Child's Birth Year
2019

State/Province/Territory
North Carolina

NICU Hospital for my journey
Brenner Children's Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
We knew Paisley was rocking an extra chromosome with a Down Syndrome diagnosis, but she surprised us further by coming at 31 weeks and having multiple medical complexities! We were in the NICU for 3 months, home for 3. 5 weeks, and back in the PICU for 2 additional months. A couple of accessories (gtube + trach) and a few surgeries later, Paisley is now THRIVING! Her laugh is infectious, her resiliency is incredible, and her spirit is encouraging to anyone she meets! The NICU/PICU life is a rollercoaster ride you never wanted to go on, but there are so many bright days ahead!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
I am proud of her fight, drive, resiliency, and perseverance. Since the beginning she has had to climb mountains and she made those mountains look like ant hills! She takes things with stride and works so hard in therapies and at school to do simple tasks that any other child can do so easily. She continues to amaze me each and every day, especially when I look back on where it all started!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs

Weeks Gestation
31 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
NICU: 3 Months ; PICU: 2 Months