Congrats

Now having a baby is a very special and exciting thing, and having your first is even that much more special. I have loved the support we have gotten from others and the many congratulations. Now when you have a baby that is 14 weeks early, feelings and situations are a little bit different.

That Sunday night back in November Diana was in constant contact with her mom, as one would expect. I however had talked with my mother earlier that day, with no exciting news and definitely no concerns. Now let me explain that sometimes I do things to get people to react. You might say I can't always be trusted when it comes to things of a serious nature. Ask my mom she will give the inside scoop. Anyways calling home late Sunday night first was a very difficult task, I really had no idea what was going on, emotions were high and my head was swirling. I don't remember what was said on the phone that night, but I did manage to get across to my Dad that we indeed did have a baby boy and yes he did come very much earlier than expected.

It took me until the next day to inform the rest of my family about what had occurred that night. The news spread much more quickly in Diana's family. As everyone dealt with the news in their own way, Facebook was quickly involved, much to Diana's dismay. With all the uncertainty Diana really just wanted some time alone, just the three of us, to process and develop a plan to trudge forward. This may be why it took sometime to get the official news out to the world. But with me trying to finish up all my requirements at school and needing time away from clinic we did have to tell people what had occurred. This brought about the expected concern and love by those who knew when Logan was to arrive and the predictable response from people when you have a child.

I have always loved hearing the word 'Congratulations' and still do, but hearing that in light of what was going on didn't bring the same internal response. Before I go on, let me say I have fully appreciated the out pouring of love and good will during this entire process, and I write this not to share frustration or discontent with others, but rather to relate all aspects of our experience. I believe that the vast majority of people didn't know how to react or what to say, I mean like I said having a child is a very special and exciting thing. However congratulations just doesn't really seem to fit. Especially when I was more concerned about other things rather than enjoying the grandeur of parenthood. I think for Diana this was a little bit more difficult to hear. She once said to me "congrats on what? having an incompetent cervix?". I don't know if she yet finds the humour in that.

Over the first few weeks people began to change from offering congratulations to more words of concern and support. I can't even begin to express how much help and support that we received from everyone around us. So many little things have added up to make a tremendous difference. This now gives me the opportunity to express my joy and happiness for how much progress Logan has made and how wonderful he is now doing. This is nothing shy of a tremendous miracle.

The funny thing now is that I almost don't like when people ask if I have any kids. I love Logan beyond belief and am so very grateful for the addition to our little family. However the second question that is always asked once someone learn that I have a little boy is 'how old is he?'. When you have a preemie, you kind of get to celebrate of few extra days. Logan's birthday is obviously a important date, however because developmental milestones a such an important aspect of monitoring babies, his age has to be adjusted in order to determine if he is progressing appropriately. This means that much of what we tract is based upon his due date. Because his due date was only four days off from the day that he arrived home from the hospital we have been using that day as his adjusted birthday. This makes Logan 5 months old, but really only 2 months old. You can see how this can get overwhelming when discussing my little dude. I often find myself hoping that people won't ask me about my family so I don't have the awkward feeling and thoughts in my head.

I love Logan, I love being a Dad and I do love telling people about my family. I just wish sometimes that life could be a little easier, but then what would be the point.