#30DaysofHope Day 20- Morgan

This is Henry, a 33 week preemie born at 2lbs 10oz on April 24th.

We knew before he was born that he had IUGR and an extremely rare genetic abnormality (so rare, he is the only documented baby with it that they can find!). We went for a normal growth check, found out he hadn't gained any weight, and he was born via emergent c-section that evening and then transferred to a Level 4 NICU 2 hours away about 12 hours after he was born.

A long 44 days later, and we finally got to bring our sweet fighter home. Life in the NICU is hard and emotional. Living through it in the heart of a pandemic is no walk in the park either. I truly felt like people just thought we sat around holding him and reading books all day. No one warns you about the roller coaster of emotions, the real thoughts you have about whether your child will survive through the night, and the pain you feel deep in your soul every day you leave that hospital without your baby. No one warns you about the amount of follow up appointments and ongoing issues that you have to deal with after NICU life is over.

But, nevertheless, you continue to fight and advocate for your child.

For your family.

And you will always have that special place in your heart for those nurses, doctors, and support staff that helped celebrate the milestones and help you through some of your darkest days.

Hold on to those that love you, celebrate the little things, and provide that same support to other families. And hug your babies a little longer tonight ️ #henrysheroes