Sharing with the World!

Having a baby is one of the most joyous occasions that can happen in someones life. I had always dreamed of having our baby and sharing her with the world....unfortunately our world is very small and consists of our home.
When we were in the hospital it was hard to have visitors since they couldn't see the baby and no one really knew what to say. Many people called, wrote, and left messages and we were so blessed to have everyone care so much. It was hard to celebrate her life when we were limited visitors and didn't have a baby to show everyone. This is why we began posting so many pictures on Facebook- sharing her this way helped us know that everyone who loved her would get to see her grow.
Now that we are home I want to share her with everyone, I want to shout from the rooftop that she is home and doing so well........but we can't. We can't have lots of visitors, we can't bring her to church, no professional photos during the holiday season, can't take her christmas shopping, can't go to family gatherings, can't....can't...can't.
I found myself getting sad over all the things we can't do until one day I realized that I am doing the best thing for my baby. Many people do not understand being a preemie parent, especially during the first RSV season. I feel like my nursing degree has come in handy: when you visit our home you get a health screen and a lesson on hand washing! :) I know that many do not understand the strict rules and many have said we are being "overprotective". One of the best things I have heard so far is, "She will have to get sick sometime". Very true, she will get sick at some point but I am going to do my best to prevent it.
Maelee was born with breathing problems and underdeveloped lungs. If she were to get RSV we may end back up in the hospital.....a very scary thought!

So for today and until the spring we are sharing her on the internet with our friends, family, and even strangers who love her already! We are blessed to be able to do this and so thankful that we have taken thousands of pictures of her to commemorate every day of her precious life! We count down until we can do things outside our home like her baptism, birthday parties, family holidays, and even travel to see my family (they are in Minnesota). But with our counting down the days we are celebrating each and every day with our Sweet Peanut!