28wkr mother posting pics/links and saying THANKS

[StephieRN2Be]

Hi guys! I usually post over on the student boards, but I had to peep in here to say THANK YOU! All you NICU nurses are soo awesome and do a great job. I wanted to post some pics of my kiddo who was a 28 wkr and is now 14 mos old.

HE is doing wonderful, and everyone thinks he is a miracle. He was about 2 lbs at birth...but was never sick, never had any problems (well the PDA which closed with the round of Indomiacin/Indomyicin?? sp). Never had brain bleeds or infections. Just a real strong healthy LITTLE guy. They said he was a feed and grow? Something like that. He came home after 2 mos (one month before his due date in Jan) without any medications/monitors or ROP. He never got sick his entire first year...no cold and no ear infections. HE was breasfed though *ahem* This year in December, he got a runny nose.

I know you guys wonder about "your kids" once they go home, and I think that is sweet. So...here is one preemie mom saying THANK YOU for your hard work, dedication and all that. I just wanted to let you know how ONE case turned. My son is truly a blessing and miracle. I know this. I thank you, and the nurses like you :kiss his wonderful nurses as well.

Umm, lets see, he is 31" tall, about 20something lbs...has 8 teeth and has a small vocab of mama, dada, larlar:confused: ,baba, and his own version of ilove you. Well, if nothing else, here are a few pics, and here are the links to his photos. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DON'T POST HIS PICS ANYWHERE.

thanks again ladies/gents.

s:kiss

http://images2.fotki.com/v2/free/5d41/3/32047/59189/Img09-vi.jpg?1009576581

day one...almost 2lbs, 13" long.

13mos old dec 2002

**** THE OTHER PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND IN OUR ALBUMS...FOLLOW THIS LINK, SINCE I CANT POST THEM. MY SON IS ON THE OUTSIDE OF ALL THE ALBUMS CONTAINING HIM INSIDE****

http://public.fotki.com/khalil/march_2002_khalil_photos

http://public.fotki.com/khalil/khalil_at_1_yr_old

[Bikerchic]

Hi Stephie,

Just wanted to add my opinion that your son is sooo cute. I'm so glad he is doing so well . And you are gorgeous, and your husband is adorable. Your son was bound to be so cute, I bet he'll be quite the ladies man when he gets older.

He looks so bright and happy in all his pictures to! It is nice to see a baby who is doing so well. It helps to remember this when I'm under stress, and I wonder if I'm making a difference since I'm new to NICU and all. God bless you and your family.

[faithful11]

Update on my son again--I LOST MY SIGN IN INFO FROM YEARS AGO, BUT FOUND MY THREAD...this is still stephie! :redbeathe Khalil is now 6 yrs old, in the 2nd grade and is still healthy and happy. Up to this point, from his discharge date til now, he has NEVER gone to the hospital for ANY thing. He has always only needed his scheduled vaccinations, never got the dreaded RSV, never has had the flu or even AN EAR INFECTION. (Thank you Jesus) no glasses, no asthma, no ADD/ADHD, no growth stunting or anything. He is is wonderful. He has stayed on HONOR ROLL since he began school (kindergarten). Ummm...let me try to post some pics, I will even post some oldies so you know it's me. Wait, got to add them to a website, didn't realize that, anyways, let me go do that then edit this.

ps--I went on to have ANOTHER preemie, a girl who also has been fine healthwise and growthwise. Never had a problem so far. She was a much larger baby than he was, she was almost 4lbs which is small but keep in mind Khalil was shy of 2 lbs by an ounce. She is 3, and he is 6. No more for me. My daughter had a quiet course in the NICU, was in there just shy of one month, as opposed to Khalil's 2mos. She was breastfed just as he was, and I think that's one reason (besides God) that they are both so healthy. She, too, has never gone back to the hospital, has only had minor cold, no flu no ear infection..no developmental or physical delays. The neonatologist also released her early from the follow up visits. He was ready to release her when she was 8mos, but held out until 12 mos. I know all preemies take a different course, but wanted to update you on my two healthy miracles. Gestation is one thing, and miracles are another. Oh,just like Khalil, my daughter (anisa) also didn't come home on any O2, meds or monitors. Matter of fact, she wasn't on o2 in the hospital.

steph

when he was a baby (so you know its me)

my daughter--sorry don't have nicu pics.

both of them a couple years back

khalil last yr

anisa last year

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Thanks Steph! Your children are adorable! How are you? Did you finish nursing school between babies? :)

[Lilluv117]

Wow!!!! How he's grown!!! Thank you for the update!!!! He's precious and so is your daughter! I'm curious too... did you ever do the nursing school thing? Either way, thanks for sharing your story and may God continue to bless you!!!!!

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

You have beautiful children! I am so happy that they are doing well.

[faithful11]

Hi guys! No, not finished yet. Started back to school but between working full time and life's little dramas, I took a hiatus. I aim to go back this fall. Still working in mental health though, which adds to the stress! LOL.:chuckle