Micro Preemie Monday
I’m so happy you’re here today. It’s Monday, which means I have another amazing story to share with you for Micro Preemie Monday. Today, Holly is going to share her story and her sweet boy, Lucky Ball. Holly sent me her story in mid October, so I will have some updates for you after the questions.
The Questions
1. Please tell us about your baby.
Hi, My son’s name is Lucky Ball. He was born at 24 weeks 4 days gestation. My original due date was December 5, 2015. He weighed 1 lb 11 oz and was 11 3/4 inches long.
2. Do you know what caused your premature birth?
I was considered a high risk pregnancy due to two prior miscarriages last year, and I’m an epileptic. I have a machine called a VNS device that is implanted in my chest to help my seizures. I was monitored regularly and had 4 different doctors so it was a real shock when I had a spontaneous labor on August 19th. 2015. I had an infection in my placenta called Chorio (Chorioamnionitis). My labor lasted 1 hour and he was breached.
3. How long was your NICU stay? What was the hardest part?
We have been in the NICU for 53 days now. The hardest part has been not being there all day for him. We visit him at least twice a day and it’s not enough. Going through two losses and making it all the way to 6 months thinking I was in the “safe zone” not being the one with him 24/7 is the hardest part. We are hanging in there and balancing NICU life and our other two kids at home.
4. How are you and your baby doing now?
I just had surgery to fix my VNS machine my labor put a lot of stress on my body. I’m currently recovering and visiting my son daily. Lucky is doing a lot better. He was born with two grade four bleeds that are now down graded to two grade threes. He had a terrible infection a few weeks ago and we almost lost him (for the third time). Since then he has had PDA Ligation surgery and he is doing amazing. He’s not out of the woods yet but he is so strong and he’s a true fighter. He is now 3lbs 1oz. And 14 inches. We call him Lucky the Fighter.
5. What advice do you have for new Preemie Parents?
Best advice to other preemie parents create a blog/ page for your child and your experience. We did and it truly has helped us through our journey. We get to focus on the page each day with updates,pictures and motivational quotes. We have created an amazing community of people. Being a bit of a shy person I never realized how much I needed support and love from others during this journey. When you start to feel alone it’s nice to have support especially from other preemie parents. I would also advise to take each day one at a time and follow your heart. The best thing you can do is love your baby and you will find the strength from him/ her. Everyday is difficult but when you are a preemie parent you are truly fighting for your child’s health every day and it gives you the strength to keep fighting and to never give up.
The Update
Now, here’s an update from Lucky’s Facebook Page:
Lucky is 72 days old and 34 weeks 6 days gestation. Lucky is growing fast, he is now 4lbs. 13oz. And he is a strong little fighter.
We got the results back from Lucky’s eye exam, he has Stage 2 ROP. It’s not the best news but it’s still early so he will continue to have weekly eye exams until we know more.
Lucky got his hernia examined yesterday it’s a little bigger but there’s no sign of infection or any severe issues. They will continue to monitor him and he will be able to have the surgery to fix it before he goes home.
He did get a head ultrasound done this morning but we do not know the results yet.
Last night Lucky got another bath and took another full bottle. They should be doing Halloween costumes today in the NICU, his lovely nurses made him a costume! Please continue with all your love and support. Stay Lucky Strong!
We will be checking back in with Holly and Lucky Ball soon. I can’t wait to give you the update that he’s home. Stay Lucky Strong!
Our grandson was a micro-preemie. 24 weeks 3 days, 1 lb 9 oz. Today he is a happy healthy 7 year old. I will continue to keep Lucky in my prayers as well as his family. God’s blessings to you all!
Thoughts and prayers are with this family – such a beautiful little Lucky! Perfect name for him!
My goodness Lucky is beautiful. What a sweet and precious little miracle.
Lucky is a beautiful fighter. I can relate to this family. I had 7 miscarriages and went into labor at 20 weeks. My son is completely healthy now. My thoughts and prayers are with this special little guy and his family!
What a sweet boy! You are a strong mama for having to go through this. Sending prayers to your little guy. He looks like a fighter:)
I love that she named him Lucky. I always enjoy reading these stories but it’s especially poignant to see one still in the middle of the NICU stay. I wish them continued strength and hope that good blessings befall them.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Lucky and his family! His Halloween costume is so cute!
Prayers for your family! I have a friend who had a preemie. 28 weeks, he was 2lbs 2oz. Now, he is healthy and thriving!!
What a sweet little boy! My niece was born at 27 weeks gestation and was 1lb12oz. Seeing these photos brought me back to a year and a half ago when she graced us with her presence. She is a thriving toddler now who we love to pieces! You are such a strong mama
Sending positive vibes their way! I have such respect for mothers who are able to juggle all of that!
May God bless this precious little miracle and his family. He’s an amazing fighter!
My thoughts are with this family. I hope little Lucky pulls through nice and strong!
My prayers are with Lucky to get fit and healthy ASAP and may GOD give his family strength to face this situation and be strong.
What a strong kid! Good thoughts coming your way.
Prayers for this baby and family – thank you so much for your commitment to sharing about these stories… it helps so many people – truly.
Thank you so much for reading, and commenting. Your support is really appreciated, Clare.
Prayers for this family. What a beautiful baby, and such an inspiring story!
What a great idea to feature micro-preemies. Lucky is beautiful, and his mom sounds like she has found ways to keep herself sane and supported in her “new normal”
Lucky is one fighter! I’m so glad he’s getting better. And how adorable is he in his Halloween costume. I’m sending prayers their way. Please keep us posted.
I just love reading these stories, continuing the prayers!
What a precious baby! My thoughts and prayers are with him and the family! It’s amazing how well these tiny babies do!
Oh my goodness! What a strong mama and baby! This story had me tearing up. Thoughts and prayers (& good vibes) going out to this amazing family!
It always amazes me, how well these babies do. He was even smaller than my daughter – I can’t even imagine that. All the best for little Lucky and his family. My thoughts are with you!
Absolutely in love with his name – what a precious baby and story. I’ll be keeping the family in prayer for good health and overall fantastic well-being. <3
What a great story – I love reading these posts. They are so uplifting and fun to read!! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Keeping the family in my thoughts for the future <3
Samantha | pearlsandpolkadots.net
It’s so exciting to see that he has grown so much!! It would be really hard to have to stay in the NICU for so long, exhausting and scary.
So glad he is progressing steadily. We had spend 7 days in the NICU, those nurses and Dr.’s are amazing people. Good idea keeping a blog. We a journal as well with what ever the Dr’s would tell us we would write down so as not to forget anything.
I will be keeping them in my thoughts