Comments:
My Story I went to the doctor because I had a cold. Walked into the examination room confident and bold. Came out with test results I did not expect. The truth that I was pregnant, I could not neglect. I had a being inside of me that I had to carry. Created with the one I love and chose to marry. I wasn’t really sick except for aches and pains. Ankles swelling, the occasional strains. I went to the doctor and he said all was well. Little did I know I’d have a story to tell. I called in sick for work one day. I had intense stomach cramps that wouldn’t go away. I tried to ignore them but they were too intense. Was I going into labor? It didn’t make sense. I was way too early, 3 months to be exact. I was having contractions, that was a fact. I called my doctor who said to go to the ER. I contacted my friend who didn’t live too far. She rushed me to the hospital where I kneeled over in pain. Tears of fear, I could not refrain. They took several tests then sent me on my way. But the menstrual like cramps continued to stay. The next morning I woke with a big bloodstain. I continued to have the horrible pain. My love, rushed me to the ER and this time it was for real. All these emotions, I was too numb to feel. They told me I was having a pre-term baby. At the time it wasn’t positive, but a definite maybe. I prayed that everything would be all right. I tried to be strong and ready to fight. I was so tired and so scared because I was not aware. Having a preemie could be such a nightmare. All these illnesses they said could occur, The doctors were making a list and to me it was a blur. Soon I was on the delivery table pushing so hard. Delivering so early had caught me off guard. I felt the head and that gave me strength to push more. 3:48 pm, I had a baby girl to adore! Immediately they took her and I barely got to see, This incredible angel they took from inside me. 2 lbs 2 oz. She was ever so small. That point it hit me, we were in for a long haul. She had tubes and wires inside a plastic bubble. Alarms went off like she was in trouble. My daughter, Mariel Rose was so fragile, yet strong. I wondered where I had gone wrong. Did I work too much, not eat right? This was something I could not take light. I was overwhelmed with blame, guilt, and uncontrollable fear. I talked to her hoping my voice she would hear. The love I have for her is like none I’ve ever known. With her in my life, I know I’m not alone. We were there every single day by her bedside. Helping her get through this roller coaster ride. 2 long months but she finally is well. Allowing me to have this story to tell. She is feisty yet beautiful and forever strong. Now I know I did not go wrong. Prematurity happens and we don’t know why. All I know is that Mariel brings light to my eye. She’s perfect and my hero all the way. I promise to love her until my dying day. *born @ 28 weeks*

Comments:

Comments:
I also have 31 week old preemie. She will turn a year on the 3March! I look at her and can't believe how far she has come. She is a very strong child and love her 2 bits!! She is a special young girl to all our family and friends and just warms your heart with her eyes and smile.

Comments:
My granddaughter, Erin, was born Jan.2,2006 at 26 weeks, 1lb. 12oz and 12" long. The night she was born, I prayed that God would send an angel to stay with her in her isolette -- she looked so small and lost. During her six months in NICU we almost lost her 3 times, the last time the doctors tried to convince her mother & father to disconnect life support. But Erin had shown us all along that she knew best. I can't help but think that she & God worked it all out together the night she was born. Her role was to never give up and ours was to be there to support her any way we could. As long as she kept fighting we would never "pull the plug". At her mother's urging, Erin underwent exploratory surgery that identified the source of her latest infection. Once "fixed" she rapidly gained ground, finally coming home just over 6months to the day she was born. Her body is scarred and she has a shunt, and has two more surgeries since then, but despite it all she has flourished! She's 13 months now, 18 lb., eating baby food, cutting her fourth tooth, learning to sit up on her own, interacting and playing with toys, loving music. With physical and occupational therapy, Erin's resolve & enthusiasm and her family's commitment to her success we have high expectations for her progress over the next year and beyond

Comments:
Our son, Demir was born premature at 32 weeks and 814 gram due to intra-uterine growth restriction. He was discharged from the hospital in good health after 43 day intensive care in the incubator. You can visit his web site to learn more about our baby and his growth: www.demirgibidemir.com/english I wish all premature babies good health...