Life in the NICU

For the first few weeks of Becky's life, this was the only way we could "hold" her.  One hand was placed on her head, and the other hand tucked up her legs.  It was hard not being able to hold Becky in my arms, but not as hard as the times when she was too sick for us to even touch her.

I got to "kangaroo" Becky for the first time when she was one month old (holding skin-to-skin).

I got to hold Becky for the first time when she was 18 days old!  It was amazing to literally hold a miracle in my arms.  Three days later, in church, we sang the song "Because He Lives".  It talks about holding a newborn baby and being able to face an uncertain future because Jesus lives.  How true that is!!

3 weeks old - 31 weeks gestation 2 lb. 7 1/2 oz. (1115 grams) Mark helps get Becky on the scale for a weight check.  For the first three weeks, she was too critical to be moved.  Once she stablized, her weight was check each night.

Becky's hand on Mommy's hand.  At seven weeks old - Becky's hand is still extremely small.

Mark holding Becky.  She came off the ventilator at six weeks old.  It was the first time we got to see her nose without all the tape covering it.

2 months old Becky gets her first tub-bath.  Her head looks so small compared to Mark's hand.

Going home!!  Daddy, Mommy and Becky's last picture in the NICU before going home.

DISCHARGED!!  After spending 69 days in the NICU, Becky finally came home.  She weighed 4 lb. 8 oz. and required 0.2L of oxygen.

During her NICU stay:    - spent 41 days on the ventilator    - spent 16 days on a high-flow jet ventilator    - had 13 blood transfusions    - 2 bouts of pneumonia    - more labs & xrays than I care to count...

Becky's diagnoses on discharge:    - extreme prematurity    - chronic lung disease    - bronchopulmonary dysplagia (BPD)    - reflux    - retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)    - grade 2/3 brain bleed (IVH)    - PVL - damage to white matter of the brain

March 29, 1998 Becky's Due Date 5 lb. 13 oz.

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