Nova

Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Georgia

NICU Hospital for my journey
Grady Health System and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Nova was born at just 1 pound as part of a twin gestation at 24 weeks. The day after they were born, her brother passed away, but Nova kept fighting with everything she had. Since then, she has endured countless battles, surgeries, intubations, PICC lines, brain surgeries, sepsis, meningitis, and more hospital stays than I can even put into words. The constant ups and downs, the monitors, the beeping machines, and the fear that comes with it all are things no family ever forgets.

She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy, and for the first year of her life, the hospital was basically our home. But through every obstacle, Nova has continued to prove just how strong she is. Watching her grow has overwhelmed me with so much joy and gratitude.

She recently completed her first DMI intensive, and now she can sit up on her own. That milestone meant everything to me. Some people take those moments for granted, meanwhile NICU parents are over here throwing emotional parades because a tiny human sat upright for three seconds. Human hearts are strange little wrecking balls. 🤍

Nova has learned to laugh, to cry, and to find her voice. For the longest time, I truly wondered if I would ever hear those sounds. Now I hear them, and they’re the sweetest sounds in the world.

One of the biggest things this journey has taught me is that milestones do not have deadlines. Every child moves at their own pace, and my baby will get there exactly when she’s meant to. I have so much faith, love, and hope for my sweet girl, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far she’s

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
She’s grown so much and it’s happening right before my eyes and I’m overwhelmed with joy watching her grow! She’s just finished her first DMI intensive and she can now sit up and I’m so happy she gets to experience that milestone. I have so much faith and love for my baby and she’s an absolute sweetheart! She has learned to laugh and to cry, which for the first year I thought she never would make a sound! She rarely fuses and wakes up with the brightest smile on her face and she’s ready to play!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 Ib 3 oz

Weeks Gestation
24 weeks

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