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You are here: Home / Blog / Micro Preemie Mondays and Joshua

Micro Preemie Mondays and Joshua

July 27, 2015 By Shann 63 Comments

Micro Preemie

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.

joshua nicu

 

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!

Joshua

 

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.

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Filed Under: Blog, Micro Preemie Mondays, Prematurity Tagged With: CP, IVH, march of dimes, micro preemie, preemie, premature birth

Comments

  1. Erin Waters says

    July 27, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Thank you Shann Eva! I’m so proud of my little guy and all his great accomplishments!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 27, 2015 at 8:54 am

      He is amazing, and you should be so proud! 🙂 I’m happy I could share him!

      Reply
  2. goodenufmommy says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:12 am

    Thanks of sharing the story of this beautiful boy! What a blessing he is – and thank you Shann for continuing to share their stories!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 27, 2015 at 8:53 am

      Thank you for coming back each week Tiffany!

      Reply
  3. Brianne says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:23 am

    Thank you for sharing! Already forwarded it to another preemie Mama:) <3 Brianne from http://www.TheSentimentalMama.com

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 27, 2015 at 8:53 am

      Wonderful! Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Emilie says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:23 am

    The difference between the two pictures is crazy! He’s come a long way, what a strong boy!

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 9:06 am

      Thank you Emilie! He has come so far and enriched our lives greatly!

      Reply
  5. Jessy @ The Life Jolie says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:34 am

    You are so strong and your son is beautiful- what a blessing!

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      Thank you so much Jessy!

      Reply
  6. Holly says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:47 am

    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.

    Reply
  7. miratucci says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:49 am

    What a MIRACLE! He’s so precious, even at 9 years old! 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 6:11 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m a little partial to him myself.☺️

      Reply
  8. breetalks says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:52 am

    What an amazing fighter and handsome young man! I can’t imagine how hard those 88 days were. What an inspiration!

    Reply
  9. mamabyfire says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Wow! What a great story! Thank you for sharing. He looks like such a happy young man. Such an inspiration!

    Reply
  10. Mistle says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:04 am

    What a beautiful story! What an amazing young man. Thank You so much for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Becky @ Disney in your Day says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:13 am

    What a lovely young man! I’ll be looking forward to the Saturday update too 🙂

    Reply
  12. Dayne says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Awww, nice to meet you Joshua!

    Reply
  13. callienicole7 says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Wow, what a cool story and series! Amazing to see how far Joshua has come!

    Reply
  14. Asheli says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:43 am

    wow! amazing! Glad he is well!

    Reply
  15. Lindsay says

    July 27, 2015 at 11:00 am

    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!

    Reply
  16. Crysta @ WellWornSuitcase says

    July 27, 2015 at 11:40 am

    Wow! So amazing to see how far he has come. Inspiring.

    Reply
  17. jessica says

    July 27, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      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.

      Reply
  18. sicorra says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    Excellent story! Sorry Joshua has health issues, but he looks amazing, and I wish him all the best.

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 6:20 pm

      Thank you for your sweet comment. We consider ourselves lucky knowing his health could be so much worse and thankful he was spared.

      Reply
  19. Natasha says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Looks like another special child being featured! I’m sure this series really helps parents going through similar things!

    Reply
  20. caitlincheevers says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    How terrifying! Not even having any contractions. He looks amazing, though!
    xo, Caitlin
    And Possibly Dinosaurs

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 6:15 pm

      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!

      Reply
  21. Nichole Miller says

    July 27, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    Such a sweetheart! What a beautiful story!

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Jenn Peters says

    July 27, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    What a handsome young man! I can tell from his smile that he brings a lot of joy 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Waters says

      July 27, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      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!

      Reply
  23. byecomparison says

    July 27, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    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!

    Reply
  24. pixipalmer says

    July 27, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    What a lovely story Shann x

    Reply
  25. Leslie says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    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!

    Reply
  26. Clare Speer says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    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!

    Reply
  27. Megan VW says

    July 27, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    Yay! For micro preemie Monday! Joshua looks like such a trooper! I’m glad to hear he is still doing well.

    Reply
  28. Dina Farmer says

    July 27, 2015 at 6:28 pm

    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!

    Reply
  29. Cynthia @craftoflaughter says

    July 27, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 27, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you so much Cynthia!

      Reply
  30. serenemomblog says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 27, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  31. M from The Stay-at-Home Life says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    That’s fantastic that he’s doing so well now! Happy birthday to him. 🙂

    Reply
  32. Michelle@healthiersteps says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    Your son is so handsome and I’m so happy that he is a great fighter!

    Reply
  33. Claudette Esterine says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    My granddaughter was a preemie and such a motivator now to us.

    Reply
  34. Debbie Denny says

    July 27, 2015 at 10:45 pm

    Awesome young man. Love the story.

    Reply
  35. Carolyn says

    July 27, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    Wow that is so amazing, God bless him. Wonderful, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  36. Wood Arts Universe says

    July 28, 2015 at 1:26 am

    Very touching story… He looks so cute.. God bless him <3

    Reply
  37. Tiffany K says

    July 28, 2015 at 6:29 am

    I love this post series! My daughter was a premier too, but not too badly. She was just small, and still is!

    Reply
  38. My Life From Home says

    July 28, 2015 at 6:46 am

    He is so cute and looks very happy! Very encouraging.

    Reply
  39. Liz Mays says

    July 28, 2015 at 8:06 am

    Saying there will be setbacks is so realistic and so helpful for people to know in advance!

    Reply
  40. Lauren White says

    July 28, 2015 at 9:08 am

    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!

    Reply
  41. Beth@FrugalFroggie says

    July 28, 2015 at 10:52 am

    What a great story about Joshua. Thankful for all of the healthy preemie babies.l

    Reply
  42. Elizabeth O. says

    July 28, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Joshua is a beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

    Reply
  43. Ourfamilyworld says

    July 28, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    What a beautiful story. You are so strong and you are doing a great job taking care of Joshua.

    Reply
  44. Jonathan Key says

    July 28, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    Our second was born a bit early. These stories are so touching. This is so inspiring!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 28, 2015 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  45. Betsy @ Happily Ever After Etc. says

    July 29, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    I love to see stories like this… where the little guy is growing and thriving! He looks so happy!

    Reply
  46. Brea says

    July 29, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Your story is amazing! He’s absolutely adorable.

    Reply
  47. Tennille says

    July 30, 2015 at 6:14 am

    Every new story reminds me over and over just how amazing children and these families are!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      July 30, 2015 at 9:21 am

      Yes! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  48. Ann B (@AnnBac9) says

    July 30, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    I can not even imagine going through this. Having a child in NICU for 88 days. Hugs and prayers to his family.

    Reply

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Meet Shann

Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

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