Lando

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Texas

NICU Hospital for my journey
St. David's Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Lando was born in August 2021 at just 25 weeks. Mom and Dad like to joke that he was simply too excited about the Olympics that summer and wanted to see the action early.

Mom unexpectedly went into labor in the middle of the night. We rushed to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Round Rock, where Lando was delivered, stabilized, and transported to the NICU at St. David's Medical Center.

Those first days were filled with fear, uncertainty, and isolation. I followed the ambulance alone while my wife remained hospitalized recovering, leaving me navigating the NICU between two hospitals as a brand-new dad. Watching my wife be separated from our son while facing so many unknowns was one of the hardest experiences of our lives.

Early in Lando’s NICU stay, we connected with Hand to Hold, and their support became a lifeline for our family. They helped remind us that we were not alone and gave us hope during an incredibly difficult season.

After 107 days in the NICU, Lando graduated and mom rang the bell. We were so grateful to bring our strong healthy boy home!

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Lando makes Mom and Dad proud every single day. He has an incredible curiosity about the world and such a caring, gentle nature with both people and animals. Watching him learn, grow, and develop his own personality feels even more meaningful knowing the difficult start he overcame in the NICU.

What amazes us most is the resilience he carries with him. From the very beginning, Lando showed a strength far beyond his size, and we still see that determination in him today. We’re excited to watch him discover the things he’s passionate about and pursue them with the same fight and spirit he showed from day one.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 lb 15 oz

Weeks Gestation
25 weeks

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