Dear Henry, world prematurity day

Yesterday was world prematurity day, I didn't know about it until I saw it pop up on Facebook a few days ago...I stayed quite on social media because I wasn't really sure what to say. I shout from every roof top about my miracle baby... you all know the story, and if you knew about the day then you probably had someone to honor, and I didn't want to take the spotlight.

Now, just because I gave you a Henry free day... doesn't mean I was going to let the importance of it pass.

I spent the day reminiscing and remembering the struggle and strength of this sweet boy.

From day 1 as a 1 pound 6 ounce fetus...

To 3 days later, the first time I touched him.

Holding him for the first time at 7 days old

Matt holding him for the first time at 10 days old

Our first family photo

All of the sadness

all of the love

The first time he made eye contact

When he graduated from a breathing tube to a breathing mask

His first onesie 

the day he got sick...

The day I got to hold him like a real baby

Then he just kept growing and growing...

We will never take 1 day for granted!

Life has shown me it's meaning....

Yesterday as I'm thinking of all of these precious memories we just stare at each other... and I just can't believe how much I love this little one!

I wouldn't trade our journey for the world. Having a preemie has shaped who I am as a person and a mother and has changed my life. I will honor him all day everyday! I hope that Henry and stories like Henry's have helped bring awareness to prematurity and the realness of NICU life.

Thank you for those of you who sent your love yesterday, we are so lucky to have each and every one of you in our lives! 

-Nikki