What if...

Besides Veronica's size (looking more like a 3-month old as opposed to an almost 7-month old), the only physical reminder of her extreme prematurity is a small scar on her abdomen.  We're not entirely sure what the scar is from but my guess is that it's from something that was taped to her skin - when you look at those early photos you can see how delicate, practically translucent, her skin was.  (If any of the micro preemie moms out there have an idea about the origin of the scar, please share if you will.) Anyway, every time I change Veronica's diaper, I see the scar and I am immediately reminded of her NICU stay and how far she has come.  I am still amazed and incredibly grateful that she is doing as well as she is.  But my mind has a tendency to wander at times and I begin to ask myself  'what if' questions.  Being connected with multiple micro preemie/preemie groups, I am constantly reading about prematurity issues.  I have read about all of the possible complications associated with prematurity and for most of those complication, if not all, the smallest and youngest babies are at greatest risk.  24 weekers such as Veronica definitely fall into that category.  I want so much for her to continue on the path she is on - medication free, growing, developing.....but what if, just what if that doesn't happen?  Or what if the worst is yet to come?  I would like to think that the fact that she has done so well up to this point means that she won't have any long term issues.  But nobody can say that for sure.  I try not to dwell on these thoughts because I know we are incredibly blessed....but to be honest, the thoughts and worries are never far from my mind.