back at it and life lately

I used to wonder what happened to all the preemie blogs, as many seem to disappear when the kids become toddlers. 

..that kid must have "caught up"

..they had another baby

..they've moved on

Truth is, we are here at preemie toddlerhood and none of that is true for us.  We have just settled into our normal and writing is no longer such an essential part of the healing process.  It truly once was and selfishly that is why I wrote so consistently on this blog for so long.  We are not necessarily busier and prematurity is no less significant in our lives, but I have began to prioritize other things.  

I miss this though.  I miss sharing our amazing little lady.  I miss thinking and worrying outloud.  I miss this community.  

For now, I am just going to share some photos and anecdotes about life lately, but Ill be back soon with some new thoughts and a few projects :)

We are off on an airplane tomorrow for some much needed beach time.

newest virginia-isms:

"beep beep, ssscuse me cars"- anytime we are at a red light

"where my sunglasses?"

"gimeee that" & "I hold it"

latest favorites:

chipotle

the beach

Daddy

water table & the hose

helping cook

ipad

ch ch changes

We have had a rough re-entry to the real world post vacation.  The past 2 days have consisted of a long and traffic filled drive home, work deadlines, loads and loads and loads of laundry, general crankiness, and a bout of coxsackie virus.  fun right?!  

This photo pretty much sums things up... haha!

Its also time that I start figuring out new childcare for Virginia.  Our very much loved Nanny is going back to teaching in September :(   Virginia has really thrived under her care and has stayed remarkably healthy this past year.  We have been so lucky to have the protection of individualized care in our home  and thankful that Virginia has had our Nanny's 18 month old daughter as a companion and peer model all year.

We have been pretty conflicted about whether to hire a new Nanny or enroll Virginia in a daycare center. I firmly believe that it would be very beneficial for Virginia to be around other children in a play based environment but the "never trust a preemie" statement is loud and clear in my head right now.  

In an ideal world we would have a Nanny that would come to the house and Virginia could be enrolled in a preschool like program a few mornings a week.  Unfortunately there are not many such programs in our area for kids under 2 and the costs would get wildly expensive (salary, tuition, extra car, ohh my!)

I hate feeling like I have to choose between the social development of my child and her physical well being.  We are leaning toward enrolling her in daycare, knowing that if she cant handle it medically we will have to change course.  She has been amazingly healthy this past year (is she stronger/healthier than we think or has she just not been exposed to much?)  but  the 8 weeks on a ventilator and 124 days in the NICU are just still such a recent memory.

I won't bore you with the details of the other complicated side of things - the fact that we are still on the wait list for all of the local daycares that we would consider sending her to.  We are family #32 for the 2 year old room in one of them in fact.  lovely...

Experienced preemie moms - any advice?