Child's Birth Year
2018

State/Province/Territory
Iowa

NICU Hospital for my journey
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Emerson & Everleigh were mono-mono twins. They were born at 32 weeks. Emerson stayed in the NICU for 25 days. Thankfully other than being premature, she was very healthy and spent her time in the NICU learning to eat. Everleigh spent 172 days in the NICU. She was born with severe scoliosis which resulted in her right lung to be significantly smaller than her left. She was intubated for her first 19 days of life. After many attempts to wean her to nasal cannula, she had a tracheostomy placed at 3 months of age. She had various hoops to jump through before being discharged but after a nearly 6 month stay, she was able to join her sister at home.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Emerson is a typical five year old. You would never know she had an early start to life. She is a kind friend, protective sister, and loves to make people laugh. She loves to sing and color pictures.
Everleigh is so brave and strong. To date, she has had 11 surgeries. She handles everything life has thrown at her with grace. She quickly becomes nurse’s favorite patient with her goofy personality and sweet conversations. She loves to play Uno and with Barbie’s.
The girls are heading off to kindergarten in the fall! They have come so far since their NICU days, but we are thankful that that’s where their journey began.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
3 lb 15 oz & 3 lb 9 oz

Weeks Gestation
32 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
25 Days & 172 Days