You Wouldn’t Like Her When She’s Angry.
When I first found the discussion alluded to in my last entry, my intent was to ignore it entirely, as is my policy in such situations. Imagine my surprise to find that my other cheek simply would not turn that far. This has jeopardized my standing as a card-carrying member of Pathologically Conflict Averse Citizens for Change if it’s Alright With You, but c’est la vie.
I do not want to prolong the brouhaha and won’t be writing about it further, but I do want to thank you all for the lovely email. When one is already blaming oneself for, oh, everything, even the most logically (and scientifically) dubious accusations can salt the wound, and the perspective you offered was much appreciated.
In other gratitude-related matters: I am participating in the March for Babies (an event I keep mistakenly referring to as the March OF Babies, which, while a more entertaining visual, is not, strictly speaking, correct), and when I signed up I planned to find sponsors by sending an email to my relatives, reminding them that there is still time to squeeze in another charitable deduction before tax time. To no one’s surprise, I am sure, I have yet to get around to writing said email, but in the meantime I received a message from the March of Dimes showcasing their cunning html buttons and slapped one up in my sidebar. I didn’t mention it in a post because I am squeamish about these things—perhaps it is my Midwestern upbring, but I even felt awkward selling Girl Scout Cookies, and when the subject of payment arose would toy with my sash and more or less offer to front my customer the Thin Mints just to stop the incessant money talk. The point is, I put up a sidebar button and within 72 hours you all managed to exceed my fundraising goal, and I am…well, I am touched. So thank you. Without the research funded by the March of Dimes, Simone wouldn’t have had access to a truly reliable blood circulator (I’m done now, I promise).
Actually, my discomfort about the subject of money is about to become an issue, because I have decided to leave my current editorial job and return to freelancing. Not only am I going to have to begin the tedious process of finding people who will pay me to write or edit for them, I will eventually be asked how much payment I require, and god help me will probably stammer and blush and end up doing the entire project for a box of Samoas. It has been three years since I actively looked for freelance work, and I don’t quite remember how it is done. Are we still putting red lights in our windows to advertise our services?
Last weekend Simone finally broke three pounds, the weight of a MacBook Air, an adult human brain, or Mr. Peebles, the world’s smallest living domestic cat. Soon she will be out of the isolette and into an open crib. This both excites and worries me, as she seems to have developed super strength, perhaps via an accident in the embryology lab involving a carelessly placed toaster and some culture medium, and I am afraid she will shimmy up the crib bars and leap out in search of milk. When she is angry enough (say, 20 minutes before a feeding) my baby hulk can lift her whole body on her arms in a push up, something I cannot do myself, despite having 28 years and an unspecified number of pounds on her. Simone has become so strong, in fact, that they have decided it is time to give her another shot at CPAP. She will be extubated half an hour from now. Let’s hope it takes.
112 Comments
This recent post relieves me very much. I was really worried about all three of you. I’m an occasional lurker who enjoys your writing. Good luck on the freelance front!
And Simone, Girl, get on with your bad self. Keep puttin’ on that weight and give em’ hell!
I can understand why the comments below are closed, but I did want to give you a giant kudos for standing up to those bullies. Your response was brilliant. I wish your daughter and you the best.
I’m picturing a tiny American Gladiators battle. Simone v. Ice, both dressed in silver spandex … Go, Simone, go!
Good luck with all things, most especially Simone and the CPAP!
Sitting here praying that the CPAP thingy goes well. I hope you find lots of freelance work for lots of money. Remember, while it’s difficult to have the money talk, you’re now doing it for Simone, too, so perhaps that will make you feel more comfortable? Or more forceful? Oh, it’s always awful, isn’t it? ;) Good luck!
I’m so glad you’re not giving these hateful bitter internet crazies the emotional energy that they tried to steal from you. They’re wrong, in addition to being vicious and cruel human beings.
Here’s to a successful extubation today. Sending good thoughts your way.
Glad you are back. I get nervous when there is no new news. I somehow picture Simone in a Wonder Woman suit terrifying all the other NICU residents as she flies around. When life returns to normal(when she’s say,30) you really should give some thought to writing a book, ot maybe a newspaper column of some sort. Erna Bombeck redeaux? You write so well.
Those preemie baby push-ups are SO funny! Isaac could do some amazing things that went away once he got bigger — I never figured out WHY and HOW these preemies could do push up on their arms, put their butts up in the air, pull out their feeding/breathing tubes, but not be able to breathe on their own! :)
I am so excited about the intubation, and I hope it goes well. Isaac had to be re-intubated countless times, most notably the one time I went out to lunch with visiting friends or the one time I forgot to take my cell phone with me and so was not reachable. Of course, I blamed all the re-intubation on myself — my selfish, selfish self who the GALL to forget her cell phone and thus endangered her baby’s life by, GASP, not being at the hospital 24 hours a day and not being available by phone ONE TIME in 99 days!
In a couple of years, you will be the one writing comments on someone else’s blog — giving them comfort in recounting your memories. You will have a beautiful daughter at home with you, and the NICU will be a memory — a crazy, scary, amazing, wonderful, terrible, memory . . .
Erin
Sending happy, healthy thoughts your way! I’m sure Simone is going to do great with the CPAP!!
Oh, this was just so lovely! How about some pictures?
It’s nuts how crazy strong preemies are. My daughter could hold her head up, push up on her arms, etc WAY before she should have been able to - preemie strength should be bottled and sold. When you bring her home, people will be amazed at the tiny thing that can do so much. It’s pretty fun.
Yay for three pounds, push-ups, and another try at breathing!
You have some pretty super-human strength yourself - don’t ever think you don’t! Your last post was perfect, and I hope cathartic. Get it off your chest and deny them the satisfaction of thinking they have gotten to you - you are WAY above that nonsense and aren’t going to give them the time of day. Good luck on the CPAP and make sure Simone’s super hero tights are on straight - it’s so uncomfortable when they twist around……….
yeah! so glad to see this post. Simone is amazing, no doubt. Fingers crossed for the CPAP!
For what it’s worth, I quit my fulltime editorial job and went freelance when my daughter was born. What a great decision it was. I’m still at it, almost 15 years later. Best of luck to you and Super Simone.
I know nothing of freelance work, but if I could afford to pay you to write my daughter’s baby book I would. Then I could go back regularly and read it and laugh at when her reflux was so bad I thought about trying to give her back.
Good luck on CPAP and I’m glad you’re doing the march OF babies. I’m especially fond of the team you’re on and will do my part to help with the overall goal.
Oh, take. take. TAKE!!
I’m wishing so hard that it works this time.
Another shot at CPAP? I await pictures of Simone playing cats cradle with her intake line, while shooting you the F off look. That or another version of the bird. THAT’S my girl!! (And damn, that last post had me on the floor I was laughing so hard. And I went and checked them out too, and you know I’d be slightly sympathetic to things like kids on planes if they weren’t so, um, batshit.)
Hoping, hoping, hoping for successful extubation!
I thought the pic of Simone giving the camera the finger was funny, but I’m pretty sure the baby push-up would be hilarious. I realize you’ve got better things to do than conduct photo shoots in the NICU, but if you happen to catch one of those moves, do share!
YAY! I am SO happy that she’s bigger, and super freakishly strong as well! :) I’ll be pulling for her to get this CPAP thing done like a pro!
“Without the research funded by the March of Dimes, Simone wouldn’t have had access to a truly reliable blood circulator…”
OMFG AWESOME.
Thinking positive thoughts for Simone on CPAP.
I am so happy to hear that things are going better. While worrying is, of course, of the ego and much to be avoided. I have to admit that I have thought about you and I am glad you all are doing so well.
Sending you some positive juju for a successful CPAP!
Jeffrey used to do little NICU leg lifts. I boasted that by the time we left, he’d have six pack abs and all the girls would be after him. I also loved the posturing of his arms when he was angry. It made him look like he was about to fly away.
I was bummed that comments were closed on your last entry. I wanted to chime in, shrieking (as much as you can via prose — lots of !!!s) at your attackers with a hearty, “Go straight to Hell, you big, giant a-holes!” Alas, I kept my expletives to myself until you posted again and allowed me to unleash said comments in an unrelated post. :-)
Glad to hear Simone is working out while in the NICU. It would be pretty tough to get her all packed up and to the local gym for a healthy round of pushups in her current state. She is a SuperBaby.
I will have everything possible crossed that things continue to go well.
Darn, you are one fine writer. Good luck with that red light freelancing thing.
Kel
Ignorant people are, well, just that, ignorant. Your daughter is beautiful and you my dear are doing an outstanding job. My little world is routing for you three.
Do not work for Somaos. Those peanut butter ones with the chocolate? Hold out for those.
You are doing a great job of turning the other cheek. I know it must be hard. I am glad you are setting a good example, because my daughter who reads you was incessant last night (her searching finally paid off), but I told her not to waste her time or energy. It is just not worth it.
Go, go, go Simone the Super Baby! Can’t wait to hear how it goes. Positive thoughts and prayers still flowing your way.
I sincerely hope that none of the commenters to whom you alluded in your previous post ever have to deal with the raucous rollercoaster-ride (hey! alliterative!) of a premature infant. My crystal ball tells me that should this ever happen, their heart will implode from the sheer crushing weight of embarrassment and despair for those hateful things they said. Enough about them.
I am really happy to read your latest; go Simone, you crazy pushing-up neonate! I hope she pwns CPAP.
A fond reader in the UK ;)
You guys are so wonderful and amazing and I am SO EXCITED that Miss Simone is doing well. She’s my favorite NICU patient EVER and I can’t wait to see more pictures of her.
(the anger thing seems to be inborn. Specifically, I’m referring to my own son who, at now 11 months, rivals me in terms of temper. It’s so unbearably CUTE when they get so mad.)
Holding my breath in anticipation of Simone breathing on her own.
The freelancing work will most likely come to you without you having to look too hard. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Simone is doing beautifully. Three pounds? She’s a hulk! Congratulations!
Good luck with the CPAP. I was terrified about the graduation from isolette to crib, but it was a wee piece of heaven. Once she got to a crib I could pick her up any time I wanted! Nobody had to tell me when I was allowed to hold my baby! And I would spend a ton of time just holding her and watching her sleep. It really is a gift, to have that time when you aren’t focusing on the laundry or the house or the ringing phone, but instead given the luxury to just stare at the wondrous being that is your child.
Aleeeexa! You don’t have to put on the red light! You don’t have to seeelll your writing in the niiiight!
Okay, I’m done now.
Go Simone! You show that CPAP who’s boss! We know you can do it, baby girl.
Many prayers coming Simones way that the CPAP trial goes well this time.
Our Simone is up to three pounds?? What super news! Prayers are on their way for success on the CPAP, and of course love to your whole family.
Love, Laura
Alexa,
You are wonderfully witty and brave.
Simone is so lucky to have you as her mom.
May she continue to get stronger - she couldn’t possibly be any more beautiful!
peace,
kath
Yah for simone’s growth and progression. Sending you positive thoughts for the cpap! You both are just so strong!
I have been checking your blog everyday…a few times a day for updates on Simone. Glad to hear that she is gaining weight and I hope that she takes to CPAP better this time. I never thought that I could get attached to someone that I have never met, especially through a blog, but I have cried and laughed and cheered for joy at Simone’s (and your) accomplishments. NEVER let what other people say affect you deeply enough to start doubting yourself as a mother! They obviously don’t know what they are taking about. I will continue to send prayers and good thoughts your way throughout the afternoon!
Oh, that’s wonderful for Simone! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for a smooth process on the CPAP.
You go girl(s)!!! Some babies come home from the NICU at slightly over 3 pounds, so that is good news!
Believe it or not, pushups and “spider walking” (when they put their arms behind their heads and push up on both arms and feet) is also done in the womb - which is what you feel when you get to about 6 or 8 months and you wonder what on earth they are doing “in there”. Gymnastics for sure. In the future, Simone will be great in her gymastics classes!
I’m quite sure a LOT of places need freelance editors Alexa. You could start with your local newspaper and work from there. A friend of my daughter’s was doing freelance for both the Hallmark card company and Yamaha (the instrument company), while being a single mother, and she earned a great living. So, more power to ya!
Happy to see you are over your goal for the March for Babies. They are advertising the March for Babies in my area now.
Keep on truckin’ Flotsam family!
Rock on, SIMONE!
I suspect you are going to do just fine getting freelance writing work.
So happy to hear form you again and not at all surprised to hear of Simone’s strength.
I’m glad you’re back. I think Simone is beautiful, but what do I know? I have visible blue veins at my temples. All kidding aside, I happen to know a magazine that pays well for freelance articles. I’ll be glad to give you the name and other info if you email me.
I’m a midwesterner, too, and I can verify that selling girl scout cookies is agony. I’m glad someone finally stood up to the trifoil conglomerate and spoke truth to power. My nonconfrontational heart also leapt to see the way you took on those crazies at the childfree site. You’re a hero, Alexa.
And Simone! Three pounds! Hope your little full-figured diva shows that CPAP who’s boss.
Your writing is sharp as ever, I’m sorry to hear you ran into a hostile crowd. Since when is picking on 3-pound babies PC?
Well done Simone on the 3 pounds!
There are so many idiots out there that it makes me sad. Your response to those idiots was amazing.
Also…and more importantly your baby girl is BEAUTIFUL. Good luck to your family!!!
Hazzah for a lusty and evermore-robust three pounder! Hope she kicks CPAP ass.
I hear you on the money thing. I still avert my eyes and feel a little sick to my stomach whenever something odious like “billable rate” gets mentioned. Hell, I can barely ask my own sister if she’d terribly mind remembering to pay me — in her own time! whenever it’s convenient! — that 50% of my parent’s Christmas present. Frankly, I’d prefer to have a little price written on a slip of paper that gets pushed across the table with a smiley face on top. (Luckily for everyone involved, I have little-to-no dealings with actual billing). But best of luck in the relaunch of the freelancing. You are a divine writer, m’dear.
crossing my fingers for a good CPAP experience this time. Go, Simone, Go!!!
so glad to see your new post! you have SUCH a gift with words.
sending thoughts of health and strength Simone’s way.
If Simone has a CPAP success on my birthday (today), I hereby declare that… uh, the two are correlated somehow in a way that means she is made of awesome. If it doesn’t quite work out, I hereby declare that she is a brilliant child who knows some very good reasons why it shouldn’t happen yet, and is therefore made of awesome. Win.
I spent a good bit of time trying to track down the fiends whom you referenced in your last post…so yeah, I was heading out with my dukes up for you. Vile people, really.
And Simone, Miss BodyPump yourself, you rock little lady. Show that cpap who’s boss (hopefully, you’re doing just that right now)!
Hooray for 3 pounds! Hope the CPAP goes well!
And your response on your last entry was a great response!
Awesome news that she is getting so strong! I was horrified by the opinions from the discussion you referred to in your last post…who are these people?! Please tell us so we can harrass them and knock some sense into them. My baby was premature too…at 32 weeks and spent 4 weeks in the NICU. At 18 months he is wearing 2T and everyone says how big he is…preemies can be tough…looks like Simone is one of them. (BTW, how do you get the March of Dimes html to get the donation link on your sidebar?…I’ve been trying to figure out how to get one on my blog…)
Best wishes, Simone! Give ‘em heck!
I’d love to sponsor you but it turns out the march of dimes is as US-centric as the rest of the internet and doesn’t think my non-US money is good enough for you. Very short sighted as the exchange rate means we could get a lot of dollars if allowed to spend our hard-earned pounds or euros. So I’ll just cheer from the sidelines.
So glad she’s doing so well. that’s one strong baby.
And I’m so sorry about the brouhaha. I did try and find the site that was tormenting you to no avail, but I figure you told them off better than I ever could.
good luck simone!!!
Three pounds!!! Hooray!!! What wonderful news!!! As for those horrible people, I have never EVER read such childishness as on their sites. I was astounded! (Don’t worry I did not find the one that you alluded to or I’d be facing heavy fines right about now…) But I was thinking….I think that those people are jealous of children. I honestly do! They must have terrible issues with their parents and siblings that have never been resolved. Boggles the mind, it does. I am sorry that they had to go and add to your worries. Your response was so very, very wise and mature that I feel that it oght to have more exposure. Here’s to you and Scott and Super Simone! Much love, Fifi
I, too, would work for Samoas. Got a box in my fridge right now. Simone, there’s an incentive for you right there. Keep up the good work, get big and strong, and one day, the world of Girl Scout cookies will await you (even a baby with no teeth can gum a trefoil, no?)
Dear Alexa, “Pathologically Conflict Averse Citizens for Change if it’s Alright With You” made me laugh out loud — particularly because that’s my club, right there. And I have the same problems regarding money. And I, too, am a freelance editor who tends to cringe when asked what her services might cost… Anyway, I wish you luck and success with your endeavor — may the contracts just fly in of their own accord.
I tried looking for that awful group from the last post too, but then thought you were wise not to post the link. I loved how you handled that nastiness.
I hope the CPAP went / is going well. I’m glad Simone is so strong — and three pounds is quite an achievement! Sending her and you and Scott my very best wishes.
Well, gee, Wally, I’m afraid to “cheer you on” for fear of backlash.
Ok, that’s bullshit.
I’m glad you’re feeling better and that you didn’t let this get you down to point of not posting anymore. And way to go Simone on gaining weight! She’s coming right along!
My thoughts are always with you and I will definitely be thinking of you all during the latest CPAP trial.
Best of luck with the freelance stuff!
Hi :) I just wanted to thank you for your blog. I too have a preemie in the NICU, she is 12 days old and was born just shy of 30 weeks. I am reading through your past entries and crying my eyes out because it’s just been one of those days :) I’m glad to know that I’m not alone.
I hope Simone does well on the CPAP. Sounds like she is doing great (all things considered)!
So sorry that you got noticed by the child-free-yet-child-obsessed wankers. It’s easy for me to just roll my eyes at them, but if they were talking about my own dear child, I can see how I would have difficulty ignoring them, too.
Whew! I thought we lost ya for a second. Good for you for giving it to the people who post those heartless words.
Good luck with the CPAP machine. My brother-in-law uses one of those to sleep at night, on a much grander scale, I’m sure.
Also of note, the first few times you wrote about CPAP, I read it too quickly and thought you were writing CRAP. I still stumble across it and now it just makes me laugh.
I have no words for the a-holes whose site you referenced in your last post. Your response was perfect. Your daughter is clearly “meant to be here,” if there is such a thing, more than any of us sissies who took the easy ride out of the womb. Good for her, good for you, and may her progress and strength only continue.
So happy to see you back here after the last entry.
Go, Simone, go! You grow, girl!!!
Amazing progress for Simone! And not to sound to cliche, but **** those haters out there! You are both amazing!
Better be careful not to lose your membership in Pathologically Conflict Averse Citizens for Change if it’s Alright With You. I believe if you cannot pull out your card and show it when you are asked, they will deport you from Minnesota. They don’t call it Minnesota Nice for nothing.
Hear, hear, JWG! Alexa, if you wrote a book, I would buy the HARDCOVER edition hot off the presses at my local bookstore, paying taxes and all and not even wait for a used paperback to show up on eBay, as is my usual custom (I am terminally cheap).
I applaud your decision to freelance, which will give you more time to spend with your beautiful daughter.
And let’s not lose sight of the good news…those assholes are going to remain CHILDFREE! What better gift could they possibly give us? I’d actually like to donate some money to go toward their birth control costs.
Lots of love to you guys
I have no problem with people who choose not to have children - it’s a valid choice, just like the choice to have children. But I’m baffled as to why anyone would be so obsessed with living childfree that they need to have a site about it, much less be so vicious toward you. They clearly need a meaningful hobby to fill up all that (apparent) free time they have, there.
Your reply, however, was perfect, and your writing is wonderful. I hear you on the pain of finding freelance work, though! Best wishes as you embark on this, and to Simone as she moves toward CPAP perfection….
Welcome back. I’m hoping Simone is going great guns on CPAP but she may be further encouraged if you attach a little tiara to the headpiece. After all, who wants to be seen all over blogland wearing such an uninspiring hat?!!
I too think that your writing skills are totally impressive and I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding freelance work.
Keeping my fingers (and everything else) crossed for more good news in the very near future.
Hugs to you all,
Sharon
Go midwestern girls!!
3 cheers for Simone and her loving family! She is beautiful and I will be thinking of you all.
I didn’t want to email you directly, but you have my support. I don’t understand the vicousness and absolute spewing of bile that some people think is okay on the web - or in life. How can they support such vile thoughts and be okay? Horrific.
Hope all goes well for your cutie.
I’ve been lurking for a little while now, I found you through Julie (alittlepregnant) and am amazed at your strength and wonderful writing. My little bit had to be in the hospital for 10 days after birth, which at the time felt like it would never end, so I can’t begin to imagine what you are having to endure!
Good luck with CPAP!
Also, I totally relate to the money issue with selling girl scout cookies. I never sold very many boxes, I thought they were overpriced and couldn’t stomach the thought of asking neighbors or strangers for money! We just got our cookies for the year, and they have changed the names! Samoas are now “carmel delights”!
Oh, my goodness. You don’t know me from Eve, but that bit at the end? about the pushup? My daughter — full term, born on her due date even — couldn’t do that until she was two months old. My heart just welled up into my throat and I am so, so glad she is doing well.
The CPAP thing, OK, I’m not a neonatalogist, but it seems to me that even if she doesn’t last on CPAP, it’s good for her to be on it, right? It gives her a chance to strengthen those muscles, and then when she gets too tired, she can go back to the vent and rest. So maybe going back on the vent isn’t so much a “setback” as it is a chance to say “Good workout, Simone, take ten in the whirlpool and then hit the showers.” Ya think?
go simone! you can do it! i found my nicu babes developed strong abdominal and arm muscles from being placed belly down in the unit. of course, once you take them home, you are supposed to put them on their back which went over like a ton of bricks since they were used to belly sleeping. ours needed a bit of physical therapy to get used to the “laying on the back” muscle use. but, like the rest, it all worked out on the end and now they are climbing on top of their dressers and jumping off.
Bravo, Simone! Well done you strong little baby. We’re all pulling for you.
Yay for freelancing - you of all people should be flooded with oportunities. I am secretly hoping that someday you will consider children’s books, too - at least one little 32-pager. Your quaint/hip style would strike such a perfect note with the right illustrations.
Oodles of continued best wishes to Simone!
It was so great bumping into you! Definitely would love to get together and chat over coffee. I’m so impressed with how much money you have raised, but can’t say I’m surprised. You have touched so many people so deeply by sharing your story. We all feel so fortunate to be able to follow your (and now Simone’s) journey.
3 lbs is HUGE! Isn’t it funny how your whole perspective on size changes when you have a preemie. Keeping my fingers crossed that CPAP is going well!
Jill - way above - how about you emailing Alexa with that info? She has an “email me” link underneath her little girl picture above. :)
My god she is strong! Do you know how long it takes some full term babies to do that lifting thing?!
Good luck with the CPAP.
Hi
I have been glued to your blogs for a couple of weeks now since being introduced to it.
I can honestly say that I have no idea what you must be feeling, but I really admire your strength, courage and positive outlook.
I also greatly admire Simone’s strength & determination! She is a beautiful little girl. It’s awesome to hear that she keeps getting stronger every day!
Thank you for keeping us posted.
Best wishes in the future….
Here’s to Simone hopefully ace-ing the CPAP. And enough said on the rest. Nasty things were said, unjustifably, and they were wrong to do so.
J
I am so glad you are back and that you are putting all that behind you! I was a bit afraid that you might stop writing and I sooo want to hear how Simone is doing. I am sure she is going to manage that CPAP thing this time. Go Simone! (That is really the loveliest name!)
(In an aside, if your anger has abated somewhat, won’t you consider taking down that awful picture of the dog’s head. It should not be on the same site as your beautiful girl.)
Good luck on all fronts!
You have a super baby, it would seem, that is amazing for a preemie! For all babies really at that stage. (Right?) I hope we will be able to read a post telling us how brilliantly extubation went even if this won’t be the last time. Eventually it will, eventually it will be two steps forward and no steps back. She has come such a long way already. Best of luck!
The machine that circulates her blood? It’s called heart. Everyone should have one of those. Good luck, Simone, from the bottom of mine.
What Amelie said! Go Simone!!
Can’t wait to hear about the official graduation to a crib! Continue to be strong Simone!!!
The baby push up brings back so many memories. The little in the isolette next to us was just like Simone–very strong. She weighed two pounds and could move herself around her isolette. I was amazed. We saw her nine months later and she weighed 3 pounds more than Quinn (my almost 8 pounder at birth). Best of luck to you in your new “job”. And watch out for Simone, she’s gonna be able to kick your ass soon!!!!
I cannot imagine what motivated that troll to compare your beautiful daughter to a cruel experiment, but it motivated me to donate $100.00 to sponsor you in your march, although I am thinking that Simone is most likely strong enough to do the “March of Babies”!
Am glad she is doing so well, 3 pounds is such a milestone.
Another Lurker logging in. Just want to say with all the Love and good wishes flowing through the Cyber-Space to you and Simone, you should be lighting up as brightly as the Sun.
I too am a Gma actually a Great-gma and have worked in Labor and Delivery so have seen much. Bless both (or should I include Dad), of you.
Ignore the IDIOTS.
Rocky.
It breaks my heart that other people (child free, childless, or infertile) would be so hostile and cruel. That cruelty in itself is inhumane.
You’re in my thoughts and I applaud you for your courage and bravery.
Go Simone, get your breathe on.
My daughter full term and over nine pounds and it was months before she lifted up like Simone is already doing. I’ll be excited to see her win the gold in infant weightlifting this coming summer in Beijing.
Don’t let the idiots get you down.
yeah, some people REALLY do suck! I’m sorry you had to experience such rudeness and hostility. but keep in mind you are surrounded by enormous amounts of love.
congrats on the 3 pounds simone! now lets gets you up to a macbook pro!
Just wanted to say, regarding your last post, that I think Simone is beautiful too! (And so was your response.) Congrats on your little fighter!
Yay for breaking 3lbs! =) I’m so proud of her for doing a push up! =) I’m keeping her in my thoughts & prayers!
Congratulations you 3-pound brilliant & beautiful fighter Simone! You (and your Mom) are my heroes!
C’mon with that CPAP, Simone! We’re all cheering for you (and for your mama, too). Pssst — and no pressure or anything, but you know what comes after CPAP? Room air, baby. ROOM. AIR. (a/k/a nothing attached to or obscuring your beautiful face).
Alexa, don’t let the turkeys get you down. Great reply, I hope they (whoever “they” are) read it and know that the picture of Simone flipping the bird is meant just for THEM!
I hope the third time’s the charm with CPAP. Go superbaby! Please post an update to let us know how she’s doing. And tell her she’s got a great big cheering section rooting for her!
Hi Alexa,
We’re a bunch of Scottish nurses who have been following your story now since we first came across it on nightshift. We are the official Scottish Contingent Of Tiny Simone Supporters here, although since Simone is now a massive 3 Pounds we might now have to change our name, but you couldn’t find 5 other people who could care less about that! We are so very happy that Simone is improving day by day. So often have we read your blog and wished ourselves by your side, to hold you and to comfort you in any way we could. May i take this rare opportunity to offer you all of our love, support and best wishes for the future. Please know you and you family are in our hearts at all tines. Love, Angie.
Best thoughts and wishes to Simone and to her mommy.
This is me, doing the dance of joy! Best of luck, Simone!
Been thinking about you! I hope that Simone’s CPAP trial went okay and that she’s continued to be off of the vent!
Take care, mama! We’re all behind you.
Another lurker coming out to say that I hope all went well with the CPAP - Simone is both a tough cookie and a gorgeous babe and so is her mama!
As for your last post, well, sometimes I just really hate people! Your response was spot on.
Yeah - I’m SO HAPPY to hear that Simone is doing well. I was so pissed when I read your last post. I cannot believe how hateful some douchebags…er, I mean people - can be. (Yes I even called them douchebags on my own pathetic little blog) I couldn’t help it though- I was just so mad! But enough of the blither-blather. You’ll do fine with free lance work - you’re very talented and any one with a spec of gray matter would see that in an instant. Just don’t be squeamish about money - you’re worth every penny plus a couple more.
Dang. They didn’t have one of those fancy blood circulators last year, when my youngest could have used it.
I’m all set to walk in the March OF Babies as well! Less than 5 weeks away!!! Squee!
Woohoo! Yeah for CPAP. Hope all went well.
Much love for you and Simone and Scott.
(Treat yourself to a great pair of walking shoes! Congrats on the March OF Babies)
sweet, precious, innocent, beautiful, little baby, hang in there, grow strong and fight, fight, FIGHT!
Yay! She broke the three pound mark! I’m so glad she is gaining.
I’m also glad that thanks to the march of dimes she has that new fangled blood circumalashun machine all them white trash folks are raving about! Hahaha!
We love you, we love her! Remember that!
I keep checking back in to see how the Flotsam family is doing. I pray that the CPAP went better than expected and soon you will get to hold Simone whenever you want. Rock, snuggle and love her for all of us. I have to believe that Simone has survived everything for a purpose, and she will be amazing.
Your baby girl is so beautiful and it’s fantastic to hear of her becoming so strong. Another shot at CPAP? Excellent!!
I so enjoy reading about you and your family and Simone’s trials and more importantly successes!!
She is an amazing baby and will continue to grow into a beautiful young woman!