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Flynn at Hurd's Family Farm, almost three feet tall!

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.

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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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Prematurity in the Media

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