Hope and Heartbreak

I have been keeping a secret!

For quite some time I have been saying that I will write and publish a book about my experiences. I initially wanted to have this completed last year, however 2012 was a huge year for me personally and for Yasminah's Gift Of Hope. There are only so many hours in a day, so I pushed it aside for a little while.

The good news is that it's now full steam ahead. I have been spending some time each evening writing my book. I have a title ' Hope and Heartbreak' as I think that expresses so much of what I have been through and what many families face when they lose a child or their child is born prematurely. Who knows the title may change as it comes closer to publishing time.

I often question if people would actually want to read a book about my experiences. I know how vital it is to raise the importance and share the message for parents who follow in my footsteps. It's how we heal, how we move forward with this new reality.

I still haven't worked out how to actually get this book published, but most likely it will be released in an eBook format. If you would like to keep up to date with progress and be the first to read 'Hope and Heartbreak' make sure you follow the blog both here and on Facebook.

Talk Much?

It's double the giggles and double the grins, and double the joy if you're blessed with twins.

My beautiful little identical twin girls, Aisha and Aaliyah with a whole lot to say!! 

Aged 26 months  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN9CwJ9lwI0

How do I love thee?

There is something magical about having one person in your life who knows you in more ways than you can possibly even realize. Today is Valentines Day and personally my husband and I don't normally 'mark' the occasion. My husband once said "Every day is Valentines Day with you". Now if you know my husband, you will know that he is a very funny man and will do and say anything to make you smile, laugh and cry uncontrollably.  Although in all honesty he really does mean it. We tell each other we love one another every single day. We also make a point to tell our children just how much they mean to us and smoother them in kisses every chance we get. We don't need one day to declare our love for the people who enrich our lives.

We have been together just over 14 years and experienced many different emotions and life changing events that have made us a stronger couple. I would have never imagined the love I would feel and connection to this man 14 years ago when I first met him at a job interview. We both got hired for the same job and the rest is history! Sure there are times when it isn't all sunshine and roses, but that's why we work so well, because we always remember not to sweat the small stuff and appreciate the beautiful gift of friendship and value the love we share.

I love to write and during our 'courtship' we sent many text messages back and fourth proclaiming our love for each other and basically sharing every detail of our lives when we weren't together! About a week after we started dating I began writing down all the text messages into a little journal. I kept these going for almost an entire year! I still have them today and have been reading through some of them tonight. Some of the things made me laugh, we were so young when we met and head over heels in love. Then there are messages that just melt my heart!

The Wonderful Gift Of You

I love you for so many things -
The joy that being with you brings,
The peace that fills the life we share,
Your patience and your tender care,
The kindness of your gentle heart,
Your faithfulness when were apart,
The goodness of the things you do -
And I thank God for the gift of you!

I love you for so many reasons and everyday I thank God for the wonderful gift of you!
 

 

14 years on and we still feel the same way about each other. My grandmother asked me when we first started dating if I 'liked' him. She said she already knew I loved him but if I didn't like him it wouldn't work. Thank God I like him ;-)

Happy Valentines Day to my gorgeous husband, my wonderful children and all my wonderful, supportive, loving friends and family. xx

 

 

 

NICU Graduate Visitors

The moment you finally get to take your premature baby or in my case babies home from NICU is a very exciting time, but can also be overwhelming being away from the full time care of a nurse in sterile, hospital environment. As parents we want nothing more than to protect our children. 

Babies who have been born premature and spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN) are often at higher risk of getting an infection than other babies who are born full term. It is often recommended to limit visitors for the first few months, also taking extra special care of where you take your baby.

Family and friends will be eager to meet your new baby and may not understand your concerns for your baby’s ongoing health and wellness. You may like to adapt the following words to suit your circumstances, to help explain to friends and family the importance of your premature baby’s growing immune system.

We are thrilled that after spending X weeks in hospital we have finally been able to bring our precious little baby home! We are very grateful for your love and support whilst in the NICU and know that you may wish to visit (insert parents and child’s name here).We kindly ask for our privacy over the coming weeks as we adjust to finally becoming a family within our home.
(Insert child’s name here) immune system is extremely vulnerable,  and his/her doctors have advised we will need to be extra careful with visitors as a small infection such as a cold could land him/her straight back in hospital.
We hope you understand and appreciate your love and concern and look forward to introducing (insert child’s name) when his/her immune system is stronger.

My twins Aisha and Aaliyah coming home after spending 4 weeks in NICU. The photo is a bit blurry but it's the only one that we have and one that we treasure.

Please talk to your doctor or health care provider about their recommendations once taking your baby home. Most doctors will recommend

• Limiting the amount of visitors to your home until your baby is older and stronger
• Ensuring that if visitors are touching your baby that they thoroughly wash their hands
• Avoid taking your baby to crowded places, such as shopping malls and grocery stores.
• Limiting adults or children who are sick, have a temperature, or have been exposed to an infectious disease near your baby or in your home
• Do not allow people to smoke inside your home, or near the baby

The subject matter provided in these articles is strictly for informational purposes alone and should never be used in the place of a doctor’s advice. Please ALWAYS contact your doctor if you ever have questions or need advice in any area where medical advice is needed or medication is suggested.