A year ago today, Eric came home from the NICU. He was released a day early and I called Cris to let him know. I remember being so afraid that they would change their minds. As soon as they said he could go home, he was loaded up into his car carrier and we left. We barely even said goodbye to anyone. We practically ran out the door as fast as we could. We were not giving them a chance to change their minds.

We had already spent a couple of days sleeping in the parent's room getting used to not having monitors and nurses to aid us. Eric was still on oxygen and we needed to make sure we knew how to do everything ourselves. It was both very scary and very liberating. Scary because we would not have that safety net anymore. Liberating because he was finally OUR son. We no longer had to ask permission for every little thing. We could finally be his parents instead of just the people who came to visit him.

Today Eric is one year old adjusted. His due date was August 28th. One more year and we can stop adjusting his age. We do this for developmental reasons. He is still a preemie and we were reminded of that when he went in for his surgery. While most of his problems are not severe, he will still carry the problems of a preemie for the rest of his life.

We still have to go into Lockdown this year. His pediatrician doesn't think he needs the Synagis shots since Eric's lungs seem to be perfectly healthy. One more year of Lockdown is still advised for preemies until they are past the age of two. Lockdown simply means we have to avoid crowds and people who are sick. We will need to keep the house sanitized from outside germs. Since Eric will not be getting the RSV shots, we are going to be extra careful as a precaution.

Still, the year has passed with Eric doing incredibly well. Thankfully most of our fears were not realized. As a micro-preemie we were warned repeatedly that Eric could have so many long term issues. Cerebral palsy, autism, learning problems, constant illness, just to name a few. He may still have a learning disability and he does have lower scores on the cognitive tests. However, between that and the feeding tube, these things are small in the big picture.

To look at him today and then look at the pictures when he was first born, it is a reminder how far Eric has come along. That tiny little baby that I could hold in one hand is now a chubby and inquistive toddler. The only thing that has never changed is his fiesty stubborness. That strong will that got him through NICU will get him through the rest of his life. It is so easy to remember the little babies that didn't make it.

Cris and I have nothing but gratitude for the pediatric nurses and doctors who took care of him in and out of the hospital. For the support of our friends who called and came by, for those who asked how he was doing, letting us know that we were not alone. For the divine goodness in the universe who answered our prayers. For the little baby who beat the odds in so many ways.

Thank you.