My Former 2 lb. 14oz Seven-Month Preemie Turns 21 Y/O Today . . . OMG!
LynnNM
9 years ago
Twenty-one years ago today I went severely eclamptic and had to have an emergency C-section to save us both. By severely, they scored me at a 9 out of 10. You die at 10 they later told me. I had almost no kidney function; my brain swelled; I had fluid in the pericardial sac around my heart; scary high BP and fluid in both of my lungs. Thankfully, I was already in the hospital with severe preeclampsia, so they could get me to the OR quickly.
DH got to the hospital just in time to see our daughter born, leaving a whole waiting room full of patients behind. Emily was born weighing only 2 lbs 14oz. I was frightened out of my mind with worry for her! We all were, but she was a strong little girl. At only 4 weeks old, she started turning over and pulling the wiring, etc. off the ceiling of her NICU incubator! Her nurses and neonatologist were shocked and told us they'd never seen anything like that before. After the second time, they had to put preemie mittens on her to keep her from disconnecting everything. The nurses in the NIC unit called her their little fairy baby. She looked like one, with it's wings tucked under her. They stuck cute little bows in her hair every day using KY Jelly to hold them in place (seriously-LOL)!
Emily came home 2 months later, a whopping 5 lbs 4 oz. I still am amazed and so incredibly grateful that she survived. Today our sweet daughter is a wonderful, happy, healthy, college junior with dreams of becoming a clinical psychologist. We are so proud of the amazing young woman she's become. Time flies. It seems like only a few years ago that this all happened. Our babies grow up quickly, though. Too quickly maybe, but I'm celebrating our happy outcome today. Happy 21st Birthday, Darlin!
A pic of Emily with her big brother:
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LynnNM
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (36)Good Thursday all, It is a beautiful crystal clear day. AND it's warmer than it's been in a while. 21 degrees for morning chores which feels so warm. We too are supposed to get a touch of January thaw here today and tomorrow. I am watching Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal at the bird feeder outside my office window...love is definitely in the air. I have two male turkeys in the flock that visits me in the winter and they are both fanning and talking. The grey squirrels are cavorting outside now and will be mating soon. I love this confirmation that spring is truly around the corner even when it's snowy, icy and freezing! The days are noticeably a little longer at at both ends now too. Tikanis you definitely need to schedule a just me day every week! I am leaving tomorrow morning for Augusta, Maine for a horseman's conference for the weekend. I will be getting a major horse fix AND I have scheduled a massage for myself at the terrific spa that is at my hotel. I want to try to rid my body of the toxins from the pneumonia. I can't wait. I am going with two girlfriends so we should have a good time. I have a feeling there is a lobster or two in my future! When in Maine one simply must indulge in all of the lobster they can possibly eat! It's a well known fact that it is better in Maine than anywhere else! Dee, why is the fox at your window? Is someone feeding him? Does your fox look like my fox?? What a gift for you. I hope you enjoy watching him/her. QOD: Did anyone who made the mug cakes for gifts get reviews yet?? I have gotten a rave from each niece/nephew that received them! It was a good one and a keeper to give again....See MoreSS Support Mon. July 26th thru Sunday August 1st
Comments (47)Hi all, I come by and check but don't read everything. I see Marci and Dee said hi, and maybe others have, too. My family's left. I don't know if I mentioned it, but they were successful in their attempt to set up swimming with the dolphins. I couldn't go to that, but did get to swim in the ocean. That's not something I can ordinarily do because of my illness and disabilities. I tried to post a couple of days ago, but everything that came out sounded upset and I didn't want to scare anyone. :) I've been ill the last few days. I talked to my doctor and she said it sounds like viral meningitis. That's the mild kind, not the kind that can leave a person brain damaged or dead, so its nothing to worry about, just uncomfortable - who needs more pain and fatigue. I might go in to her office tomorrow. Tropical Storm Celia went by here yesterday. She was a hurricane a few days ago, but diminished. There was thunder and lightning and heavy rain and winds, but nothing too damaging. Just enough excitement but not too much. I've got into anime for reasons I won't go into. I ordered Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. Has anyone here seen it? Does anyone know or remember the song by Don McLean, "Chain Lightning?" I've always liked that song. Very dramatic. My internet relationship, which I talked about earlier, is still going strong - seven months now. I said that he is very unhappy and troubled, which is still true, but he has turned out to be also very caring, intelligent, and sweet. I hope we can continue to be friends for a long time, and I hope his situation improves for him. I've been reading about the get together next year. Remember, I'd like a video. :) I know that it will be a blast. It's nice to come here and have this group. You are such a loving bunch where all are welcome. There have been so many ups and downs, but people are always supportive and caring. Love to you, thanks for remembering me, and I hope everyone has a good day. I'm not spending as much time here as I was, which may change (who knows) but I won't get lost. It's been so frustrating to me when others that I care about quit posting and then I never know how they are doing. Also I've asked my son to let people here know if anything happens to me so that everyone won't be wondering. He knows how important this group has been to me. Amy...See MoreFront Fountain Beginnings
Comments (120)Y'all blow me away w/your comments. KLINGER - I haven't sealed it yet, and don't know if I will. Riana said it wasn't necessary, and since I seldom seal anything I'll think on it. Tracy is due this morn to try the pump. Don't know when he'll put in the electric box. Juan w/help me re-arrange the pots a bit this afternoon. I'll be pulling weeds first thing this morn. CATH: I am really proud of this piece, and am sorta amazed that I pulled it off. Seldom see my neighbors - just the one behind the swing - others are probably looking out their windows, but haven't seen them. Yeah, WACKY - soooo glad I don't have to tile this one - that wasn't in the original plan. Thanks, MER - NOT A QUEEN, please - old worldly I accept. Many thanks, y'all....See MoreWeek 63: Pets!!!!?!?!?!
Comments (76)Sadly I am petless for the first time ever. I lost both my dogs within a year of one another. I had to send my Black Lab across the bridge this February. As soon as we get some yard work finished I'l be starting a new pack. We've always had two or more dogs in the past but this last pair were close in age and when the Rot died the Lab had too many issues with his health going on for us to introduce another dog. Pet Friendly Plans For the House: 1. Replacing our current pet door insert with a door in the glass on our family room slider. 2.Tile flooring in family room and kitchen. 3. Dog food storage cabinet in new laundry room. (for the 40 lb. plus bags of kibble) 4. Additional dog food storage cab in the kitchen for the cans,treats and a weekly amount of kibble. Dog first aid kit will be here also. 5. We are working on a design for a good (around 4 foot tall) custom dog gate for the wide hall separating the formal living room/dining room from teh rest of the house. The dogs are allowed there by invitation only. Our last Rottie was very social and would break the front room window trying to get out to play so the tall gate became a necessity. We already have the higher fences (thinks to hyper social Rot again) and we have areas of our backyard chain linked off from the dogs which provides an extra level of security for the. They can't get to any of the fence lines bordering the front yard. The plan is to get another pair of dogs starting with, hopefully, a female Rot this fall. Later we will add a male something (probably another Lab) that will be compatible as a brother. Reason being that Rots are strong willed and require a firm hand but mature faster. Labs can be strong willed adolescents for several years before they settle. I think I can train one more set of puppies before I age out. Then we will go into older dogs or puppy raising for Guide Dogs depending on our health and mobility....See MoreLynnNM
9 years ago
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