The Emiliano Series 2/10: Martha, Mom

(THE EMILIANO SERIES 2/10: Martha, Mom)

My alarm rang, it was 2 A.M. It was time to pump. By this night I had lost track of how many days we’d spent in the NICU. I was mentally and emotionally drained. After 20 minutes of pumping, I found the strength to walk out of my “nesting” room and down the elevator to the NICU. As I walked in and washed my hands, I handed off Emiliano’s liquid gold to his night shift nurse. I looked over and there he was fast asleep. His nurse set up his feed and I sat there and watched him. Even with a feeding tube and breathing equipment attached to his little body, I thought he was perfect. However, it was at night that everything hit me the most. What if that genetic counselor was right? What if “Emi” would never be able to feed himself? What if Emi never talked? 

While the NICU was one of the hardest months of my life, I am grateful to the amazing team of nurses and doctors that took care of Emiliano. They were constantly cheering him on. At first, I was confused. Were they just being nice? Or did they really think Emiliano would do amazing things? I wish I could hug that doubtful mom and show her just how amazing life would be. 

Emiliano. Mi Guerrero. My warrior. He lights up any room. His smile is contagious and filled with so much joy, always. He has taught us all so much. He has taught me that he’s the boss. He’s taught me to smile more and worry less. He’s shown me a whole new world. He proved that genetic counselor wrong. The first time Emiliano reached for a baby puff all on his own all I could do was cry and laugh at the same time. How could I ever doubt my boy? He noticed my tears and gave me the biggest smile. He reached for another, and time stood still. As corny as it sounds, I never imagined my son eating a baby puff could bring me so much joy. It’s moments like these and many more that Emiliano has proved that he is more than capable of doing anything and everything he wants.

#TheLuckyFew #TheLuckyFewFoundation #DownSyndrome #ThisIsDownSyndrome