Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Wolfson's Children Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Theo was born at 26 +5 weeks along with his twin brother. He spent 4.5 months in the NICU and came home with oxygen and an apnea monitor. He struggled more significantly than his twin brother but had such a wonderful, kind hearted primary nurse who showed up for him every day. He struggled with his respiratory progression due to a PDA and also suffered a grade 2 brain bleed at birth. Now, he experiences global development delays, doesn't talk much and was diagnosed with ASD. While Theo may not communicate in the same manner most people do, he is a very expressive kid. He is always making the funniest faces or expressions and we have enough over time that we could make a whole book. He loves counting and stickers and any time spent outside. While he may be shy and easily overwhelmed, he latches onto his people and is content just sitting with someone or holding their hand.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Theo is the strongest kid I know. Despite so many odds stacked against him, even before birth, he has never quit fighting. He is easy going and content to just watch the world around him. There is never a dull moment with him and he brings so much laughter to those around him.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 pound 14 ounces

Weeks Gestation
26 Weeks

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