Johnny

Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
California

NICU Hospital for my journey
Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Johnny was born at 27 weeks gestation only weighing 1 pound 11 ounces. My husband and I could not hold him till he was 2 months old. He endured a heart surgery at less than a month old and an omphalocele repair surgery. He was intubated for most of his time in NICU. Despite these extreme health challenges and hardships that Johnny endured, he brought his parents and entire NICU team so much amazement and joy. He was very social and expressive from the beginning and would make everyone he knew in the NICU smile and laugh. He bonded with his nurses, specialists and Neonatologist. He amazed us at his strength and resilience to overcome such challenges. He would make us laugh when he would pretend to be napping when his physical therapy time came. He was so funny when he would open his eyes and smirk as his physical therapist had left the room. Everyone adores him and his infectious smile and personality.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Johnny continued to fight and amaze us after NICU. He weaned off of respiratory support completely. He endured more surgeries too. He always shows us so much love through his hugs and continues to make us smile and laugh with joy. He continues to amaze us at every health challenge he endures and overcomes. He started preschool today. It was hard as parents to leave him because we had not left him since the time he was in the NICU. He got through his first day of preschool just as amazingly as he has with every other milestone. We are so proud of our son for the joy and inspiration he brings not just to us and our family but to the world. We always knew and believed his future was bright and I am sure he knows so too.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1 lb 11 oz

Weeks Gestation
27 weeks

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