College graduation will probably be a close second, but I think the day that my sweet little preemie became a NICU grad will always be my proudest mommy moment. The early arrival of my 5-pound, 4-ounce newborn was unexpected, and I was definitely not mentally or emotionally prepared for her NICU stay. Even still, I navigated through her time there the best I could.
If I'm being completely honest, though, I was a hot mess for most of the time we spent in the NICU. Every single moment was spent at the hospital, right by my daughter's side. The majority of the time I would sit next to her, holding onto her tiny fingers or reading to her. I worried, prayed, cried, talked with doctors, waited for positive updates, and watched my preemie fight. Those days were real, raw, and seemingly never-ending.
While I heard so many reassuring and loving sentiments from family and friends during my daughter's NICU stay, I still was shocked by some of the negative comments I received from strangers and acquaintances who I shared my story with. They were comments no NICU parent ever wants to hear, no matter how innocent the intent.