We Were Preemies

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Scroll down, or click any year below to read available accounts of premature babies who were born in that year:

Parent_First_Names: Mary Ann
First_Name_of_child: Joseph
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 30w0d-30w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 2
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 4 months
Email: marywetherbee@bellsouth.net
On May 19, 1987, Joseph came into this world 10 weeks premature. At first all seemed to be going fairly well except that he was small. On day 10 on my visit to the unit I was told that my baby had had a brain bleed. On a grade between 1 and 4 his was a grade 3. We were told to unplug him and let him go--I refused. Joseph was a very sick little boy, but after 2 months in the NICU, they were able to put in a shunt. After 4 months of ups and downs, he went home. Joseph will be 19 soon and other than being confined to a wheelchair, is a joy to be around.

Parent_First_Names: Mike and Marilyn
Childs_First_Name: Allyson
Gender: female
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 31w0d-31w6d
Birth_State: IN--Indiana State_Now: IN--Indiana
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 7
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 6 weeks
Email: mkamsa@sbcglobal.net
Allyson is the only girl of a set of triplets. She has two brothers, Brooks and Conner. After spending 6 weeks in the hospital, she came home and has done well since. She is now 16 and active in church, runs track and cross country, and is on the high honor roll at school. It has been amazing to us to see how God has helped her grow into such a healthy young lady. She is still the shortest of the three standing at 5'3".

Parent_First_Names: Mike and Marilyn
Childs_First_Name: Conner
Gender: male
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 31w0d-31w6d
Birth_State: IN--Indiana State_Now: IN--Indiana
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 1
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 6 weeks
Email: mkamsa@sbcglobal.net
Conner is the firstborn of a set of triplets and he won't let you forget it!! He has a brother, Brooks, and a sister named Allyson. Conner spent 6 weeks in the hospital before he was able to come home. Conner is healthy and has grown now to 6'2". He enjoys cross country and track and is a good student at school, making the high honor roll. He is involved at church and has a wonderful personality. We are so thankful to God for blessing us with Conner.

Parent_First_Names: Mike and Marilyn
Childs_First_Name: Brooks
Gender: male
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 31w0d-31w6d
Birth_State: IN--Indiana State_Now: IN--Indiana
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 7
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 6 weeks
Email: mkamsa@sbcglobal.net
Brooks is a triplet and has a brother, Conner, and a sister, Allyson. After spending six weeks in the hospital, he came home. Brooks is strong and healthy and enjoys all sports, especially tennis and track. He has a competitive nature and is on the high honor roll at school and is involved at church. Brooks is a blessing and we are thankful to God for him.

Parent_First_Names: Donna Carole and Rollie
Childs_First_Name: Zachary
Birth_Month: January
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 25w0d-25w6d
Birth_State: FL--Florida State_Now: SC--South Carolina
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 10
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3 months
Email: DCKitchens@aol.com

Zach was sick from the start. At 2 days old he had a grade 3 brain bleed, but it spread and was upgraded to a 4. We were told to decide if we wanted to hold our child as they turned the vent off, or if we wanted them to bring him to us to hold after he was gone. Praise God we refused to make that decision and left it in our Lord's hands! After lots of ups and downs, 4 eye surgeries and a 3 month stay in the hospital, we brought Zach home. Today, despite having some minor learning disabilities, Zach is a healthy, happy young man, and a living testimony to the power of prayer!

Parent_First_Names: Lisa
Childs_First_Name: Cathryn
Birth_Month: August
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 25w0d-25w6d
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 11
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3 months
Email: BWILLMSCHEN@BELLSOUTH.NET

Cathryn was born at 9:30 PM on August 17, 1996. She was born premature at 25 weeks and weighed 1 pound, 11 ounces and was 12 ½ inches long. She was given only a 10 Percent chance to live. She stayed in the high risk nursery for 3 months. By November 11, 1996 she had grown to over 3 pounds and the doctors let her go home . She had to have 2 Eye Surgeries by the time she was 7 months old due to ROP. She is now a typical 9 year old and about to enter the 5th grade as an A/B honor student.

Parent_First_Names: Al & Michelle
First_Name_of_child: Ellis
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 0
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 54 days
Email: michelleperry@myarbonne.com
Ellis was "Baby A" - the firstborn of quadruplets. She faced a scary time the night after her birth but recovered quickly. She had Retinopathy of Prematurity Stage 3+ and underwent laser surgery to prevent blindness. She also had BPD, a heart murmur, PDA, etc - all of which resolved on their own. Today she is in first grade at Tree of Life Christian Schools and reads well. She has been diagnosed ADHD and is high functioning on the Autism Spectrum. We feel very blessed to have her with us - she gives us a run for our money!

Parent_First_Names: Al & Michelle
First_Name_of_child: Madison
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 8
Survival: No
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 14 days
Email: michelleperry@myarbonne.com
Madison was "Baby B" and the identical twin of Savannah, "Baby C." She was strong and could have come off of her ventilator if she were not so tiny. Madison developed sepsis and was taken very quickly - so quickly, in fact, that the nurses could not recall a faster turnaround. She is survived by her 2 sisters and brother who are now 7 1/2 years old. Her identical sister has cerebral palsy but is quite active in her power chair and is very bright. Our beanie baby of choice was a little lamb given to us by friends. Madison is buried in Savannah, Georgia and we nicknamed her "Little Bit."

Parent_First_Names: Al & Michelle
First_Name_of_child: Savannah
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 1
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 54 days
Email: michelleperry@myarbonne.com
Savannah was "Baby C" - out of a set of quadruplets and the identical twin of "Baby B," her sister Madison. Savannah did well in the NICU but suffered a grade 2 brain bleed which resulted in PVL, causing her cerebral palsy. Today she is a bright 7 1/2 year old who gets around nicely in her power wheelchair. Cognitively she is as sharp as a tack. She was in the regular first grade classroom but we just decided a few months ago to home school her. The regular classroom was very exhausting. She is one of the brightest spots in our lives and we don't know what we would do without her!

Parent_First_Names: Al & Michelle
First_Name_of_child: Will
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 0
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 59 days
Email: michelleperry@myarbonne.com
Will was the only boy - "Baby D" born to a set of quadruplets. Will surpassed the preemie setback of being a "wimpie white male" and only stayed on the ventilator for 2 days. He had no brain bleeds - only hernia surgery and strabismus surgery. He has done quite well and is 7 1/2 years old and in first grade at Tree of Life Christian Schools. He is only left with the diagnosis of ADHD and is quite manageable with medication. We are very thankful to God for this little boy. He is the baby that we got to hold first!

Parent_First_Names: Stuart & LaMuir
Childs_First_Name: Bradley Marshall
Gender: male
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birth_State: WA--Washington State_Now: GA--Georgia
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 12
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 70 days
Email: quadmomi@msn.com

Bradley (Baby C) was the fastest of our four. We were able to hold him on day 8 (that was truly a gift from God). He moved from the NICU to the intermediate side of the nursery on day 18. He did AWESOME, has no issues related to being a preemie, his IQ is 136, and he is absolutely the smartest person I know!!! He is very healthy and loves building things, playing sports, and boating with good 'ol Dad.

Parent_First_Names: Stuart & LaMuir
Childs_First_Name: Shelby Brooke
Gender: female
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birth_State: WA--Washington State_Now: GA--Georgia
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 12
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 70 days
Email: quadmomi@msn.com

Shelby (baby D) was a fast starter, right on brother Bradley's heels. We were able to hold her on day 9, and she moved to the intermediate side of the nursery on day 19. She was the mover & shaker of the crew--we could hardly keep her in her incubator. We would have to open it very carefully, ready to catch her so she wouldn't fall out!!! She has not had issues stemming from being a preemie. She is so very smart and loves sports, cheerleading, and singing. The Lord has truly blessed us with our four little miracles.

Parent_First_Names: Stuart & LaMuir
Childs_First_Name: Stephanie Alexis
Gender: female
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birth_State: WA--Washington State_Now: GA--Georgia
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 7
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 70 days
Email: quadmomi@msn.com

Stephanie (Baby A) did very well, and was the first one to come off of the ventilator at day 2, moving to the C-pap for approximately 1 1/2 weeks. She was the smallest of our crew, but the strongest! She stayed in the NICU for 23 days, and then became a feeder & grower for her remaining stay in the hospital. She has no issues from her premature birth. She is now a very healthy eight-year-old and is a doing very well in the 3rd grade. She loves to sing, cheer, and help with Mommy with cooking.

Parent_First_Names: Stuart & LaMuir
Childs_First_Name: Preston Alexander
Gender: male
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birth_State: WA--Washington State_Now: GA--Georgia
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 2
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 82 days
Email: quadmomi@msn.com

Preston (Baby B) was much different then our other three: He was the largest and the sickest. He was put on the Jet Ventilator at day 3 and stayed at almost 100% oxygen for 3 weeks. There were two times we were told he would not make it. With a severe case of PIE, his left long had compressed his heart to the the right side of his body, with a quarter size area of clear lung left. His only hope was to rupture a lung. It did rupture, and the tube was placed successfully. He moved out of the NICU on day 27. He is doing GREAT, and has no issues related to being a preemie.

Parent_First_Names: Nancy and Doug
Childs_First_Name: Emily
Birth_Month: August
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 29w0d-29w6d
Birth_State: AZ--Arizona State_Now: AZ--Arizona
Gender: female
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 1
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 119 days (4 months)
Email: cactustaz@cox.net
Emily Faith is a series of miracles. I miscarried her twin at 2 months--she hung on. At 5 months a doctor recommended terminating. She was certain the baby would be severely handicapped. We knew she would not be. At 29 weeks my placenta abrupted and Emily was born by emergency c-section, kicking and screaming. She survived deadly infections; 9 weeks on a ventilator; brain bleeds; and bouts of pneumonia. She will be 6 on August 1st, 2006 and starts 1st grade. Developmentally normal, she does receive speach therapy at school. She's small, very bright and laughs alot.

Parent_First_Names: John & Rita
First_Name_of_child: Isaiah
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 24w0d-24w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 0
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 4 months
Email: fourboysmom2001@yahoo.com
Isaiah was taken C-section because of severe pre-eclampsia. He was born waving his tiny arms and legs and trying to cry to make himself known. (He sounded like a little kitten.) The medical staff knew right away he was a fighter! He was on a ventilator for approximately 12 weeks. He now is 4 years old and a real handful. He still takes a breathing treatment morning and night but is progressing very well. He is still very small. (25 pounds and wears size 24 mo. clothing) He can sing the entire National Anthem along with any worship song he's ever heard.

Parent_First_Names: Walter & LaDonna
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 28w0d-28w6d
Birth_State: LA--Louisiana State_Now: LA--Louisiana

Childs_First_Name: Bethany
Gender: female
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 13
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3-1/2 months
Email: Williams1922@bellsouth.net

Parent_First_Names: Walter & LaDonna
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 28w0d-28w6d
Birth_State: LA--Louisiana State_Now: LA--Louisiana
Childs_First_Name: Sean
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 8
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3-1/2 months
Email: Williams1922@bellsouth.net

Parent_First_Names: Walter & LaDonna
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 28w0d-28w6d
Birth_State: LA--Louisiana State_Now: LA--Louisiana

Childs_First_Name: Shelby
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 8
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3 months
Email: Williams1922@bellsouth.net

Parent_First_Names: Walter & LaDonna
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 28w0d-28w6d
Birth_State: LA--Louisiana State_Now: LA--Louisiana

Childs_First_Name: Aaron
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 8
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 4 months
Email: Williams1922@bellsouth.net

Parent_First_Names: Jena & Mark
Childs_First_Name: Evan
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 28w0d-28w6d
Birth_State: NC--North Carolina State_Now: GA--Georgia
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 4
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 7 weeks
Email: jhall09@comcast.net

Evan came into our lives at 3 lbs. 4 oz. and cried when he arrived. He was an emergency c-section and stayed on the ventilator 10 days. We prayed through each complication of his growth and maturation. We drew so near to God during this time and felt such a closeness and uplifting from the Lord that we knew we were being cared for in the midst of all the chaos! Evan is now a 4 1/2 year wild thing! He is a blast to be around and our future evangelist. We think he has a special bond with God. He who holds these special babies cares for them beyond what we can imagine!!

Parent_First_Names: Craig and Angela
First_Name_of_child: Samuel
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 29w0d-29w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 13
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3 months
Email: harris1@cox.net
Samuel was 2 weeks behind in growth due to my pre-eclampsia and was born at 29 weeks gestation (27 weeks in growth) and weighed 1 lb 13.4 oz. Samuel had it hard at first, but he persevered and made it, in our family's opinion due to God and all the love he received from family and friends . He came home a week after his due date weighing 4 lbs 6 oz. He came home perfectly healthy and hasn't been back since. Our faith in the Lord helped us through this difficult time and I truly believe that he handpicks the parents of premature children. They really are a blessing from above.

Parent_First_Names: Brian & Tammy
Childs_First_Name: Gannon
Birth_Month: November
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 29w0d-29w6d
Birth_State: KY--Kentucky
State_Now: IN--Indiana
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 4
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 6 Weeks (41 Days)
Email: tdensford@c3bb.com

I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 27 weeks and Gannon was born at 29 weeks 4 days. He was on the vent for 1 day (but a nasal cannula for 5 weeks), had 2 blood transfusions, and an NEC scare for a week. He gradually gained weight and was always a fighter. We were able to bring him home on New Year's Eve (6 weeks before his due date of February 3rd) at 4 pounds 10 ounces. Today Gannon shows no signs of his prematurity. He is advanced developmentally and weighs 36 pounds and is 39 inches tall as a 3 year old. He is our precious miracle and we thank God daily for him.

Parent_First_Names: David & Erica
First_Name_of_child: Olivia
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 33w0d-33w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 5 Ounces: 4
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 9 Days
Email: erica.shubin@gmail.com
Olivia was born at 33 weeks 5 days - There were many complications during my pregnancy including the loss of Olivia's twin at 7 weeks. We were told that our best odds for my survival was abortion. This wasn't an option and we once again committed our child and my life to the Lord. God saw fit that we both would survive and after 7 months of blood thinners, placenta previa, gestational diabetes, beating the odds against a sub-chorionic hemorrhage later in the pregnancy, little Olivia was born fighting. Olivia is now 4 and doing amazing!

Parent_First_Names: Brett and Trish
Childs_First_Name: Jacob
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 24w0d-24w6d
Birth_State: KS--Kansas State_Now: KS--Kansas
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 3
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 126 Days (4 Months)
Email: onestrongmother@cox.net
Our son Jacob was born via emergency c-section @ 24 weeks, 1 day gestation. While in the NICU, he battled infection, surgery, 12 blood transfusions, Chronic Lung Disease, and severe Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), which caused his blindness. As with many preemie’s, Jacob has developmental delays and also has a seizure disorder, otherwise, he is a happy and healthy little boy…a true miracle. Learn more about him at www.jacobthefighter.com.

Parent_First_Names: April and Wayne
Childs_First_Name: Sophia
Gender: female
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 24w0d-24w6d
Birth_State: IN--Indiana State_Now: IN--Indiana
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 12
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 155 days
Email: fakinker@comcast.net

Sophia was born at exactly 24 weeks. Sophia spent 155 days in the NICU and endured BPD, a Grade 3 IVH (brain bleed), hydrocephalus, ROP, numerous blood transfusions. She was on the vent for 3 months then was on the high flow cannula. She had eye surgery to correct the ROP at 1 month old. Sophia came home on oxygen and an NG feeding tube. She was off both by her first birthday. Sophia is now 4.5 yrs old. She is almost 4 feet tall and 40 lbs. She is in preschool and shows no signs of her prematurity. She's very intelligent and has no delays or health problems.

Parent_First_Names: Peter and Elizabeth
Childs_First_Name: Rebecca
Gender: female
Birth_Month: July
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 30w0d-30w6d
Birth_State: AZ--Arizona State_Now: AZ--Arizona
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 1
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 38 days

Email: simonpete@hotmail.com
Rebecca arrived suddenly after only 30 weeks of a normal pregnancy. She needed to be vented for 1 day. A week after birth, we found she had 2 brain bleeds and grade II hydrocephalus. A week after that, her hydrocephalus had progressed to Grade III, and she was given her first VP shunt. She has done amazingly well since her discharge from the hospital. She's needed one shunt revision, but has no complications from her premature birth or hydrocephalus. On Aug 9, 2006, her VP shunt was removed permanently. She is beautiful and perfect, and we love her!

Parent_First_Names: John and Beverly
First_Name_of_child: Mille
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 33w0d-33w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 3 Ounces: 14
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 7 weeks
Email: beverlyf@bellsouth.net
Mille was born on Sept 5, 2003 along with her two siblings Mckenna and Davison. Millie was the smallest of the three and I must say, a true fighter. She had a really hard time coming off the feeding tube but as the nurses said..at 38 weeks..the light came on and she began to eat. She had problems with apnea and required a heart monitor for 6 months. She came home after 7 weeks and continued to take Caffeine by mouth for months. Millie is now 2.5 and extremely active. . I take my hat off to the wonderful doctors, nurses and sonographers who educated and encouraged us along the way.

Parent_First_Names: Jamie & Jenny
First_Name_of_child: Annie
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 33w0d-33w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 5 Ounces: 3
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 11 days
Email: jmccain80@bellsouth.net
Although our NICU experience was relatively brief, my lack of understanding about preemies made it scary; and though I tried to ask good questions, the vague/incomprehensible answers never made sense. The same was true of her later diagnosis of a “very mild case of the mildest form of CP”. Thankfully the CP is mainly limited to her legs and, with hard work, in a few years she should be free of the leg braces (AFO's) she now wears. My only advice is to remember that God doesn’t make mistakes. Like Annie, who is a blessing to everyone around her, we are all beautifully and wonderfully made.

Parent_First_Names: Cherie and Marcus
First_Name_of_child: Madelyn
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 5
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 12 weeks one day
Email: brewerfamily2006@yahoo.com
Madelyn was Baby E (of quintuplets). She extubated herself from the ventilator on Day 3 at 1 lb 3 oz and didn't go back on it until she got a virus 8 weeks later. The virus was unknown. She was 12 in long at birth. She weighed a little over 5 lbs when she came home. She now weighs 21 lbs 6 oz and is a big girl. She wears a leg splint on her left leg to help with walking. She is learning some sign language and growing so fast. She was so feisty from the day she was born and still is.

Parent_First_Names: Cherie and Marcus
First_Name_of_child: Carson
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 9
Survival: No
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 6 months 13 days
Email: brewerfamily2006@yahoo.com
Carson was Baby D (of quintuplets). He hemorrhaged in his lungs on Day 4. On Day 14 he had emergency surgery for NEC. He also had surgery for a PDA, reconnection of his belly, ROP w/plus disease and a tracheotomy. Carson overcame each of his surgeries wonderfully. He taught us about the true meaning of prayer. Carson was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension at 5 months old and passed away 6 weeks later. He is the strongest person I have ever known. I thank God everyday he chose me to be the mother of this wonderful child.

Parent_First_Names: Brandon & Rebecca
Childs_First_Name: Braxton
Gender: male
Birth_Month: March
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 23w0d-23w6d
Birth_State: NC--North Carolina State_Now: SC--South Carolina
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 10
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 151 days
Email: beckru7@yahoo.com

He was born due to placental abruption and we were given less than a 5% chance that he would survive. We almost lost him at 10 days old due to PIE and pneumothorax but he pulled through. He was vented for 99 days. He has had ROP, which cleared when he came home--he wears no glasses. He fought several infections and had 17 blood tranfusions during his NICU stay. He was a very sick little boy and we were not given much positive outlook but today he is a very healthy 3.5 yr old. The doctors are still amazed to this day of how he survived. You would never know he was so premature unless I told you.

Parent_First_Names: Derald and Christina
Childs_First_Name: Alicen
Gender: female
Birth_Month: June
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 25w0d-25w6d
Birth_State: IL--Illinois State_Now: IL--Illinois
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 13
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 111 Days
Email: alicen_red_one@yahoo.com

Our precious little lady weighed only 1 lb and 13 ounces at birth. She is 2 years and 7 months old now. She has been diagnosed with CP, Epilepsy, BPD, ROP and has a feeding tube. We are getting a new wheel chair for her. She weighs 27 pounds. She doesn't walk, sit up or talk any words, but GIGGLE--what a beautiful sound. She growls at us to get our attention. She is a living breathing miracle and God has certainly blessed our family when he gave her to us. I like to tell people that if they do not believe in God then they should just look at a Preemie, and they will see his AWESOME ability.

Parent_First_Names: Joe and Jessica
Childs_First_Name: Erik
Gender: male
Birth_Month: February
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 25w0d-25w6d
Birth_State: IL--Illinois State_Now: IL--Illinois
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 13
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3.5 months
Email: JBeach727@comcast.net
I had Erik early due to severe pre-eclampsia and Erik's heart rate. After the emergency c-section I wasn't able to see him for a full day due to my condition. I waited that night to see him because I was so scared of what I was about to see. When I saw him I cried--I guess I felt like it was in some way my fault. You could see through his skin and he had tubes all over him. After two weeks they said he had a downfall, and they didn't think he was going to make it. But thankfully he recovered. The nurses were great ,but they always prepared me for the worst, which sometimes made me think about the negative things (would he make it? would he always need oxygen? would he have other problems?). After 3.5 months he was able to come home: no oxygen, no monitors, no tubes. I was very thankful. He is now 2 years old and healthy--right where he should be.

Parent_First_Names: Cherie and Marcus
First_Name_of_child: Morgan
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 0
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 8 weeks
Email: brewerfamily2006@yahoo.com
Morgan was the firstborn of our quintuplets. She was on the ventilator for one day. She then moved to the CPAP for one day and then to nasal cannula. During her 8 week stay in the NICU she developed a gastrointestinal virus. She had blood in her stool and was watched to make sure she did not develop NEC. She did receive a blood transfusion and antibiotics for her virus which was unknown. She did well with feedings. She came home weighing 3lbs 8 oz and now weighs 24lbs at 18 months old. She is right on target developmentally and is a true miracle.

Parent_First_Names: Cherie and Marcus
First_Name_of_child: Benjamin
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 3
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 12 weeks
Email: brewerfamily2006@yahoo.com
Benjamin was third born of our quintuplets. He was on the ventilator for 6 weeks. He developed pneumatosis (precursor for NEC) and was transferred to another hospital to be watched. His x-rays improved daily and he was sent back to the original hospital after 2 weeks. He came home weighing 5 lbs and now weighs 24 lbs 3 oz at 18 months old. He has had a chord repair and ear tubes (for a mild hearing loss and ear infections). He is doing wonderful and is such a blessing.

Parent_First_Names: Cherie and Marcus
First_Name_of_child: Sean
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 27w0d-27w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 5
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 8 weeks
Email: brewerfamily2006@yahoo.com
Sean was the second born of our quintuplets. He was diagnosed at 8 days old with a Grade 3 cranial bleed. . Each ultrasound showed improvements over the next 8 weeks. He was on the ventilator for one week, CPAP for two weeks then to nasal cannula. Before his discharge, his final ultrasound of his head showed a Grade 1 bleed completely resolved. We were told that this was a miracle. He came home weighing 4 lbs 8 oz and now weighs 26 lbs at 18 months old. He wears leg splints to help him with his walking (he walks on the tip of his toes). He is a very happy, healthy little boy.

*Grant was born at 29 weeks c-section because no amniotic fluid was found during an ultrasound. He was 3lb. 9oz but immediately at birth about 1lb. of fluid was taken off his stomach. He had a blood clot in his heart. He had to have fluid taken off his stomach regularly. His kidneys failed. We spent 2 months in the NICU with our wonderful son. We are so blessed that we are his parents and had that time to spend with him. He had a monkey beanie baby that kept him company and we read to him and held him him as much as possible. We miss him every day and look forward to seeing him again.

Parent_First_Names: Matt and Lindsay
Childs_First_Name: Jack
Birth_Month: November
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 24w0d-24w6d
Birth_State: IN--Indiana State_Now: IN--Indiana
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 0 Ounces: 15
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 135 days
Email: matt_lindsay0423@hotmail.com

Jack was born on 11-28-05 at 24 weeks and 4 days gestation. I developed HELLP Syndrome and within 4 days I had to deliver to save my life and his. My blood pressure reached a high of 195/110, my liver enzymes were very high and my platelet count was very low. Jack came out crying and right then I knew that he was going to make it. He weighed 15 ounces and was 11.5 inches long. He lost some weight and the lowest he was weighed at was 12 ounces. He spent 2 weeks on an oscillator, 3 months on a vent, 10 days on CPAP and came home on april 10 on nasal cannula. he is now 7 months old and weighs about 12 pounds. He had Stage 3 ROP that corrected itself and had bilateral hernia surgery before we left. Right now he is doing GREAT and is healthy. We are working with PT/OT to catch him up developmentally. He is a true miracle and amazes us everyday!!!!

Parent_First_Names: Joanne
Childs_First_Name: Angela
Gender: female
Birth_Month: October
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 23w0d-23w6d
Birth_State: AZ--Arizona State_Now: AZ--Arizona
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 6
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 96 days
Email: jokiepokie24@gmail.com

Angela was born at 23 weeks. She weighed 1 lb. 6 oz. The day after her birth She weighed 1 lb. 1 oz. She was a living miracle. She underwent heart surgery, at a month old. And she had eye surgery at 2 and a half months. She was left without hope 2 or 3 times. But we were so blessed. I brought her to see a doctor awhile ago and we were talking about how she was a 23 weeker. He just shook His head and said, "She is the most not-looking-like-a-preemie baby I have ever seen". She weighs close to 30 pounds now [at 30 months old] and you would never believe she was once only 17 ounces!

Parent_First_Names: Phil & Lisa
First_Name_of_child: Emily
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 26w0d-26w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 7
Survival: No
Duration_of_NICU_stay:
Email: roberts99@insightbb.com

Emily was Baby B of bggb quadruplets, and the smallest. She did incredibly well, and was put onto CPAP during week one. At 1 1/2 weeks, she acquired MRSA and became septic very quickly. She appeared to bounce back, but a few days later it was clear that the infection was still there and had spread throughout her body. After nineteen days, Emily went to be with the Lord, to the great sadness--and joy--of those who love her. We were blessed to be with her for those nineteen days, and we look forward to our reunion with her one day. A seahorse was by her side at all times, and is now buried with her--what we learned from loving her in those nineteen days is the inspiration for Project Seahorse!

Parent_First_Names: Jill and Jamie
First_Name_of_child: John
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 24w0d-24w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 8
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 110 days
Email: jillbirtch@yahoo.com

John is a true miracle and defines inspiration and faith. John was born at 24 wks and struggled to survive through countless complications due to his prematurity. John suffered a severe brain bleed, NEC, an infection in his liver, ROP, and was sent home on a feeding tube. The outlook for John's future looked grim from the beginning and we were told several times he was not likely to survive, but through a strong will to survive, faith, and prayer John has surpassed the doctors' and nurses' expectations. John still has a long road ahead of him but we are encouraged by his continued progress.

Parent_First_Names: Phil & Lisa
First_Name_of_child: Danielle
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 26w0d-26w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 10
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3 1/2 months
Email: roberts99@insightbb.com

Danielle was Baby D of bggb quadruplets, and was third heaviest at 1 lb. 10 oz. On day 3 she had severe bleeding into her airways that nearly took her life. During PDA surgery on day 6, her heart doctor told us that her heart looked great, but that he wasn't sure if she would survive, based on the condition of her lungs. Danielle had a bilateral grade 3 and grade 4 brain bleed, but began rapidly improving after month One, coming home with no equipment. Right now, Danielle is doing amazingly well, and her awareness and smiles are great!

Parent_First_Names: Phil & Lisa
First_Name_of_child: Casey
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 26w0d-26w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 11
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: just under 4 months
Email: roberts99@insightbb.com

Casey was Baby C of bggb quads, and was second heaviest at 1 lb. 11 oz. He started off well, but at 2 weeks came down with group B strep meningitis. So far the effects are unclear, but he is still struggling with head size and the possibility of a shunt. Casey received a steroid injection in his lip at 3 months for a hemangioma, which now seems under control. He had medical NEC at 3 months, but required no surgery, and has had eating/vomiting issues that are a challenge--but he is gaining weight and all smiles. We love Casey!

Parent_First_Names: Jamie and Adam
First_Name_of_child: Luke
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 32w0d-32w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 12
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 9 weeks
Email: jamham1@aol.com

At 25 weeks, I had a premature rupture of membranes and was hospitalized for the next 7 weeks of my pregnancy. Luke was born at 32 weeks and weighed 1 lb. 12 oz. and was 13". He was in the NICU for 3 days when he developed a severe infection. He underwent surgery and spent the next 9 weeks in the NICU. The experience was very frightening, and only by God's grace and the prayers of countless many, our son is now a healthy one year old, who has doubled his birth length and weighs over 17 lbs!

Parent_First_Names: Phil & Lisa
First_Name_of_child: Benjamin
Gender: male
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 26w0d-26w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 15
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 3 1/2 months
Email: roberts99@comcast.net

Benjamin was Baby A of bggb quadruplets, and the heaviest of the four at 1 lb. 15 oz. He was colonized with MRSA, but other than that was the only one of the four who had no major prematurity issues. Swallowing issues delayed his discharge for a couple of weeks, which a thickener called Simply Thick has helped him to overcome. Benjamin is all smiles, and so far seems to be ahead of his age group in rolling over, tracking, "talking," etc. We love Benjamin very much!

Parent_First_Names: Don and Rebecca
Childs_First_Name: Emilee
Gender: female
Birth_Month: December
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 34w0d-34w6d
Birth_State: GA--Georgia State_Now: GA--Georgia
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 4 Ounces: 3
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 0
Email: rpallone@coastalnow.net
Emilee was born at 34 weeks and by nothing short of a miracle we never went to NICU. We brought her home a week later. She stopped breathing suddenly in February and had to go on a heart monitor for several months but recovered nicely from that. She has had very bad reflux but has been told that it will go away once she starts walking. We see an OT and PT twice a week for developmental issues but she is responding very well. There is a possiblity she has a mild case of CP but we know and believe that God has wonderful plans for this little miracle of ours.

Birth_State: ME--Maine State_Now: ME--Maine
Birth_Month: February
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 33w0d-33w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 4 Ounces: 5
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 2 1/2 weeks

Kaylee is the younger of my identical twin girls by 1 min. They were born via c-section after I went into premature labor. They both cried after they were born and were only on oxygen for about 15 min. each. They both had some feeding issues, but just needed to learn to eat and breathe at the same time and how to regulate their own temperature. Within 2 1/2 weeks they were ready to come home...together. They joined their then 6 yr. old sister and 3 yr. old brother at home. They are now 17 mo. (as of July 2006), and although they are still small for their age, they are very healthy and happy. They both weigh 21 lbs.

Parent_First_Names: Erin
Childs_First_Name: Jonathan
Birth_Month: November
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 34w0d-34w6d
Birth_State: AZ--Arizona State_Now: AZ--Arizona
Gender: male
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 4 Ounces: 9
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 14 days
Email: eringrace@gmail.com

At 34 weeks, my doctor decided to induce labor due to an onset of pre-eclampsia. After 16 hours of labor Jonathan was then born by C-section! A little bit drugged up from the Magnesium I was on, Jonathan did not cry, breathe or move at first. Thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Jonathan is now doing very well. At 7 months, he weighs a little over 15 pounds and is very busy talking, crawling (soldier style...) and fake coughing to get attention!

Birth_State: ME--Maine State_Now: ME--Maine
Birth_Month: February
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 33w0d-33w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 5 Ounces: 0
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 2 1/2 weeks

Kelsey is the older of my identical twin girls by 1 minute. They were born via c-section after I went into premature labor. They both cried after they were born and were only on oxygen for about 15 min. each. They both had some feeding issues, but just needed to learn to eat and breathe at the same time and how to regulate their own temperature. Within 2 1/2 weeks they were ready to come home...together. They joined their then 6 yr. old sister and 3 yr. old brother at home. They are now 17 mo. (as of July 2006), and although they are still small for their age, they are very healthy and happy. They both weigh 21 lbs.

Parent_First_Names: Katie and Tom
Childs_First_Name: Connor
Gender: male
Birth_Month: September
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 30w0d-30w6d
Birth_State: AZ--Arizona State_Now: AZ--Arizona
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 1 Ounces: 6
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 2.5 months
Email: kat76@cox.net

Born at 30 weeks but the size of a 24-weeker due to IUGR. Doctors weren’t optimistic when they diagnosed us, believing it was a viral or chromosomal disorder and even hinted at terminating the pregnancy. Delivered via emergency C-section after 5 weeks of bedrest, he was ventilated for one week (self-extubated) then on CPAP, had 2 blood transfusions and hernia surgery. He did not have a lot of the problems that micro-preemies have. He came home right before Christmas and was 6 lbs. 10 oz. at 4 months old (and 18” long), on a feeding tube and apnea monitor. He is doing great and is our hero!

Parent_First_Names: Ryan and Brianne
Childs_First_Name: Allison
Gender: female
Birth_Month: November
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 34w0d-34w6d
Birth_State: OH--Ohio State_Now: OH--Ohio
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 5 Ounces: 5
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 18 days

Allison is our youngest twin. She was born at a good weight but immediately after delivering her by c-section, she "crashed". Her APGAR scores were low indicating that she was not doing well at all. She was intubated and spent about 24 hours on a vent and was graduated to CPAP for a week or so. She continued to struggle for a week or so then started to finally show signs of improvement. The day her brother was to be d/c from the NICU, I refused to take him without her even against the doctor's advice, but once she got home she thrived--now [13 months old] weighing 22 lbs 14 oz and 32 in long.

Parent_First_Names: Ryan and Brianne
Childs_First_Name: Ryan
Gender: male
Birth_Month: November
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 34w0d-34w6d
Birth_State: OH--Ohio State_Now: OH--Ohio
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 5 Ounces: 14
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 18 days

Ryan is a twin and born at 34 wks 6 days. He was considered big for a preemie and thankfully only required minimal oxygen support and was a "feeder and grower" in the NICU. He had a small heart murmur that fixed itself after we took him home. He is right on track developmentally which is a huge blessing and at his 1 year check up weighed in at 23 lbs 2 oz and was 33 inches long. He is such a sweetheart!

Parent_First_Names: Katie and Andy
First_Name_of_child: Grayson
Gender: female
Weeks_of_Gestation_at_Birth: 34w0d-34w6d
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 7 Ounces: 0
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 16 days
Email: kknox@lcsd.k12.sc.us
As a type 1 diabetic mother who had acute onset hypertension I delivered our daughter after being hospitalized on several occasions and finally after a week's stay where labor would not stop Gracie arrived in our lives. She had a normal weight because of my diabetes but suffered a broken collar bone and a slightly enlarged heart. She stayed with the wonderful nursing staff of CMC-Pineville's NICU and came home on a cardiac/apnea monitor. She is now almost 4 months old, off the monitor and learning that smiles will wrap her daddy's heart strings.

Parent_First_Names: Rob & Lizze
Childs_First_Name: Elliott Richard
Gender: male
Birth_Month: March
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 36w0d-36w6d
Birth_State: OH--Ohio State_Now: OH--Ohio
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 7 Ounces: 8
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 10 days
Email: cerulean_enigma@msn.com
Elliott was nearly full-term, although technically a preemie. We were lucky we made it to 36 wks after preterm labor began at 27 wks. Elliott was born with premature lungs. Then he suffered both lungs collapsing and pneumonia before he could be released. He is nearly 2 and developmentally right on track. He is a miracle in each and every way.

Parent_First_Names: Toby & Christin
Childs_First_Name: Noah
Gender: male
Birth_Month: May
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 32w0d-32w6d
Birth_State: TX--Texas State_Now: TX--Texas
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 2 Ounces: 13
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 21 days

Noah was born early via c-section due to pre-eclampsia. He was also IUGR. So he was very small for a 32-weeker. He came out screaming, with APGAR scores of 9 both times. He went to the NICU for 3 weeks. He was never on any oxygen. He had to learn how to eat and he had to put on weight to come home. He is now almost 9 months old and he weighs 16 pounds. Other than some asthma and reflux, he seems to be doing fine. He is a little behind developmentally, but we feel very blessed that he is here and healthy!

Parent_First_Names: Brian & Tammy
Childs_First_Name: Garrett
Gender: male
Birth_Month: January
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 33w0d-33w6d
Birth_State: KY--Kentucky State_Now: IN--Indiana
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 6 Ounces: 2
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: 1 Week
Email: btggdensford@verizon.net

Garrett is our second child. His big brother is listed under 2002 as a 29 weeker. My pregnancy was much easier the second time around, until we got to 30 weeks. I started swelling and developed pre-eclampsia again. However, this time it did not go into HELLP syndrome. I was on bedrest for almost a month. His ultrasound before the delivery was barely at 5 lbs., so we were surprised when he came out weighing 6 lbs 2 oz. I was able to get the 2 steroid shots to help develop his lungs before he was born. We are blessed to be his parents and thank God for the miracle of Garrett.

Parent_First_Names: Sarena & Nick
Childs_First_Name: Cody
Gender: male
Birth_Month: January
Weeks_Gestation_at_Birth: 36w0d-36w6d
Birth_State: CA--California State_Now: CA--California
Birthweight_in_Pounds: 6 Ounces: 13
Survival: Yes
Duration_of_NICU_stay: None