Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who are widely recognised online under the moniker ‘Squirmy and Grubs’, recently shared the exciting news of their pregnancy with their followers, announcing it via social media on 8 September. The couple, who have garnered a significant following for candidly documenting their interabled relationship, are now navigating the unique challenges of impending parenthood.
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Shane, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, has taken to heart the advice shared by other interabled couples regarding the joys and complexities of becoming a parent. With his physical mobility limited by his condition, Shane has expressed a strong desire to foster an emotional connection with their baby. He emphasised that much of parenting extends beyond the physical realm, focusing instead on emotional bonding, learning, and love.
“The reality is that my disability will not prevent me from being a loving and engaged father,” Shane explained. “It’s reassuring to know that many aspects of parenting revolve around communication and emotional support rather than purely physical interactions.” Sarah, his partner, has also echoed this sentiment, noting how it has bolstered their confidence as they prepare for their new role as parents.
The couple has been proactive in contemplating the practicalities of parenting. They have been exploring various tools to assist Shane in engaging with their child. For instance, they are considering purchasing special pillows to help the baby rest on his lap safely, as well as a carrier that can be safely attached to Shane’s wheelchair. Such adaptations will enable them to create meaningful physical interactions from the earliest stages of their child’s life.
In conversations with other fathers facing similar challenges, Shane has learned that the bonds between parent and child can flourish in unexpected ways. He recalled a story shared by another father with the same diagnosis, who was initially apprehensive about his ability to connect physically with his child. He soon found that their bond developed naturally, revealing the innate ability of young children to adapt and find comfort in their parent’s presence.
As Hannah’s due date approaches in January, the couple is embracing the preparations that come with this life-changing event. They plan to recruit a caregiver to assist with Shane’s needs, allowing him to focus on fulfilling his role as a parent. “The goal is to support Shane in being the best father he can be,” Hannah remarked, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a balanced household.
After years of attempting to conceive through IVF, the anticipation surrounding their first child’s arrival has brought new energy to their lives. The couple is currently working on name selection and has determined the sex of the baby, although Hannah admits to being rather indecisive. Shane light-heartedly commented, “There’s always the possibility that the baby might go nameless, although we hope not!”
Hannah and Shane plan to actively document their journey throughout the pregnancy, sharing milestones and updates with their followers on social media. Shane, who is also an accomplished writer, has launched a blog to provide further insights into their experiences and the growth of their family.
The couple has already begun to revel in the simple joys of pregnancy, from seeing the baby’s ultrasounds to feeling gentle kicks. Hannah’s cravings have even emerged as a topic of shared laughter and excitement, reflecting their adaptation to the changes they are experiencing as a couple.
“I’ve told our family and friends that we feel as if we’re on ‘cloud nine’,” Shane shared. “This is an entirely new chapter in our lives, and every day feels like a celebration of happiness.” As their journey into parenthood unfolds, the couple remains optimistic about the future, eager to embrace the joys and challenges that await them with their little one.