My name is Billy, I am 8 yrs old. I was born Oct. 27, 1991 at 24 weeks. I weighed 1 pound 9 oz & was 12 inches long. I had the usual BPD & hernia & shunt & ROP, I have had 10 surgerys in my first year of life, I had an illeostomy for about a year but they were able to reconnect everything & now my intestines work fine. I have buckles holding my retina's onto my eyes, I cant see out of 1 eye, but I can see okay out of the other. I weigh 44 pounds & go to public school. I am in 2nd grade. I get to go to the special class for the visually impaired & they are teaching me how to read & write with braille. Is pretty neat. I hope you are doing well & I hope Santa brings you everything you ask for. Take Care & God Bless.

Billy - akron - oh - usa -
Saturday, December 11th, 1999 at 7:28 pm (CST)

My husband and I read your story a couple of nights ago and although we live in England it all sounded very familiar to us.

Our son, Max, was born on the 5th November at 24 weeks, weighing 1lb 10oz. He came off the ventilator last Saturday and is on CPAP now. He will be 28 weeks (4 weeks)tomorrow which is another milestone. He's doing great and started to do 'normal' baby things now like sucking his thumb. We hope he will come home at the end of February which would have been is normal due date.

I'd just like to say it was great reading your story and it makes us realise how lucky we are. Danni

Daniela McGee - Burton - - England -
Thursday, December 2nd, 1999 at 2:04 am (CST)

ANGELA LIMA - RIO DE JANEIRO - RJ - BRASIL -
Wednesday, November 24th, 1999 at 2:42 pm (CST)

My mummy is helping me write this, as I'm only 5 weeks old and was born on the 15th of October at 32 weeks. I came home Friday and found it all really strange after the excitement of the NNU! I love my cuddles and milk and I certainly make up for being little in weight by being loud in lungs! I think your website is great and glad you're doing so well. Take care, Kaytlyn

Kaytlyn - London - - UK -
Tuesday, November 23rd, 1999 at 12:39 am (CST)

Belinda Jones - Portland - vic - Australia -
Monday, November 22nd, 1999 at 7:55 pm (CST)

HI TOMMY I AM A NICU NURSE AND I HAVE SEEN THE MIRACLES GOD PERFORMS EACH DAY, WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT FROM GOD, "TO HAVE LIFE" THIS IS MY FIRST TIME EVER TALKING TO SOMEONE ON THE WEB. MY DAUGHTER JESSICA LOVES YOUR PICTURES AND WE WILL BE WATCHING FOR MORE UPDATES ON YOU. WE ARE GOING TO CHURCH NOW AND WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BYE.

MARY PREWITT - WHEATON - IL - USA -
Sunday, November 21st, 1999 at 9:09 am (CST)

i am a third year student studiny for my Junior Certificate. As apart of my Home Ec. exam i most complete a project on premature babies.i was hoping that in the near future i could do a survey on yr parents about everything that happen when you were born. thanks alot for yr time and lovely pictures. your sincerely kira

kira - dublin - - ireland -
Saturday, November 20th, 1999 at 9:16 am (CST)

I want to thank you and your family for sharing your story with everyone. My first grandson was born at 26 weeks August 10,1999. Austin weighed 1lb. 11.3 ozs. and was 13 1/2 inches long. Austin and his parents live in Texas because his daddy is in the Air Force. All of their family is in Michigan and Indiana. Although we kept in touch by telephone there was still a lot of the neo-natal process that we did not understand or know about here in the north. I just returned from my first visit with them and I am missing him a lot. All of you micro-babies are special,and I am glad you have over come the odds. I want to thank your parents for sharing your story as it has enlightened this grandma to what you children really went through as well as your parents. Thank-you again.

becky - - IN - USA -
Wednesday, November 17th, 1999 at 8:51 pm (CST)

My name is Ethan Michael Boyer, My mommy was put on bedrest at 22 weeks, she kept going into labor,luckily I was born on May 28, 1999, a day before my due date!!! I just wanna say your a very nice looking kid!!! Maybe sometime you can stop by my page at http://www.norcom2000.com/users/mike, dont' mind my daddy's sense of humor! :0)

Kristin - Collinsville - Il - U.S.A. - http://www.norcom2000.com/users/mike
Tuesday, November 16th, 1999 at 4:27 pm (CST)

My name is Angela and I was born on October 20th 1999. My mom was in the hospital for a week on bedrest; she told me to settle down and stay there, but I really wanted to see the world!! I was born at 25 weeks, 1lb 10 oz just like you--now I'm 1 lb 14.7oz. My mom says I'm a little toughie. She gives me pep talks. It sounds like your folks gave you pep talks too. Do you like music? I do. My mom used to play blues and soul music for me, but now I'm in the NICU and the only music I hear is when mom sings to me. I hope you have a happy thanksgiving! My thanksgiving will be in the hospital. My mom told me next year I can have turkey. Does turkey taste good?

Angela Elena McLaughlin - Springfield - IL - USA -
Monday, November 15th, 1999 at 6:13 pm (CST)

SHERRI SEARL - - - -
Monday, November 15th, 1999 at 1:46 pm (CST)

It's just Daddy checking in to make sure everything works.

Today we will get to pile up leaves and jump in for fun! Looking forward to a Saturday afternoon with my family.

Daddy ;-)

Daddy - Troy - MI - USA - SecondSite
Saturday, November 13th, 1999 at 10:02 am (CST)

Hi Tommy my name is Sophie I was born at 24 weeks I was in the special baby unit for eight months I am now 6years old I still have my oxygen as my lungs dont work very good. I do not eat anything at all I have a tube in my tummy that connects to a pump and it feeds me my milk, but I go to a mainstream school that my mum had to push for I like school I hope you enjoy it when you go take care love from Sophie

SOPHIE - Northants - - uk -
Thursday, November 11th, 1999 at 6:58 pm (CST)

I just had a baby girl who was born at 26 wks. She was 2 lbs 1 oz and 14 1/2 in. long. So far she is doing ok. She is on a respirator still and probably will be for a long time. She is holding her own and we are praying for a good outcome. I'm glad I found this website.

Jodi Hawkins - Oak Harbor - Wa - 98277 -
Monday, November 8th, 1999 at 9:35 pm (CST)

My name is Sherree and I wanted to tell you about my daughters, Krista and Kara. They were born on April 13, 1985, but were due on your birthday, the 26th of July. Krista weighed 1 lb. 12 oz. and Kara weighed 1 lb. 5 oz. Unfortunately, this was 14 years ago and even though it doesnt seem that long ago, medical technology was not what it is today. Kara died when the girls were 9 days old. Her lungs just couldnt hold out. Krista is now 14 years old and a very strong willed child...always has been. We were very lucky, she was only in the hospital once after being discharged from the NICU (after 4 months and one surgery). We tease her now telling her that she and kara were impatient and that they liked the birthstone for april better than the one for July. I can tell you that after 14 years, Krista is still very tiny. She only weighs 85 pounds and is in 9th grade. She is also a bit short, but there is not a lot of height in our family anyway. She has hyaline membrane disease but it hasnt stopped her from becoming a wonderful dancer and a top notch competetion cheerleader. She wears contact lenses, her eye sight is terrible and has a scar across her chest, and a very tiny little belly button. We consider her our little miracle from God. We also have another daughter, Jessie who is 12. I thought I'd better mention her also. She is the "normal" one and a lot of the time doesnt understand why she is the same size as her sister. We tell her she is normal, Krista is not. Im not sure that helps though. She is also a very taleted dancer. I dont know if you hear a lot from parents who had preemies this long ago but I thought it would be nice to let you know that they certainly do thrive. We watch Kristas mood closely because she did lose an identical twin but so far she seems to be doing just fine. She does think that it was her fault occasionaly, but we assure her it wasnt. Thanks for your website, it is really cool. Sincerely, Sherree Bennie

sherree bennie - casselberry - fl - usa -
Sunday, November 7th, 1999 at 3:48 pm (CST)

My name is Devon Buckley, Im an ex-micro preemie too. My mommy is writing this for me because I am only 18 months. I was born 1lb. 13oz. and 12 1/2 inches long. I was born early do to HELP Syndrome. Im now a fairly boy now. I've came a long way like you too. Mommy talking: I look at the pictures on the web site and boy does it bring back memories, I never thought he would of made it this far. He's a fighter, he's my little miracle and pride and joy.

Delta Woodall - Duarte - CA - USA -
Thursday, November 4th, 1999 at 5:46 pm (CST)

This is a wonderful web site--and sure makes me feel better--our daughter had a 26 week baby yesterday in Tacoma Washington---I was trying to get some information on preemies and found you. She is a little over 2 lbs and was breathing on her own when born but is on a breathing machine now to help save her strength. Her name is Madison Paige. Thank you so much--Patti Gensler

Patti Gensler - Naples - FL - -
Monday, November 1st, 1999 at 6:43 pm (CST)

WOW! THIS IS SUCH A GREAT WEB SITE. ALOT OF EFFORT AND TIME WAS DEFINITELY PUT INTO THIS. I THINK IT IS GREAT THAT YOU ARE SHARING YOUR STORY TO EVERYONE. IT REALLY HELPS PEOPLE KNOW WHO ARE IN THE SAME SITUATION THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE. I, MYSELF HAD NOT ONE BUT TWO PREMATURE BABIES. THEY, OF COURSE ARE TWINS. KARA AND KAILEE WERE BORN AT 28 WEEKS. KARA WAS 3LBS 4OZ AND KAILEE 2LBS 9OZ. THEY HAD A LARGE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS BUT ARE TOUGH.......JUST LIKE TOMMY!!

JENNIFER ACOSTA - HINESVILLE - GA - 31313 -
Monday, November 1st, 1999 at 8:01 am (CST)

I am the mommy of Jami Ruth "Baby Ruth" Milledge. She was born at 26 weeks. She only weighed 15.8 ounces. However she is now up to 1lb 3 ounces. I was very

Terri Milledge - Fort Wayne - IN - -
Wednesday, October 27th, 1999 at 2:36 pm (CST)

I just visited your web site for the very first time... you are one awesome little man! I read every word and saw every single picture on your site, your a lucky boy to have parents willing to share thier/your story in such great detail. Thank you all.

I'll be back and look forward to additions to yours and Alyssa's pages.

Lauran - West Des Moines - IA - - http://free.sully.net/~lauran/
Sunday, October 24th, 1999 at 2:21 pm (CST)

Marina and Julie - Lefroy - On - Canada -
Friday, October 22nd, 1999 at 9:31 pm (CST)

Rachel - - - -
Tuesday, October 19th, 1999 at 8:20 pm (CST)

What a wonderful homepage! Your Daddy really took a lot of time putting it together for you. I too have experience this, not once - but three times! My last delivery (Travis 2 lb 5 oz) was on July 26, 1999 (you share birthdays). Also, we share last names. One more interesting thing - I was reading messages in your guestbook and found one from your Grandpa in Farmington Hills - I have worked for a company who's parent company is "Star Cutter".

Denise King - Richmond - IN - 47374 -
Sunday, October 17th, 1999 at 8:29 pm (CST)

I am so glad you are doing so well! My precious miracle, Chase, was also born at 25 weeks. He spent 3 months in the ICN and also came home on oxygen and a monitor. But the best news is that he is also healthy and happy like you now!! He will turn 2 in December. I cried reading your story because it reminded me of so many feelings I had when we weren't sure if Chase would make it. Thanks for your site- it is wonderful. And thank God for all ICN staff. Love, Chase's mommy

Amy Jo Hoherz - Olathe - KS - USA -
Saturday, October 16th, 1999 at 11:56 pm (CST)

I logged on to your website as research to let parents of premature infants I work with each day know that there is support out there on the web. I am a nurse in the NICU at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. Your web site is fantastic. Your mother and father have provided very valuable information to other parents experiencing the same ups and downs.I will most certainly refer parents to your web site. Best wishes in your endeavours of life. Sincerely, Charita Rutledge,RN

Charita Rutledge - Jacksonville - FL - USA -
Friday, October 8th, 1999 at 12:18 am (CST)

First I want to say this is a GREAT homepage. I have been on bed rest now for 5 weeks im at 26 weeks My first child was born at 24 weeks and weighted 1lb2oz she lived for 4 days my 2nd child my son was born at 35 weeks after 4 months of bed rest and meds hopefully with bedrest and meds and God watching over me we will make it into the safe zone. Thanks for sharing your story with me If your mama and daddy would like to talk have them email me at bgaskin@bealenet.com Bye Becky

Becky - - VA - -
Wednesday, October 6th, 1999 at 12:11 am (CST)

Sherri - Anchorage - AK - -
Saturday, October 2nd, 1999 at 2:02 am (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 at - http://www.flash.net/~cyberkid/guests23.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