The Guestbook at Tommy's CyberNursery Preemie Web site

The last 3 messages posted appear in the Living Room before being moved to this page.  Your contribution to this guestbook would be appreciated!

ellen - los angeles - ca -
Thursday, May 26th, 2005 at 11:41 pm

I too feel like I could of been the author of your page! Our son Kyle was born 2-5-05 at 28 weeks weighing 1 lb 14 oz after I was in the hospital for 2 weeks with PROM. He spent 74 days in the NICU 60 miles from home. He was on the vent, CPAP and is now home on an apnea monitor and home oxygen. He is currently 6lbs 3 1/2 oz as of a week ago and is doing very well. We were blessed in that other than BPD his only other problems were a bladder infection prior to discharge and a hernia that will be repaired in July. Your sons story gives me so much hope. I remember praying so hard in the recovery room after he was born. He was so small, I never imagined that anyone so small could survive, but these little people are fighters, alot stronger than most adults I know. A peace came over me the night of that pray that he was going to be alright, and to this day that feeling has never left. Thank you so much for sharing this page and all of the links that you have! God Bless Jim, Jody, Katie (7) and Kyle

Jim, Jody Katie and Kyle - Hoyt Lakes - MN - 55750
Friday, May 13th, 2005 at 11:06 am

I am the mother of Will, who was born at 26 weeks. He was born 24 Feb 2005 and should be coming home in the next couple of weeks. Will was supposed to be born 28 May, but you know the little guy was just in too much of a hurry. This website was so reassuring. I'm so excited and nervous to bring Will home, but I know that all will be well and everything should be taken one day at a time. Thank you for taking the time and being such and inspiration to all. The Bernards Family, Marvin, Christina, and Little Will

Christina Bernards - Savannah - GA - 31401
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2005 at 11:41 am

My husband and I just had our 33-wk old daughter three days ago. So far, she is doing well, but I can't help worrying when I see her in the NICU and wonder if she will ever be free of tubes and monitors. It is early for us, as nothing is normal any more...but reading success stories and other information from concerned (and happy, and PROUD!) parents really makes a huge difference! To all that experience a preemie...keep up the encouragement, it means EVERYTHING.

amy - charlottesville - VA - USA
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2005 at 3:52 am

I am the mother of another preemie boy--a 29 weeker that weighed a whole pound more than you. I loved reading your story and it reminded me of my son-Clay! Thank you!

Lucretia Cantrell - Calhoun - GA - USA
Monday, April 11th, 2005 at 2:28 pm

I'm a new mom to a preemie (born 03/29/05). My little angel came into the world at 26 1/2 weeks and has a grade 2 bleed on the left side of his brain and a grade 4 bleed on the right side. I'm not sure what problems he faces in the future but I know that my little Sammy will have a very strong set of parents to love and cherish him always, just like you have. Life in the NICU is intense for the parents, but I can only imagine how hard it is on the little ones. I can't wait to hold my little Sammy and kiss him and whisper in his ear how much I love him. It makes me feel so good to know you are doing so well and are such a little fighter. It will help me be strong for my preemie too. :-) Thanks for sharing your story. Hope

Hope - Roberta - GA - USA
Saturday, April 9th, 2005 at 11:32 pm

My name is Scott. My wife, my 6 year old Austin, and I just recieved an amazing gift. Her name is Alyssa. She was born 2/27/05 and at 25 weeks. She was 1 lb 10 oz just like you were. She is so strong but as your parents will remember there are the hard days. I am very thankful for your parents putting this web page on for all of us to see. It is great knowing that even as little as you were you are doing so well. This gives hope to all of us. As your parents may have told you this is a wonderful gift that brings family and friends closer. Take care of yourself and thank you again for sharing this site.

Scott Carlin - Greene - NY - US
Thursday, March 24th, 2005 at 10:40 am

Thank you for sharing your story. I also would like to share mine. On October 8, 2004 I gave birth to a 24 week baby boy due to preeclampsia. He weighed only 15 OUNCES. He was one of the smallest the NICU had had. But he has been strong since he was born: When he was delivered he was crying and even urinated on the doctor! He has been in the NICU at Kaiser Permanente for 5 1/2 months and will be ready to come home soon. It hasn't been easy. He has gone thru surgeries and infections, but when I look into his eyes, I see that spark in his eyes that tells me he is going to be ok. My miracle's name is Matthew Sebastian.

Angie Felkins - chula vista - ca - us
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005 at 10:50 am

There is hope for preemies!! My cousin just had baby Jacob Joshua three months early/weighs 1 pound right now. I researched babies with low birth weight and came across your magnificent site. Thank you for sharing the most positive testimony yet!

Marie Grecco - Houston - Texas - USA
Sunday, March 13th, 2005 at 7:38 pm

Vanessa - Chicago - IL - United States
Tuesday, March 8th, 2005 at 11:35 am

I was just searching for developmental disorders related to premature births, trying to help the doctors diagnose my son when I came about your website. It brought tears to my eyes at how much you look like my son. Christian (my son) was born on June 22, 1997 at 25 wks gestational age. He weight was 1 lb 10onz. He was in the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester NY for 4 1/2 months befor coming home with a bith weight of 4.5 lbs. He is now 7.5 yrs old. He's in a special education program in the district at the moment. We are looking into changing schools to better fit his unique developmental needs. Anyway it was very heart warming to see you lokking so healthy and well. Your are a very special child. Please thank your parents for putting up this web site, it will stay close to my heart as I continue my battle with trying to find out more of my son's illnesses related to his prematurity. I will keep you and your family's struggles in my prayers.

concetta cutaia - brockport - ny - us
Tuesday, March 8th, 2005 at 10:30 am

I am the mom of a 25 weeker just like you! Adelaide was due on April 15th, but arrived very unexpectedly on January 3rd. She has so far overcome all of the obstacles you faced as a preemie and is now 34 weeks (gestational). She is off of any breathing assistance and finished with her 7-day apnea countdown. All she needs to be discharged is a little more weight and the ability to eat on her own. Seeing your site and the pictures of your smiling face have really made me feel that taking her home and having her grow up to be a normal and healthy child is a reality. Thank you so much I wish you the very best!

Lesley McGowan - Alexandria - NH - USA
Monday, March 7th, 2005 at 3:30 am

I AN JESSICA GRAY I HAVE NOW TWO PREEMIES IN MY LIFE. MY FIRST SON WAS BORN 6-8-2000 AT 26 1/2 WEEKS, WEIGHING 1 LB 1 OZ. HE IS NOW FIVE YEARS OLD AND DOING GREAT. BUT JUST RECENTLY I TRIED AGAIN AND MADE IT TO 29 WEEKS AND THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS GOING GREAT AND ON MARCH 1ST 2005 MY SECOND SON WAS BORN WEIGHING 2LB 1/2 OZ. GOING THROUGH THIS ALL OVER AGAIN IS VERY SCARY. GLAD TO SEE HOW GREAT YOU HAVE TURNED OUT. HOPE THAT MY CHILDREN ARE AS FORTUNATE. THANKS JESSICA

Jessica Gray - milton - ky - usa
Friday, March 4th, 2005 at 8:13 pm

I just wanted to let you know how helpful it has been to look at your web site and read about your journey as a preemie. My baby was born in September at 25 1/2 weeks and she weighed 1 lb. 10 oz. - just like you. It was great to have this web site to look at for encouragement for us and for hope that our baby would come home soon and do as well as you have as she grows up. Our baby came home on January 13 and things have been going great! We are so thankful and keep praying that she continues to do well. Thank you for having this web site and to your parents for sharing their story. Sonia

Sonia - Pearland - TX - USA
Thursday, March 3rd, 2005 at 9:17 pm

Great site Tommy My son, Luca was born June 23rd, 2001 and 27 1/2 weeks and weighing 540 grams, just over a pound. He is a small miracle and doing just fine. It's funny how I stumbled on your site. I was actually looking for info on developmental problems in micro preemies. I ended up reading the testimonials on your site. As much as they made me cry, they are truly inspirational. All kids are miracles and we tend to forget this at times. Life does not come with guarentees and therefore we should not take it for granted. To you Tommy, I take my hat off and thank you for doing what many of us want to but never get the courage. I hope your site will still be around when Luca is old enough to read it. I am emotionally drained but promise to write real soon. You take care and keep it up.

Robert Creti - Montreal - Qc - Canada
Saturday, February 19th, 2005 at 7:14 pm

You are blessed. I want to thank your parents for your story. Your story put a little peace in my heart to read about the same situation I'm going through.I have preemie twin sons and they are a blessing to me. It's a long process you go thru but you have to keep the faith and continue to pray. Again thank-you.

Veronica Drain - Marion Jct. - AL - USA
Tuesday, February 15th, 2005 at 1:16 pm

What a wonderful web site. I am the grandma of Jake; born 10 weeks premature; 3lbs.2oz. on February 11, 2005. Also a result of a placental abruption. Jake is in the NICU in Syracuse, NY about an hour ride from home of mom, dad and grandparents. He started out doing well, but have been told by his NICU nurse, "the honeymoon is over." Tommy, your web site has helped so much. I stopped my crying and grabbed the "hope". I'm sure Jake is in for a long journey just as you were. I pray the outcome will be as wonderful as yours. My best to you and your parents. Susan Foster

Susan Foster - Barneveld - NY - USA
Sunday, February 13th, 2005 at 2:27 pm

Sorry to anyone who may have encountered unauthorized pop-ups from this site. Be aware that we do not accept advertising, period. Any ads you may see are not authorized.

Tommy's Dad

Clark King - - MI - United States
Tuesday, February 1st, 2005 at 5:14 pm

Beth Corvia - conway - PA - USA
Monday, January 17th, 2005 at 11:55 pm

My name is Krystal, I am a Junior at Cedarcrest high School and I am doing a paper and a presentation on premature babies and I want to thank you and your patents for the information that I recieved from this site. Thank you very much Krystal Blaneknship

Krystal - Duvall - Wa - US
Thursday, January 13th, 2005 at 9:49 am

We are 5 month old twins. We were born 4wks early at 3lbs 12oz

Zach - - TN - USA
Thursday, January 6th, 2005 at 11:17 am

What an amazing and remarkable young man you are. I don't have to tell my story, due to the fact that your mom and dad, have lived mine almost exactly. My little man is getting ready to turn 3, and uses a wheelchair and a walker to get around. Im so happy to see that you have come such a long way, in your development, what great joy you must give your mom and dad. I know when I read your story I could not stop crying due to the fact, that it brought back all the harsh realities of life in the NICU. So I was compelled to sign your guest book, and thank you for putting your story out there, I hope you know in your heart how special you and all preemie survivors are. Thank you, to your mom and dad for holding strong through rough times.

April Rodriguez - ocala - Fl - United States
Tuesday, December 14th, 2004 at 12:50 am

I had my baby at 30 weeks he was born 13 October weight just 3 pound 12 oz, length 15cm he was in an incubator for three weeks out the hospital 4 weeks later and doing really well.  He never needed oxygen, he was breathing all on his own from the time he was born.  His due date was 20 December 2004 he is doing very well today 7th December his weight is 6 pound 1oz and would baby tough would like to thank his sister who is 4 half brother who is 21 months for all there help and hard work the past two months today 7th December 2004 thanks to daddy and mummy too

wendy mcintyre - fife - uk - scotland
Tuesday, December 7th, 2004 at 2:13 pm

This is such a great website and it gives me so much hope. My son is a 24 weeker. He was born on 9-9-04 at 1lbs 7oz and is currently in the NICU. He is also a fighter. He is doing quite. Your story is very similar to his. He is on a CPAP and weighs 2lbs. 13 oz. So, we are moving forward. JD says Hi!

Tina - Williamstown - NJ - USA
Friday, November 5th, 2004 at 6:50 am

Due to placenta previa I just recently gave birth to a 33 weeker a little over 2 weeks ago weighing 3lbs 8.9 ozs 17 inches long. She's doing great. So far, no apparent health problems. She is however having problems with feeding. I'm so glad you have a website so I can express myself. My family and friends don't seem to understand since they never had a preemie. My husband and I can't wait until the day she comes home. So until that day I'll just keep praying and believing everything is going to be ok.

Denisha - Jacksonville - Fl - US
Thursday, October 28th, 2004 at 12:03 am

Congratulations on the success of you little one. Our daughter Emily was born at 30 weeks and weighed 1 pound 12 ounces. She is now 2 and a half and is a spitfire (but only 22 pounds). She is expecting her new brother any day now. Just a question for preemie parents. Do you find that you preemies are full of energy and have a high pain tolerance? Thanks for the site. RMM

Rndy M - Bakersfield - CA - USA
Monday, October 25th, 2004 at 11:09 pm

Tuvalu - St.Meinrad - Indiana - USA
Monday, October 25th, 2004 at 1:33 am

Congratulations! You are wonderful. I too had a premature baby at 32 weeks due to preterm rupture of the membranes. he was 4 pounds 9 ounces and was only in the NICU for 17 days with jaundice and feeding issues. Today he is almost 5 months old and weighs over 17 pounds. Please pray that my son continues to do well and I will pray for you

Michelle K - Valparaiso - IN - USA
Wednesday, October 13th, 2004 at 7:19 pm

Chesta Peterson - Iron River - Mi - USA
Wednesday, October 13th, 2004 at 5:19 pm

Jeff Stephens - Orlando - Florida - United States
Wednesday, October 6th, 2004 at 4:04 am

I was so glad to see your web page. I had a baby 3 months early last year and went through the same pains and joys that your parents did. My baby is now a year old. She weighed 498 grams when she was born and I was told she was not going to make it. She is doing very well. Your web site gives me hope for her future that she will be a normal baby. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

sandra vidrio - chula vista - ca - us
Thursday, September 30th, 2004 at 9:53 am

Just wanted to say it is encouraging to hear your story. In January of this year I gave birth to premature twins. Madelyn (1 lb 11oz) and Brynn (2 lb 9oz). It has been a long hard ride and we went through everything that you went through, and it is comforting to know that others have dealt with the same obstacles. Thank you so much for the web page! Andrea and Kyle Ashley

andrea ashley - melbourne - fl - usa
Saturday, September 25th, 2004 at 4:48 pm

My water broke on august 11 when I was only barely 20 weeks along. my doctors managed to keep me pregnant for two full weeks in the hospital, but on august 26 my daughter KAYLA GRACE was born at 1lb 7oz and 11 inches long she's the tiniest baby I've ever seen! She is now a month old (on Monday) and should be off the ventilator soon. The doctor gave her a 20% chance of survival before she was born, and she's had uncountable blood transfusions and namonia. She's doing great now, still at 1 lb 8 oz she's the smallest baby in our NICU but she's going to be fine my GRACIE is the strongest person I know and she's only 4weeks 3hours and 10 minutes old.

Randi Lewis - fay - nc - us
Friday, September 24th, 2004 at 9:50 am

I am 25 weeks pregnant and the baby stopped growing 4 weeks ago. However all tests show the baby to be fine. The Doctor said last week he is stumped at what is causing the internal funtions to grow, heart etc. but not the body. Now the amnio fluid is almost gone and I am very stressed out today. Hoping the doctor found some info out on Friday from his group he meets with. There are more details. I'm just hoping the great stories on your site becomes our future.

Daphne Johnson - Parker - CO - Douglas
Monday, September 27th, 2004 at 10:50 am

I found your website after looking for info on extremely premature babies. My aunt just delivered her baby at 23 weeks (doctors think baby might be 25weeks, but at last prenatal check up my aunt was told she was 20 weeks). Baby Ashley weighs 1lb 8oz, we are hopeful she will make it through, my aunt is surprised at the baby's will to live, she says she moves a lot in the incubator. I have not seen her since i have an infant baby and i exclusively breastfeed so i cannot be away for long. Thank you for your website, it relieves me to see your son's progress and i will surely share it with my aunt to give her hope. Ana

Ana - Miami - Fl - USA
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2004 at 11:56 am

I hope you had a wonderful summer! Have a great year in fourth grade. You are an awesome student and I know you will do great!!

Miss Schwartzenberger - Rochester Hills - MI - USA
Monday, August 23rd, 2004 at 6:23 pm

I would like to post a message on your site so every single parent who's searching for any kind of information regarding preemies would know this, what I would like to tell you is that on Sunday 8/22/04, my nephew's son Anthony was born 18 weeks earlier, he was 22 weeks when he was born, he weigth 1lb 4oz and 11" heigth, before he was born doctors said that there was no chance for survival for the baby because it was too early, so whne he was born, they didnt give him any kind of treatment, no oxigen, no ventilators or nothing, they just let him die, and even like that he lived for 2 hours I cant explain my self how could he lived for 2 hours with no oxigen or nothing, but he´s already in heaven with some other Angels, but I would like other people to know about this and to not let the doctors kill their babies, because theres been, smaller babies than little Anthony (that was hes name) and they survive, so all parents if you are in a situation like this, dont let the doctors kill, your babie, if anybody who reads this and has a similar storie, please contact me so we can, do something about this, and stop this from happenig.

Veronica - San Ysidro - ca - USA
Thursday, August 26th, 2004 at 1:53 pm

I JUST HAD A 25 WEEK THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE STORY. I WAS WORRIED ABOUT MY BABY NOW I AM NOT. HE BORN 07/4/04 1 IB 14OZ 13 HALF INCHES. AGAIN THANKS

NAOMI PALMER - ATLANTIC CITY - NJ - US
Saturday, August 14th, 2004 at 9:22 pm

my daughter, Caylie Bergmann was born on June 15, 2004 at 4:58 am. She weighed 2 pounds. She is currently on CPAP after finally coming off the vent. She is doing well, besides brain bleeds. She has a Grade three brain bleed on one side and a Bilateral Grade four on the other side. There are many chances of CP, severe mental retardation, not being able to walk, not being able to talk, no public school, etc. Your website has gave me more faith and hope that everything will be fine. Please keep Caylie in all your prayers. Please email me with stories or if someone needs to talk with the same situation, I would really love that. Thanks, Amy (mommy).

Amy Smith - Spartanburg - SC - USA
Friday, July 30th, 2004 at 10:29 pm

Happy Birthday!! It is wonderful to read that you are doing so well. Your parents are truly amazing people and I thank them for sharing your story. I delivered twins at 25 weeks. Our son, Dermot weighed 1 pound 14 ounces and our daughter, Mary Grace weighed 1 pound 9 ounces. We too experienced the roller coaster ride of a 4 month stay in the NICU (sepsis, IVH, BPD, ROP, etc.). Dermot and Mary Grace are now 8 months old/4 months corrected and are thriving. We are truly blessed and continue to pray for their ongoing development. Your story gives us hope. Deb Clifford

Debbie - Millburn - NJ - USA
Thursday, July 29th, 2004 at 10:53 am

Yours is an impressive story and an impressive site! My son Bryan was born at 30 weeks and 3# 9oz., so I never had so much to worry about as your parents, and we have always been grateful for that. I'm so happy to see that a child born so early could be doing so well!

Happy 10th Birthday!

Wendy - http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/Baby/ - Rochester - NY - USA
Tuesday, July 27th, 2004 at 5:55 am

Your website is really cool. Thank you for sharing your story.

I am a Mommie to another very special little boy named Henry. He was born at 24 weeks, weighing only 454 grams (exactly one pound) and just 10.5 inches long. His hand was the size of my fingernail.

Henry is now 3 years old and is still learning how to talk. For now, he uses sign language and picture symbols to tell us what he is thinking. Isn't that cool? His doctors say that he will learn to talk, but it will just take longer than usual. He is at a special school to help him learn to talk now.

It really helps us to look at your story, and see you at age 10 so happy and enjoying your life so much. We wish you and your parents the best! Keep up the good work!

Lauren - Salem - MA - USA
Thursday, July 15th, 2004 at 12:04 am

I went in to labour on the 26th of November with my twins. I didn't know I was in labour and only arrived at the hospital when I was about 8 cm dilated. To this day I don't know what caused the premature labour. Anyway, I had a boy and a girl at 26 weeks gest. and never received any corticosteroid therapy. They both had an IVH, My boy David had a grade 3 and 4 bleed, and Katie, my girl had a grade 2 bleed. At this stage we were advised to cease resuscitation efforts for David as he was severely brain damaged. He died the next morning anyway, at 6 days old. I love him and I'll never forget him. We then put all of our energy into Katie, and I'm glad to report that after a long battle, she now seems to be holding her own. She's had Sepsis, Chronic Lung Disease, ROP+laser treatment, Grade 2 IVH, she has shunted hydrocephalus, all the bradys and desats that go along with it, and another few things that I can't remember!!! Oh yeah, she's also deaf, but it seems that she can hear something and the cochlear implants will probably be beneficial to her. She's smiling and laughing all the time now, and it's hard to believe that there was ever anything wrong with her at all. She's very alert and seems very normal for her corrected age of 3.5 months. I hope she does as well as Tommy, You web site is lovely, It's really nice to see the pics of Tommy.

Niamh Sheedy - Limerick - - Ireland
Sunday, July 11th, 2004 at 11:29 am

Aloha Tommy, Your story is very encouraging and God has Blessed You and your family. I opened your web-site because I am a grandmother of 6 grandsons and a granddaughter coming shortly. My daughter who is 19 yrs. old had twin boys on April 27, 2004. Her due date was on August 12, 2004 (her birthday). We live on the island of Hawaii, she had to be flown to another island called O'ahu because we have a very good hospital there named Kapi'olani Hospital for Women and Children. My grandsons weighed 1 lb. 5 oz. and 1 lb. 7 oz. Today they weigh about 3 lbs. 9 oz. and is 14 inches compared to 11 inches at birth. They had practically everything done to them from blood transfisions to heart surgery..... They still remain in stable condition. But it has been like a roller coaster for myself and especially my daughter and her boyfriend. Please say a prayer for both of them, Jhai Zane Kala'i Moses and Jo'tham Zane Wale'a Moses, that they become strong and handsome young men, just like you!! God Bless You and your 'ohana (family). Aloha, Aunty Mel

melanie moses - captain cook - hawaii - us
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2004 at 3:26 pm

love your page

Di and Tye - Burnie - tasmania - Australia
Thursday, June 10th, 2004 at 12:59 am

thanks to your family for creating this wonderful website ! My baby Jeremy is in the NICU - tomorrow he will turn 29 weeks old. He was born at 25 weeks just like you - weighing 1 lb 12 ounces - he now weighs 2lbs 8 ounces. It is so comforting to read about you and all your successes. This Mom is very tired, at times sad and confused but, knows she must keep faith for her miracle baby. Sue McMahan Austin, Texas

sue mcmahan - Austin - Texas -
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2004 at 9:34 pm

My son was born at 25 weeks 4 days gestation (weighing 1 lb. 11 oz. and 13.5 inches long) and is now 3 1/2 years old. I am currently pregnant with my second child who has been trying to arrive early since 23 weeks gestation. Luckily, she is staying inside a little longer...I am now 33 weeks 6 days and am dilated 3 cm and half way effaced. I am not getting any contractions right now though, so I am still at home.

My son stayed in the NICU for 69 days, went home for 5 days, and went back to the hospital for another 11 days due to feeding problems. He is doing absolutely wonderful now even though he does have a VP shunt for hydrocephalus which has malfunctioned 3 times on him. Once at 5 months, 6 months, and just this past March at 3 years old. Other than that the only delay that he has due to his prematurity is that he is delayed in speech/language. He isn't saying full sentences or anything yet but is making steady progress.

We are just praying that our daughter will hang in there for a few more weeks to be full term. We have all the confidence in the world though. Children are miracles!!! Especially though who fight so hard to be here through all the odds!

Good luck everyone...there is all the hope in the world...the doctors these days can provide near miracles!

Shari - Appleton - WI - USA
Friday, May 28th, 2004 at 10:34 am

Sincerely, Molly

Molly - Northampton - MA - USA
Thursday, May 27th, 2004 at 9:35 pm

Gina and Karl Goldstein - Voorhees - NJ - USA
Thursday, April 29th, 2004 at 9:58 am

Thank you Tommy for sharing your amazing story with all of us preemie parents. I am the mother of 3 preemies. My daughter Mina was born at 26 weeks weighing 15 ounces. At eleven inches they said she was like a barbie. She is now 4 years old and a spitfire from the word go. YEAH! My son Deane was born at 24 weeks weighing 1pound 11 ounces. He passed 32 days after he was born due to an accident at the hospital. A pneumothorax was created by his doctor when they bagged him. (Please parents, if your gut tells you something isn't right, listen!) My second and last daughter was born at 36 weeks (wow, a 'normal' pregnancy) weighing 4pounds 10 ounces. She is almost a year old and is 10 pounds less than her older sister. It is so inspiring to actually see a very premature baby thrive and do so well. I feel that babies so small are meant to achieve something important in life. I wish you well and may God continue to bless you all!! Thank you!

Danielle - Palm Coast - FL -
Tuesday, April 27th, 2004 at 2:44 pm

Hey! Nice to hear a good ending story for a change. My son Landon was born at 28 weeks and is now 5 months and 10 pounds. Now, thanks to your story I have hope. Thanks for sharing.

Ashley - Lenoir City - Tn - USA
Monday, April 26th, 2004 at 4:04 pm

Thank you so much for your special message to me on your message board! It has been wonderful having you in class. You are such a great student!! I am looking forward to coming back visiting the Sunshine room soon. I love your website, and will make sure to check it for updates! See you soon:)

Miss S. - Rochester Hills - MI - US
Friday, April 23rd, 2004 at 6:27 pm

I am here to tell you how inspiring you are to me. I am a former nursing assistant who use to work in a newborn nursery. I am now back in school to become a radiological technologist. I am running a Blood Drive at my church an was wanting to ask Mommy and Daddy if you ever received blood as a newborn. I would also like to know if it would be ok with them to use your pictures as inspiration to encourage people to give blood in my drive. Please contact me at the e-mail adress requested earlier. God blessed your family please help me try to bless others, in another way. In Christian Love, Ann

Ann-Marie C. Matravers - Plainfield - IL - USA
Wednesday, April 21st, 2004 at 6:06 am

Sara Chae - Fairfax - VA -
Sunday, April 18th, 2004 at 7:51 am

heidi - - -
Wednesday, April 14th, 2004 at 11:55 pm

After 9+ years of trying to conceive and after IVF, our miracle child "Braxton" was born, although extremely early at 23 weeks and 6 days. He is on a respirator and the only thing he is struggling with is his lungs. After a full week he was still on 100% oxygen. Yesterday the NICU became more aggressive with steroids and his oxygen needs are starting to decrease. With the roller-coaster of emotions we are feeling, I am sure your web page will become an inspiration.

Brandon and Becky - Charlotte - NC - USA
Saturday, March 27th, 2004 at 9:25 pm

Just to say HI again! We have signed your guestbook a couple of times since I was born in the NICU at Bronson Methodist in Kalamazoo, MI. We've moved to Florida since then.

I am now 6 years old and a kindergartner at Everglades Elementary School. We think about you often, as you gave my Mom so much inspiration and strength when I was in the hospital.

It's great to see that you and your family are doing well.

Love, Lili Stojanov, Weston, Florida

Robin Stojanov - Weston - FL - USA
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2004 at 6:16 am

I just want to say what agreat web site, I had a extreme preemie on 7-4-2002, I was 24 weeks pegnant and my daughter Cori was 1lb. 5oz.

She is now 20 months old, weighs 20lbs and no mental problems, just developmental she is almost walking. She is failue to thrive and is still on oxygen. Her outlook is promising.

Michelle - Salisbury - MD -
Monday, March 1st, 2004 at 6:38 am

Wow, It was also 1994 when we greeted our daughter to the world at 27 weeks and 1 lb 12 ounces. She spent 8 months in the Nicu here. She is a beautiful 9 year old now and is also a miracle child. No long term delays. Reading your site brought back alot of memories for me. I could type for days but won't. Thank you for sharing your story. ( I wish i could have seen it back then. )

Linda - Fredericton - NB - Canada
Saturday, February 28th, 2004 at 5:17 pm

Hi Thomas, I can't wait to see you at religion class. See you at school on Monday. Sarah Parrottino

Sarah Parrottino - Troy - MI - Oakland
Friday, February 27th, 2004 at 3:12 pm

Hi Thomas, See you at religion class next week. Your friend, Lauren

Lauren Parrottino - Troy - MI - Oakland
Friday, February 27th, 2004 at 3:11 pm

God has a plan for you. You're story will be a great testimony later in life. God bless you and your family. Paula

Paula - Pasadena - tx - Harris
Tuesday, February 24th, 2004 at 9:37 am

klaus - - -
Tuesday, February 24th, 2004 at 4:17 am

i just wanted to tell you god bless you

jowina - new york - ny -
Sunday, February 22nd, 2004 at 6:07 am

Mommy - Troy - MI - USA
Friday, February 13th, 2004 at 5:14 am

Thank you and your parents for the wonderful web site. Like your mommy, I also had an abrupted placenta and delivered my son Jagger Michael at 24 1/2 weeks @ 1 lb 12 oz. It is comforting to look at your pictures and see what a healthy handsome young man you have become. Jagger is now 7 months old (3 months corrected age) and has made it through the NICU with no major problems including ROP or surgeries. He is 75th percentile in weight (adjusted age) and is 23 1/2 inches long. We are so proud of him. Thank you again for sharing your story-it is nice to read positive things about "micro-preemies" since there is so much negative information out there!

Michelle VanHousen - Anchorage - AK - USA
Tuesday, January 20th, 2004 at 11:10 am

Thank you so much for chronicling your amazing little guy. As a mom of 25 weekers, born 8/25/03 at 1 lb. 12oz. and 1 lb. 13oz., I truly appreciate this site. Our little guys came home on 12/10/03 after spending 106 days at the Beth Israel NICU in Boston, MA. Our little boys now weigh in at 10 lbs. and 7lbs.--truly little miracles. We have started a site for our little guys (mostly to keep family and friends updated). Please feel free to check us out: http://home.comcast.net/~mitia06/index.html Thank you for providing hope! Congrats to Tommy on his excellent report card--GO TOMMY!!

Shannon - Watertown - MA -
Monday, January 12th, 2004 at 5:22 pm

v Hello i was looking atyour site. I am glad you are doing fine. I had a preemie in May 2002 His name is Bryce. He was 1pound 15 oz 13 inches long and spent 3months in Rilley hosptil in Indy. Today hes doing just fine no problems so far. Hes up to 20 pounds and all over The place he has a older brother and sis. We have all spoiled Bryce so much. I just want to say thank for what you have written on this site. It means alot for a parent to read your story who has had a preemie And know there people that knows how you feeland has went almost the same things. And That things can turn out just fine well i going to go bye teresa

Teresa - carbon - in - USA
Tuesday, January 6th, 2004 at 6:56 pm

Thank you *so* much for this wonderful, heart-warming site. I, too, have a "teenie-weenie preemie", Austin Charlie (born at 32 weeks, 4 pounds...huge, huh?!), and it was great to be reminded that we are not alone in our journey. It was really relieving to see your little man growing from a very familiar-looking preemie to a healthy, gorgeous third-grader. Although, I'm sure you'd agree he was gorgeous to start with! Good luck, and God Bless for the future.

Caroline - Melbourne - - Australia
Wednesday, December 24th, 2003 at 11:31 pm

very interesting pages. i enjoy being here and i´ll come back to talk about... Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!!!!

klaus - - -
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2003 at 12:43 am

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Jan Horton, Oz.

jan horton - Melbourne - Victoria - Australia
Sunday, December 21st, 2003 at 4:48 pm

This is Kate, I am your Aunt Liz's niece on the other side

Kate Uppleger - Grosse Pointe Woods - MI - USA
Sunday, December 14th, 2003 at 6:01 pm

After reading the postings on this great site, I was a bit apprehensive about sending the following message, but I feel it is a forum that would appreciate hearing my story.

To those of you who have children born with medical problems, I can understand your concern and questions regarding the future of your dear children.

At birth, I was diagnosed as having a cerebral Hemorrhage. I was 22 inches long and my weight was 6lbs. but I lost down to 4 lbs.

When I was born, there were no MRI or CT scans to check for problems in patients. The only way the doctors could evaluate my condition, was litterly by sight. If had not been for my maternal grandmother, who saw me gasping for air in the nursery, and quickly notifying the nurses of my distress, I fear I would not be writing this message at this time.

Why did this happen? Originally, my mother was to have a c-section, but her OB/GYN died shortly before my calculated birth of late May. A new physician, who happened to be a friend of my parents, became her doctor. The new doctor valadated a normal vaginal birth. My mother was in labor over 24 hours and I was born June 30.

During my mothers pregnancy, she was consider high risk, had many infections and was given penicillin (that had just been discovered). She also had many other problems connected with her pregnancy, but I am not certain of the exact causes. Very little has been relayed to me concerning her medical issues.

I stayed in the hospital for six weeks after birth. My family was told that I was not to cry, so they enlisted neighbors, and other family members to rock me around the clock. (not a pun on the 1950's song)

My parents were also told that I would not survive past two years old. I can imagine how my parents felt, especially my mom, since dad was in the Navy and was deployed at sea most of the time.

I can only tell you to have faith and realize that your children are special and need care and love to survive. I am certain, the love, care and attention I was given, had a great deal to do with my living to tell my story. I am 56 years old, as of this posting.

I extend to any of you, the option of contacting me via email, for any support and encouragement you may feel I could provide.

Carla D - Alexandria - VA - USA
Sunday, December 14th, 2003 at 4:00 am

I was looking at your photos, and tell Mom and Dad I'd love to see more....Also I'm a Mom of 6 Preemies 24wksX2, 26wksX1, 28wksX2 and 1 more at 25wks, too.....It gets easier, Mom!! And I'd love to hear from you.....I understand that you had an abruptio placenta, I had 10 miscarriages first and then had the 5 boys and 1 girl,,,,,Thanx for all the great photos, and telling us which Hospital that was at: W/Beaumont, in Royal Oak Mi. Well Done B/M.....(oops!!) :-) that's what's on a parents mind when they have a permanent newborn.....My kids took at least 6 months to get out of their Newborn diapers!! and first 3 months to get out of Pamper's Preemies! (First) It's like having a newborn for at least 3-6 months which I'm understanding you didn't allow others in til 8 months, I still don't let folks "just to see" the babies until their corrected 12 months and they're in a "Closed" travel system from evenflo parentlink@evenflo.com and Pampers also has a website. Also Graco's Weather Sheild specially for travelsystems, and safety first's bug net, too. I would also like to share with you another "strict about visitors and infant security, etc.....about my "Christmas Infant Security Blitz" which makes Infant Security a priority at all times especially during the holiday season, when even Preemies get "kidnapped" ie: abducted, because of the folks who just can't even have a Preemie, and same with that whomever who stole that baby from NICU/SCN Loyola U Hospital in Chicago/Maywood, I ll. That's so sad that she took that baby, and I guess it stopped breaththing or whatever, and she couldn't handle it, and put the baby in where the authorities found in the laundry basket, etc. So, even Preemies aren't safe from these unfortunate folks who can't have any kids.....Thanx another Preemie Parent; Indi K Sidhu 12565-70-A Ave Surrey, BC V3W 0C8

Indi K Sidhu - Surrey, - BC - Canada
Sunday, November 30th, 2003 at 4:12 pm

We've made some changes to the site navigation and cleaned up some old code a bit.

Hope everyone likes the changes!

Clark - - -
Saturday, November 29th, 2003 at 7:37 am

Random Person - - -
Monday, November 24th, 2003 at 2:51 pm

Robert E. Phillips - Arlington - TX -
Friday, November 21st, 2003 at 3:13 pm

It was a pleasure reading your amazing story. I have a one year old son who was born at 32 weeks. We spent 3 months in NICU, not getting him home until 6 weeks after his due date. He also came home on oxygen. He was very sick and at one point we were told to prepare ourselves to make decisions because he would never breath on his own. He was still apnic it 42 weeks. Your story was a trip down memory lane. You would expect it would be a trip I wouldn't want to recall, but those three months have a special place in my heart as do the nurses, doctors and other parents we met there. It's always great to here another preemie success story. God bless you and keep you safe. Janet

Janet Gekiere - West Bloomfield - MI -
Monday, November 10th, 2003 at 6:57 pm

this site is greath! Bernhard.Buetschli@birsfelden.bl.ch

Bernhard.Buetschli - birsfelden - -
Thursday, November 6th, 2003 at 3:24 pm

Thanks for the encouragement and for helping parents out there to know that they are not alone! I have a baby in the NICU 100 miles from where I live; he was delivered at 25 wks. at 1 lb. 15 ozs., and today he got his 3 lb. prize!! Your life truly is an inspiration to others!! Thanks again! Jennifer

Jennifer Miller - Boone - NC - 28607
Saturday, November 1st, 2003 at 8:33 am

I am glad to hear how well u are doing my son larry was also born at 25weeks he weighed only 1 pound 7 oz's He is now 18 months old and doing very well it is amazing to me when i think of were he once was to see what he has become now , when i hear a story like yours i will always be reminded of the experience of his birth keep up the good work god bless you and your family you are a fighter

camille - Port Jefferson - ny - suffolk
Tuesday, October 21st, 2003 at 8:33 pm

Thank you so much for this site. I just gave birth to identical twin boys who were at 25 weeks gestation. Your story really gives me hope. My boys, Aaron and Andrew both weighed 1 pound 10 oz at birth and are in the NICU at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Aaron is 13 1/2 inches and Andrew is 13 inches. They were just born on Tuesday, October 7, 2003.

Angela S - Fraser - MI - USA
Monday, October 13th, 2003 at 9:15 am

I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful site you have. I have a son who was born 15 weeks premature. Your site truly showed me that there is a light at the end of the NICU tunnel. Thank you so much.

Lisa Belman - Waukesha - WI - USA
Wednesday, October 8th, 2003 at 11:36 am

hansi - hamburg - -
Tuesday, October 7th, 2003 at 2:26 am

My name is Elise and I had a premature baby. He was 13 weeks early. He weighed 1lb 10oz and was 13 inches long. Reading your site has given me more encouragement than I had before. Thank you so so much. Elise, Mike,

Elise Clouser - Bourbonnais - IL - USA
Monday, October 6th, 2003 at 8:55 pm

You guys have a very cute baby!!! i bet u guys are very proud!!!! u should be!!!!

Megan - Marion - IN - Unites states
Tuesday, October 7th, 2003 at 5:02 pm

I'm a NICU Mom, my Savion was born at 25 weeks gestation. I have been in NICU for seven weeks now. Savion is still on the ventilator, he was diagnosed with larengeomalasia (the collapsing of the larynx) so the ventilator is keeping his airway open. It is a struggle seeing my son this way, but I am staying strong. Please pray for my baby, he is at North shore University Hospital in Manhasset New York. All the prayers will be appreciated. I am glad you are all right Tommy, you have come a long way. God bless you and you family

.

Cynthia - long Island City - ny - united states
Tuesday, October 7th, 2003 at 4:05 pm