Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011

As the final hours of 2011 come to a close, I am reflecting on the year and how I will remember it.  2011 was filled with some of the most difficult moments of our lives as well as some of the most joyous.  Veronica's birth and the days and weeks that followed were traumatic to say the least.  The experience is still something I think about...every...single...day.  But I also think about how remarkably well Veronica has done and how things could have turned out so very differently.  We are so grateful for Veronica's health and progress and feel blessed beyond words.

So although 2011 was one of the most difficult years for us, it really turned out to be one of the best.  Instead of focusing on the more challenging and traumatic moments of the year, I would like to share some of my favorite Veronica moments of 2011: 

- The day Veronica was moved to an open crib.  The transition from the isolette to the open crib felt so significant - she no longer seemed to be the smallest, most vulnerable baby in the NICU.   

- Holding Veronica for the first time.  She was nearly 5-weeks-old and just over 2 lbs.  I don't even think I can put into words how amazing this moment was.  I will never forget it.    

- When Josephine met Veronica for the first time and we all got to be together as a family.  This was otherwise a very difficult day for us because we thought Veronica would be coming home that day but we learned early that she wouldn't be.  One of our favorite nurses allowed us to break NICU rules and convinced the doctors to allow us all to visit together in the breastfeeding room.  It was a brief visit but it was fabulous!  

- August 15, 2011 - the day Veronica came home!  For me, this was truly one of the best days of my life.  It is right up there with our wedding day and the births of our other five children. 

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for Veronica and the rest of our family! 

Thank you for following Veronica's Journey.  Happy New Year!!


After about 30 tries, this was the best we could get.  It's not easy trying to get 6 kids to smile at the same time!

At the Garden of Lights in Wheaton, Maryland.

Veronica enjoyed the Christmas lights but not enough to stay awake!

3 comments:

  1. Your kiddos are so cute!!! I didn't know you had to wait 5 weeks to hold Veronica! Im sure there are not enough words to describe that moment.Happy New Year and looking forward to reading and getting to know you more!

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  2. You have a beautiful family! Wishing you many blessings in 2012.
    xoxo,
    Frances @josiesnotes

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