World Prematurity Day

In 2001 Kerst entered our family - a bit early.  2 months early.  He was 5 lbs 4 oz.  Thankfully he was breathing on his own - they were able to give me one dose of steroids to develop his lungs.  He still won a 1 month stay in the NICU.  We had many ups and downs during that time.  I journaled my experience on our family website.  It is amazing to see the emotions that occurred during that time.  It was a time of many blessings, tender mercies and miracles.

 Jaley with her life-size baby doll.  He was a perfect size for her!

Jenna with Kerst. 

Julia with Kerst. 

 Kerst having a spa day in the NICU.  

Kerst was in the NICU for 3 weeks and weighed his birth weight (5lbs 4 oz) when he arrived home.  He doubled his weight in a week when he was finally allowed to eat when and how much he wanted!

Kerst 4 months old

Fast forward to 2006.  To prevent a premature birth, I was monitored more closely and given steroid shots.  It was yet another time full of miracles and tender mercies as Kendall arrived 2 months early.  I almost didn't survive.  Jaley was a chronic sleep walker.  She came into our room in the middle of the night.  That woke me up.  I was in labor and didn't know it.  The doctors felt that with my blood pressure levels, toxic blood levels, etc, I probably would not have awakened and passed away in my sleep.  Jaley is my guardian angel :)

Kendall arrived weighing 4 lbs.  He would not have gained any more weight even if he lasted the final 2 months.  The placenta had stopped doing what it needed to do.  I developed preeclampsia overnight.  It was under control after several days in the hospital and then it spiked again and they had to do an emergency C-section to deliver Kendall.

Kendall was also in the NICU for 3 weeks.  He should have stayed longer, but since I was a "repeat offender" and they knew I knew how to raise a preemie, they sent Kendall home.  Kendall weighed 3 lbs 13 oz when he arrived home.

It took him a LONG time to gain weight.  We had to go in for weight checks weekly for awhile.

So thankful for modern medicine!  So thankful for my family!