Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Texas

NICU Hospital for my journey
St. David’s Medical Center, North Austin

My NICU Graduate's Journey
At just 28 weeks pregnant, I was admitted to the hospital on strict bed rest after a rupture of membranes. It was far too early, but Ty’Maree was already showing she was a fighter. For several long weeks, I remained in the hospital while doctors closely monitored her fragile heart, which kept having dangerous decelerations. Each day was filled with anxiety, hope, and silent prayers.

At 34 weeks, I was induced. Ty’Maree entered the world early, tiny, and delicate, but fierce. She spent the next four weeks in the NICU, facing hurdles no newborn should. Her biggest battle was feeding. Every attempt to breastfeed or bottle-feed ended in choking, and each episode sent her heart rate and oxygen levels plummeting. Alarms would sound, and the room would spin into action. I watched helplessly as my baby turned blue more times than I can count.

But slowly, miraculously, she grew stronger. Her doctors and nurses never gave up on her, and neither did she. Bit by bit, she learned to eat without distress. Her eyes began to focus, her skin grew rosy, and her tiny fingers gripped mine tighter with each passing day.

Today, Ty’Maree is a thriving NICU graduate. Her journey wasn’t easy, but she emerged resilient, radiant, and unstoppable. She is the heartbeat of our family, a daily reminder that even the smallest babies can carry the strongest spirits.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Every time I look at Ty’Maree, I see strength, joy, and the purest light. After everything she overcame in the NICU, she now meets the world with the brightest smile and the biggest heart. What makes me most proud isn’t just how far she’s come, it’s the way she brings warmth and happiness to everyone she meets. Whether it’s her sweet giggles, her sparkling eyes, or her curious little hands reaching out to explore the world, Ty’Maree has a way of lighting up every room she’s in.

One of the most beautiful parts of her journey is the bond she shares with her big brother. From the moment she came home, he became her protector, cheerleader, and best friend. He watches over her with such care and love, it melts my heart to see how much pride he takes in being her big brother. He reads to her, plays with her, and makes sure she always has someone by her side. Watching them together is like watching a story unfold that was written by hope and held together by love.

Ty’Maree is more than a NICU graduate, she is living proof that miracles happen, that love heals, and that the tiniest warriors often have the biggest impact.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs 11 oz

Weeks Gestation
34 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
1 Month