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Our April 2009 Shining Star - Katie
2 here 2 in Heaven - 09:18am Apr 1, 2009 EST
Surviving 26 week triplet...2 angels, & a 36 week singleton.
Spreading hope and reassurance are two goals of this month’s Shining Star— oh and she is also a soon to be movie star! I am proud to announce Katie (kholley), author of (Pregnancy Number 2 After Preemie), as April’s Shining Star. Mom to Alex and Landen, Katie understands firsthand the struggles of prematurity and truly values when a baby is delivered at term.
When Katie’s daughter, Alex, was born prematurely in 2005, Katie’s world was turned upside down. “Alex's time in the NICU was the hardest time that I have ever faced in my life,” she said. “It literally almost tore my family apart. It was the worst nightmare that anyone could face. Now, she's three and still, whenever she even gets slightly sick, we are running to the doctor. The doctors at the Urgent Care know us by name! I am just very overprotective of her,” she said.
Katie advises parents currently in the NICU to lean on family for support. “I never did that and it caused some real problems; I tried to be Superwoman. Really focus on what is important in life— your baby and your family. Trust your instincts as a mom or dad,” she said.
Like many former NICU parents, Katie had fears when she became pregnant in 2007. Luckily, Katie found 17P. Two years after Alex’s early arrival, Landen was born at thirty-six weeks and did not spend one day in the NICU. Katie has taken her childrens’ stories to new levels by starring in a short video for 17P. Reliving her daugher’s days in the NICU and the anxiety of a second pregnancy, brought tears to Katie’s eyes but it was hope she brought to viewers.
As Katie spreads promise to others, it is her children that are her inspiration and motivation. “When I come home after a bad day at work and they are so happy to see me; it really lifts my spirits and reminds me that my family is really the center of my world! They are just my little miracles!”
To honor Alex’s difficult start in this world, Katie is an active member of the March of Dimes. She is the captain of her team for the March for Babies and is on the welcoming committee for Share. Why? “My goal for the MOD this year would be to never have another parent go through the nightmare of the NICU.” For those that have traveled this path and are dealing with the stresses of raising a preemie, Katie said, “For parents that are dealing with complications from prematurity, just remember what a true little miracle you have on your hands. I know that there are days that you feel like you just cannot go on, but pick your head up, take a look at your baby and smile!”
Katie’s reason for smiling is not found in a Hollywood paycheck or great write ups in popular magazines. Her source of pride is much closer to home. She recently wrote that her little preemie, “…brings such joy to my life and the lives of those she encounters. I adore everything about her and I am so thankful for the sweet little girl that she has grown in to.” We cannot predict how our movie will begin begin, but Katie has helped show us that the film keeps rolling.
In appreciation of her hard work and dedication to the mission, Katie will receive a specially engraved “Share Your Story” watch courtesy of HourPower watches. If you would like more information on these beautiful watches or would like to order your own, please check out their website HourPower Watches.
Surviving 26 week triplet...2 angels, & a 36 week singleton.
Spreading hope and reassurance are two goals of this month’s Shining Star— oh and she is also a soon to be movie star! I am proud to announce Katie (kholley), author of (Pregnancy Number 2 After Preemie), as April’s Shining Star. Mom to Alex and Landen, Katie understands firsthand the struggles of prematurity and truly values when a baby is delivered at term.
When Katie’s daughter, Alex, was born prematurely in 2005, Katie’s world was turned upside down. “Alex's time in the NICU was the hardest time that I have ever faced in my life,” she said. “It literally almost tore my family apart. It was the worst nightmare that anyone could face. Now, she's three and still, whenever she even gets slightly sick, we are running to the doctor. The doctors at the Urgent Care know us by name! I am just very overprotective of her,” she said.
Katie advises parents currently in the NICU to lean on family for support. “I never did that and it caused some real problems; I tried to be Superwoman. Really focus on what is important in life— your baby and your family. Trust your instincts as a mom or dad,” she said.
Like many former NICU parents, Katie had fears when she became pregnant in 2007. Luckily, Katie found 17P. Two years after Alex’s early arrival, Landen was born at thirty-six weeks and did not spend one day in the NICU. Katie has taken her childrens’ stories to new levels by starring in a short video for 17P. Reliving her daugher’s days in the NICU and the anxiety of a second pregnancy, brought tears to Katie’s eyes but it was hope she brought to viewers.
As Katie spreads promise to others, it is her children that are her inspiration and motivation. “When I come home after a bad day at work and they are so happy to see me; it really lifts my spirits and reminds me that my family is really the center of my world! They are just my little miracles!”
To honor Alex’s difficult start in this world, Katie is an active member of the March of Dimes. She is the captain of her team for the March for Babies and is on the welcoming committee for Share. Why? “My goal for the MOD this year would be to never have another parent go through the nightmare of the NICU.” For those that have traveled this path and are dealing with the stresses of raising a preemie, Katie said, “For parents that are dealing with complications from prematurity, just remember what a true little miracle you have on your hands. I know that there are days that you feel like you just cannot go on, but pick your head up, take a look at your baby and smile!”
Katie’s reason for smiling is not found in a Hollywood paycheck or great write ups in popular magazines. Her source of pride is much closer to home. She recently wrote that her little preemie, “…brings such joy to my life and the lives of those she encounters. I adore everything about her and I am so thankful for the sweet little girl that she has grown in to.” We cannot predict how our movie will begin begin, but Katie has helped show us that the film keeps rolling.
In appreciation of her hard work and dedication to the mission, Katie will receive a specially engraved “Share Your Story” watch courtesy of HourPower watches. If you would like more information on these beautiful watches or would like to order your own, please check out their website HourPower Watches.
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