For my oldest- 18 hours of labor-- 4 of which I pushed (while on NO meds) ended up in a c-section when he just wouldn't come out. For my middle, a scheduled c-section that went just as planned. And for my baby- Ryder, I had it all planed out. The c-section was scheduled the day after the release of the latest Twilight movie. We would go to the movie- me big and pregnant and then the next day head to the hospital for the planned surgery and birth.
Rewind 8 weeks from that time. We were on our last vacation before the baby came, 8 weeks before my due date over 600 miles from home and my water broke. It wasn't from too much strenuous activity- I was sitting in the middle of an LDS Temple Session; it wasn't from some infection-- in fact in the end they have no idea why my little guy chose to come 8 weeks early.
I lay in the hospital, tired, scared and trying to keep that baby in as long as possible.
Two days later on May 14th Ryder was born weighing (a big for his age) 4 lbs 9 oz. I sometimes forget how truly tiny he was. His entire hand would wrap just around the tip of my finger.
The next 19 days I spent my days and nights split between the NICU and spending the time with my other children. I will forever be indebted to not only the wonderful NICU nurses but my in-laws and sister-in-law for watching my other two children while I spent most of my time in the hospital.
We had our bumps and problems along the way, including not gaining weight and horrific reflux- but now he is a wonderful healthy happy adorable 2 1/2 year old.
So tomorrow- I will be reflecting and help raise awareness of premature births for World Prematurity Awareness Day.
Here is a video I made shortly after Ryder's 1st birthday that tells a little of his story and shows him growing up. It is still one of my favorite videos I ever made.
To read more about Ryder's story- just click here or the NICU tab on my sidebar.
Mine also came early for no other reason than he was just excited to meet us. I couldn't imagine doing all of this while away from home. Everytime I read your story I get goosebumps. You'd never know to look at him that he was a preemie.
ReplyDeleteI'm just praying all goes well with my daughter in law when it's time for the twins to come. Right now they are about 4 pounds each. I love reading your birth stories especially Ryders! You get the Oscar in video making!
ReplyDeleteI always think about how blessed we are to have amazing medicine and doctors today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet blessing Ryder is!
Oh my gosh those days are so scary, what a miracle he is. So glad you linked up, I just added the code on my site, make sure to leave your link there so we can start getting the donations!
ReplyDeleteI remember how tiny he was. And how he struggled. Look at him now!!! You would never know. He is strong like an ox and so very cute!!!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure to see him grow up after his diffcult start in life. You're doing a good thing by sharing your story. I remember reading it when you were experiencing it -- what a difficult and trying time.
ReplyDeleteI love those first two pictures - beautiful!!! He is so tiny!
ReplyDeleteLexie was a little over 3 weeks early, but it came with no complications. She was just little - 5lbs 11oz. I was thankful for that!
What a little miracle Ryder is! Thanks for sharing this and raising awareness for such a great cause!
ReplyDeleteWow. He was a nice size for 32 weeks (one of mine was 5lb 8oz at 34 weeks. He was the biggest baby in the NICU)
ReplyDeleteSo glad your little guy is doing so well now.
I linked up as well: http://whosays8isenough.org/2012/11/17/preemie-x-4-2/
8 weeks is early!! So glad he's doing well!
ReplyDeleteWu! We've had our share of sick babies in our family, NICU and hospitalized little ones. I'm just so glad they're all healthy now.
ReplyDeleteMy daughters were born 6 1/2 weeks early, on May 17, 2010! How crazy that we were in almost the same boat, starting just 3 days apart. I envy that your NICU stay was 19 days. My girls were there for 6 weeks. The NICU is so strange: simultaneously awful and amazing. I am incredibly grateful for our experience, yet I find myself a bit jealous when I hear about birth stories that involve heading home from the hospital just a day or two after birth.
ReplyDeleteHe's adorable! I can't imagine dealing with the NICU with other children to care for. hats off to you, mama!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine having to deal with NICU...it must be so scary and stressful. Thank you for linking up and sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI remember this! I was so scared for you!!! He is so stinking tiny, it is unbelievable. Wow. What a blessing modern medicine is, isn't it?! I am still amazed how someone born so tiny can make up for it in such a short space of time.
ReplyDeleteHow adorable he is! :) And an amazing blessing! :)
ReplyDeleteoh wow, he was so small! He is so cute! What an amazing story to remember.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Look how big he is! I remember when you had him. xo
ReplyDeleteSo teeny and so beautiful!! Prayers and hugs to all the Mamas celebrating today!
ReplyDeleteThat is so precious. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for preemies. What a blessing that so many of them end up thriving now!
ReplyDeleteSo you were 600 miles from home... I assume you went to a hospital there and Ryder stayed (I think I read that but I might be remembering wrong). What did Eric do for his job?
ReplyDeleteoh, that picture of you two...just precious. I wish I'd known about this day-as you know, preemies are close to my heart. Mine was born far far too early. But hearing these success stories fills me with hope and encouragement for the future and this little one.
ReplyDeleteHe's adorable. All of your kids are! Glad he's doing so well. Found you through Four Plus an Angel and the World Prematurity Awareness link-up.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was also born 8 weeks early at 2 pounds 11 oz. She also had reflux (which I'm pretty sure is a preemie thing) and she had trouble gaining weight also. She came home right at 4 pounds after a month and if I remember correctly, at 5 months was 8 pounds. All in all she was actually very healthy and is a handful today! Your little guy is so cute! You can read about my little girls story here:
ReplyDeletehttp://iknowtheplansihave4you.blogspot.com/search/label/preeclampsia
-Jill
http://iknowtheplansihave4you.blogspot.com
In the middle of a session?!?! Oh my goodness!! That is so so crazy! NICU time is never fun. My kids were in the NICU for 28 days, but it was expected since they were triplets. We were just glad it was that short! It must have been shocking to have him come unexpectedly like that! Glad he's nice and healthy now! :D
ReplyDeleteOh wow, how early did the triplets come? Yes in NICU terms 28 days, and the 19 Ryder were in are actually pretty short. Ryder’s roommate in the NICU was there a few weeks before he was and they said he was going to go home a few days after Ryder was born, but he ended up being there still when we left. I felt so bad for his mom.
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