27 weekers
I managed to meet Jonathan when I was photographing other families in the NICU, and it happened to be his discharge day! He got to go home to be with his family and is now officially a NICU graduate! GO JONATHAN!
Caroline was born premature and spent a bit of time in the NICU. Her onesie is an ode to the incredible NICU nurses she met along the way. Caroline’s parents definitely have a magic touch and managed to take a temperature, change her diaper, and pose for some sweet family photos, all without waking the baby! She did give them the sweetest smirk though!
Look how tiny she looks in her daddy’s hands! She’s already got her parents wrapped around her little preemie fingers—and toes!
Remember my sweet twin friends, James and Ada? Well, Ada finally made it out of the NICU to be home with her brother! These photos were from our last session together, when she was 3 and a half months old. She just had to show off her Christmas outfit! She is such a sweet babe!
27 Week Preemie Twin Ada Smiling in Christmas Outfit
Here is an update from Ada's mom:
"Ada came home on January 2 (after 110 days in the NICU) weighing 5 pounds 13 oz. She now weighs 6 pounds 8 oz. She came home on a small amount of oxygen. She is becoming a better eater, taking bottles more quickly and efficiently. She is enjoying lots of naps since being home in a calmer environment. She loves being snuggled and talked to and will stare at your face the entire time you are speaking. She can lift her head a little and turn it when you hold her on your chest. She also loves to grasp your finger or objects placed in her hand. She sleeps fairly well through the night between feedings but is an early bird who loves to wake up around 6 am.
James came home November 23 (after 70 days in the NICU) weighing 5 pounds 12 oz. He now weighs 11 pounds 1 oz! He is changing so much every day. He is starting to look at you when you speak to him. He smiles socially, and he can lift his head and turn it during tummy time. He is starting to make "baby sounds" such as cooing when he is talked to. He is fascinated by high contrasts in color which means that our dark colored ceiling fan mesmerizes him. He sleeps extremely well from one feeding to the next during the night."
I am so excited to watch both of these preemies grow strong and develop personalities. These parents are so sweet and I have truly enjoyed getting to know them!
Born at 27 weeks 4 days, weighing 1 pound 8 ounces
“After approximately 5 years of trying with a couple losses, we eventually got pregnant with the assistance of IUI. On Mother’s Day of 2016, I found out I was pregnant.
After further appointments with REACH, it was determined that I was carrying twins. During the pregnancy around week 9, I lost one of the twins. I continued to have complications during the pregnancy with a subchorionic hematoma and hyperemesis. Following these issues, I was hospitalized at Presby Matthews for a week due to signs of preeclampsia and my placenta was not allowing proper blood flow to the baby. Following a week of observation I was released.
I spent a week back at home and was re-admitted to Presby Main a week later, at 27 weeks and 1 day. I received steroids during this time, my blood pressure continued to rise along with my liver values. The decision was made to deliver Ty by an emergency C-section on 10/22/16 at 0401 hrs.
During my stays at both Presby facilities, I can't say enough about the nurses and doctors. Everyone has been fabulous. Since Ty was born, it has been difficult traveling to and from the NICU but it is so worth it. The NICU Nurses and Doctors have been amazing and always keep us updated on Ty's progress.
It is stressful and there are "ups and downs" but you have to focus on the positives and keep cheering your baby on.”
“They are both so small, but they are such strong little fighters.”
Let me introduce you to James and Ada! They are my most recent twin friends : ) I'll be following them throughout their journey, but let me share their story with you...
Virginia found out she was pregnant with twins when she was only 7 weeks. She and her husband were thrilled, but at 16 weeks discovered that their baby girl was not growing as well as doctors would like. Doctors weren't even sure that Ada would make it any further into the pregnancy.
At 20 weeks, Virginia was admitted to the hospital with preeclampsia. She stayed for 2 weeks and then was later released with the understanding that she would be on modified bed rest to allow Ada and James more time to grow.
At 24 weeks, Virginia was admitted again for elevated liver enzymes and also found out that there was limited blood flow through the umbilical cord to Ada. After discussing several options, Virginia and her husband decided to do what was best for her babies...She would receive two rounds of steroids and then deliver the twins.
At 27 weeks gestation, the twins were born. James weighed less than two pounds and Ada weighed less than one pound. It was a whirlwind for Virginia but she is so thankful that they are safe and growing now. James is breathing on his own with bubble CPAP and Ada is still needing support breathing so she is intubated on a ventilator. Although these babies have a long way to go, I'm excited to follow them and see their progress! Take a look at these little guys below!
Coming soon to a blog near you! I can't wait to share with you the Queen City Quints!
This sweet little guy decided to come a little early! Meet my new friend, Kaden! He was due in August but decided to come in May at just 27 weeks. His birth weight was 1 pound and 11 ounces, and he was only 11 inches long! Kaden's mom found out that she was expecting in January and did not expect to go into labor so early. She was so scared, just like most other NICU moms. Can you relate? What kind of feelings did you have when you found out that your baby was going to be delivered sooner than expected?
This is what WebMD says most babies are doing at 27 weeks. Kaden decided he didn't want to have anything to do with all of those "normal baby" things - he was so excited to see his mommy that he just couldn't wait any longer!
Scroll through to see what his life is like in the NICU...
“This is my first time experiencing a premature infant. I prayed to have a girl and experience raising a female child and God gave me more than I asked with this entire experience. It built my faith and took me on a journey I’ll never forget! I love her strength!”
This is Dreya! She was born at 27 weeks weighing 2 pounds 12 ounces. She interrupted a family vacation at the beach to come into this world a little early! Mom had to stay on bedrest for a week, and eventually had to deliver Dreya due to placental abruption.
Dreya came out crying despite being only 27 weeks! She didn't require oxygen for too long, and when I visited her, she was eating a bottle on her own. That's right - no feeding tube! She is now at home growing big and strong, alongside her three older brothers.
