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Who are one and two going to be?
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More importantly, hang in there. It sounds as if she is going to be just fine. Don’t forget to post a link here to any pictures you take—I can promise you at least one Doper is going to be saying “awwwwwwwwwwwwww”!
My two were 1 lb 11 oz and 3 lb when born about 12 weeks early via emergency c-section.
They are now 8 years old, and though still small for their age, are otherwise perfectly normal, active, do-good-in-school kids.
The Neonatal ICU and Stepdown Doctors, Nurses, and Staff were the finest group of people I have ever met in my life.
Their Mother and I adopted a stance of informed, but completely irrational, optimism. It helped us get through the days and nights. We also adopted a policy of, when in private, blurting out our deepest fears and darkest thoughts to each other–things that we would be horrified to admit to anyone else we were thinking–not dwelling on negatives, mind you, just expressing our fears and emotions. This ended up creating a greater bond between us than our marrige ever did, and though the marrige eventually ended a couple of years later, that bond is just as strong as ever today and we remain united in parenting (even though in different households) and committed together to our children.
Sending best and warmest wishes to you, WhyBaby and WhyDad!
My sweetie-pie, Upside_Down_Amber, has a sister who was born early, weighing just one pound. If you look at her today, you can’t tell the difference between her and her full-term brother - they’re both creative, well-adjusted, and can give Mom a run for her money. She had a scary time of it at first, though. I hope your family gets a similarly happy ending, and Amber does too.
OK, I’ve posted some pictures here. WARNING: there are pictures of a tiny, tiny baby with lots and lots of medical equipment, so if you find that sort of thing disturbing, please don’t click.
The good news today: the blood they drew yesterday has not yet grown any bacteria in culture, so the infection may be over.
The bad news today: the nurse noticed some blue streaks on her belly, as well as a little swelling and visible (bumpy) bowel. So they stopped her tube feedings again and did an x-ray. There’s no sign at this point of air in the abdomen, perforation of the bowel or necrotic tissue. They’ll check again tomorrow.
WhyNot, you have my prayers and hopes. God bless you and your family. And hang in there. Keep yourself healthy, too - that’s important, and can get forgotten in your concern for your little one…
The little sweetheart… My prayers and concern to you all too. The photos are so touching - she is beautiful. I totally agree with you about her hands, they are perfect.
Whynot, she’s lovely.
I’ve seen a lot of very, very tiny babies, and she looks good.
Just hang on in there, because even if bad-sounding things happen, it doesn’'t mean there will be a bad outcome.
I saw a former 24 weeker in a clinic the other week. In the first few weeks of her life she had hypothyroidism, 3 intracranial bleeds, her adrenal glands didn’t work, and she had NEC. She’s now almost 3 and you wouldn’t know. She walked into the room, said “hello, I like your shoes”, and sat there flicking through picture books and pointing out her favourite pictures to her mum.
There’s always hope, and when the statistics don’t help, think of all the good possibilities, because statistics are about other people’s babies, not Caileigh.
I tried to post last night but my connection went out.
What a nightmare for you and your family!
I am sending all my kharmic vibes, good wishes and prayers to your precious little daughter!
She has such a beautiful name and her mama is a Doper. That, to me, is a good omen. Dopers are a stubborn, persistant lot.
The picture of her with the hat on is priceless!
Look at that sweet little girl. I get (good) chills just looking at her.
Put those beautiful hands to good use - I think you have a concert pianist on your hands.
So this means we get to call you WhyMom now, doesn’t it? Caileigh’s got a great mom and dad - and heck, she has hundreds of Doper godparents pulling for her right now. She’s getting a good start already:).
What an adorable little sweety pea. She looks like the most beautiful little bird, I think. And you’re right, those hands are lovely. With her bili shades and big hat, she’s got kind of a Preemie Rapper vibe going on, doesn’t she?
Many good thoughts to you. I had two preemies, one 32 weeks. She’s now 9, sassy, and quite healthy. A little residual asthma and eye problems, but nothing major, and she’s growing out of both. So much stuff is preventable and fixable now that WhyBaby’s got a whole lot of medical expertise going for her, besides lots of good wishes from Dopers and a loving family!
It’s tough not being able to hold your baby. I couldn’t hold mine, either, for a while. Hang in there. My heart goes out to you and your family. That day when she finally gets sturdy enough to hold – it’ll be the best day of your life!