Child's Birth Year
2017

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Monroe Regional Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Miranda entered the world at 37 weeks gestation. For most, that is probably ok, but for her, it was too soon. She had low fluid and was IUGR. But from the start, she had her own schedule. Instead of being induced on the following Monday, she came on her own, on Saturday morning. She was loud, but oh so tiny for her gestation.
She spent exactly 1 week in the NICU. They worried an infection had caused the issues, but she was healthy. Just small. She had to learn to suck and swallow. She had billi lights for 1 day. And then she was in an open air bed. It all moved quickly, but felt like forever. We also had 4 other children at home, so her dad and I would take turns spending time with her and feeding her. Once she hit 4.5lbs and passed her car seat test, she was on her way home.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Today, Miranda is nearly finished with kindergarten. Her first year away from mom and dad. She has shown us so much more of her personality this year. She is silly and sweet, yet stubborn, and sassy. So many S words! She tests her boundaries daily. She loves to cuddle, and she also loves her big brothers and sister! She is always needs a hug and to say I love you when her daddy leaves in the morning, and she also has to make sure I hear her say I love you when I drop her off in car line.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs. 1 oz.

Weeks Gestation
37 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
7 Days