My son was born at 23 weeks gestation. We were told "Your baby is not viable" on the night he was born.
We were also told that he would most likely die in the night. He proved everyone wrong! We spent the first 7 months of his life in the NICU. Grade 4 IVH with periventricular leukomalacia, PDA ligation, ROP, Cricoid split, many months on the vent, G tube, Hernia operation, and a very scary bout with NEC!
He's now 2 years old, and doing well! He has some mild cerebral palsy issues. He's about to get braces on his legs.
He's doing so much better than anyone ever thought he would!
We've been through a lot, And I feel that my experience with the NICU, various surgeries, and general preemie issues could help some other parents coping with similar problems. As well, My son is a late in life baby. My husband and I are in our 40s and have already raised a 22 year old daughter and a 19 year old daughter. So we've been parents for a while. hehee.
I've always worked, I got my first job when I was just 13 years old. (Detassling corn in the fields.) I was in the U.S. Air Force for a decade, I met and married my husband while we were both stationed in the United Kingdom, and when we got out of the military I worked in real estate as a broker's assistant and then for a large media corporation doing television ratings.
But I found my niche working with animals.
I was working as a veterinary technician when my son was born, Obviously with his life threatening situation I was not able to continue working. I am now a Stay at home mom for the first time in my life! And it's been a major adjustment for me. I'm glad to say I am not bored! I thought I would be, But I am busier now than I ever was!
We are also new grandparents. Our 22 year old daughter had a baby girl in November!
She's still in college, so it's a bit early for her, But I help out by watching her while her Mommy is at work or school.
Our 19 year old is graduating high school in a couple of weeks and going to college in the Autumn.
I like to joke and say I've got 1 in college, 1 in high school and 1 in diapers. (About to be 2 in college very soon!)
I'm looking forward to meeting some other interesting parents. :-)