November 17th is World Prematurity Day! This day was created to bring awareness to the tiniest of humans among us: Preemies. There are approximately 15 million babies born premature each year. That works out to be 1 in 10 babies worldwide will be a preemie.
Our family is a part of this statistic. In 2010, our Jimmy Wray was born at 32 weeks gestation. We were blessed to make it to 32 weeks in our pregnancy. We knew that Jimmy would be a preemie from the very start of our pregnancy. We just didn’t know how far we would be able to make it in my pregnancy.
I am RH Negative. And my blood was “sensitized” from a miscarriage which led to my blood developing several antibodies that basically try to kill the fetus of any babies I have that are positive blood type. It’s a lot to explain. If you want to know more you can read about Antibody Isoimmunisation and other such Language HERE.
Our time in the NICU was not long. Jimmy was in the NICU for 2 weeks and then released home. We had to head back to the NICU twice over the next two months for blood transfusions and Jimmy had lots and lots of doctors appointments.
The longest few hours of my life was waiting to be brought down to the NICU to see my baby after my c-section. We had to wait 24 hours before we could hold our sweet new boy. He was one of the biggest babies in the NICU at 4 pounds 11 ounces.
As I look back to that time holding this tiny baby I have a flood of emotions come over me. This tiny baby was so fragile and so strong at the same time. I was exhausted and desperate for hope for my little baby boy. We are so blessed to now have a VERY healthy 5 year old today! He has the best smile and is a fierce fighter. I know that his time spent fighting for his life and health as a tiny baby has made him the kind of fighter that will push through any obstacle.
One thing I learned having my own preemie baby is families of premature babies need HOPE!
My dear friend Deneen Bryan founded a beautiful organization which brings hope to hundreds of families with preemie babies in the NICU. Capturing Hopes is on a fast track to becoming a national organization of photographers donating time and hope to the families of these babies. This non-profit organization is doing just an amazing job at lifting spirits and capturing sweet little fingers and toes of these tiny, sweet angels. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and support their organization. You can learn more about how to donate to Capturing Hopes at their website www.capturinghopesphoto.org. Their priceless pictures will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. #HOPEphotography
There is HOPE,
Keikilani
I am incredibly lucky that my boys were both full term and healthy. I can’t even imagine what you went through.
Waiting 24 hours sounds awful, but you have a lifetime with this cutie!!! Congrats on a healthy boy!
Such a beautiful baby boy! Sharing our stories of childbirth and what we go through is so inspiring to other mothers experiencing similar situations.
Aw, look at him! Sigh. Gorgeous boy.
My son was in the NICU but he wasn’t premature. He had a suspected infection and needed a week of antibiotics. There was no room in the bigger nursery so he was this 8 pound baby, next to tiny, tiny babies. All such beautiful fighters.
That must have been so hard to have your full term baby down in the NICU. Glad he is okay.
One of my nieces was born prematurely. It’s definitely a stressful time for families.
I have known several people whose babies were born premature. They definitely needed support and hope! Thank you for sharing your story.
What a beautiful story! So glad to see that healthy 5 year old. My son tried to come at 32 and I spent two weeks hospitalized on a magnesium drip and three more weeks at home on bed rest. We were so fortunate that he made it to 37 weeks to the day. I am so glad that a light is being shined on premturity.
Traci
The magnesium drip was nasty stuff! My body couldn’t handle any more of it. So glad that he made it to 37 weeks! Go Mamma! =)
Your big boy is all smiles and so handsome! All three of my children were early — 35 weeks, 36 weeks and 37 weeks. Thankfully they were all completely fine.
What a little cutie!! My son was born early (Just made it to 36 weeks) and had to spend a week under the lights with jaundice and “wet lung” but nothing like you went through. I have friends that are preemie too so I understand how scary it all can be. Glad to see his “now” photo 🙂
What a great real life story. My daughter was also a preemie born 3 weeks early. I am so thankful to God for her life, she’s been such a joy in my life. She is now 10 years old.
Wow! I didn’t know there was a day set aside for Preemies. My daughter was considered a preemie even though she was 6 pounds and born at 36 weeks! I can’t imagine what you went through only being 32 weeks along!
My son was also premature, almost 2 months early!He’s a miracle baby! 12 years old, 6’2″, no premature sign at all!
WOW! 6’2″??? That is awesome!
What a handsome young man! I am so glad everything turned out great!
What a great organization, I’ve had a couple of friends who have had preemies and they would have loved something like this. Your son has turned into quite the cutie, so glad he is healthy and happy.
Such a handsome young guy now! I have been enjoying readin all of the premature delivery stories today!
Oh my what a cutie…growing to be a young man. Sounds like a excellent organization to help parents of preemies.
He really was a little fighter! I didn’t realize the number of preemies born was so large! That’s astonishing.
My brother was a preemie and this story brings back memories. Back then my mom and the baby stayed in the hospital a week. Blessings to you and thanks for sharing.
Your son is too handsome and it is a blessing that he turned out to be healthy and happy.
Oh he is so beautiful and tiny! I’m so glad that he was healthy for such a young age. My best friend had her son at 32 weeks as well and you would never guess it now at 16 years old and a wonderful hockey player!
It’s great that you’re sharing your story, which will give hope to parents of preemies. I’m so happy your son is healthy. He’s adorable!
Ah, he’s a beauty. 🙂 We had a preemie in the family too, and it’s def. touch and go in the beginning. Hurrah for happy endings.
As a mom of a premie this story made me smile as it had a happy ending. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad he’s healthy. My friend had a child when she was only 5 1/2 months pregnant. He survived, but not without problems. Little miracles!
Thanks for sharing your story. My nephew was in the hospital for almost 3 months when he was born but he had a great ending just like yours. I’ll have to check out Capturing Hope’s website and see how I can help out.
AWW! What a blessing he is. He’s such a handsome little guy. Thanks for sharing your story.
Cute little angel indeed. Great to know that he is growing up great and OK. Will share those organization you mentioned for others to check and see.