It wasn't long ago that I was just a shy girl who felt like what I had to say wasn't valid, or simply that I had nothing to say at all. I was very quiet and reserved, keeping most of my opinions to myself. I never wanted to rock the metaphorical boat. In some ways, this still remains true: I'm relatively soft-spoken, especially in public situations, and I'm very much non-confrontational. Over time, however, I found that my voice could be loud when necessary. I grew to realize that what I had to say was very much important and could make a difference. I credit all of these new traits to motherhood.
RELATED: Want to blog for us?
Having a baby in the NICU and now a child with special needs has changed my life in countless ways, but one of the more positive outcomes was that I found my voice. I quickly needed to learn how to advocate for proper care, fight for diagnoses, and promote inclusion in the community. What was important to me gave me the power to fight and to speak, a power that I didn't have prior to
my son's premature birth. More than anything, I wanted to use this new ability on a local level. I am a member of a couple community boards, but I wanted to speak to those who likely wouldn't hear the words spoken at these meetings, as well. To raise awareness and make a difference, you also have to touch those who aren't personally affected by the cause.
RELATED: Tons of local events happening every weekend
Hudson Valley Parent has always been a publication that came to mind when I thought of our local community. Even before becoming a mom, I used it as a reference guide for upcoming events and would keep issues containing articles that I wanted to use in the future. So, when I came across information to apply to become a blogger, I jumped at the chance. When I was contacted, I was so honored to become a part of something like this. I felt that I had been given an amazing platform to reach parents everywhere in the Hudson Valley and tell our family's story. I was given such hope that I could make a difference.
This past weekend, our family attended the Hudson Valley Parent 25th Anniversary Event at
Hurd's Family Farm. We danced, we played, we celebrated, and at the end of the day, I was so grateful to be a part of a community like this.
Thank you, Hudson Valley Parent for an incredible 25 years!
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Underestimated Strength is a collection of posts all about our journey through life as we navigate preemie parenting after the NICU. You can read my posts here every Tuesday! Also, feel free to follow me on Instagram, where I speak freely about our story and advocacy.
Do you have any questions, comments or topic suggestions? Contact me via email: kristina.mulligan.blogs@gmail.com!
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Aug 6, 2020
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Aug 6, 2020
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Aug 6, 2020
COVID-19 is causing fear in many and panic in others. In some way, however, we all feel the anxiety – and possibly the soreness of dry hands.
Aug 6, 2020
The idea of inclusivity is a beautiful thing - people of all types of abilities playing together, being accepting/accepted and kind. What is the reality?
Aug 6, 2020
Please join us in the movement!
Oct 1, 2019
Every person in a baby’s life – grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins, and friends – could and should be responsible for keeping him or her healthy.
Sep 23, 2019
I've just gotten so used to carrying all of this weight that it appears to be much lighter to anyone looking in. Or maybe they just don't see me.
Sep 10, 2019
The event was a one mile walk/run for people of all abilities, and we were proud to race alongside every participant sporting our capes for our team, Flynn's Superheroes.
Sep 3, 2019
September is NICU Awareness Month. Though the time and place is difficult for me to revisit, I know that it is so crucial to do.
Aug 20, 2019
I sat down with Occupational Therapist Elizabeth Harnett Ms,otr/l to get your top questions about occupational therapy answered.
Aug 13, 2019
This past weekend we attended the 2nd Annual Sunflower Cutting Event hosted by Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils in Pleasant Valley.
Aug 6, 2019
This past week may have been Shark Week, but for us, it was “Vehicle Week.” We used our bodies, our senses, and our imaginations to explore all there is to know about things that go!
Jul 30, 2019
I’m a mom, and those three letters carry so much weight, responsibility, and love in so many different ways for every type of mother.
Jul 23, 2019
Hey, I know it's not all cupcakes and rainbows, but I'd rather go through life thinking that it mostly is instead of being like you. You don't sing, you don't dance. So grey all the time!
Jul 16, 2019
This past Saturday, our family attended a Superhero Breakfast at the Old Dutch Church in Port Ewen. The event benefited the non-profit organization Christmas Wishes Ulster County.
Jul 9, 2019
You’re sorry that this life that we never asked for is the one that we have. But I’m not sorry.
Jul 2, 2019
My intent for the month of July is to “be present,” but I want to make this my top bucket list item for the entire summer.
Jun 25, 2019
I know that this is what he needs, so I have no regrets, but as a mom, I feel lesser than.
Jun 18, 2019
Here some things that you should know, being in the support system of a family with a preemie.
Jun 11, 2019
I see you. I’ve been there. I see you, your patience, gentleness, and strength, and sometimes it helps to know that you are not alone.
Jun 4, 2019
I'm a work in progress, but I know a lot about building self-confidence that I need to share with you.
May 28, 2019
In honor of this year’s Stroke Awareness Month coming to an end, I wanted to share my personal story.
May 21, 2019
Ask the questions. Become more knowledgeable. Practice inclusivity. Be compassionate.
May 14, 2019
Have you gotten caught up in the competition of motherhood?
May 7, 2019
We’ve become pretty good friends here, right? I think we have, so I’m going to be honest with you. Ready? Let's talk about the IFSP...
Apr 30, 2019
As a mother of a child with developmental delays, I am often asked the question: “When should I worry that my baby isn’t _______ yet?” and I want to offer my advice.
Apr 23, 2019
There are certain things that are important to remember when you have a loved one with sensory needs.
Apr 16, 2019
Here is a collection of books that never get old at our house, recommended by a pretty cool two-year-old...
Apr 9, 2019
With all of the focus on the negative, it’s hard to remember that there is so much more to two! There are many other things that come with two that are unbelievably far from terrible.
Apr 2, 2019
I sat down with a very special preemie dad to ask some important questions.
Mar 26, 2019
So many books tell us that we need to pursue our greatest dreams and be more than just who we are. But wait, what if that’s not my dream?
Mar 19, 2019
With premature birth being a huge concern in this country, it’s important to spread knowledge and awareness. Can the entertainment industry help with this?
Mar 12, 2019
As a new mom, I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew this wasn’t “normal.” When you don't know what to do, where can you seek help?
Mar 5, 2019
In what ways can prematurity change your parenting? For me, preemie life has lasted long beyond leaving the NICU.
Feb 26, 2019
How can you include self-care into your life without it feeling like work?
Feb 19, 2019
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Feb 12, 2019
How can the stages of grief apply to the NICU experience?
Feb 5, 2019
The words that we choose are more important to children than we realize. How can vocabulary be changed to create a more positive environment?
Jan 29, 2019
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Jan 22, 2019
I'm sharing my personal experience of what it's like as a mother who does double-duty with work and parenting all day.
Jan 15, 2019
Did you know that quick additions and modifications to your current routine can create a more regulated sensory environment for your child? Check out these tips to incorporate sensory activities into your every day!
Jan 8, 2019
Premature babies have immature immune systems and get sick more easily than babies born at term. Learn the precautions that can be taken to minimize risk.
Jan 1, 2019
What makes a New Year's resolution?
Dec 25, 2018
If you know a family that is in the NICU during the holidays, here are a few ideas to make their days merry and bright.
Dec 18, 2018
This year, I organized a Twelve Days of Christmas Crafting Extravaganza for Flynn. Each activity is sensory focused but is also so fun and, of course, holiday-themed.
Dec 11, 2018
After being admitted to the hospital at 27-weeks pregnant with a sudden and severe case of preeclampsia, Kristina's pregnancy went from amazing to scary. At 28-weeks, she gave birth to her son Flynn via emergency c-section. This is Flynn's story.