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

Micro Preemie Mondays and Parker

August 3, 2015 By Shann 47 Comments

Micro Preemie

Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend, and had a chance to catch up with all of our previously featured families. I’ve been able to share some amazing stories so far, and today is no different.

So, let’s meet Parker, as told by mom, Molly.

1. Tell us about your baby.

My son’s name is Parker he was born at 22 weeks +6 days ( 4 hrs shy of 22.5 and some doctors thought he was possibly younger). He was born 1 lb 6 oz. and he dropped to 16 oz the next day. He only had a 1% chance.

Parker 3

2. How long was your NICU stay? What was the hardest part?

We were in the he NICU 4 months, close to 126 days. He was born in May. and we went home in September a week after his due date. The hardest part in the beginning was getting over all the alarms and not freaking out if something beeped. Also, every time I left the hospital I would cry. I felt like I was abandoning him. I know it’s silly but every time he was awake and I had to leave, I wouldn’t leave if he was looking at me. I would always wait until he fell asleep or looked the other way. Some days I stayed an extra 30 mins just because he was still awake, and I didn’t want him to see me leaving him, lol. It was hard not being able to hold him right away. Towards the end of his stay it was harder because I went back to work for a month and was farther away from him if anything did happen.

Parker 2

3. Do you know what caused your premature birth?

I don’t know what caused my son to be early. They said I had a UTI a few days before he was born (they actually called me the day he was born to tell me the results. I was like umm too late lol). So’ it’s possible that caused it. I was born a preemie also at 34 weeks, so maybe that had a small thing to do with it? Or I was also working 40-60 hour weeks when pregnant in a factory picking up boxes, working around chemicals, always on my feet. It wasn’t until close to when I hit 20-21 weeks they gave me 40 hours a week. So, I kinda blame all that also. I ordered paper work from my OBGYN a few days ago to see if it says in her papers why. That way, if I decided to have another I will know why and what I can do to prevent it. Or, at least have a heads up so hopefully it won’t happen again.

4. How are you and your baby doing now?

Parker’s doing great. He just turned 2 (20 adjusted.) No heath problems besides a slight hearing problem in one ear, but you can’t even tell. He does have sensory issues, so having a bit of trouble with baby food. But, we think he’s going to skip it all together, and eat table food. We’re just practicing some more oral mouth skills before we get into that. He’s very active, and loves to climb and dance and had been learning words like crazy. He knows 1-10 and most colors.

Parker

5. What advice would you give to a new Preemie mom?

The main advice I would give is it’s OK to ask questions. It’s OK to cry and let it out. It’s OK to tell people no I don’t want anyone to see them or hold them yet. Having a micro preemie is extremely scary with their eyes still being fused, all the cords, thin skin, blood transfusions, tests, new equipment, getting back on old equipment, one step forward 3 steps back, not eating, brain bleeds, eye tests (those terrified me), etc.

It’s a lot to take in. When my son was born I asked a million questions. I was very picky who touched and held him because I didn’t want him catching anything. I didn’t like certain nurses and asked for new ones. I called them constantly day and night to check on him. It’s OK to do all that. The nurses understand, so feel free to bug them (that’s what they get paid for.) Also learn no news is some times good news. I would also recommend making a Facebook page for your little one (I wish I did when he was born. I didn’t make one till he was almost 1). It’s a good way to have people/family follow your baby so you don’t have to constantly repeat yourself. Also, it’s good outlet to let things/feelings out so you’re not keeping it in. It’s good to look back on as they get older and though it seems hard now (if your baby’s still in the NICU) you will look back and think, were they really that small? There are also a lot of great Facebook pages for preemie moms. I would suggest adding all those because there will be many moms who have babies the same gestation or heath issues and they have been exactly in your shoes.  It’s great just to talk to other preemie moms because some people unless you have a preemie can’t really relate to it. Just remember even though they are small now, I know it seems hard and it’s forever away, but I promise it gets better. Once you get them home and see them smiling, then starting to crawl and walk and talk. Then they get so huge you that you can’t get clothes fast enough to fit them. All that worrying, crying, and sleepless nights when they were in the hospital will be worth it.

 

It’s definitely worth it! Thank you so much Molly for sharing your and Parker’s story with us.

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Filed Under: Blog, Micro Preemie Mondays, Prematurity Tagged With: brain bleeds, eating, hospital, micro preemie, NICU, premature birth, Prematurity, ROP, sensory issues

Comments

  1. rachel Mouton says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:26 am

    What a precious little bundle <3 Thank you so much for sharing your story!

    Reply
  2. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:06 am

    What an adorable little boy. Such a blessing and a strong fighter!

    Reply
  3. Cassidy Ciazza-Morelli says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:25 am

    So precious. Bless these babies.

    Reply
  4. Emilie says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:43 am

    Amazing story!

    Reply
  5. Sophia says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Wow he is so incredibly cute!!! Thank you for sharing Mama! I am always so happy and thankful when I see a baby under 24 weeks who did well and was able to be helped. When we had out try’s laser surgery at 23 weeks exactly they told me that if it caused my water to break or me to go into labor that they wouldn’t try to save the girls because they weren’t viable for another week. That was hard to make that decision because they told me the possibility of my water breaking was higher than other moms because of how enormous my belly was (baby a had 5 extra liters of fluid) and because it was my 5th pregnancy but we couldn’t wait until 24 weeks because they were almost stage 4 (already in heart failure). It made me so angry that they wouldn’t even try to save them regardless of how big they were or how well they could do. I think the 24 week guideline needs to be abolished completely. Especially when parents WANT their baby to try to survive and because due dates are NOT always exact. Sorry, I’ll step down off of my soap box 🙂 I’m so happy for you and Parker and I hope any future pregnancies can go to term for you!

    Reply
    • byecomparison says

      August 4, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      No need to step off that soap box! That’s infuriating, arbitrary, and heartless, if you ask me. I hope everything turned out well for your family?

      Reply
      • Sophie says

        August 5, 2015 at 3:30 pm

        It did, my girls are Evangeline and Noelle, they were featured a few weeks ago and then in the update 🙂 they were born at 25&6 after my water broke at 25&4 because bed rest is just impossible with 4 other little girls at home 🙂

        Reply
  6. callienicole7 says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:03 am

    I think it’s so sweet that you didn’t want to leave him if he was looking at you! Amazing story, what a little miracle!

    Reply
  7. Sara Strand says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Absolutely adorable!!! Mamas of preemies are so brave, I can’t even imagine. I really can’t. Big hugs to you all.

    Reply
  8. pellerini says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:55 am

    He is a sweetie pie! Amazing story 🙂

    Reply
  9. beckyginther says

    August 3, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Wow, 16 oz. – that is a miracle baby right there. And what a cutie!

    Reply
  10. Tina says

    August 3, 2015 at 11:24 am

    What a beautiful story. My niece gave birth to a premie a few months ago and she’s now 5 months old and weighs 12 pounds. She smiles and coos and so far I haven’t heard of any issues that will bother her. But her mother said NO MORE CHILDREN because of the difficult task of dealing with the NICU. I hope she changes her mind when Avery grows up and can have a sibling! May God bless you and your beautiful child.

    Reply
  11. Melissa (Wading Through Motherhood) says

    August 3, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    What a cutie! It must be so hard not to be able to hold your baby. I wish Parker and your family the best!

    Reply
  12. momonthemove35 says

    August 3, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    What a great encouraging story to share! I especially appreciated hearing the advice from Mom. It is okay to cry, be particular and handle the situation the best way that works for you! Thanks for sharing this amazing story!

    Reply
  13. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    August 3, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Aww, Parker is such a cutie pie. I loved all the pictures.

    Reply
  14. sunshinemomma1017 says

    August 3, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    He is so adorable! Glad he is doing well <3

    Reply
  15. Alex says

    August 3, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Great & moving story. 1% chance? Wow, he sure is a fighter. Totally understand the part about not wanting to leave whilst he was looking.

    Wishing Parker & family all the best.

    Alex

    Reply
  16. Liz Mays says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    It’s so great to see how well he’s doing! I hope you’re able to get some kind of explanation as to why you went early. That would be comforting for next time.

    Reply
  17. Sicorra says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    It is so great to see the wonderful progress that all these little ones are making. Parker is incredibly cute. Wishing him all the best.

    Reply
  18. laniderrick says

    August 3, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 3, 2015 at 7:26 pm

      Thank you for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Christine - The Choosy Mommy says

    August 3, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    My son, who was born in May at 33 weeks and 3 days, had a 14 day NICU stay. I can’t even imagine a longer stay because those 14 days were hard enough!!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 3, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      Any NICU stay is rough!

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

    August 3, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Oh my goodness he is such a cutie. I’m glad he’s doing well.

    Reply
  21. Megan VW says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    I love micro preemie Monday! So inspiring to see these beautiful babies growing up healthy! And the super moms who make sure it happens!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 3, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      Thank you so much for reading!

      Reply
  22. Katie @thebrooksielife says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    I love reading these stories!! They are so amazing!! He is one cute kiddo!

    Reply
  23. Jennifer C. says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    What a precious little one! Thank you for sharing your story!

    Reply
  24. Krista says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    I love reading all these stories. I don’t have any personal experience with preemies (I had the opposite problem. Mine stayed in almost too long.) so this is very eye opening to me. What strong mamas!

    Reply
  25. serenemomblog says

    August 3, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing, he’s so cute!

    Reply
  26. Jasmine Espinal says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    Amazing! Love seeing preemies all grown, healthy and strong!

    Reply
  27. Cynthia @craftoflaughter says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    so cute! Parker is going to do something great in life!

    Reply
  28. Beth@FrugalFroggie says

    August 3, 2015 at 10:02 pm

    So thankful for all of the preemie babies that become healthy kids.

    Reply
  29. Shannon P says

    August 3, 2015 at 11:56 pm

    Look at that thriving little dude! So happy he is a healthy toddler!

    Reply
  30. Jessica Lynn says

    August 4, 2015 at 6:41 am

    What a gorgeous little boy!!

    Reply
  31. Amanda McMahon says

    August 4, 2015 at 11:52 am

    4 months in the NICU! I hope bonding was made up and that all is well!

    Reply
  32. byecomparison says

    August 4, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    What a strong boy! Such an amazing story of survival. I remember waiting for our daughter to fall asleep before leaving every time, too. So hard to be so far away. I remember picking up someone from the airport while our daughter was in the hospital. I caught a glimpse of the downtown Denver skyline and just started balling because that’s where the hospital was and it looked so far away, picturing our tiny babe ALL THE WAY over there was heart-wrenching. SO happy that Parker is so healthy. He’s beautiful. What a blessing 🙂

    Reply
  33. Elizabeth O. says

    August 4, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    It must have been so hard for you, but I’m glad you are way past that now. Parker is so cute!

    Reply
  34. Ourfamilyworld says

    August 4, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    You and Parker are both fighters. I love your story and I hope it inspires other moms who are going through a similar situation.

    Reply
  35. homesteadwishing says

    August 4, 2015 at 10:12 pm

    I am so happy that he is happy and healthy! Thank you for sharing your story!

    Reply
  36. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) says

    August 5, 2015 at 7:17 am

    Awww! Look at him growing handsomely and looks very healthy.

    Reply
  37. Chanel Marie says

    August 5, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I am so happy that you and Parker made it! Your story reminds me of my stay in NICU when I was still a nurse. ^_^

    Reply
  38. Rosey says

    August 5, 2015 at 10:06 am

    Good for you for speaking up when you thought something was best for you/your child. We just had a preemie born in the family too. She’s home now though and doing great.

    Reply
  39. Lauren White says

    August 5, 2015 at 11:11 am

    It’s so touching to read all of these stories. I couldn’t imagine delivering a baby that weighed around one pound, but hearing this story made me realize that it’s possible and for a good outcome to happen!

    Reply
  40. AlmostSexyMommy says

    August 5, 2015 at 12:55 pm

    So glad he’s doing well! What a little angel 🙂 I love micro-preemie monday posts!

    Reply
  41. caitlincheevers says

    August 7, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    I can’t imagine my baby having a 1% chance! So scary. He’s wonderful, though!
    xo, Caitlin
    And Possibly Dinosaurs

    Reply
  42. Neely (@Neelykins) says

    August 16, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    I can’t believe this! How scary! He is beautiful!

    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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