My beginning chapters, so to say, of this blog was about my family's story with Clara, a micro preemie surviving in the hospital.  This 150 day journey  was not only Clara's, but Jason, myself and Madeline's as well. In just 5 months our lives changed.

And although she is home, praise, our family is still on a journey. We all are navigating around the obstacles of having a "medically disabled" (just a label) baby that comes with lots of equipment, medical supplies, nurses in our home, extra care, many appointments and future procedures, therapies,etc. As parents, Jason and myself are doing this while parenting a child who doesn't have special needs.

Our new set of chapters have begun. We have gotten through the transition in between life at UNC and here at home. First of all accepting the change, learning how to make it work, making our new schedules, moving around other people in our home, working hard to understand the system to get help for Clara, and maintaining a sense of 6 year old normalcy for Madeline. WHEW! that is a mouth full!

So since she has been home, I have wondered what can I Blog about?

I found this answer in this month's Parent Magazine. I have been subscribing to this magazine since before Madeline was born, and actually thought about getting rid of it, until I found out I was pregnant with Clara.
However since she was born in September, this magazine has been just something I throw to the side. I found that I couldn't relate to much of that anymore. Until today.

The entire issue is focused on "life in a Special Needs World". I couldn't wait to open it up, and learn something that I really needed to know. Things that can help me find my way as being a both Clara's and Madeline's parent. Awesome!!

To early to know now, what Clara's needs will be besides the trach. There will be developmental delays just from that, and of course from being so premature. I need to know how not only to be the very best mommy to her, but a way to be the best for my family too. How the four of us can make it work, and make the learning curve together.

So thanks to Parents Magazine for giving me a new platform to write about. Wouldn't it just be great if articles like these could be in every Parent Magazine, along with basic parenting info. How one magazine could combine both.

read this article on line or find the magazine.
http://www.parents.com/health/special-needs/special-needs-world/