by Joel Brens | Jun 18, 2020 | Emotional Health, Family Stories, Fatherhood
This post was originally published in 2013 and has been updated to ensure the content is current and relevant for NICU families. If you’re a new NICU dad, I have good news: you’re going to do great. I have never met anyone who, while in the process of...
by Joel Brens | Sep 25, 2013 | Emotional Health, Family Stories, Fatherhood, Life after the NICU
Despite a relatively quiet 25 days in the NICU, I still had a hard time managing the ups and down that come with it. While I was thrilled to be a father for the first time, I was overwhelmed not only by the responsibility of a child, but a frail one who had a scary...
by Joel Brens | Jul 22, 2013 | Family Stories, Fatherhood, Life after the NICU
The day my son was born, it’s safe to say I felt the entire spectrum of emotions. Since he was in relatively stable condition, it was a cocktail made mostly of unwavering joy and crippling fear. Being a dad for the first time was certainly a great experience,...
by Joel Brens | May 13, 2013 | Family Stories, Fatherhood, Life after the NICU
Our son Jayden has accomplished so much in his first three years. How he has grown as an explorer, learner, and social butterfly has been quite exciting. Since his second birthday, Jayden has been receiving therapy through Early Intervention, which has certainly...
by Joel Brens | Apr 26, 2013 | Emotional Health, Family Stories, Fatherhood, Life after the NICU
As our son Jayden closes in on three, I have learned so much as the parent of a former preemie. We have seen all sorts of ups and downs, laughter and tears, milestones and obstacles, and I wouldn’t trade any of it to do it over. When I reflect on where we...
