When my son was born, he was two months premature, and only 4 lbs. He was tiny, and not at all ready to be on the outside. He stayed tiny for quite a long while. He was a month and a half old when he hit 5 lbs and was finally able to come home from the hospital. At 3 months old, he finally hit 8 lbs, and I remember thinking, “Wow, he’s as big as a regular newborn now…”
These are the newborn diapers from the hospital and his itty bitty ankle bracelet. Those diapers had to be folded over to fit him, and he still swam in them.
Those weren’t easy weeks when he was first born. Babies that little struggle to stay alive. But once we got him home, we were able to relax a little bit–snuggle him and start out some regular life with our baby who needed to be fed every hour because his tummy was still so small. I didn’t get a lot of sleep, I can tell you that!
When I wrote THE LAWMAN’S BABY with premature, 5 lb Benjie, I had my own little boy in my heart the entire time. A baby that tiny needed a lot of love, and who better to provide it than a beefy cop? Yes, that seemed like the perfect combination to me!
Have you pre-ordered your copy yet?
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He’s in over his head…
And calling for backup!
Police officer Mike McMann is always cool under pressure, but taking custody of his infant nephew has left him in a cold sweat. Coming to his rescue is social worker Paige Stedler. Paige gives him a crash course on parenting—and a tempting glimpse into a life beyond the badge. But is Mike ready to trade in his SWAT team aspirations for a white picket fence?
A perfect Heartwarming--your story and the story. I can see why your time with your newborn ended up inspiring you in many ways, including your book. What a cover!
ReplyDelete:) Aw, thanks! Yes, I knew I'd only have one baby, so I had to really cherish the time I had when he was tiny.
DeleteWe have had premature babies in our family so I know exactly what you mean. And I've had friends who are neonatal nurses. They are heroines of the best type, too. Looking forward to your book.
ReplyDeleteThe nurses were amazing! They were there when I couldn't be... and even when I was! I didn't really get a chance to thank them properly, since I was in a fog, but I wish I had.
DeleteI think Benjie and the beefy cop are a perfect combo. I look forward to reading it. And that picture on the cover...oh, my heart!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it! :)
DeleteI am so looking forward to reading The Lawman's Baby!
ReplyDeleteI really hope you like it, Pat! :)
DeleteYou must have had so many ups and downs those first few month, Patricia, and I can imagine your mixed feelings too, while writing “The Lawman’s Baby”. A tender cover and what promises to be a heartfelt read.
ReplyDeleteYes, there were a lot of ups and downs! It was quite traumatic. My husband and I still get a little upset when we remember the hard times when he was tiny.
DeleteAw, that bracelet is tiny! He's grown a lot since then, LOL. Can't wait to read about the beefy cop and the tiny baby.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes, he's grown significantly!
DeleteSounds wonderful, but you did some hard research for it.
ReplyDeleteYes, not the kind you want to do! ;)
DeleteSounds like a great story. I can well imagine how much you were thinking of your own experiences.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Callie!
DeleteMy daughter was opposite. She was born nearly eight pounds and was always under weight from then on. She was never on that growth chart. They wanted me to give her growth hormones but I always refused. She’s 29 now and weighs about 108. She’s petite but has been perfectly fine.
ReplyDeleteYour new book’s premise sounds wonderful, and I love the cover!! Sweetness overload. I can’t wait to get back to reading my Heartwarming books!!
I’m glad your son is okay now. (:
P.S. I read your post about Mr. Johns not thinking your jokes are funny and I thought it was hilarious!!
LOL! Thanks, Laurie! Your daughter was just petite, I guess! That's neat how different we all are.
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