Flying For the Clouds

Dear Ellie,

In three days you'll be at the equivalent of 34 weeks gestation.  When you were born and I was staring at your tiny little body, I remember thinking how impossible it seemed for you to get through your entire NICU stay without any major problems.  When you developed so many complications with your lungs, I merely thought, "Well, I guess we're just receiving what we were due."  However, with all of the progress you've made recently, you might make it through unscathed after all.  Technically by most standards, a preemie is formally diagnosed with chronic lung disease by 36 weeks if still dependent on oxygen.  That gives you 17 days to fly for the clouds!