One Week Old

One week ago you were still tucked away in my tummy. All safe and sound. My kidneys were your kidneys. My nutrition was your nutrition. My breath was your breath. Everything was regulated just for you.

Everything is still regulated for you, but with much more risk. Risk of infection. Risk of leak. Risk of error. Things were much simpler a week ago. Yet, it was time for you to make your way into the world.

You have overcome so much in one week. You cried after you were born and took your first breaths. The doctors didn’t know if your lungs would be strong enough, but you breathed so well on your own you didn’t need a ventilator. You had your first surgery. The doctors didn’t know if you would be big enough to get a tube put in your tummy for dialysis. A small but mighty 1110 grams, you are the smallest baby in Minnesota to successfully receive a catheter for dialysis. The doctors didn’t know if you would leak the dialysis, so they gave just a wee 5 mL. Your tummy was just big enough so that you didn’t leak.

Just one week ago you were kicking my belly. Now you kick the occupational therapist when she massages your feet. So much can change in one little week. We are so thankful for one precious week with you, Emy G. Happy one week to you.