One of the worst things about a long NICU stay...by week 11 people have stopped asking how the baby is.  All the "help" people offer and give is exhausted.  Everyone tells you "oh, he'll be home soon..."  And the enthusiasm and stamina you might have had in the beginning is gone.  People don't expect you to still cry because "he's doing so well."  You've watched umpteen babies come and go from the NICU, yet you remain.  You really start feeling alone...yet nothing changes.  Then when baby finally comes home everyone shows up again wanting to steal the one thing you've craved...cuddling time.  And when its your second NICU baby, the "new" wears off even sooner....

Tonight my heart is aching, my arms feel empty, yet my eyes full of tears...