Newbie and a preemie parent at that!

[preemiemom]

Hi! My name is Sandra. I am 36 years old and a proud parent to Micheal Timothy a preemie born December 1, 1999 weighing 2 pounds and 6 ounces and 14 inches long at birth.
It was a long a perilous journey to finally conceive (being a diabetic), maintain a healthy pregnancy (high risk) and finally deliver Michael (by emergency c-section, apgar score at birth was 1). It was difficult spending our first Christmas with him in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit but we made the best of it. I decorated his incubator with holiday bows and put a big picture of us near him. I knew that he couldn't see it but knowing it was there made all the difference in the world.
I first held by son when he was about 6 weeks old. I cried when the nurse placed this tiny person in my arms because I had waited for 10 years for this moment and it felt like it lasted forever... That was when I reallly felt like a was his mother. He may have been only a few pounds and only 14 inches but his measure in my heart was ENDLESS!!!
Michael stayed in the hospital until the January 19, 2000. About 52 days and I was so overjoyed the day we got to take him home! He has medical problems due to his prematurity including developemental delay but every milestone no matter how small it is, Tim and I cherish it because of how special Michael is to us.
On June 1, 2001 our miracle baby became 18 months old. That morning I awoke and looked at my son with love and thankfulness in my heart that I have him in my life. Being a mother to him has taught me what it means to love someone unconditionally. I know now what it means when people say that "God only gives you what you can handle"...I just look at our son and see that for someone born so small...he filled an enormous space in our hearts...

Love, Sandra jean Lombard

[Linda/NE]

Welcome Sandra!

What a wonderful blessing you have!!

How early was Michael? My sister had her little girl 3 monthes early. She was in the hospital for 3 months and for most of the next 2 years they had to have in home care for her since she couldn't be in daycare. Gradually they were able to put her daycare and take her places. My mom was so thrilled when they could finally come 'home' with her!

Today she is 9 years old, just finished 2nd grade and very happy and healthy. She, luckily, doesn't show developmental delays due to being premature.

Best of luck to you and your family!!

Hope to hear more from you on the boards!! This is a great place!!

[SMB]

Hi Sandra. Bless you and your son, what an ordeal. People usually appreciate things much more when their is a struggle involved.
Sheryl

[preemiemom]

Michael was born at 31 weeks gestation but because of intraruterine growth retardation (slow growth) he was weighing and measuring as a 27 weeker! Yes, I feel truly blessed...on the day of December 1, 1999 my husband Tim was home for his first day off in 2 weeks, we were having breakfast in the living room and he said I passed out. When I awoke there were 3 paramedics over me and I was very confused. My blood sugar was 26 (which is very close to going into a diabetic coma) and my blood pressure was extremely high.
When they rushed me to the hospital they had me on a fetal monitor all morning since 9 am that day and when they did the baby's profile and sono, they told us that there was almost no activity from the baby. Apparently he was no getting enough oxygen or nutrients from my placenta's cord. At 6 PM they decided they had to take him out. I was so afraid. Michael was born at 7:32 PM that day and my life has been a blessing ever since!!!

Love, Sandra

[KarlaB]

Welcome Sandra! What a touching story! Children are so amazing and I am so glad you were blessed with such an incredible son!! Looking forward to seeing you post more!

[kat]

Welcome Sandra. What a miracle baby you have. I went into labor with my 2nd at 24 weeks, mangaged to get it stopped and hold out til 36 weeks. I worried the whole time. I can not even imagine your worry, but I can delight with you over your new baby. The road won't be easy, but what a glorious blessing to have a child given your background and history. Praying God's blessings for you and your little family.

[Leigh]

Welcome to the board. I hope to be hearing from you some more. I am so glad that things worked out for you the way that they did. Children are such a wonderful blessing.

[desiree]

I know that it is scary, I was in a simular situation not nearly as bad though and really was scared to death, my first daughter was born a month early but she weighed in at 5 lbs. and 6 oz. I had toxemia really bad and almost lost everything so I can really feel for you,
You do have a real fighter on your hands and you have someone special looking over you, you and your family are richly blessed. Prayers to you and yours.

[preemiemom]

Hello everyone,
I would like to thank you for the kind words you have given me.
Michael is now 19 months old as of July 1, 2001. He now weighs 20 pounds!!!
Michael is recently assessed by his ECI program. It is an early childhood intervention program that offers occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy to Michael. We receive the service via home visits which makes it easier for us instead of traveling so much to doctor appointments. The ASSESSMENT places MIchael's motor skills at the level of a 10 month old baby. This means he can do what a 10 to 11 month old baby can do. It is a big accomplishment for our son and we are very proud of him!
We would like to invite you to visit Michael's webpage and see how he has some along. We even have a gallery of pictures!
The Link to his page is below this message!
Thanks again and I am very happy to be a part of this group!

Love, Sandra

http://www/babiesonline.com/babies/t/tigerpup

[KarlaB]

Cute little boy!!! Looks like he's made lots of progress since his birth! What a little blessing!!

[sugarfrankie]

You were truely blessed. Children are just little miracles! Thanks for sharing your story, it is inspiring!

[Leigh]

Sandra, I hadn't seen the pictures until today. You have a very cute little boy. Thank you for sharing him with us.