Child's Birth Year
2015

State/Province/Territory
Virginia

NICU Hospital for my journey
Inova Children’s Hospital, Fairfax

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Unlike most NICU grads, Aubrey was full term. However, she had a traumatic birth that resulted in brain damage and a brain bleed. This was discovered due to seizures at 4hours old. While the NICU was one of the hardest times of our lives, it taught Aubrey from day 1 that she was capable of persevering and overcoming anything that comes her way.

Since her NICU time she has added a few diagnosis’ of epilepsy, apraxia (a severe speech disorder), motor processing disorder, and is labeled as intellectually disabled. Despite these limitations, Aubrey is known for her incredible spirit, always smiling, and love of learning. She continues to prove everyone wrong and accomplishing things we weren’t sure she ever would. We have her OT, PT, and speech therapists to thank for the amazing progress she has made. Once being told she may never walk, we now get to see her enjoy running, dancing, and playing soccer! We cannot wait to see the additional things she accomplishes in the years to come!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Her ability to see the positive in everything and keep a happy outlook despite the challenges she is constantly faced with. I’m proud of her trying new things even when it’s overwhelming and really hard for her at times. She is gaining independence both at home and at school and is an amazing big sister as well! She is excelling in math and even on grade level in some areas!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
8 lbs

Weeks Gestation
39 Weeks

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