Message Archive 22

Hi Tommy: Just found your page through Family Seek and was very touched by the story and pictures. Our son Jacob was born 7 weeks premature after we had a car wreck in July 1997. I broke my left leg and had surgery on it two days after the wreck and had him the morning after my surgery. He weighed 4 lbs 11 ozs and was 17 1/2 inches long, alot bigger than you but his daddy and I felt so much of the same feelings that your mommy and daddy did. Happy, Sad, Mad, Frustrated, Confused, etc. So many emotions all at once. Jacob (Jake) is 16 months old now and doing great. He is slow in talking but he will get there. We trust God to help us get through each day and we never go a day without thanking him for letting us all live through the wreck. Jake has two sisters (12 and 3) and one brother (8) and we all made it only by the grace of God. Thank you Tommy and thanks to your daddy and mommy for caring so much to have a website for other moms and dads to come to. It makes us feel so much better knowing others have went through the same thing. Good Luck and God Bless you and your family. Have a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Lisa Riggs - Wellington - KS - USA - http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lane/5836/index.html
Monday, December 7th, 1998 at 2:32 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: What a great fighter you are. My grandson JonJon was born 2 months early, his mom & dad have gone through much of what your parents did. Speaking from the grandparent side, it's really rough to sit and watch your child and grandchild deal with all the issues associated with a premature birth. My grandson just turned 8 months old, he is doing well. I wish you all GOD's richest blessings. BJ Moran

Barb Moran - Omaha - NE - USA -
Saturday, December 5th, 1998 at 8:35 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

WELL, I'M GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE DOING GREAT!! I CAME ACROSS YOUR WEB PAGE WHILE DOING RESEARCH FOR A PAPER I'M WRITING. I HAVE A SON WHO WILL TURN 4 IN FEB. 99 AND HE ENJOYED LOOKING AT THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF YOU. WHILE MY SON WAS FULL TERM, WEIGHING IN AT 8LBS 15OZS, THE ENTIRE BIRTHING PROCESS WAS OVERWHELMING. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE TEARS YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER MUST HAVE CRIED FOR YOU THEN, AND THE JOYS THEY FEEL NOW. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST THE CHRISTMAS AND FOR EVERY CHRISTMAS AFTER. GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!

DEANNA DUKE - COLLINSVILLE - IL - USA -
Thursday, December 3rd, 1998 at 3:32 pm (CST)

Dear Tommy: I have so enjoyed reading about your miricle birth. In 1985, I delivered a 25 week old baby. We named him David Samuel. He weighed 1pd 14ozs. Unfortunately, he only lived for an hour or more. The hospital did not have a neonatal nursery. I still miss him and it has been 15 years.

Fortunately, my problem of an incompetent cervix was discovered and I have since been blessed with four children! God is good! One day, I desire to serve as a volunteer chaplain at a hospital for parents like yours and for parents whose babies don't make it and go to heaven. God bless you. I am so happy for you and your parents!

Diane Turbeville - - - -
Tuesday, December 1st, 1998 at 8:26 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: My baby, Bradley Jacob Sage, was born 11 days ago on November 18, 1998. He was 13 weeks early and only weighed 1lb 8oz. This is all new to my Husband and I, but we are very greatful that you have a website to encourage parents of preemies that there is hope. I learned a lot from your site:) The NICU is a second home to us as it was for your parents--Bradley is on a respirator and getting steroid treatments...he's doing well, but every day seems so long especially since our baby isn't here with us at home! Thank you for your devotion to premature babies and informing all of us out there in this difficult time. I was feeling quite alone, but now I know there are a lot of us out there going through the same thing. Thank you, Michelle Sage.

Michelle Sage - Omaha - NE - -
Sunday, November 29th, 1998 at 2:53 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

Your story is very much like my daughter's. Her name is Jasmine and she was born 16 weeks early and weighed only 638 grams. She had gone through similar painstaking experience as you did. You guys are such a good fighter. I shared the same feelings with your parents when I read through your story. So be good to them when you grow up. Jasmine is now 3 and very healthy. Although smaller in built, she is an angel. I wish the very best in the future. I thank God for all these miracles. Yours sincerely, Ada

Ada Chan - Hong Kong - - -
Thursday, November 26th, 1998 at 11:46 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I love your site---I went through all your pictures in chronological order! I wish your Dad had specified on some of them your weights/heights, etc. (Only the parent of a preemie can become so consumed in knowing a child's weight!).

I have been reading lots of books about preemies and I think your story is amazing. I am humbled by the fact that my preemie son was so healthy, larger and farther along gestationally than you were, although I can commisserate (sp???) with the long hours at the hospital, and, especially the extremely difficult task of teaching a little preemie to breastfeed! That, I think is the hardest part (well, after spending every day praying that your baby will not die)--but I was so intensely driven about the thought that my son was to be breastfed that I made it through and he weaned at 15 months! (Well, ok,I kind of forced him to wean because he kept biting me and I wasn't particularly fond of that---maybe he was getting back at me for all those daily heel bloodlettings in the NICU!)

I am glad to hear a such a hopeful story for once about such a small preemie---you sound like a really fun little person. Maybe someday my son will meet you. He'll be two years old next week and was born at 32 weeks and weighed 3 lbs. 6 oz. when he was born. He was lucky because I was hospitalized for preeclampsia for several days before my labor was induced, so he was able to get the benefit of two steriod shots to his Mom so that his lungs would be ready for breathing out here on this planet. (but he came from good genes--my grandmother [his grandmother] was born two months early in 1910 and weighed only 3 lbs. My great grandmother fed her with an eyedropper!). Hope you eeps updating your site so I can come visit occassionaly and check how you've grown!

Susan Rubinsky - New Haven - CT - 06515 - http://www.evesapple.com
Thursday, November 19th, 1998 at 12:56 am (CST)

Hi Tommy: We just had our little Emily on October 21st. She was 10 weeks early. She has never needed a resperator. The doctors took her early due to complications... luckily they were able to give my wife steroids for 24 hours before they took Emily. We go to see her every day... She is still in the NICU. Financially speaking, we both are back at work...we can not afford to take off.... anyway. Judy gets a lot of nasty looks and stuff when people find out that she has gone back to work already. And we also feel a bit guilty for not spending more time at the hospital. We go every night after work and Judy "Kangaroo's" Where she holds her for an hour or so, skin to skin. She is drinking out of a bottle this week for the first time and the doctor says that she looks really good. But they can not really tell us how long it will be before she can come home... Anyway, we really enjoyed your website and found it to be encouraging. Thanks Eric Dalrymple ericdal@wtd.net

Eric Dalrymple - Dallas - Tx - USA - http://web.wtd.net/~ericdal
Tuesday, November 17th, 1998 at 4:43 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: Our son, Justice, was born at 26 weeks,2# 1 oz.Our stories are very much the same. I too got to know more about a breast pump then I ever wanted to know.I stuck with it for 6 and a half months. He never was a successful nurser much to my heartbreak but what a difference all that breast- milk made! God gave us the chance we prayed repeatedly for: A chance to be this beautiful little boy's parents. He'll be two this Feb. 17 and we are scared, but crazy enough to want to try for a sibling.Cross your fingers for us...

We still find this whole experience very hard to talk about.I am still feeling an anger I can't direct at anyone or explain to people who haven't gone through this.God bless all the little miracle who are fighting for their lives. Justice's Mom

Jannis & Pete Sanford - South Branch - ns - Canada -
Thursday, November 5th, 1998 at 10:03 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

Isn't it amazing what God can do? Our son was born 6 1/2 weeks early. One of the hardest parts of the whole ordeal, was watching as they careflighted our son to a hospital an hour and a half away.

He is 5 months old now and doing great. This is our first winter and just started the Respigam treatments. Hopefully, next month we will get the new Synagis shot for RSV....if we can get the insurance company to approve it.

Thanks, for sharing your story.

j myers - Palestine - TX - USA -
Wednesday, November 4th, 1998 at 8:22 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: My son was born 8 weeks premature. He was 3lbs. 4 oz. He is now five months old. And most important part of my life. I thank God every day for the wonderful blessing he has brought me. And how he helped me to keep it together as he struggled through each day. I never cried once while was in to see my son (Christian), I had to be strong for him, was all I could think. He was in the hospital for five weeks, was on the ventilator for 2 weeks, was able to be held at 3 and a half, and was on oxygen until the day before he went home. His main struggle was learning to eat. I pumped breastmilk and stored it for my son. Which was his source of nutrients after he was off the lipids. I was unable to breastfeed. Which now I wish I would of tried harder. That was wonderful that your mother had the patience and pride to continue after failed attempts. His Dad and I were very fortunate, we stayed at the Ronald Mc Donald house which was walking distance from the hospital. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to spend alot of time with our son. The house also provided meals and you had your own private bedroom. It also provided a great deal of support. The staff was always caring and concerned. They never forgot to ask how Christian was doing, they never forgot his name, or a last update. Also we found alot of support in the other families. Their were so many going through similar problems. You could vent your frustrations and share your joys. You also realize how fortunate you are. Their were many going through much more. We are blessed in many ways, each day we realize it more and more. This evening as I read your story I cried. I felt all the pain I went through, all the ups and downs, and never knowing what to expect. My son is a strong healthy boy, and every day is a milestone. He has a cousin a month younger than him. Which achieves things much sooner than him. And I always to remind my self why. But there are also many things that is achieved sooner in him. My son has wonderful personality, is only occasionaly fussy, and smiles constantly. You would never knows he went through so much. He is stronger than other babies his age. Which should be expected in babies that fought so hard. Your story touched my heart and I hope to see more pictures on your website. Love and Prayers,to you and your family, Jessica N. Wilt

Jessica N. Wilt - Pensacola - Fl - 32526 -
Wednesday, November 4th, 1998 at 12:48 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I had a set of quadruplets (3 girls and a boy) on Sept 16, 1998. Their weights ranged from 2lb 1 oz to 1lb 8 3/4 oz. We lost our smallest baby when she was two weeks old. One baby has mild hydrocephalus and stage 2 ROP. One baby has stage 2 ROP and the other baby has stage 3 ROP. This has been difficult to deal with but I found great encouragement from your success. It was also encouraging to read the stories in your guestbook. I am glad you are doing well. Pray that my babies will do the same.

Michelle Perry - Delaware - OH - USA -
Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998 at 8:14 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: I loved your Halloween picture , you look like a fine healthy, happy boy. My little boy Carlos was also born at 25 weeks . He was 705 grams (1lb. 9oz. ) and 12.5 inches long. He is now a healthy 5 year old and has started kindergarten. His story is very similar to yours , it is only different in the fact that his birth came so fast that he was born naturally at St. Luke,s birthing center in Pasadena, with only the night nurses in attendance. He was transfered two hours later to Huntington Memorial Hospital were he spent the next 3 months.He is truly our miracle child. I wish I had been able to connect with a web site like this when he was in the hospital . Thank you Mr. King for this site, and for the opportunity to share in Tommy's and all the other preemies stories.

susan garcia - temple city - ca. - -
Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998 at 7:14 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: You are such a wonderful little boy, we are parents of a little girl Rebecca, who was born 13 weeks premature on 30th april 1998 due to preeclampsia. She weighed 2lb 1oz, it was such a worrying time, but with Gods help she pulled through, she now weighs just under 10lb. Your parents have done an excellant job on your cybernursery, it is so engouraging to read your progress, and so many parents of preemies around the world can only be inspired by your story. goodbye for now Mike Tina and Rebecca from Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland

mike and tina cunneen - ennis - clare - eire -
Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998 at 6:15 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:My wife and I were blessed with the birth of Graham. Graham was born at 26 weeks and weighed 2lbs 40zs. He was on cpap for two nights before they decided to put him on a ventilator. He is doing fine apart from some troubling episodes of apnea. Your story was excellently chronicled. Pray for us as we anxiously ride the roller coaster of Graham's hospitalization.

Orville Plummer - Mesquite - TX - USA -
Friday, October 30th, 1998 at 7:26 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: I have just read your story. I have a little boy in the NICU in McMaster Hospital in Hamilton Ontario. He was born at 25 weeks gestation weighing 2lbs 3.5 ounces. He's been on the respirator for 9 weeks now and I feel like he'll never come off it. He is allergic to Dexamethasone and has chronic lung disease and diabetes incipidus. My heart is breaking and I pray for half the success of your life for my little boy, God bless you and your mommy and daddy.

Heather Steen - Georgetown - Ontario - Canada -
Thursday, October 22nd, 1998 at 11:15 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I want to thank your parents for sharing your story with all of us. My daughter, Emily, was born at 24.4 weeks wieghing 1 lb 4.4ozs and was 13 1/4" long. I went into labor at 22 weeks and was told if they couldn't stop it, they wouldn't be able to save her. My prayers were answered a number of times because today, Emily is 19 months old and hard to keep up with. She wieghs about 20 lbs and is about 30" tall. I was one of the lucky parents because she didn't have to have any surgeries and I was able to bring her home after only 88 days, 3 weeks before her orignal due date. We still go to PT every other month. That teachs me how to help her to continue to excel in life, and how to be the best parent I can be. Thanks again for your story.

Katherine Crowley - Owasso - OK - US -
Wednesday, October 21st, 1998 at 12:06 am (CST)

Hi Tommy: My beautiful daughter Samantha Rosa was born only 6 weeks early on September 21, 1998, but weighed only 1 lb and 10oz and was 12 inches long. This was a result of Intrauterine growth retardation. We had gone along the whole pregnancy up to that point thinking everything was fine and then suddenly found out that was not the case. She is a wonder, she was only on the respirator over night the first night and is basically only on the feeding tube and monitor right now. She has tried the bottle but didn't really want to work that hard yet. She is a real fighter as I am finding from reading this site most of these little wonders are. She is so special to her mom and dad. She has been in the NICU at Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford, IL for four weeks and we look forward to bringing her home soon.

It really helps to see all of these other encouraging messages as well as my brother and sister in law had twin girls at 30 weeks who were also in the same unit 14 months ago and they are both walking and perfectly healthy!!!!! Jackie Aguilar

Jackie Aguilar - Rockford - IL - USA -
Monday, October 19th, 1998 at 12:03 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:Two of my children was born early. Kai was born last year at 27 wks. and 3 days(2lbs 3oz). She was on the vent for about a month. She did really good and we bought her home at 88 days old.The only thing that she has is astma.Now my son Isaiah was born this year(July 98)at 27 wks and 5 days(2lbs 11.2 oz) and he's not doing as good as my daughter did. He's been on the vent since he was born and he is almost three months old. But I'm still hopeful.Even though there are so many new problems. I believe in prayer and miricales. Reading other parents stories also helps me through and I don't feel so alone. GOD BLESS......

Keisha Holmes-Cook - Columbia - Md - -
Monday, October 19th, 1998 at 11:45 am (CST)

Hi Tommy: My 2 nd baby boy Brandon was born at 36 weeks and had premature lungs. He was taken to Riley Children's hospital in Indianapolis,In where he was in the NICU for 13 days, it wasn't as long as you or many babies are in there but it was still hard! He was on a respirator for 9 days and suprisingly he was released 4 days later. He is now home with us and is 5.5 weeks old today!! I loved your story!! I have even told my friend who had her twins at 25 weeks about this site and she said she loved it. It made my cry to see how little you were.

Adrian - Vincennes - IN - USA -
Sunday, October 18th, 1998 at 12:37 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I had two preemie mature baby's my first one was a girl she was born 1/8/94 and was only 32 weeks along. She did not have that many problems they were able to give me stroids to mature her lungs and some other organs. She is doing really good now and going to preschool. My second child is a boy and he was born 5/26/97 and was only 33 weeks along. They did the same for him too.But he did have some problems and had to stay in the hospitol longer than my daughter did.But he is 16mos now and acts like he never was a preemie baby. I have Bicornuate(heart or horn-shaped)uterus and am not able to care the babys to full term no matter how many babys I have,the uterus will not expand with the baby as it grows so it makes me have early births. Needless to say we are not having anymore I don't want to take the chance of loseing a child. Thanks for letting me tell my story. Best of luck in the future Tommy!!!!

s. gunter - elizabethtown - ky - usa -
Friday, October 9th, 1998 at 11:29 am (CST)

Hi Tommy: I am the mother of a preemie, born almost exactly 2 years after you were born, 7-25-96! CJ was born at 25 weeks, also because of an abruption. He weighed 1#,12oz. and was 12and 1/2 inches long. We spent 14 weeks in the NICU. Today he is 33 inches tall and weighs 30 pounds! CJ talks in sentences that astound us. We're expecting baby #2 in April, 1999. Thanks for sharing your amazing story... it was like reading our own story! Fondly, Karen Yockey & CJ

Karen Yockey - Toledo - OH - USA -
Thursday, October 8th, 1998 at 11:49 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

The Lord has truly blessed this remarkable child. Our daughter was born at 26 weeks. 2#13ozs. in 1981. She had multiple complications and required heroic measures to save her life. With all credit given to God,Casandra is a Senior this year and has NO lasting problems. How anyone can think a fetus is not a living person is inconceivable to me. May God continue to bless you and all these parents of preemies. Charlotte

charlotte - Blairsville - Ga - usa -
Thursday, October 8th, 1998 at 8:40 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this site. I am not a preemie parent, but I am a NICU graduate. I had other difficulties at birth and am now pursuing a medical career, possibly as a neonatologist. I know in the last ten years the number of NICU successes has risen dramatically, but it is still nice to hear about one from a more personal view. Best of luck in the future to you -and all NICU/preemie families.

Brigid - - NY - -
Wednesday, October 7th, 1998 at 10:53 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

My daughter was born in 1974 at 27 weeks. She weighed 1 lb., 15 oz. She had many of the same problems you did and with the exception of being legally blind in one eye, she is a very healthy young woman.

It amazes me that there is so much information on the internet about preemies. When "Christina" was born it was very difficult to find any info. I especially like the story of your extubating your tube. Christina did the same thing. The doctors decided perhaps she knew something we didn't, and she was never put back on the respirator! Thank your parents for providing this forum for other parents of preemies. I know what they went through and no one can imagine what it is like. I hope all the new parents of a preemie will be inspired by your story, and all the other success stories. There are so many with a happy ending and not nearly enough "press" about those stories. Good luck to you and your parents.

Sharon Ward - Paradise - CA - USA -
Sunday, October 4th, 1998 at 3:27 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I HAVE SEEN YOUR PAGE IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. I HAVE A STORY JUST LIKE YOURS. I HAD A SET OF TRIPLETS AT 27WEEKS THE FIRST WAS A GIRL NAMED TANIKA WEIGHTED IN AT 800GRAMS AND THE SECOND WAS A BOY TYSON WEIGHTING IN AT 730GRAMS AND LAST WAS A BOY COREY WEIGHTING 1035GRAMS AND ONLY LIVE FOR 98 DAYS IT WAS A HARD HUAL FOR HIM HE SEEM TO HAVE EVERYTHING GO WRONG BUT IT WAS BEAUTIFUL WHILE WE HAD HIM... THE OTHER TWO CAME HOME AT 100 DAYS OLD ONLY WEIGHING 5LB..THEY WERE SO TINY FOUR 0 CLOTHS WERE TO BIG WE HAD A SMALLER VERSION OF CABBAGE PATCH CLOTHS MADE FOR THEM. IT WAS A SHOCK AS WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS ONLY ONE BABY UNTILL I WENT INTO LABOUR. THE NURSES AND DOCTORS WERE JUST THE GREATEST AND WE MADE A LOT OF FRIENDS AT ROYAL WOMEM'S HOSPITAL BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND. AUSTRALIA........I HAD THREE OTHER CHILDREN ALREADY I WAS A 30WEEKER BUT EVERYTHING WAS DIFFERENT..BEST OF LUCK, TYSON AND TANIKA ARE DOING FINE SO FAR, JUST A FEW CHECKUPS STILL THEIR MUM ROBYN...............................

ROBYN CASLICK - MOUNT ISA - QLD. - AUSTRALIA - http://geocities.com-Heartland/Woods/8103
Saturday, October 3rd, 1998 at 6:58 am (CST)

Hi Tommy: My son just turned five on July 19, 1998. He is presently enjoying his second year at school and he is fluently bilingual in english and french. He was born a twin at 30 weeks and weighed a whopping 4lbs2oz. Tyler never had any unusual problems after he was born, just the usual bradycardia and apnea stuff. His brother Christopher more than made up for that though. Christopher was promoted from twin brother to guardian angel 18 days after they were born and he is still a very big part of our lives. You are truly a blessing and I am sure that you will continue to keep your parents busy for a long long time. Good luck kiddo, hugs and kisses to all, Janice, Len, Tyler and little sister Morgan

Janice Ferguson - Barrie - ON - Canada -
Tuesday, September 29th, 1998 at 10:53 pm (CST)

My son was born 3-24-97, 2lb 8oz 14 inches, at 27 weeks. no reason for the on set of labor. We spent 9 long weeks in nicu. We were lucky, our son did not have a lot of problems being so small. He now is a very healthy,30 lb 18 month old. We never thought we would see him grow up. thank god for nicu units and some wonderful doctors!!! He now has a baby sister 4 months old who was born only 2 weeks earaly weighting 8lb 11 oz!!!! Thank you for a wonderful web page. kele

Kelly Antoine - Toledo - OH - -
Monday, September 28th, 1998 at 8:10 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy, We are the parents of 3 daughters, all born prematurely. Our 1st daughter, Chelsea was born at 34 weeks,due to premature rupture of membranes,and was born septic. She had necrotizing enterocolitis, and spent 3 weeks in the NICU. Our 2nd daughter, Vanessa was born at 33 weeks by emergency C-Section due to placental abruption, the same problem that you had. She did extremely well, other than jaundice which required phototherapy, and we were able to take her home. Our 3rd daughter, Alexis, was born at 35 weeks, after a 10 week hospital stay, and premature labor starting at 28 weeks Debi had placenta praevia, gestational diabetes, excessive amniotic fluid, and continous premature labor. We spent the last ten weeks on pins and needles, where we waited for the results of the lung maturity tests, to see when she could be safely delivered. She was born at 35 weeks, and suffered the first of many "blue spells" when she was 1 day old. She had severe gastric reflux, which resulted in apnea spells. She also had jaundice, which required phototherapy, and we were unable to take her home. When she was 36 weeks, she came home on an apnea monitor, and continued to set off real alarms which required inter- vention for the next 5 months. She's now 7 months old, off the monitor, growing and developing beautifully. We consider ourselves truly blessed that our "preemies" were entrusted to us from God, and that they are all growing up to be healthy, normal girls. Our hearts truly go out to those of you struggling to help your babies get through the rough times of being born prematurely. Clinton & Deborah Parker

Clinton & Deborah Parker - Reston - VA - USA -
Sunday, September 27th, 1998 at 6:48 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I loved reading your beautiful story and seeing the amazing pictures of you. I too was born early; at 31 weeks I weighed 3lbs 12oz. I spent six weeks at the NICU at Yale New Haven's Childen's Hospital but I am doing so great now. I am six months old and now weigh almost 13lbs! My parents are extremely proud of me. They feel blessed to have such a wonderful hospital and friends nearby when they needed a little support. Tommy, you are an inspiration to us all.

Kelly Cranston - New Haven - CT - USA -
Saturday, September 26th, 1998 at 9:39 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:You are such a precious little boy. We too have been were you were. Our daughter Katie was 27 weeker(one pound 14 oz.). She had several complications. She had 3 bleeds in her brain and has Cerebral Palsy(we know not to what extent yet). She now weighs 21.5 lbs and is finally crawling at 14 months. She wears glasses . She was in the hospital for 3 months and came home on apnea monitor and oxygen. She finally was weened off and then received a helmet for her head. She had a flat skull and she wore the helmet for 4 months and it didnt help. We are in the waiting stages now to see if she'll need the surgery to correct the flatness. Oh, she also has a micky button that we feed her through. If there are other parents out there with similiar medical problems, please write. We love receiving mail, especially from other preemies...

Angel and Ricky Simmons - - jTN - USA -
Friday, September 25th, 1998 at 11:36 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I'm a friend of your Mommies from many years ago. I lived 600 miles away when you were born and haven't been able to meet you yet. I am so excited that I have moved back to Michigan and now I will get to meet you in person! I hear you have become a great big boy! Now all you have to do is use the potty for Mommy and Daddy! (And I hear you have a little sister! I can't wait to meet her too....)

Merrilyn Quinlan - Rochester - MI - USA -
Wednesday, September 23rd, 1998 at 5:36 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I too had a preemie. My daughter was a 29 weeker, born on November 12, 1994. My water broke for reasons they couldn't determine and they were unable to stop my labor. She was born by an emergency c-section. We too couldn't believe we would have our child within hours.

My daughter had her weight on her side, she was 3 lbs. 12 oz. which is higher than most born at that gestational age. She came home a month later.

It's so wonderful to hear about other preemie success stories. We share a common bond, parents of preemies and reading Tommy's story brought back many memories.

Brittany has a mild case of cerebral palsey which affected her gross motor skills. She gets physical therapy 3 times a week and gets intensive doctor follow up care. But you would never know looking at her, she is a determined little at girl. She overcompensates for disabilities and will find a way of doing things even if she is not quite doing it the right way. She just mastered tying her shoe laces (at 3-1/2) and has an incredible memory.

Preemie achievements are like none other. God blessed my husband and I the day she was born and we wouldn't have asked for anything else.

Dina Morgan - Lindenhurst - NY - USA -
Wednesday, September 23rd, 1998 at 4:15 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

Our darling Betsy was born at 31 weeks, 2lbs and 9oz. We feel truly blessed as she never got sick or had any setbacks. She will be 2 years old Oct. 3rd and loves mommy's shoes, lotion, necklaces and Elmo. She counted to 10 this week and is learning the ABC song. We marvel at everything she does and are so thankful. Bless you all. Mrs. Pugh

shirley pugh - birmingham - al - usa -
Wednesday, September 23rd, 1998 at 2:47 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

We had Jacob 2 days ago to the hour---I just got home and took our first showers....It has been unbeleivable the first 48 hours....Charlene gave birth to Jacob at 25 weeks just like you---her membrane ruptured (unknown why, yet)early, though she was already on bedrest for an incompetent cervix...Needless to say we were caught off guard....It was wonderful to see your site and to follow your story...I am sending to my entire family to read so they can understand our situation.....You have been an immediate inspiration to us....I will keep you posted

Chad And Charlene Gundlach - Lake Forest - CA - USA -
Saturday, September 19th, 1998 at 7:35 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I'M GLAD THAT YOUR MOM AND DAD DECIDED TO TELL THE WORLD ABOUT YOU! I HAVE A DAUGHTER -- HER NAME IS ADORIA--- WHO WAS BORN AT 25WEEKS TOO! AND JUST LIKE YOU SHE'S A REAL TROOPER. SHE ALSO WEIGHED 1LB 10 OZ, AND IS CONSIDERED TO BE A MICRO-PREEMIE JUST LIKE YOU WERE. SHE IS NOW 30 WEEKS OLD, OFF OF THE RESPIRATOR AND CONTINUING TO GROW. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BRINGING HER HOME ONE DAY SOON- MAYBE IN NOVEMBER. I'M ALSO WRITING TO ASK YOU A FAVOR TOMMY, COULD YOU PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR HER TONIGHT WHEN YOU GO TO SLEEP, SHE IS SO SPECIAL TO US. THANKS TOMMY!

PAULA GARRISON - DETROIT - MI - USA -
Monday, September 14th, 1998 at 11:52 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I am the mother of a premature baby, my first son was born at 32 weeks, weighing 3lbs 9 ozs and 17 inches long. He is now 8 years old and has cerebral palsy. It was a long wait while he was in the hospital but it was worth it, I wouldn't trade my son for anything. Tommy, you are a very lucky boy just as my son is, have fun and stay sweet. And thank your parents for putting up this web page its great. God Bless!!

Esther Tilghman - - - -
Monday, September 14th, 1998 at 10:44 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I always find it an inspiration to hear another preemey's story. Our twins Isaac and isabelle were born 8 weeks early and that is by no means like that of a 25 weeker, but none the less emotional when you are the parents. our babies are now 9 months old and beautiful! Isaac has always done well, he now weighs 23 lbs. and is over 29 inches long, he was born 4lbs. 7 oz and 16 1/2 inches long. Isabelle weighed in at 2lbs. 11 oz. and 16 inches long. She was born malnourished, as she was crowded inside, and at day 4 she had emergency surgery for a perforated bowel. Her surgeon gave her a colostomy. She had it reversed in March, and has had only minor problems. She now goes to physical therapy as she tends to hold herself very stiff sometimes and still doesn't roll over, although she does sit up beautifully and is learning to grab back the toys that Isaac steals from her. We consider our beautiful babies gifts from heaven as all preemies are. Thank you for your inspirational web page.

Anne Nichols - - - -
Saturday, September 12th, 1998 at 8:41 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

My daughter, Samantha James Brooks was born on August 29, 1997 at 26 weeks gestation weighing 1 lbs and 12 oz. My due date was Dec. 1. We spent 4 months at the NICU at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and she came home on Christmas day 1997. I couldn't even begin to go into the 4 month long saga (as you know all too well) but we had her first birthday last Saturday and we had so much to pray for and be greatful for. This is my first visit to a preemie website. It was too scary. Tommy, you are a beautiful boy! God bless you and your family. Irene Rivera-Brooks

Irene Rivera-Brooks - north hills - CA - USA -
Friday, September 11th, 1998 at 2:09 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

Thanks for sharing your story. I delivered twin girls 9 days ago, on August 31, 1998. There were only 26 weeks when they were born. Amanda wieghed 2"3oz and Heather 2"1oz. They are still in the homeymoon period and doing well. Reading your story has really helped my emotional state. Thanks again for sharing.

Brenda Schwartz - Ashburn - VA - USA -
Wednesday, September 9th, 1998 at 9:09 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: I have just come on line and visited your site for the first time. I had a son Daniel James on Nov. 7,1996 he was born at 28 weeks and weighed 2 lbs. 14 and a half ounces. He was not due until the end of January '97. We had a very early Christmas present.

Daniel is now over 26 lbs. and is running everywhere. He is my miracle boy. He has added such joy to our house it is unbelievable. We are extremely lucky- Daniel did not need any surgery and he came home 84 days later demand breast feeding and did so for 11months. I hope all these messages will provide some hope for those famillies who are just beginning their rollercoaster ride. Take care and good luck.

Lorraine Kennedy - vancouver - b.c. - Canada -
Wednesday, September 9th, 1998 at 1:40 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

It's wonderful to know that you are doing so great. I hope my son born 03-23-98 at 1 pound and 14 ounces does as well as you are doing. Were home now with the hear/apnea monitor. heart rate drops still accompany us from time to time but we are really progressing now. Nic weighs around 15 pounds now and I hope he turns out as geat as you when he's four years old. My prayers and blessings are always with you and your family. Tell your daddy and mommy thanks for the encouraging words. God bless you always, misty

misty - millport - al - usa -
Monday, September 7th, 1998 at 9:11 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

You are a blessing from God. Today, Brendan Hayes Covert is hanging on inside his mommy. He has been a terrific little astronaut struggling to stay inside his spacecapsule for 29 weeks now. His mommy, Tricia, is my sister-in-law. Thursday, Sept. 3, she was air-lifted to Good Samariton Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, where she is struggling to postpone his delivery as long as possible. Please mention Tricia, Brendan and Bob, my brother, when you talk to God in your prayers tonight. With His love, Caron Mosey

Caron Mosey - Flushing - MI - USA -
Monday, September 7th, 1998 at 8:33 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

Okay, so this is a test message from your father. That's okay, cause we've had some real changes lately.

First of all, we moved, which means Tommy get's to live with his family in a big house -- and that Daddy finally put in a swing set.

Second, although we have not really moved location, the site can now be reached at it's own domain of http://www.kingproductions.com/

Hope you like the changes Tommy!

Dad

Clark (Tommy's Dad) - Troy - MI - 48098 - http://www.kingproductions.com/
Monday, September 7th, 1998 at 8:36 am (CST)

Hi Tommy: Ihave a little girl that was born 10 weeks early. Her name is Caty, and she was born on April 5, 1998. She was 3lbs 3.7 oz and 14 inches long. She also had some breathing problems, as well as continuing problems with apnea and bradycardia. She is now 12lbs and 24 inches long. While she is still on a monitor and special formula, she is growing well and is only a litttle behind on development. (she made a giant "roll" forward today when she rolled over for the first time just after I told her doctor that she couldn't do it yet...!!!) Keep on growing and good luck on potty training!!! Denise

Denise - West Plains - MO - USA -
Thursday, September 3rd, 1998 at 7:29 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: I am glad to see that you are doing so well. Hopefully you will get that potty training down soon so that you can show your new little sister what to do also. It's a big responsibility being a big brother. I had a preemie also in 1997 Christina was due 4-17-97 but she was born 1-29 2lbs. 4.4 oz. But she was very fortunate and only had to stay until March 16. So far she is doing very well and very very busy. She is 19 months old and loves cookies. God Bless you and keep up the good work. I think this is a very good outlet for parents going through the emotional ups and downs of wandering what the next day will bring. Joan

Joan - Tampa - FL - -
Wednesday, September 2nd, 1998 at 1:11 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I wrote to you before and I just thought I'd give you an update on what's been happening with my son. He was born March 1st, and he has now been home since July 6. He has grown so much and he has done so many things since he's been home. He still has oxygen, but the doctors say he will probably be off of it by December. I'm glad to hear that you are doing so well. Happy Belated Birthday, buddy. Good Luck with the potty training!!!

Kelly - Dunkirk - Ny - America -
Tuesday, September 1st, 1998 at 7:20 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

You're so beautiful! My baby Lee Andrew DeQuan was on March 27, 1998 at UAMS in Little Rock, AR. He weighed 1 lb., 13 1/2 oz. and was 12 in. long. He was born 11 weeks early and he went through many of the same things that you went through. Those 2 1/2 months (he went home on June 7, his due date was June 18) in the hospital with him were the most terrifying days of my life. Lee is 5 months old now and weighs about 12 lbs. He is doing wonderful and developing well. When I read your story, it brought back a lot of memories, some good and some not so good. It made me cry tears of joy that my son lives and breathes and grows today and that he won't be the last NICU success story thanks to those wonderful people called nurses and doctors. And anyone who reads this who thinks that they are "interfering with nature's course" or "playing God" should visit one of those nurseries and see the tiny miracles that take place in there everyday. God watches of those tiny little babies too and gives us the knowledge to take care of them. Thank you for sharing your story, Tommy, and best wishes for the future to you and your entire family. Michelle and Lee :-)

K. Michelle Gill - Arkadelphia - AR - USA -
Friday, August 28th, 1998 at 12:36 am (CST)

Hi Tommy:

I'm Aviva's mother. Aviva was born at 24 weeks gestation at 1 pound, 11 ounces and spent 12 weeks in the NICU. Our family has had many similar experiences, and many similar pictures (there are only so many poses when the baby is hooked up to a respirator and multiple IV's!! Aviva is 3 yrs 3 months old now and doing very well, with a one year delay in gross motor skills, and severe nearsightedness in one eye from retinopathy (she started wearing glasses at 12 months). Otherwise, she is in preschool two days a week, and we're also doing potty training! It was great to read your story, and Aviva loved your pictures, "just like mine!" Best Wishes, Susan

Susan Blumberg - Denver - CO - USA - http://www.du.edu/~lgetsche/aviva/
Thursday, August 20th, 1998 at 4:25 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: We, Carline and Luc, are the parents of Lucas. Lucas was born on Febr. first 1997. He was 26 weeks old (14 weeks (too) early), weight 900 grams, approx. 1,5 pounds. Everything is going well after an initial tough period of the first three weeks. His weight now is 8 kg, approx. 10 times his birth-weight : he has a "strong" character and knows very well what he wants.

We are very happy and whish you good luck. .0

Lucas Deneffe - Leuven - - Belgium -
Wednesday, August 19th, 1998 at 4:12 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy: I'm so glad to hear how well you are doing now having such an early begining. My baby also is a preemie. She entered the world just like you. A 26 weeker due to early abruption. She weighed in at 1lb 11oz 14inches. She was born on April 20, 1998 at Kapiolani Medical Center, Honolulu, HI. She is the oldest resident of our NICU. She has BPD so she is still on the "vent". After many infections and a terible bout of septic shock she is growing wonderfully and now weighs almost 7 lbs. Hopefully soon she will begin to breathe on her own and come home. We hope she will enjoy life and come along as well as you have. Thank you for a wonderful story!!! Renea & Haylee Short

Renea Short - Kaneohe - HI - USA -
Sunday, August 16th, 1998 at 9:41 pm (CST)

Hi Tommy:

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

The previous archive can be found at - guests21.htm. 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

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