This letter is to new parents. It is a little perspective I have gained over the past 3 years and I hope it will help when things get tough.

To Moms and Dads:

I just had a baby. He is my third. The day after he was born my twin boys turned three.  Three seems to be a pretty normal milestone for a child, but when you consider what our three years consisted of, three was a feat, a triumph, a coup.  It was a victory for our family and especially for one brave, tenacious, curly headed boy who went through more in his first three years then most will in their life.  And while his challenges are far from over and his scars will always bear witness to his trials, I have learned to be at peace.  I found this peace in a place most unexpected which is why I am sharing this with anyone who wishes to read this.

It was in the early morning hours a few days after we brought our newest little one home from the hospital. Having had only a few mere hours of sleep since the baby was born -  as he nursed what seemed like round the clock and refused to be put down at all - I was again coaxing a crying baby to sleep when my severely sleep deprived - and let me add wonderful, amazing, patient etcetera etcetera - husband looks at my and says "I am so impressed with how well you are handling this."  I looked back at him with a completely new perspective on my life and said, "I did not get to do this with the boys before."

See both boys were in the NICU, one for a month and one for ten months.  During their stay I was deprived  of the long wakeful nights, the cries that never seem to end, the numerous diapers to change, the cuddles, the pictures, the milestones. Everything that one anticipates when they prepare for the arrival of their child - or in my case children. I remember crying myself to sleep wishing for a crying baby to comfort, my babies.

I am not trying to say that the sleep deprivation and dirty diapers are fun or easy. Being a new parent - weather it is your first time or your eighth - is very difficult.  What I am saying is that when you are in those moments take a deep breath and think of all those parents who have to leave their little one behind and cannot be there to comfort them when they cry.  Think of those that are up all night worrying, waiting for a phone call telling them that things have taken a turn for the worse.  Think of the parents that want so much to be in your shoes, with a healthy, furiously crying child who does not seem to want anything but for you to hold them. Look to that child and be at peace knowing that despite all the hardship a new baby brings, you can be there for them, with them.  Comforting them. Know you are the envy of mothers and fathers all over the world and recognize how lucky you are. That is how I feel even now, typing with one hand, rocking back and forth with a curled up baby boy in my left arm - because, of course, he does not want to be put down.

I truly am So Blessed.