“Tiny Successes ” Grand Picnic

One of the most anticipated events of the summer has been the St. Vincent Women’s Hospital Annual NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Picnic.   It’s a great occasion to see people who cared for our little guys through the preemie days, and to meet up with people whom we’ve met through this journey. St. Vincent’s goes ALL OUT for this picnic – food, games, bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides, and my personal favorite on a humid August day- snow cones!

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This was our second year attending the picnic, and again I was reminded how incredibly blessed we are to be NICU Survivors.  There really isn’t a better compliment than hearing over and over from our NICU nurses and doctors how healthy and great our boys look, and to watch their faces light up when they see them! They each held a significant role in the miracle of their tiny lives, and we will continue own them our sincere gratitude! 

 

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Nataline (one of our primary nurses) chats with Brooks

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The Annual Schleper/Murray Family Portrait

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Dr. Sumners (my HERO, who happens to also be my perinatologist from the pregnancy) holding Henry (left) and Isaac (right). Brad holding Brooks (hiding) and Jen holding Clark. This guy is more famous than Santa Claus!

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Out of the wagon to check out the miniature horses.

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Clark yelling "Heeeeee" as soon as he saw the horses.  Yep, that’s my son.  I felt like he won the National Spelling Bee, I was so proud!

 

As I linger from hitting the "Publish" button and re-read this post, I feel like I’m coming up short in expressing my gratitude and the pure emotion that fills me when I think about our love for our family at St. Vincent’s.  We are convinced that God used these people in mighty ways to bring our boys safely home.  Thank you, St Vincent’s for your part in turning our "tiny successes" into tough little men!

 

(You can check out Last Year’s NICU Picnic Post HERE.)