such an instrumental part in helping Claire and Owen (and us) get through the last few months. I have always felt like a pretty independent person, not needing or asking people for help even when I know I need it...but this past few months have been humbling times. It has really made me embrace the fact that it really does take a village to raise children and that everything happens for a reason. Though we might not be able to see it at the time people come in and out of your life at certain times for certain purposes and you just have to embrace it.

First and foremost I have to say that without my dear friend Wendy I don't know what we ever would have done. She has been there time and time again for Owen (and us) for all of the OB visits and tests, for my entire hospitalization, and consistently during Claire's NICU stay so that I have been able to visit multiple times a day. Wendy has become Owen's second (and probably much more fun) mom as well as a constant support for me throughout this roller coaster of emotions that we call Claire.

My sister Deborah and her kids have also been an amazing support and source of entertainment for Owen while I was on bed rest and during the NICU days. Having them just minutes from us instead of two states away is a blessing for all of us.

One constant that I often take for granted but love dearly is my mom. Since the beginning (...like since my birth) she has been my biggest supporter through everything, especially the birth of my children. Age can't slow her down and even at 72 she still gets down on the floor to play cars with Owen or push him around on his bike. She makes meals and brings flowers, sends cards and brings gifts, she is the epitome of mom.

The nurses that cared for me and especially Claire's nurses are a godsend. I am so thankful for Libby and Heather, Claire's primary nurses. They got to know Claire and cared for her like one of their own family. It is an indescribable feeling to leave your newborn child at the hospital while you go to your own home. Saying goodbye day in and day out is a very hard thing -but- knowing that the nurse caring for her is not only clinically competent but also caring makes it a little easier. While I was away they essentially became Claire's substitute mom, making sure that she is well taken care of... and this is a job you can't (and wouldn't want to) trust to just anyone.

And of course Jake has been an amazing partner in this journey. From the beginning when we didn't know if Claire would ever be.... well, Claire he has been there 100%. He was my drill sargent while on bed rest and Mr mom while I was away in the NICU with Claire. He stood (well, he actually sat) by my side in the middle of the night during those first days helping me pump when I didn't have the strength and he made it to all of Claire's cares so I could rest. He has also gotten Owen to bed every night so that I can be with Claire in the evenings (to hopefully expedite her coming home).

There have been countless other friends and family who have watched Owen, brought in meals, hoped and prayed for the health of Claire, and just been there for us. It truly is amazing. Although when all of this first started I thought I could never get through it... I have been able to because of all of you.  Thank you.