The Graduate

When you have a child in the NICU at UK Hospital, the experience doesn't quite end the last day of their NICU stay. For the first year you have to visit the NICU Graduate Clinic every couple months, then you have an appointment at 1 year and a final visit at two years of age. Colton had his final visit just last week.

The first time we walked into the graduate clinic, about a month after Colton left the hospital, I still had sooo many questions about his future. I remember sitting in the waiting room, eyes glued to the play area, wondering if my son would ever be well enough to play with those toys. Imagine my joy when I sat in almost the same exact spot last Wednesday staring at this...

and YES in that last picture he IS doing the baby sign for 'horse'. (I know, I know, my kid is a genius.) I just sat back with Seth, smiles plastered across both our faces, watching the miracle that is our little boy. Just when I think he can't possibly amaze me anymore, he goes and proves me wrong.

After a check up with several doctors, therapists and specialists, Colton graduated (to quote one of his former NICU nurses) "with honors". His weight held steady at 22.5 pounds. They are still slightly concerned about his length but not concerned enough to start him on growth hormones just yet.


We left the clinic with diploma in hand (it is now proudly posted on our refrigerator) and spent the rest of the morning at toys-r-us to celebrate. It was a marvelous day.