Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
Texas

NICU Hospital for my journey
Seton Main Austin

My NICU Graduate's Journey
I showed the first signs of labor at 24 weeks pregnant. The doctors prepared us for the possibility of a micro preemie, should they not be able to stall the labor. Thankfully, with medical intervention Isadora was able to last another 10 weeks. She was born at 4lbs 8oz, 1lb more than predicted. Thirty minutes of pushing, and suddenly she was just there. She didn't cry, but she let out the tiniest little mewing sound to let us know she had made it safely. I remember them laying her briefly on my chest and just looking at her thinking about how tiny she was, and feeling so very scared for her. They immediately whisked her away to the NICU, and the next time I saw her she was hooked up to a what felt like a million cords and machines. For 6 weeks we all but lived in that hospital. Though she was tiny Isadora was relatively healthy, much to everyone's surprise. There were very little complications during her NICU stay. She weighed just 5lbs when we were finally able to bring her home. She's had some physical delays over the last 2 years, but we're proud to say our big girl is finally walking, talking, and growing! She's still very small, but she doesn't let it stop her. She's very smart and curious, she loves to read and play with her sister, she's got an infectious laugh and is so happy. Isadora is the life of the party!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
We're proud of how far Isadora has come physically. We've always been worried about how her small stature and physical delays would effect her life. So when we first began PT we were worried she would never walk without aids. After a year and a half of therapy Isadora took her first independent steps at 22 months. Now she's walking and running around and we can barely keep up with her! She's still small, but she doesn't know it. If she gets knocked down she pops right back up. She's determined to play just like the other kids. We joke that "determined" is her middle name because if Isadora wants to do something she will absolutely work through anything.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs 8 oz

Weeks Gestation
34 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
6 Weeks