You are so beautiful!!! We, too, have a preemie baby. Katheriine Janae Winsor was born on March 27, 1998. She was not due until May 6, 1998. She had meningitis. She weighed 4.7 and was 171/2 inches long. She, too, needed pressurized oxygen through a nasal CPAP respirator, along with the "oxy hood"; she had a double catheter in her umbilical stump, a G-tube coming from her tummy up through her mouth, an IV, and, of course, all of her probes to monitor temperature, heat rate, blood pressure, amount o oxygen in blood, respirations, etc. I was told she assessed to be a 36 weeker rather than a 34 weeker. We didn't get to see her the entire day. Though they tried to prepare us for what we would see when we did get to see her...I did not expect to see all the tubes and leads coming from her tiny body.

Dan and Stacey Winsor - Kingwood - TX - USA -
Thursday, August 13th, 1998 at 10:57 pm (CST)

Looking at your photos and reading your story was the best thing I could have done to prepare myself for the sight of Abbie. I also used your page to prepare those close to me. And although nothing can really prepare you for the experience of the NICU, or the sheer stress of helping your tiny child fight for their life, I went to the nursery each day and hoped and preyed for my little girl.... all the while your story was in my mind. It really helped me to know that there was a light at the end of the longest, most difficult tunnel and that babies like mine could be ok. And she is.... my perfect little miracle.

Thank you for sharing your life and photos with us, I know that they have done more for my family than perhaps you even intended them to. Good work.

Suzie Hedges - Seattle - Wa - US -
Thursday, August 13th, 1998 at 4:22 pm (CST)

Roxi Dunphy - The Pas - MB - Canada -
Monday, August 3rd, 1998 at 10:27 am (CST)

My son Taylor was born on August,1,1995.He weighed only 1lb 15 1\2 ozs.The doctor said that he was drowning in his own fluids,and that was the reason that he was coming too early.Taylor was in NICU for 13 days.During the short time he was in there he had a double blood transfusion,17 chest tubes,a ceberal hemmorage,and he also had a yeast infection in his blood stream.We took Taylor off of life support on August 13,1995 he lived for 2 1\2 hours after that.We now have a healthy 14 month older who weighs 28 lbs.Madison has just underwent kidney surgery for a reflux,other then that she is doing great.Madison was born on May 27,1997,and we are trying to have a another baby now.Ijust wanted to let you now how wonderful your story was to me and my family.

;Lynn Casteel - Moultrie - GA - USA -
Monday, August 3rd, 1998 at 7:42 am (CST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I am a few days late, but I have been thinking about you. My son William is two days younger than you. His was a "high risk" pregnancy that went to term, but though this wonderful webpage, I have always felt a bond between you and William. Maybe someday you two can cyber-connect, William is a computer "expert" at age four, like I bet you are. Just like you, we are having LOTS of trouble with the potty training issue. William can now clearly explain to my why he "cannot poop in the potty". (Sigh!) oh, well, maybe someday before you two are in first grade....Please?!?!?!?! Love from Texas, Jeanetha Wemken

Jeanetha Wemken - Dallas - TX - USA -
Friday, July 31st, 1998 at 2:29 pm (CST)

I am the father of three children. My oldest (son) was a 35 week baby. He is now 18 and is 6 feet 2 inches tall and is 200 lbs. My youngest ( daughter ) is 4 months she was a 36 week baby. she was 7 lbs and 19 inches long. she has C.F. Which will cause her to be very thin all of her life and she may have lung problems later in life,but she is doing very well right now. I hope you are enjoying your little sister as much as my two boys are enjoying their sister. she is too small to bother them right now.I enjoyed your web page very much,someone took a lot of time and put a lot of love in to your page. best of luck,take care and be a good boy for your folks.

Fred Winslow - boston - ma - u.s.a. -
Friday, July 31st, 1998 at 2:46 am (CST)

Shonetta Worthy - Decatur - Il - USA -
Thursday, July 30th, 1998 at 10:53 am (CST)

Thank you your story and your insight. We had twins on June 28. They were born 16 weeks premature. Our daughter, Kelsey is doing very good. She has had some ups & downs like you and your family. We are very hopeful that she will continue to get better. Our son, Conner, had a severe hemmorhage in his brain and we lost him on July 7. We hope that you had a great birthday yesterday! Thanks again for the incredible story, that has given us tremendous hope. Todd & Mindy Andrews Indiana

Todd & Mindy Andrews - Lebanon - IN - USA -
Monday, July 27th, 1998 at 3:20 pm (CST)

Your site has touched me like no other. My youngest child was also born slightly premature(right on by my calculations) and five weeks early by my doctors.(And he was right.) I had a condition called placenta previa complicated by gestational diabetes ... which led me to bleed excessivly through out my pregnacy. After months of total bedrest and praying..I was told on my last visit with the doctor that I was starting to dilate and that the baby was almost 8 pounds due to the diabetes. On April 22, 1997... Justin was born after 4 1/2 hours of induced labor. It was wonderful to see him finally here... and apparently heathly. The only major problems he had was jaundice (for which we were type and prepped for blood and had to endure a nervous four day hospital stay) and the inability to suck correctly. He sucked... well.. backwards pushing everything out instead of sucking. Although being gestationally five weeks early, we were fortunate that he was so healthy. I pleased to say that he is now 15 months old and has never had so much as an ear infection.

Our prayers were answered. Thank you for providing such a wonderful site. I know of many people who will be grateful.

Jennifer - Muskogee - OK - USA -
Tuesday, July 21st, 1998 at 2:06 pm (CST)

Cherrie Watson - Mobile - Al - USA -
Saturday, July 18th, 1998 at 2:57 pm (CST)

Laurie Brown - Ponca City - OK - USA -
Tuesday, July 14th, 1998 at 8:36 pm (CST)

I am a clothing designer who has been manufacturing,and distributing clothing for our "world's most precious possessions" premature babies for almost nine years now. We understand the stress involved for both parents and babies when your baby is born early. Research is indicating that "patient outcome" is improved when babies are clothed as soon as they are medically stable. premiewear makes garments for babies <1000 gr to 10 lb. Premies seem to flail less thus saving precious calories for growth and emotional security is increasd when tiny babies wear comfortable clothing that fits their size. Moms tell us we also add comfort, bonding, hope, and smiles to their lives. We have a patented gown for use in the NICU plus lots of other fun things for when your tiny one gets to come home. Thanks so much for supplying this web site. We are very anxious to list you as a link on our site (under construction now). Please visit us at www.premiewear.com We wish you all the very best. Sincerely, Sandi Gates Clark of premiewear

Sandi Gates Clark - Auburn - CA - USA - http://premiewear.com
Monday, July 13th, 1998 at 7:22 pm (CST)

Hi my story is a little different from the average premature story.My baby is a twin He lost his brother at birth from my water being broken for 10 weeks on his twin.

We made it to 26 weeks gestastion before going in to labor but we were hoping his twin would make it but his lungs were under developed,and he passed away. He was 1pound 12 ounces and had a club foot and hand.

But on to the happy part of the situation, We now have a beutiful baby in nicu doing well. He was 1pound 14ounces 14in long. He is now 2pounds 3ounces. Oh and by the way the were born 6/6/98 and it is now 7/12/98. I have never been on the internet telling my story so it may be a little out of wak.

If someone has been in my shoes please email back I really need someone to talk to.

(aim@worldramp.net)

shannon - lake mary - fl - united states -
Sunday, July 12th, 1998 at 6:24 pm (CST)

Your story and site touched me and my parents deeply since I was a premie born @ 30 weeks last year (June 30th 1997). I was transferred to a Level 1 hospital (McMaster) for NICU. An hour after arrived I pulled out the Respiratory and told the NICU staff that I didn't like it. I was transferred back to a Level 2 hospital (Grand River / KW) 10 days later to be closer to Mommy & Daddy. I was digansis as VLBW (Very low birth weight) due to IUGR (inter uterus growth retarded) with IVH 1 (inter venticular hemorroage. I had to go through numerous ultrascans, CAT scans, and trips to the eye specialists. My parents were doing so well in taking care of me (bring shock for 1st time parents) that the Pedetrian sent me home 3 weeks early. People that look at me now cann't believe that I am the small baby that was born at 2 lbs 2 ozs since I am now 21.5 lbs. It's amazing what breast milk and lots of TLC / massage can do for a premie. My parents think that I am very special and I am sure that yours do to. Any parent that has gone through NICU / Special Care knows how hard the Doctors & Nurses work. Mommy & Daddy will be forever indebted McMaster Hospital (Hamilton) and Grand River Special Care Nursery (Kitchener-Waterloo) for all the love & support they received during my stay.

Ashley Bast - Waterloo - ON - Canada -
Sunday, July 12th, 1998 at 4:26 pm (CST)

I am glad to see that you are doing well. My baby was born on Feb 28 at 34 3/7 weeks. We have been through a lot as he has been in and out of the hospital.

He is currently on an apnea monitor due to his prematurity, as well as, contracting the RSV virus, and problems with reflux. He was on oxygen at first but we have been able to discontinue it. He is growing and changing every day. In just the short time our baby has been here it has been a hard road but reading your story and seeing your pics now, it is all VERY MUCH worth it and I would do it again if I had too.

Jennifer - Frankfort - KY - USA -
Friday, July 10th, 1998 at 12:57 am (CST)

Shirrell Greene - Cleveland - OH - US -
Thursday, July 9th, 1998 at 3:49 pm (CST)

Ana Laura Moreira - Pachuca - Hgo. - Mexico -
Friday, July 3rd, 1998 at 12:29 am (CST)

Your web page is both inspiring and informative. I am considering having children of my own, and my family has a history of premature babies. Congratulations, Debbie

Debbie Davis - Sterling Heights - MI - USA - http://www.mailexcite.com
Wednesday, July 1st, 1998 at 8:56 am (CST)

Your 1st 4 months of life in the NICU was truly a compelling one. I felt that I could really relate to it as my daughter was born 2 months early. When I read the story your father told, I felt like I was back in the NICU waiting and watching with my baby. (We're expatriates working in this country, so we had to brush up on our Thai language abilities while trying to cope with the trauma of seeing her in intensive care.) She extubated herself too, right on Christmas Day at that. She sure knew her priorities! After that, we knew it was home run for our family. She's a big and healthy 6 month old now, although she hasn't yet attained all the milestones of a term 6 month old. But hey, she's happy and healthy! But your dad was right -- there are some things that happen in the NICU that most people should never have to see or experience. It was good to read about your happy story. Here's to the rest of your life! Cheers!

khun l. - bangkok - - thailand -
Wednesday, July 1st, 1998 at 4:54 am (CST)

Thanks for the web site. Here is our story, On January 25, 1997 I gave birth to twin girls, 24 4/7 weekers. Marisa at 1lb. 6 oz and our angle Mara at 1lb. 5 1/2 oz. They also were born at Beaumont Hospital. After 24 weeks of scares, I began having back pains and then my water broke and we rushed to the hospital in a snow storm. The girls were delievered a hour after we made it to the hospital. I developed an infection that caused the pre-term labor. Our Mara lived for 14 1/2 hours, the doctors tried everything that they could to save her. Marisa, spent 129 days in the hospital. She had BPD, ROP, PDA opened twice, Oxygen dependency. She came home with about 25lbs. of equipment and she only weighed 7lbs. She is now 17 months and has almost caught up. We know that our Angel Mara has helped Marisa do so well. Thanks, Mary

Mary Biernaczonek - Shelby Twp. - MI - USA -
Friday, June 26th, 1998 at 9:55 pm (CST)

LEILA - - - -
Wednesday, June 24th, 1998 at 5:24 pm (CST)

My name is Patti Park. Our daugher was born 5 weeks early and even though she weighed 4 pounds 4 ounces I had great difficulty finding clothes and diapers and I did not even know preemie pacifiers existed.

Based on my experience I realized that there must be other people in the same boat. And that is how my company Tiny Bundles was conceived. We carry a nice line of preemie wear and we carry diapers, preemie pacifiers, preemie car seat inserts, socks and a lovely book called Prematurely yours. I just wanted to let you know we are out there.

I only wish I had been part of the internet at the time of my daughter's birth. She is 3 years old and doing great. Thanks for your wonderful site. Patti Park

Patti Park - San Diego - CA - USA - http://www.tinybundles.com
Tuesday, June 23rd, 1998 at 10:52 pm (CST)

Desley - Brisbane - Q - Australia -
Monday, June 22nd, 1998 at 1:53 am (CST)

Great page! Nicholas has a link to it from his page. He was born at 32 weeks on December 25, 1996 (he was due February 14, 1997).

He had a rough start in life but is doing great now and is quickly closing the gap between his cousin (who is 4 days younger but two weeks overdue). There is still about a two month gap between milestones but each baby likes to do things at their own pace anyway. :-)

Debby Armstrong - Calgary - AB - Canada - http://www.ucalgary.ca/~darmstro/Nicholas
Sunday, June 21st, 1998 at 1:17 am (CST)

Your story was very interesting to read. My daughter Kayleigh, was 14 weeks premature due to placental abruptio, placental previa and premature rupture of the membranes. Kayleigh was in the NNICU for 11 weeks. She was born in january 21, 98 and is now home and doing well. It was certainly a long haul. Best of luck!!!! Katherine Barnaby and Baby Kayleigh Colford

Katherine A. Barnaby - miramichi - nb - canada -
Friday, June 19th, 1998 at 7:30 am (CST)

Kelly - - ny - -
Thursday, June 18th, 1998 at 7:36 pm (CST)

Our daughter is in the intensive care unit at a hospital that is an hour's drive from our home. This can take a toll on a family (we also have a 4 year old daughter). So needless to say we have had a very emotional time of it. I am dealing with an immense amount of guilt and constantly dealing with "What If's". What if I had done this or What if I had done that - Jenny would be fine.

Actually as of this date, Jenny is doing fine. She is off the ventitilater and the CPAP and all I.V.'s. She is now trying to gain some body weight and learn to use the bottle well.

I have to say I have very glad there is something like this - there were times this week when I felt alone.

Thanks Tommy - Cindy Towers

Cindy & Bob Towers - Van Alstyne - TX - USA -
Monday, June 15th, 1998 at 7:30 am (CST)

I would just like to tell you about my brother's boy. He was born at 26 weeks and weighed only 750 grams. He is now seven years old and a healthy child exept for some problems with his lungs (he suffers from asthma and some other allergies).

It's realy wonderful to hear from other children who was born at such a tender stage and survived.

My best wishes to you, from South Africa!!

Adri Coetzee - Krugersdorp - - South Africa -
Thursday, June 11th, 1998 at 1:26 am (CST)

LISA DEVENUTO - NEW HOPE - PA - USA -
Wednesday, June 10th, 1998 at 6:50 pm (CST)

I'm so pleased to read your story and know that you have such wonderful parents! You are a very lucky boy to have such a dedicated and loving family (and they are very lucky to have such a strong fighter like you!)

My little boy Dylan is 14 months old now, and was born at almost full term (38 weeks) but we had some scary times during our pregnancy, too. Dylan had to come early because the amniotic fluid was leaking, and it was getting dangerous for him to remain inside any longer. So, after 3 days of induced labor (ugh!) Dylan Harrison Hunter made his grand entrance.

No matter how easy or how hard a pregnancy or birth experience, babies are the most precious gift of all!

My most heartfelt congratulations to your parents! I particularly wanted to tell your Daddy what a fantastic web page this is! I am just now learning how to create web pages and have been inspired by yours!

Karin Hunter - Pittsburgh - PA - USA -
Monday, June 8th, 1998 at 11:17 pm (CST)

I'm one of many NICU nurses devoted to making premies and their families succeed this diffficult time. I enjoyed your site and give my overwhelming thanks to you for being out there for evryone else. There are many sad stories to tell and many happy ones as well, many fall in the middle. My heart goes out to all families and I ope we are doing a good enough job to help everyone through this trying time. Best wishes to all and may God bless all the little angels.

Christine Jaslar - Levittown - Pa - USA -
Monday, June 8th, 1998 at 12:10 am (CST)

I was very touched by your webpage...I have a daughter Rebecca born at 27 weeks weighing 1 lb and 14 ozs..So many of the things that your family went through we did also...she is now a healthy 3 year old with no health problems what so ever...God bless you and your wonderful family....

Paula Wolf - Autryville - nc - usa -
Tuesday, June 2nd, 1998 at 10:17 pm (CST)

My story is lengthy so I will spare the details. It's been a long haul and I'd do it all again if I had to. My son has C.P., a seizure disorder, severely spastic, etc...My daughter is near sighted, (no biggie), and recently is having gastro. problems.

I wish you and your family the best. Great site!

T. McKelvin - Brevard - NC - USA -
Friday, May 29th, 1998 at 8:18 pm (CST)

Dana White - Granville - NY - USA -
Monday, May 25th, 1998 at 10:13 pm (CST)

michelle - sioux falls - sd - usa - http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/8812/
Thursday, May 21st, 1998 at 9:11 pm (CST)

Sara - - - -
Wednesday, May 20th, 1998 at 12:42 am (CST)

My name is Carmen and our baby Amanda just turn a year old last week but when she was 33weeks she almost came and we had a hard time with that . By that time she was 4lb.12oz, but she hold on into she was 36 weeks . I wish we knew about your page that time and have you being our inspiration. Good luck. Love form Carmen and Amanda Cathey

Carmen Cathey - Apache Jct - AZ - USA -
Monday, May 4th, 1998 at 5:41 pm (CST)

My daughter was born 10 weeks early and she weighed in at 4lbs 4oz the same as her big brother did 13 yrs ago only he made it to two more weeks than she did I know what it is to have a premie I had two my son is 14 now and 5ft 6inches tall and weighs only 98 lbs but is healthy and my daughter alexis lynn ann is 9 months old today and weighs 20 lbs and is doing great they are both the loves of my life. I am so glad you made it and you look like a very handsome boy and I bet you will be a good big brother to your little sister and always protect her. say hi to your mom and dad for they are very lucky to have you your one of god's little angels. you'll probally grow up to be something bigger than you could have ever imagined after starting out so small. love to you and your family from our family the guessregen's Cindy, joseph, alexis, dominick.

cynthia guesregen - brooksville - fl - united states -
Sunday, May 3rd, 1998 at 11:54 pm (CST)

Dawn Cowan-Kazmi - Portland - OR - USA - http://home.mci2000.com/~dn.kazmi@mci2000.com
Sunday, May 3rd, 1998 at 1:15 pm (CST)

Your story is miraculous and so well told. You have a wonderful mom and dad there. My baby Samantha wasn't born premature (july 29, 1997) but I thought i'd drop you a line anyhow.

I could not imagine what it was like for you all but you have come through it and I think that's wonderful. It takes a strong person to do and handle the things you did and an even stronger baby to make it.

Congratulations to you all and your story touched me deeply. I would recommend your site to anyone I know who's in similar situations as you are definitly and inspiration!!

Deanna Vaters - Goulds - Nfld - Canada - http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/3251/samhome.html
Friday, May 1st, 1998 at 6:28 pm (CST)

Amy Clapp - Fremont - Oh - USA -
Friday, May 1st, 1998 at 11:50 am (CST)

My son Ricky was born November 26, 1995 at 33 weeks, weighing an amazing 2818 gm (6 lb 3 oz). He was delivered early purposefully because he had a ruptured bowel. The bowel was repaired that day by colostomy. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, of which a bowel rupture is a common symptom. When he was about 3 weeks old he had the bowel completely repaired. Thankfully his total respirator time was about 1 week after he was born and for a few days after his second surgery. He went home at 7 weeks old (the day after his due date).

Ricky is now a (relatively) healthy 2-1/2 year old. The only possible effects of his prematurity have been late walking (17 months) and talking (he's just starting to put two or more words together). Reading your story brought back so many memories - what a wonderful hospital (Good Samaritan in San Jose, CA) and primary nurses (Rosemary Sulaver and Kristine McLyman) we had. What a roller coaster ride it was. How ecstatic some days were, how frustrating others were. Ricky had a problem with the "suck, swallow, breathe" concept - he forgot to breathe a lot. It seemed like he'd never come home - then all of a sudden, he did!

Anyway, thanks for your site. If only I had had web access back in November of 1995! Keep up the good work.

Rebekah Whicker - San Jose - CA - USA - http://members.aol.com/whickers4/
Tuesday, April 28th, 1998 at 11:48 pm (CST)

Rosemary Sparandera - Howell - NJ - USA -
Monday, April 27th, 1998 at 6:57 pm (CST)

Robyn Krampitz - blooming prairie - mn - usa -
Monday, April 27th, 1998 at 10:32 am (CST)

I also had a preemire. Tony was born Dec.23,97 2 months early he was 3lbs 1oz , doing good at 4 months 8lbs 5oz. Thank you for the great website I'm new at this my 4 year old girl was term so with Tony I'm still learning he is the best thing If anyone can share things i woul enjoy it!!

Tricia Ewing - Keosauqua - IA - United States -
Friday, April 24th, 1998 at 1:46 pm (CST)

My name is Marguerite. My son's name is Gavin. He was born 13 mos ago at 24 weeks, and weighed 1 lb,6 oz. Gavin had many problems in his early days of life icluding a pda ligation, and pnemonia. Gavin was on a ventilator for 2 months. He was not released from the nbicu until he was 5 1/2 months old. Gavin also had ROP and spinal meningitis. Today, like you, Gavin is doing great. He is still on O2 for his BPD, but all of his other problems have resolved. He has always done great at nursing, and now has a great appetite for his favorite food, bananas! Thankyou for sharing your story. It is very inspirational, and you sound like a great big brother!(Gavin is the little brother in our family). I wish I had had this resource when Gavin was born.Thanks Again!

Marguerite - Salt Lake City - Ut - Usa -
Thursday, April 23rd, 1998 at 5:29 pm (CST)

My name is Erika and I just visited your website my daughter Jessica was born weighing 1lb10oz and was 13" ahe is now a happy healthy 22 month old I wish you all the luck I just wish I had a computer when she was born this site would have been very helpful

Erika Vasquez - San Jose - CA - USA -
Thursday, April 23rd, 1998 at 4:23 pm (CST)

Leslie - - KY - USA -
Wednesday, April 22nd, 1998 at 11:12 am (CST)

My name is Lana and I gave birth to Jake on June 6, 1996. He was 8 weeks early, being born at 31 1/2 weeks. He suffered most neonatal complications and we were there for 6 weeks. He will soon be turning 2 years old and suffers with a mild case of BPD. He is a fiesty 28 1/2 lb. boy. He is a miracle to me. To all those with new babies, be patient and proud of your preemie! They truly are gifts from God.

Lana - Dexter - MO - -
Monday, April 20th, 1998 at 10:10 pm (CST)

CINDY - Tooele - UT - USA -
Monday, April 20th, 1998 at 9:48 pm (CST)

I was a premature baby too, and was born 38 years ago in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I was born at 25 weeks and weighed 1 lb. 5 3/4 ounces. I am prefectly healthy and am very strong. I have done trialthons and have run marathons. I have just given birth 7 weeks ago to a premature daughter. Riley was born at 35 weeks and weighed 4lb. 11 ounces. I am very happy to see that you are doing so well. Bye for now. Rémy Hill

Rémy Hill - Markham, - OOn - Canada -
Monday, April 20th, 1998 at 9:50 am (CST)

Our names are Vicki & Jan and our son is Austin. He was born at BC Womens Hospital, Vancouver, B.C. Canada on October 24, 1997. Austin was 27 weeks 1 day gestation, 2 lbs 11 oz., 14 1/4 in. His total stay in the SCN was 63 days, during which time he suffered through ventilators, NEC, BPD, CPAP, fluid in the lungs, jaundice, nasal prongs and feeding tubes. He came home on Christmas Day 1997 weighing 5 lbs., exactly one month before his actual due date!!. The best Christmas present we ever had!!!

While Austin was in hospital, we found that it was impossible to keep up with the daily ritual of update phone calls to all the family, not to mention the long distance bills. Austin's Uncle set up a web page of his daily progress, pictures, prognosis and links to the different procedures he was having so the family could understand exactly what was going on. Now that Austin is home and doing well at 5 months and 3 weeks (2 mths 3 wks correected), and a whopping 16 lbs. I have had time to visit his Uncle and have him mind Austin while I browse on his computer.

I am very impressed with your site and very glad to hear that Tommy is doing so well.

Jan & Vicki - Vancouver - BC - Canada - http://www.islandnet.com/~brijam/austin
Saturday, April 18th, 1998 at 7:41 pm (CST)

Thanks for your interesting story. I have a son, born 7 weeks premature, and a daughter 12 weeks premature. She's now three, and is still facing the challenges of being early. She doesn't talk yet, and only weighs 21 lbs.

I recently found out we are pregnant again, and I am fearing the worst.

Reading your stories brought back memories of life in the NICU, and how wonderful the NICU staff is. Hopefully this time around we won't have to go through that again. Take care, Petra

Petra Harrison - Fort Polk - LA - USA - http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/1763/index.html
Friday, April 17th, 1998 at 12:06 am (CST)

born a week ago at 750 grams. Thanks for the page, nice

to read it. Anthony is doing ok at this point, hoping for

the best. Jeff

Jeff M. - Madison - WI - USA -
Wednesday, April 15th, 1998 at 11:25 am (CST)

Janice Hunter - N. Hollywood - Ca - USA -
Tuesday, April 14th, 1998 at 9:27 pm (CST)

Aimee Madding, RN - Auburn - WA - USA -
Monday, April 13th, 1998 at 10:33 pm (CST)

I've made some adjustments to your site. (And you caught me, this is a test message.)

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
(Or Passover, or whatever you celebrate!)

Clark (Tommy's Dad) - Royal Oak - MI - USA - http://www.flash.net/~cyberkid/secondsite/
Friday, April 10th, 1998 at 7:56 am (CST)

Our friends just had a little boy, Trevor, born April 4, 1998 at 9:20 a.m. He's exactly 15 weeks premature, weighing only 1 lb. 10 oz. at birth, and 12 inches in length.

He's doing well, with no additional complications so far in his first 48 hours. Thank you for sharing your story so that others can have hope. Statistics are encouraging; you're inspiring.

Warmest regards, Gina P.S. Thanks for finding this site, Tanya!

Gina Birtcil - Chico - CA - USA -
Tuesday, April 7th, 1998 at 1:01 am (CST)

Thank you for sharing your story. As I write this my sister is at 23 weeks 3 days and anticipating a very preterm labor and delivery. They are desperately trying to maintain her for at least 2 weeks, hoping for the best and fearing the worst. It helped to read this story and to know that there can be a wonderful future for Baby David. Thanks.

Amy M - - - -
Saturday, April 4th, 1998 at 9:28 am (CST)

Love and Prayers, Lynn

Lynn Turner - - SC - US -
Wednesday, April 1st, 1998 at 9:05 pm (CST)

I gave birth on March 23,1998 to a 3lb 13 oz 31 weeker. He was off all O2 after 12 hrs. He has been on Iv antib. Now he is IV free. He got to start nursing today. He still has a feeding tube. He is doing good. Please keep us in your prayers. Sincerely, Peppermint & Robert Rushing and little Joshua

Peppermint Rushing - El Dorado - AR - USA -
Tuesday, March 31st, 1998 at 10:57 am (CST)

My name is Amber. I just wanted to let you know that I was born 8 weeks early on June 3, 1979. I am now 18 years old and I have no problems related to me being born premature. I recently had a son, Michael Alan, he was born on March 9, 1998. He weighs only 1 lb. 13 oz. I hope that he has the courage to make it as much as you and I did. I really enjoyed your page.

Amber Chastain - Eureka - KS - USA -
Friday, March 27th, 1998 at 11:06 pm (CST)

Julie Gunter - Dripping Springs - Tx - USA -
Thursday, March 26th, 1998 at 2:28 pm (CST)

My son, Matthew Thomas Hales Gartshore, was born at term on December 28, 1997.

He had congenital pneumonia and under-developed lungs. He was born by c-section after 40 hours of induction therapy at Windsor, Ontario's Grace Hospital. Immediately after his birth, one of the nurses noticed that he was "gurgling" when he breathed.

Because of this, they took him into the NICU immediately. He was intubated that night, and spent seven days on the ventilator before being put on CPAP. I spent a week in the hospital recovering and being near him. Ten days after his birth, the hospital called to let us know that we could pick him up anytime!!

He is now 12 weeks old. At first, he could barely nurse using a bottle, and he was so weak he couldn't latch on properly to breastfeed. He never did learn how, and I pumped breastmilk for him for 10 weeks. Now he is on formula and weighs 16 lbs., 5 oz. (from 9 lbs. 13 oz. at birth).

I really enjoyed your website! What a great story, and my husband Jeff Gartshore and I cheer you and your parents, and wish you the best!

Yours very truly, Kristen Hales.

Kristen L. Hales - Windsor - ON - Canada -
Thursday, March 26th, 1998 at 12:57 am (CST)

I read your story after visiting my little boy. He was born at 33 weeks and weighed 3 lbs 10 oz. He is now 4 weeks old and weighs 4 lbs 4 oz!

Just like you he was on a respirator and stayed in an isolette. He has graduated to a normal crib and is doing well.

Sometimes it is hard to understand why things happen. When I went to visit my son "Riley" today he was 2 days away from maybe coming home. Unfortunately last night he had an "episode" where he stopped breathing and the nurses had to shake him a little to make him remember to breathe. The hard part is that now he starts all over and has to stay at least another week. The hard thing is to remember that being in the hospital is the best thing for him right now.

When I came home today, I decided that I needed a little extra support. Fortunately, I found your story and it made my day better. Thank you!

Stacy Goldstein - Tucson - AZ - USA -
Wednesday, March 25th, 1998 at 4:55 pm (CST)

I am the proud grand father of a new born grand daughter. She is 9 weeks premature and only wieghed in at 3lb 3oz. Her name is Cerys Emily Jones . She was born on Saturday 21'st of March 3.00am an she is wonderfull. Thank you for all the encouragement I received by visiting your site. ken Booth

Ken Booth - Huddersfield - - England - http://www.btinternet.com/~kenbooth
Wednesday, March 25th, 1998 at 3:53 pm (CST)

christine barker - Pt.Charlotte - Fl - 33983 -
Tuesday, March 24th, 1998 at 4:44 pm (CST)

What a great site, you and your folks work awfully hard! When and if you let them take a coffee break, could you ask them to come see me? I have a site for moms and dads to, a place to get away from it all!

Colleen C - - FL - USA - http://www.momslife.com
Saturday, March 21st, 1998 at 10:45 pm (CST)

Terri K. - St. Louis - MO - USA - http://www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/5596/
Saturday, March 21st, 1998 at 10:13 pm (CST)

On OCT 15 1997 our twins were born at 24-25 weeks. A previously uncomplicated pregnancy was now ending in fear and anxiety. Like yourselves I was sure that it was too soon for my daughters to survive. Rebecca Lynn and Larissa Rae were 1lb 10oz and 1 lb 14ozs respectively. It was interesting to read your account of Tommy. It was like reading the diary I kept of my daughters' own experiences. It is with deep sorrow that I must tell you that on Oct 25th we lost Larissa due to complications from a terrible infection she contracted. Rebecca came home to us on Jan 2nd, 17 days before her actual due date. Between the two of them I feel as though we have been through every possible complication (PDA, Eye Surgery, chest tubes, etc.) We feel very lucky to have Rebecca with us. She turned out to be the fighter of the two, and I can't shake the feeling that deep within her, Larissa lives as well. Thank you for allowing me to share Tommy's story. I have gained great comfort from knowing others share similar experiences and have come out "alright". I look forward to hearing from you. sincerely, Erin L. Collard

Erin Collard - Pt Mugu - CA - USA -
Friday, March 20th, 1998 at 10:48 pm (CST)

Lori - Elkhart - In - USA -
Thursday, March 19th, 1998 at 11:25 am (CST)

Steffie Rose DeFazio - Boca Raton - FL - USA -
Saturday, March 14th, 1998 at 1:05 pm (CST)

This is the Archive page which will automatically receive the oldest message when a new message is posted.

The previous archive can be found here.   A complete list of archives from the past few years can be found at The Living Room page of this site.

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Tommy's Dad
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Clark - Royal Oak - MI - USA