The Characters

Who is involved in my divided life? First, let me just say that it is 4:30 in the morning, and I have only told a couple of people I am doing this. So I haven't exactly asked anyone permission to invade their privacy. So I might be using a lot of initials. I am also not very good with computers. I would really like to include pictures on this post, but that might not happen either (I promise I'll figure that part out in due time-no one is going to read a blog about a baby when there are no actual pictures of the baby!). But I'm only going to last as long as it takes me to pump. So, the people:

MOM: That is me, Shauna. I am lots of things, but my main role in this blog will be Mom. I am also a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Until February of this year, I was an attorney. Until I had children and worked full-time at the same time, I was a distance runner. I will be a distance runner again! (I will also be an attorney again, but I want to be a distance runner again first.) I love to read. Until I was on bed rest, I was not able to do a lot of that. I am also a lifelong perfectionist and control freak. Those two traits are highly incompatible with bed rest and being a NICU mom.

DAD: That is Shannon, my husband. Yes, we are Shauna and Shannon. No, we have NEVER actually heard someone remark/make fun of that, ever. We have been married for 8 years. I know I am a little biased, but Shannon is a terrific father. He also has no time to do the things that he loves. Since I've been on bed rest, he has been the only functioning parent, cook, cleaner, disciplinarian, fun-giver to Caroline, everything.

CAROLINE: As I mentioned, she is our daughter who is almost three. She is very tall but has very short hair. She is very dramatic and sensitive (gets that from her mother), yet very independent, mellow in a way, and methodical (gets that from her father). I am a little biased, but she is the cutest, sweetest kid ever. She had a hard time when I was on bed rest at home but did better once I was in the hospital. She is a very "easy" kid: she is flexible, adaptable, easy to travel with, etc. I love her more than anything!

And, I told you, I cannot figure out how to upload photos on here. I'll work on that tomorrow, when it's not the middle of the night.

WESTON: He is our precious NICU baby and the inspiration behind this blog. I know it's a cliche, but he is a miracle baby (more on that later). He can be feisty (perhaps a reason for his slow weight gain), but he calms down to Shannon's or my touch. On Shannon's side, he is the first grandson in a long time! He will have A LOT of older girl cousins wanting to boss him around. And I love him more than anything!

FAMILY: My mom has been a huge support and help throughout this process. She is the wisest woman I know. The rest of my family, and Shannon's family, have provided enormous support as well.

FRIENDS: My friends are amazing. Some have come out of the woodwork after years to express their support and prayer of Weston. We literally have had more offers of help than we know what to do with. There are also people I have never met who have provided/are providing me NICU/preemie resources. Not everyone has this kind of support, so we know how fortunate we are.

ST. JOSEPH'S STAFF: I spent almost a month on bed rest in the antenatal unit at St. Joe's hospital in Phoenix. My nurses were phenomenal. We are now getting to know the NICU staff and are similarly impressed.

GOD: I have always been pretty private on my thoughts about God. I have acknowledged His involvement in my life in varying degrees throughout the years. However, He has played a central role in this part of my life, so you're going to hear about Him here!

You will also hear a lot about pregnancy and childbirth. If that kind of stuff grosses you out, sorry, I'll try to warn you ahead of time. But...this blog has a lot to do with that pregnancy and childbirth. You have been warned.

There are a lot more specifics, especially regarding family, friends, and hospital staff, but it is 5:00 in the morning. Even though my Weston is not here at home, I'm pumping three hours a day around the clock. But once I'm done pumping, I'm going back to bed! Good night/morning!