Miracles Do Happen

[nikko*ttc]

My sister's son, David Benjamin, was born on May 6th at 20 weeks gestation. He was 1.2 lbs and 9 inches. He is now 4.4 lbs and 14 inches. I posted some current pictures of him. He sure is cute. When I first saw him, he was so very tiny and he really couldn't open his eyes yet. Now he can open his eyes and his movements are alot less jerky and more coordinated. My sister tried to no avail to breastfeed, but her milk just would not come in, way too early I guess. It doesn't help that at this stage she had to rely completely on a breast pump. She is feeling a little down as if she is a failure, when in reality she is so much stronger than I think I could ever be. I live in TN and my sister lives in OK. She has been able to stay on and off at the Ronald McDonald House (they have such a long waiting list that they only allow people to stay there for about 6 weeks, but you can put your name back on the list after having been gone for 2 weeks) near the Tulsa hospital where little David is. She spends anywhere from 14-16 hours a day at the hospital. Very exhausting, but now he is beginning to make some great leaps in development. She has been able to hold him three times now and was actually able to bottle feed him the last two times. He is finally off the vent and the PDA has healed. He still needs surgery for a hernia repair, but the date has not been set since they want him to get a little stronger. We are not sure what other struggles lay ahead but whatever they may be this is definitely one miracle baby.

[mommyoftwo28644]

Thats great!!! I am so glad that he is doing that well. You have an amazing sister, I just couldn't go through something like that. Tell her she is in our thoughts and prayer along with lil David Benjamin. Hugs :o)

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Wow, that brought tears to my eyes.  I am so happy for your sister and yes, he truly is a miracle!!!!!  Please keep us posted and let your sister know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

[babyscience]

Oh my gosh...that is absolutley amazing.  Your sis is a very strong person and apparently so is your nephew.  Please continue to update us!
Oh and tell your sis it is okay if she couldnt brestfeed.  I know it is really hard to accept, but alot of women have problems with it (dont produce milk, cannot latch...list goes on and on).  I wish people would spread the word about that...just as much as breast is best out there.

[110279hld]

Wow!! What a great ending!!!!  I am so happy for you and your sister and family!!  Keep on keepin on Lil David Benjamin!!