Kylie, and her dad, learning how to ride her first bike
I remember sitting in the NICU, looking at my sweet and very tiny baby girl. We were just three days into the NICU life and I was feeling upset and overwhelmed when I would think about being there at least another 40 days. I didn’t know how I was going to get through it. I had bonded instantly with one of our NICU nurses who knew right away that I was feeling overwhelmed.
She said “I promise you this – Kylie’s first birthday will come in a blink of an eye, so think about it and start planning everything you want. It’ll help to have that to look forward to. Then not long after that she will be learning how to ride a bike and getting ready for her first day of Kindergarten.”
I smiled and said “Yeah, that is true. Thanks.” Although in my heart I didn’t ever see that happening; it seemed SO far away. Kylie graduated the NICU much earlier than expected; we were only there two weeks. Our nurse was right. Within a blink of an eye, I was planning a birthday party. It was so surreal to be sitting there, seeing my vision of her first birthday party right in front of me. It was real, and I was one emotional momma!
Kylie is now three, and a few weeks ago, she got her first bike! It is amazing how quick the time goes, and it is unbelievable to think that it will go by fast when the NICU days seem to be dragging on, but it WILL get here and momma, it will be gone before you know it. If you’re in the NICU now, start planning the first birthday, or a special vacation for you and your new little family. It helps to have something to look forward to but be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions when your dream becomes a beautiful reality.