Message Archive 28 (2002, 2003)

Hi Tommy:

I just ran across the site and wanted to say how wonderful it is. In February 00 I had a 3lb 7 oz preemie and its nice to run across someone who knows what its like to have such a small infant. Thank you Beth Carmichael

beth carmichael - - -
Monday, September 29th, 2003 at 1:53 pm

Hi Tommy: Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am a grandmother of triplets born August 4, 2003 at 25 1/2 weeks. I was searching for some information about the use of steroids to help with the lungs when I found your website. My daughter and son-in-law are having to make a decision about the use of the steroids. Your web site is very special and I know you have been a blessing to your family.

Our three little ones are now 7 weeks old and still on the ventilators. We have had more good days than bad days but it is an emotional roller coaster ride for everyone. Your website has offered us lots of encouragement!

My daughter had one boy and two girls. The boy weighed 1 lb 9 oz. The girls were 1 lb 7 oz and 1 lb 4 oz.

Thanks again for sharing! You are a very special boy!

Maria Fowler - Burlington - NC - USA
Wednesday, September 24th, 2003 at 10:27 am

Hi Tommy:

Greetings from the Schmitz family! We hope you are having a wonderful summer and enjoying your baseball games! We've enjoyed watching you hit the ball and tear off to first base! Great job! The Schmitz Family, Tim, Amal, Brett and Derek (And Tanner Doggy Dog and Buddy Boo Too)

The Schmitz Family - Troy - -
Sunday, July 13th, 2003 at 6:30 pm

Hi Tommy:

Our daughter died 8-12-98 due to Strep B complications. It was just devastating to me in so many ways. My husband suffered so much, yet in different ways than I did. She was our 3rd little girl and she looked just like her sisters. She was just beautiful, and I wish all of you could have seen her. Since then I have had 2 little boys. They are wonderful, yet my heart still longs for a little girl. (We are expecting and do not know what we are having yet.) I know that she would never take the place of our little Michaela, but perhaps my arms would finally be full with a little girl.

I would like to invite you to visit our website if you ever would like. We sell things for babies (especially preemies, but things for bigger babies as well), and mommies. Our website is: www.BabyLinq.com Sometime I would like to put up the whole story of our little girl on our website and how it helped to lauch us into our business by seeing so much need out there. Needs that Mom's like me and perhaps you too, that no one could meet. Like Clothing for a little Preemie. Even premature babies need clothes! Someday I will be able to put up our story, but not yet. Thank you for listening.

Sjona Lindquist - - SC - USA
Monday, June 30th, 2003 at 11:10 am

Hi Tommy:

Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I am the Mommie of a 24-weeker, named Henry. He was born early because I was sick with a disease called "Preeclampsia" also known as "Toxemia" and Henry had to be taken out of my belly by a C-section.

He was only 460 grams. They didn't think he would make it through the night that he was born, because he was under 500 grams.

He is now 2 years old, and very happy and relatively healthy, considering his history. But, tt has been a long, hard road for him. He had ROP, BPD, home O2 for almost a year, laser eye treatment, PVL, and still has a strong gag reflex and trouble eating solids.

We are working closely with Early Intervention and making sure Henry grows up happy and loved. We hope this message offers other babies and their parents hope. Good luck to you and your family.

Henry's Mommie

Henry's Mom - - -
Thursday, June 19th, 2003 at 6:07 pm

Hello, I just wanted to say that I am glad to see he was okay. Now that I saw this website, it makes my son look big. My son was born at 33 weeks and weighed only four pounds six ounces. He got down to three pounds fifteen ounces. He got to come home a week after birth. Today he is a healthy 18 month old little boy, all boy! He had no problems, was just small and couldn't keep his body temperature up. They said he was healthier than a lot of the 8 and 9 pound babies born. It was great to go through your website and see how Tommy has grown. He must of had a lot of LOVE and some really great parents. Congratulations on raising a healthy child.

kathie - - -
Tuesday, June 10th, 2003 at 7:17 pm

Hi Tommy:

Hello Tommy! Its good to see tat you are doing so well being that you were early. God is Good! My son Jordan was born 23 weeks and 5 days gestation. He was in the hospital for 3 months, only had 2 blood transfusions, and was on oxygen for 1 month after coming home! I'm blessed and proud of him. He is now 9 months old and weighs 16 pounds and 12 ounces and 26 1/2 inches long. He's catching up well. Nobody knows that he was born 4 months early by looking at him. He is so healthy and happy. I hope that you know how much of a miracle and blessing you are. May God continue to watch over you and your family. Ann McLarty

Ann McLarty - Huntsville - AL - United States
Wednesday, June 4th, 2003 at 4:58 pm

Hi Tommy: hey i am a 17 yr old grade 11 student i just wanted to tell you that i am so happy to hear that you are doing so well! that is really great!. I too was a preemie i was born 12 weeks early and even though i was not as early as you i had many problems such as a heart murmur and my lung collapsed, but thanks to all the great doctors i am here today and with no signs of any long term effects. Being premature is one of the scariest things to ever have to look back on but i know that your parents can't even express how thankful they are for you so i hope that you continue to do well later in life and have fun! Keep on rocking! Tanya

Tanya - Grafton - ontario - canada
Friday, May 30th, 2003 at 5:54 pm

Hi Tommy:

So glad to see you !! My grandson was born weighing 1#9oz VERY early. He is now 3 soon to be 4 and will bw spending the summer with me. I'm looking for ideas on things he might like to do, any suggestions????

Janet Dempsey - Phoenix - AZ - USA
Wednesday, May 28th, 2003 at 3:28 pm

Hi Tommy:

Thanks so much for your beautiful story. We are just starting our "journey" with our little one pound baby boy. He is strong and prayers are going out everywhere in the nation for him. Your story is such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing those precious times.

Louise Blosch - Longwood - FL - USA
Tuesday, May 27th, 2003 at 7:23 am

Hi Tommy:

I am so happy to read your success story. My son was born 10 weeks early at 2 pounds and 9 ounces. He spent 72 days in the hospital. It is amazing the similarity your story to ours. Andrew is now 18 months old and going strong. I love to read success stories, but I always knew in my heart that Andrew was a fighter and would be fine. Thank you for your inspiration! Rebeckah Long

Rebeckah Long - Ballwin - MO - USA
Monday, May 26th, 2003 at 7:40 pm

Hi Tommy:

I just wanted to say I really like your web page. My son was born at 31 weeks weighing in at 3pds 10 ounces with lots of problems, came home on oxygen and is still on oxgen at 6 1/2 months old. It's neat to be able to hear other stories on your web page.

Andrea Howard - Santa Fe - TX - United States
Wednesday, April 30th, 2003 at 10:52 am

Hi Tommy and friends, Just though you'd like to know about Aaron's Story, which we just posted yesterday. Aaron is our 24-weeker, who just came home last month. He sailed through the NICU experience with very few problems. Our site has a very detailed daily journal format, with loads of excellent pictures. Aaron's Story is located here: http://www.kevinquick.com/aaron/updates/introduction/index.html Thanks!

Kevin Quick - Kelseyville - CA - USA
Tuesday, April 29th, 2003 at 5:38 pm

Hi Tommy:

Thanks to Tommy's Dad for setting up this site. My preemie twin sons were born at 33 weeks gestation, and they had almost no problems, but I also have a friend who delivered her boy/girl twins at 25 weeks gestation, and they are facing many challenges. It is encouraging to read such a positive story.

ellen - - -
Tuesday, April 29th, 2003 at 12:31 am

Hi Tommy:

I am SO thrilled to see that you've grown into such a wonderful boy! It was comforting to read through your story, knowing that your parents understand what we're NOW going through. Our son, Ian Michael, was born March 29th at 32 weeks gestation but due to Intruterine Growth Restriction, was the size of a 26week old. He was only 2.4 more ozs than you at birth so I really understand how tiny you were. He was 1 lb, 12.4 ozs and now at 18 days old he is 2 lbs 11.4 ozs (almost has gained a full pound!) It does my heart good to see what a big boy you are and how well you're doing. Keep up the good work Tommy. You're an inspiration. Please thank your parents for me for making this site; it makes the NICU process that we're going through, not seem like such a foreign thing. It's good to know someone else has been there to an understands what it is like. Thanks!

Margaret - Vacaville - CA - USA
Thursday, April 17th, 2003 at 11:12 am

Hi Tommy:

I can totally relate to your story. I have had 6 preemies. 2 pasted away. they were all born from 13 weeks to 4 weeks early. I have 2 boys and 2 girls living. My last little girl was born on 9-11-02 at home unexpectedly. My husband delivered her. She was 4 weeks early. a=And is doing fine now.

mechelle woodard - lebanon - in - usa
Wednesday, April 16th, 2003 at 12:37 am

Hi Tommy:

Just came across your wonderful site and I thought I would share my story. My twin cousins Katy and Thomas were born at 24 weeks gestation weighing 1lb 2oz and 1lb 2.5oz respectively. They are 8 months old now and are doing very well. Katy is home and growing everyday and Thomas is still in hospital until his oxygen requirements stabilize. They are two of the best miracles ever made and I love them so very much. Thank you for showing that premature babies can come so far and be so healthy. xx

Miss Elizabeth Anderson - - - England
Monday, March 31st, 2003 at 11:19 am

Hi Tommy:

i just want you to know that seeing your story has inspired me to have hope. My cousin gave birth to a daughter last night at 25 weeks. She weighs 1 lb 10 oz. The future is so unsure, but it is encouraging to hear your story. May God bless you and your family always. KIM SMITH

kim smith - franklin - in - johnson
Saturday, March 29th, 2003 at 5:36 pm

Hi Tommy:

hello Tommy my name is Melissa I can totally relate to your story cause I was a preemie but the twist is I also have a TWIN sister that was also preemie Michelle (my twin) was 1pound 12ounand I was 1pound and 9oun.and we are doing will please write me back when you can okay luv Melissa

melissa campbell - medicine lodge - ks - u.s.a.
Sunday, March 23rd, 2003 at 9:25 am

Hi Tommy:

Hello My baby was just born Feb 27th 3lb 2oz and 16 3/8 long and I wish I could find out more stuff about preemies cause I feel so lost, She is doing pretty good but we have to wait till she is at least 35 weeks to go home. Well good luck to all you mothers who have to do what someone else tells you to do when it comes to your own baby. Sincerely, Carol

Carol B - salem - OR - USA
Wednesday, March 12th, 2003 at 6:43 am

Hi Tommy:

Thank you for sharing your experience with other parents like myself who are always looking for encouragement. My little boy was born at 1 lb. 14oz and has had a rough road so far. I can only hope and pray that Mathew turns out as beautiful as you. God Bless you.

Donn - Middle Island - NY - USA
Saturday, February 22nd, 2003 at 8:03 pm

Hi Tommy:

What a beautiful story, my smaller twin was born 3.5 months ago and was very close to your wt at 1 lb 12 oz.. How exciting you have done so well!! What an inspiration and a joy. I am glad I found your site, I wish I had found it earlier. Best wishes Katie

katie ott - - -
Sunday, February 16th, 2003 at 4:45 pm

Hi Tommy:

thanks for sharing your story with us. i was happy to hear how well you are doing. keep up the great work. i have twin babies that were born last year at 23 weeks. i hope that they will be big and strong like you, one day.

marylou - cary - nc - usa
Tuesday, February 11th, 2003 at 9:38 pm

Hi Tommy, On January 25, 2003, my little sister Amy was airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, My sister had a baby, 2 years ago who was born 5 months early, she had an uterine infection that sent her into labor, Christian Mikell James weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. and was 12 inches long

. He lived for 11 days. It was hard on her. but then we learned she was pregnant again, this time on Jan 25th, at 8:55 pm she gave birth to a 2lb. 5oz, 15 inches long baby named Krista Joy Chavez, she is in the nicu of Good Samaritan Hospital. They say she is doing great, but we are still very worried, about her.

, The Doctors give her a 95% survival rate, what do you think her chances are? For some reason I think she will do ok, I will say a prayer for you Tommy. Thanks, Tamara Duke

Tamara Duke - Mesa - Az - usa
Monday, February 3rd, 2003 at 7:14 am

Hi Tommy:

Thank you for this web site. It is very encouraging to our family. My great nephew, Matthew was born at 24 weeks on December 5, 2002. Matthew is starting to gain weight and we are all so excited. He may get to go home in February, after Valentines day. Teresa Lockard New Haven, IN

Teresa Lockard - New Haven - IN - USA
Friday, January 31st, 2003 at 12:53 am

Hi Tommy:

I'm a nursing student in my final year. I came across this website as I was trying to find an external source for maternal/newborn nursing. I think this site is wonderful.. it could help those parents who also have premature babies. You are truly an inspiration for many. Keep smiling and may God continue blessing you and your family.. Dessa Montoya

Dessa Montoya - Douglas - AZ - USA
Tuesday, January 21st, 2003 at 10:23 am

Hi Tommy:

I love your story, I also have an extreme preemie, 1 pound 8 ounces who is nearly a year old and doing great, her story is a lot like yours and its really helpful to nicu parents to have sights like yours to give them hope. It just goes to show you that dynamite really does come in small packages! I wish you all the best in everything you do! mary bowdish (and Harlie Lynn!)

mary Bowdish - houghton lake - mi - 48629
Thursday, January 16th, 2003 at 7:12 pm

Hi Tommy:

I want to thank you for your site. I have been reading the information all throughout the web since my son was born. Your site has been by far the best. It is a real comfort to hear the miraculous story of your wellbeing. I have much hope for my son. Jarryd Michael came to us at 24 weeks gestational on November 17, 2002 weighing 1 lb 12oz, 13.25 in. long. Today he is on a nasul canula high flow, weighing 3 lbs 4 oz and 15.5 in. long. His father and I are very proud of him much like I am sure your parents were and are of you.

Allison Bell - Greenwich - NY - USA
Monday, January 13th, 2003 at 8:37 pm

Hi Tommy:

I am 21 weeks pregnant today and am facing a possible early delivery. I delivered my 2nd child early...33 weeks. He is a great joy to all who know him as I am sure you are too! 8)

I thank your parents for sharing your wonderful story as it has given me the hope that if I can hold on for a few more weeks that there is great possibilities of having a great outcome!

Again Thank you for sharing!!

Shelley Hopkins PS...What a cutey you were...and still are! 8)

Shelley Hopkins - mesquite - tx - USA
Sunday, January 12th, 2003 at 4:47 am

Hi Tommy:

I am the mother of a preemie of 27 weeks now 13 months old actual. I am just doing some research on the long term effects of oxygen used on preemies. Kaitlyn (my preemie) is still on 1/4 liter of Oxygen 24/7. I just want to make sure that her oxygen is doing more good than harm. If you have any info or websites that I can visit please let me know by e-mail.

Amy Woodard - Bakersfield - Ca - USA
Saturday, January 11th, 2003 at 3:58 pm

Hi Tommy:

Nice to see you're doing so well. I had a little preemie, 1 pound 9 ounces in July and she's doing well. You have a very cool site and I'm sure this is a wonderful thing for other parents such as myself to see, who are unsure what to expect. Happy New Year and all the best!

tash jones - - - canada
Wednesday, January 1st, 2003 at 3:59 pm

Hi Tommy:

We delivered a 15 week pre-mature girl on 9 Dec at 1lb, 2.5 oz, 11 inches, and your site is doing great things in our emotional growth and stability. May God bless you!

Ben and Tracy Kapp - Fairview Heights - IL - 62208
Tuesday, December 10th, 2002 at 10:40 pm

Hi Tommy:

Just thought I'd say thanks for putting such inspiring words in a place where people in need can find them. We just had our first child twenty days ago today. Kaitlyn Ashlea was born November 17, 2002 at 24 weeks gestation. She weighed 1 pound 7 ounces and is 12.5 inches long. In twenty days she has been through alot-but now has a much better chance of living. I'm scared to death and have so many emotions. It helps to see that there are others that are or have been in my situation. To know that my baby isnt alone with this many problems and that others have survived in similar situations means alot. Also, it helps to hear that many of these babies are not severly mentally damaged because I hear of that risk in just about every medication they give her, every condition she has, and heard that just being premature may cause it. I really dont care at this point, just want my baby alive, but it helps my fear and worries to know that it isnt definite. Thanks so much & God Bless

Teresa - Farmerville - LA - USA
Saturday, December 7th, 2002 at 11:41 am

Hi Tommy:

my name is Elizabeth on may 27th 1968 I was born with Hylands. 3 months early and very very small my parents were told I would not survive. Well obviously through the grace of God and some wonderful doctors here I am. My mother always called me a miracle child, I lost 2 sisters to Hylands.I have a wonderful life with very few problems as a result of being preemie. Know that with strong will and determination anything can be done. God Bless Elizabeth

elizabeth - - -
Saturday, November 30th, 2002 at 9:30 pm

Hi Tommy:

I have a new granddaughter born October 18, 2002. She weighed 3lbs 2 ozs--eight weeks early. This is her fifth week in the hospital nursery. Your web site is awesome. Thanks for the nicu history--we're living it now and knowing others have "been there too" really helps. Thank you so much. Grandmother Long

Katie Long - Magnolia - AR - USA
Wednesday, November 20th, 2002 at 1:16 pm

Hi Tommy:

I am a neonatal nurse and very happy that I found your site. We neonatal nurses need to see the happy faces here to keep us motivated and letting us know "our" babies are thriving so well. I have been a NICU nurse for over 11 years now and try to keep up with as many of our little graduates as I can. One of my favorite graduates was a little boy named Zachary who was born at 24 weeks and only 383 grams. He went down on his weight to 200 and something grams, I can't remember now. He would be right around 9 years of age. I last saw him when he was around four years old and he looked wonderful. Another favorite of mine was a little girl named Kimberly who weighed 435 grams at birth and she was 36 weeks, severe IUGR. She was not intubated and came out kicking and screaming (the same manner she left with her mom and dad a few months later, smile). I wish I could track her down to see how she is doing, as she would also be close to ten years old right now. I loved the picts here and think this is just an awesome site.

Phoebe - Orlando - Fl - USA -
Sunday, November 3rd, 2002 at 9:22 pm

Hi Tommy:

Being a former preemie 23 years ago at 26 weeks, I understand the trials and tribulations of growing up. Your progress is remarkable! Devine intervention is on your side...take the world by storm! -Melissa

Melissa - Lakeland - FL - USA -
Saturday, October 26th, 2002 at 8:41 am

Hi Tommy: My name is Christine, my daughter CATHERINE FAITH was born on August 10,2002. Her due date is November 7. She was born at 2 lbs 2 oz. She's still in the NICU but will be going home soon. It's so good to see her grown so big, she's now 6 lbs 11.2 oz after 2 1/2 months. I've been following your website every now and then and it's so good that you're now a grown-up healthy boy. Thank your daddy and mommy for us for your website. It helped us keep our hopes high. Our baby Catherine also have a website www.bridgedale.net Keep growing nad enjoy life. Christine

Christine Bridgedale - antioch - CA - usa -
Thursday, October 24th, 2002 at 8:02 pm

Hi Tommy:

My name is Linzi and I am 18 years old and was also a "preemie." I was born on March 23, 1984 but was supposed to be born on the 4th of July. I was 3 1/2 months early too and born at 1lb. 12 ozs., it seems we have a lot in common. I am currently a Freshman in College and I want you to know that whatever you put your mind to you will accomplish, no matter what. We are miracles for a reason, so have fun and always follow your dreams!! Sincerely, Linzi Roberts

Linzi Roberts - Mt. Pleasant - MI - USA -
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2002 at 12:11 am

Hi Tommy:

I am once again using your CyberNursery in the nursing course I teach. Students will be visiting it in the next 2 weeks. It is very encouraging to see Tommy at 8! We just toured NICU and saw several 1 pounders, and I am just delighted to have visited this site over the years and see the changes.

Annette Knobloch - Thibodaux - LA - USA -
Tuesday, October 15th, 2002 at 7:15 pm

Hi Tommy, I just want to wish you the best of luck in everything you do.I have a cousion who was born 3months early weighing 1.3pounds and the doctors said that he wasn't going to make it, but he's here today and he's doing Great! You are a ANGEL!sent from God to your parents. Tell your little sister she's blessed with a wonderful brother, mother and father!!

Ulaysha Mathies - Philadelphia - Pa - -
Saturday, September 28th, 2002 at 11:58 am

Hi Tommy:

I am glad to hear that you are doing well. Keep it up. Your web site gave me a lot of information and a lot of help.I was also a preemie baby. I have heard a lot of stories but yours was the best. All My Luck LEANNE KINSELLA.

Leanne kinsella - Dublin - - Ireland -
Sunday, September 15th, 2002 at 10:43 am

Hi Tommy:

My name is Linda and I am a mother of a "miracle" named Christopher. He was born 9/11/81 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Chris weighed 500 gms. (1lb 1oz and 10 1/2"). He was 27-28 wks. gestation. He was born with BPD (lung was immature when he was born) and they say he has neurological damage due to the lack of oxygen before he was born. I had pre-eclampsia (toxemia) and he was an emergency C-section. Chris stayed in UofP for 105 days and then 3 months later he had to go back to CHOP for congestive heart failure. His vocal chord was hurt during intibations so his voice is raspy and he can't make loud sounds. Today, his health is very good (he never gets sick). All through growing up ear infections were our #1 problem and Chris just the other week has had to have hearing aids because his hearing just went worse. They say it is neuro-senserory damage and the ENT said it probably happened when Chris was in his isolette with all the noises. He seems to be bothered with a dust allergy and is taking Zyrtec and Advair for that. The doctor said if I did not tell her that he had BPD she would have thought he had asthma, but he never had asthma attacks. The doctor (pulmonary) had said when he was younger he had asthma like symtoms. Chris was failure to thrive but just now he seems to be really filling out. Everything seems to be proportioned, in fact I see his belly sticking out. This young man loves birding and nature and I have learned so much from him. His love for history (especially Civil War) is exceptional ! He is our "miracle" not a tragedy like last year's 9/11.

linda rummel - Coatesville - PA - USA -
Monday, September 9th, 2002 at 8:16 am

Hi Tommy:

Hello Tommy: Your web site is GREAT!!! I enjoyed looking at every section and I smiled at every picture. You have come a long way and you are an inspiration. My baby was recently born at 1 pound 14 ounces and she has just reached 2 pounds 3.2 ounces and we love her so much. Your story gave us so much hope for Baby Brooke's future into this world. Thank you for sharing your story. Best regards Cheryl Zyko

Cheryl Zyko - - - -
Saturday, September 7th, 2002 at 5:32 am

Hi Tommy:

Our son Jacob was born at 28 weeks and weighed 1 lb, 10 oz and was 13 1/2 inches long. He's now getting ready to come home from the hospital, and we're VERY excited about it! Come visit us at our website and check out lots of pictures of the little guy.

Jacob's First Blog

Geoff and Deb - - CO - USA - http://www.jacobshrieves.150m.com/
Sunday, September 1st, 2002 at 10:51 am

Hi Tommy:

My daughter was 14 weeks premature weighing only 1 lb 8 ounces. She was in the NICU from Sept 3, 1999- December 10, 1999. She is now a very healthy and active little girl who will turn 3 on September 3 in about a week. Your entire ordeal brought back so many memories...both cherished ones and ones strived to forget. Sometimes it's nice to relive those moments in the NICU regardless of how painful...those memories make me go into my Morgan's room while she sleeps at night and just watch her. I watch, I smell her hair, and just inhale everything about her while sleeps...amazed and forever thankful that she (and us) made it through those 3 1/2 months.

Rebecca - Orlando - FL - USA -
Thursday, August 22nd, 2002 at 12:52 am

Hi Tommy:

I have 4 Grandbabies that are going to be preemies. After reading your Daddy's comments, I know that my babies will make it. You are an inspiration to me. Love you lots, and I will let you know how, Zack, Mira, Andra, and Kendall are doing when they get here. Say a little prayer for Kendall, she is having trouble.

Laneve Wirth - Gulf Breeze - Fl. - USA -
Tuesday, August 20th, 2002 at 4:16 pm

Hi Tommy: So nice to say something to you. You are a do lovely boy from the picture. I gave birth of my twins of girls in 28 gestation and now they are 7months older. But they are not lucky as you, they got ROP and the older is blind and the younger still have one eye left after laser and refrigeration surgery. Now the doctors said they had HIE(hipoxia ischemic encephalopathy), and have to go back to hospital every one month to receive treatment. So do you know how to cure them in your country? Give some advice to me, please. Thanks

Lirong Wang - Guangzhou City - Guangdong Provice - China -
Sunday, August 18th, 2002 at 6:31 pm

Hi Tommy:

I stumbled across your site while looking for info on premature births. My cousin just delivered her little at only 26 wks. She weighs 1 lb 12 oz. It's comforting to know that there are babies out there who were born just as small as her and made it.

Amy Gatt - - - -
Thursday, August 15th, 2002 at 6:47 pm

Hi Tommy:

it so wonderful that you and your family have this site. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and though i have no reason to think my baby would come early, I worry about it. It's very comforting to know that extremely premature babies can grow up just fine. In fact this site must be a godsend to families that are newly dealing with being preemie parents. thanks so much and congratulations, for the website and the healthy little boy. Selissa

Selissa - Springfield - mo - usa -
Wednesday, August 7th, 2002 at 1:46 pm

Hi Tommy:

I have read everything on your web site and I can really relate to how hard it was for you and your parents. I have a little boy named William in the NICU at nepean Hospital he was born at 26 week gestation and weighed a big 602 grams, We have been in hospital for 124 days he was born on the 3rd April 2002 and now weighs 3.2kg but still little he is 4 months old now and is starting to smile tell your parents that your story was very informative especially the part where you had to come on oxygen as William is very close to coming home and he will be bringing his oxygen with him so thanks again for such a wonderful site From Liana & William Galati

Liana Galati - sydney - nsw - australia -
Monday, August 5th, 2002 at 1:07 am

Hi Tommy: I had twin boys at 24weeks, 4 1/2 days apart, April 28th and May 8th,02(1Lb.9oz). They are three months old now and currently in the NICU of Cin. Children's Hospital and doing better little by little each day. Benjamin Tyler the first born was put on cpap Aug.1st and is loving it. Jonathan lucus is still on the vent. but doing well. Your site has helped me a great deal. May you always be blessed!

Kim Fisher - cincinnati - OH - US -
Friday, August 2nd, 2002 at 6:41 pm

Hi Tommy:

My daughter was born 15 weeks early and weighed 1 lb 10 oz. She was 12 1/2 inches long. She is now 18 1/2 months old today. Her name is Melinda. She also decided to extubate herself also. They ended up putting a canula in her mouth to help inflate the lungs; and she was fine with that. She started walking at 16 months old on Mother's Day. Considering she was 3 1/2 months early; walking at 16 months old was not considered late. She was dedicated on mother's day of 2001. Mother's Day is a special day for me. Tell your mommy and daddy hi from Little Melindy and I. I feel we have something in common. Take Care and congratulations on getting out of the 1st grade. Have a great summer Linda & Melinda

Linda Shearer - norman - ok - united states -
Monday, July 22nd, 2002 at 9:04 pm

Hi Tommy:

In early 1999, I posted a message after I had a partial placental abruption at 12 weeks into my pregnancy. At that time, your pictures and and progress gave me much needed hope. At 27 weeks, I had an emergency c-section due to another abruption. My daughter Megan just turned three years old this past May. Her story closely mirrored your own. I am glad to see that you are doing so well and am happy to report that she is too. Thank you for your web site.

Kathleen Naranjo - El Paso - TX - USA -
Friday, July 19th, 2002 at 11:24 am

Hi Tommy:

I would like to thank you for this site - our little girl was born at 25 weeks GA some 5 1/2 weeks ago, and much of what you describe is exactly what we have experienced. It helps to know we are not alone. Thank you!

Nikki Hudson - - - England -
Tuesday, July 16th, 2002 at 3:16 pm

Hi Tommy:

I loved your website and it brought back a lot of memories for us. My daughter Kelsi is 8 1/2 and was born at 25 weeks gestation also. (1 lb 13oz) We were in the United States when I had her prematurely, so she has dual citizenship!! She is going into 4th grade and has basically no ill effects from her prematurity, other than asthma, which we monitor closely. 4 years after Kelsi was born, we had Bryce. Now, get this: Bryce weighed 11 pounds 13oz!!! (quite a change, huh?) He had a traumatic birth and as a result, has mild cerebral palsy - something that Kelsi had a greater chance of having than he. I am happy to report that Bryce's CP has by no means limited him and he's receiving occupational therapy and doing well. Kelsi studies piano and voice and karate and is doing well in school. It was wonderful to read your story, and all our best to you and your family. Kelsi and her family... Ontario, Canada

Kelsi's Mom - Kitchener - Ontario - Canada -
Sunday, July 14th, 2002 at 9:37 pm

Hi Tommy: My name is Kody and I am 21 weeks pregnant. I just had a car werck and they told me that there was an abruption. I was very worried until I had read your story. I am very glad that everything went alright and glad to hear that you are doing very well. I also wanted to tell you happy early bithday Tommy!!! Thanks for sharing your story on the internet. It is very encouraging to me. Thanks again. Kody Denton,TX USA

Kody - - - -
Friday, July 12th, 2002 at 1:46 pm

Hi Tommy:

I am very excited to see your story. I just had a little girl on May 9th and she weighed in at 1 pound 11 ounces born 12 weeks early. I just so happened to be on the web looking for inspirational stories and of course yours has caught my eye. You seem to have been through a lot but I am inspired. Thanks

Phoebe Elkins - Dallas - Tx - USA -
Thursday, July 11th, 2002 at 10:36 am

The Guestbook at Tommy's CyberNursery Preemie Web site