Today, we meet Joshua. His mother Erin also sent me an update, since Joshua just celebrated a birthday. I’m so excited to share him and his story with you. Erin is also happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply leave a comment, and she will either respond directly or I will get you the answer.
Also, coming up Saturday, I will be giving you an update on all the Preemies we’ve met so far. I think you’ll love seeing them and hearing what they’ve been up to. I know I’m excited.
Now, let’s meet this fantastic young man!
1. Tell us about your baby.
My son Joshua was born at 24 weeks weighing 1 lb 10 oz 2.
2. How long were you in the NICU? What was the hardest part?
We were in the NICU for 88 days. The hardest part was the period of time I couldn’t hold him and once I finally could, he had contracted MRSA so we never had skin-to-skin. He didn’t test clear of the MRSA until day 85. 3.
3. Do you know what caused your baby’s premature birth?
We’re not exactly sure what caused his prematurity although the doctors were watching me closely because I had lots of preterm labor with my middle two kids. It’s a good thing they were watching because I went in for a routine cervical ultrasound measure only to discover I was 100% effaced and 5cm dilated. I never felt one contraction.
4. How are you and Joshua doing now?
My young man is almost 9 and we are doing great! He does have lasting issues, but we are so thankful for him. He brings joy everywhere we go!
5. What advice would you give a new Preemie parent?
Advice – expect set-backs. Things are up and down the whole time. Make sure you have plenty of support (family, friends, support groups). Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No question is dumb. This was my 4th child and suddenly I felt like a first-time Mom. Whatever boundaries you set for others in regards to your baby…don’t be scared to communicate them. (Making signs is great!) You can do this!
Update from Mom Erin
I just wanted to give you a quick update on Joshua. He just had his 9th birthday and check-up today. Overall, he is happy and healthy. I didn’t previously describe his lasting issues, but wanted to share as I’ve found lots of mommies asking questions regarding their little ones that we can totally relate to. So, Joshua has mild CP*. he can run and play, but does fall easily, has tight legs and is a toe-walker. He has epilepsy as a direct result of his IVH* bleed. Joshua has severe asthma which has cost him lots of time in the hospital. And, he has significant ADHD. There are other small things he’s followed for, but he’s great overall!
From the March of Dimes Website:
CP* Cerebral palsy (also called CP) is a group of conditions that affects the parts of your brain that control your muscles. This can cause problems with movement, posture (standing up straight) and balance. Some but not all children with CP also may have other conditions, like intellectual and developmental disabilities. These are problems with how the brain works that can cause a person to have trouble or delays in physical development, learning, communicating, taking care of himself or getting along with others. About 1 in 300 children (less than 1 percent) has CP. Most children are diagnosed by the time they’re 2 years old.
IVH* Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). This is bleeding in the brain. It usually happens near the ventricles in the center of the brain. A ventricle is a space in the brain that’s filled with fluid.
Erin Waters says
Thank you Shann Eva! I’m so proud of my little guy and all his great accomplishments!
Shann says
He is amazing, and you should be so proud! 🙂 I’m happy I could share him!
goodenufmommy says
Thanks of sharing the story of this beautiful boy! What a blessing he is – and thank you Shann for continuing to share their stories!
Shann says
Thank you for coming back each week Tiffany!
Brianne says
Thank you for sharing! Already forwarded it to another preemie Mama:) <3 Brianne from http://www.TheSentimentalMama.com
Shann says
Wonderful! Thank you!
Emilie says
The difference between the two pictures is crazy! He’s come a long way, what a strong boy!
Erin Waters says
Thank you Emilie! He has come so far and enriched our lives greatly!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
You are so strong and your son is beautiful- what a blessing!
Erin Waters says
Thank you so much Jessy!
Holly says
This is so great! I bet mothers that are just going through this love to see that other people have gone through the same things and are their children are living happy, healthy lives.
miratucci says
What a MIRACLE! He’s so precious, even at 9 years old! 🙂
Erin Waters says
Thank you so much! I’m a little partial to him myself.☺️
breetalks says
What an amazing fighter and handsome young man! I can’t imagine how hard those 88 days were. What an inspiration!
mamabyfire says
Wow! What a great story! Thank you for sharing. He looks like such a happy young man. Such an inspiration!
Mistle says
What a beautiful story! What an amazing young man. Thank You so much for sharing!
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
What a lovely young man! I’ll be looking forward to the Saturday update too 🙂
Dayne says
Awww, nice to meet you Joshua!
callienicole7 says
Wow, what a cool story and series! Amazing to see how far Joshua has come!
Asheli says
wow! amazing! Glad he is well!
Lindsay says
He is a cutie! My brother and sister in law had preemie twins born at 30 weeks who were about a pound heavier than Joshua. This gives me hope for their future!
Crysta @ WellWornSuitcase says
Wow! So amazing to see how far he has come. Inspiring.
jessica says
Shann, Thanks for for hosting this series. I love to read them. Each story is so unique to me and brings a tears to eyes. Joshua is such a beautiful little boy, I am happy to hear he is doing well.
Shann says
Thank you so much Jessica. I’m so glad you come back every week and read them. It really means a lot to me and the families.
sicorra says
Excellent story! Sorry Joshua has health issues, but he looks amazing, and I wish him all the best.
Erin Waters says
Thank you for your sweet comment. We consider ourselves lucky knowing his health could be so much worse and thankful he was spared.
Natasha says
Looks like another special child being featured! I’m sure this series really helps parents going through similar things!
caitlincheevers says
How terrifying! Not even having any contractions. He looks amazing, though!
xo, Caitlin
And Possibly Dinosaurs
Erin Waters says
It was so scary! Being my 4th child, I never expected this. I feel deeply for those who have micro-preemies as their first child. I can’t imagine the fear they must go through!
Nichole Miller says
Such a sweetheart! What a beautiful story!
Erin Waters says
Thank you!
Jenn Peters says
What a handsome young man! I can tell from his smile that he brings a lot of joy 🙂
Erin Waters says
He is the light in many people’s darkness! To see the struggles he has overcome and still goes through give others a new sense of life. He has a great spirit about him and I can only imagine what his future holds!
byecomparison says
What a sweet boy—gotta love those dimples! Thanks for introducing us to your boy, he’s an inspiration for sure. 🙂 Your words tell me you are both lucky to belong to each other!
pixipalmer says
What a lovely story Shann x
Leslie says
I’m so glad he’s doing well! My uncle and his wife had Grayson at 25 weeks, he was in the hospital for about 3 months. He’s always smiling though. Babies are relentless fighters too!
Clare Speer says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of handsome Joshua! You are doing such a great service to many families going through this – keep it up! This is so encouraging! blessings Shann!
Megan VW says
Yay! For micro preemie Monday! Joshua looks like such a trooper! I’m glad to hear he is still doing well.
Dina Farmer says
But still to come so far and be doing so well he is one of the better stories of a Micro Preemie. I’m glad that he is a surviver and I hope he brings great job to his family everyday!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
Shann, you know how much I love your Monday stories and today was no different. His joy is evident in that huge smile and while he may have lasting issues, I have no doubt that he is spreading love and happiness where ever he goes.
Shann says
Thank you so much Cynthia!
serenemomblog says
Shann, it’s great that you do these features. This was so amazing to read. Erin: you have great strength and your son is so lucky to have you!
Shann says
Thank you!
M from The Stay-at-Home Life says
That’s fantastic that he’s doing so well now! Happy birthday to him. 🙂
Michelle@healthiersteps says
Your son is so handsome and I’m so happy that he is a great fighter!
Claudette Esterine says
My granddaughter was a preemie and such a motivator now to us.
Debbie Denny says
Awesome young man. Love the story.
Carolyn says
Wow that is so amazing, God bless him. Wonderful, thanks for sharing.
Wood Arts Universe says
Very touching story… He looks so cute.. God bless him <3
Tiffany K says
I love this post series! My daughter was a premier too, but not too badly. She was just small, and still is!
My Life From Home says
He is so cute and looks very happy! Very encouraging.
Liz Mays says
Saying there will be setbacks is so realistic and so helpful for people to know in advance!
Lauren White says
This stories are so touching. As someone who had a normal labor and delivery of a healthy baby girl, I can’t relate to this. But, I do know what hope and inspiration these mama’s give to other mama’s out there!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
What a great story about Joshua. Thankful for all of the healthy preemie babies.l
Elizabeth O. says
Joshua is a beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Ourfamilyworld says
What a beautiful story. You are so strong and you are doing a great job taking care of Joshua.
Jonathan Key says
Our second was born a bit early. These stories are so touching. This is so inspiring!
Shann says
Thank you!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After Etc. says
I love to see stories like this… where the little guy is growing and thriving! He looks so happy!
Brea says
Your story is amazing! He’s absolutely adorable.
Tennille says
Every new story reminds me over and over just how amazing children and these families are!
Shann says
Yes! Thank you so much!
Ann B (@AnnBac9) says
I can not even imagine going through this. Having a child in NICU for 88 days. Hugs and prayers to his family.