Child's Birth Year
2011

State/Province/Territory
Virginia

NICU Hospital for my journey
VCU Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Mom went into labor dilating 1 contimeter at 20 weeks. She was given steroids and put on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. At 22 weeks 4 days, the doctor advised a hospital stay would be best since we were reaching a viable age of the fetus. Weighing 1lb 7oz, 12” long, baby arrived on the day he turned 23 weeks gestation. Mom was so worried she never remember my new birthday of January 29th, 2011 since all she knew was a due date of May 26th. The Bible verse that continuously came to mind during those weeks of bed rest, was Jeremiah 29:11; assurance of the future. For that reason, we named him Jeremiah. And now, no way we’d forget his new birthday as he was born on the 29th of 2011. We endured many rollercoasters during his 4 1/2 month stay, but learned patience and what surrendering really felt like. His nurses because his moms when I was away which gave us complete peace. He’s now a thriving 14 year old, preparing for his 8th grade graduation.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
He has endured more than most people in his 14 years. He is brave, strong and shows us daily, that the impossible is possible.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
660 grams

Weeks Gestation
23 Weeks

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