Both of our sons were born at United Hospital in St Paul, MN. They both spent a combined 31 days in the NICU at Children's MN.
Our first son, Gatlin, was born on Saturday, November 9, 2013 after Erin was diagnosed with preeclampsia and Hellp Syndrome. He was 33 weeks 4 days gestation and 3 lbs 7 ounces and 17 inches long. Gatlin spent 20 days in the NICU, mostly learning how to feed and regulate his body temperature. We were able to hold him every day and give him several baths before he was able to go home with us on Thanksgiving of that year.
Our second son, Merrick, was born on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. He was 29 weeks 6 days gestation but only 12.6 ounces and 10.75 inches long. At an ultrasound at 19 weeks, the doctors expected Merrick to be stillborn due to placental and umbilical cord issues. The next 11 weeks were spent going to doctor appointments to listen for Merrick's heartbeat and then to have ultrasounds monitoring blood flow in and out of the cord and Merrick's stress levels. On May 24, Merrick's doctor decided that his best chance of survival was outside of the womb. He was born at 3:49 pm. We heard a slight meow from him as he was delivered and almost immediately taken across the hall to a warmer room and his incubator. The doctors were able to intubate him and place his IVs and feeding tube. Over the next 11 days, Merrick was visited twice by his brother, who was able to touch him in the incubator and sing him songs. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins were all able to visit, as well as a Great Grandma, several Great Aunts and Uncles, and friends of Erin and Ryan. Erin was able to hold Merrick for the first time on Friday, June 3rd and again on the 4th. Late in the evening of Saturday, June 4th, Merrick had his third bleed in his already-stressed lungs. Ryan was able to hold him during the night and early in the morning, Merrick's organ's began to shut down. He was in our arms as he left this world.
The amazing nurses and doctors in the NICU took incredible care of Merrick and we are forever grateful to them for the time were were able to spend with Merrick and being able to help care for him.