When he tucked his arms and legs up, he was the size of a beanie baby. Thank you GK for his very first beanie baby!
After a couple of weeks we were able to hold him and try skin to skin contact which helps promote healing in premature babies
Our handsome six year old. Happy Birthday Leo!
Six years ago today at 9:33 am I gave birth to a tiny little miracle named Leo Edward Angele III. He came into this world weighing in at 2 lbs 4oz and 14 in long. I had spent 5 days in the hospital with doctors trying to stop my labor and give his little body more time to grow. Well, it wasn't God's will and so he was born at 27 weeks gestation, or 3 months early. We were warned that his little body wasn't ready to be here and there were likely to be many hurdles that we would all face. Normally babies born prematurely aren't able to be released until around there original due date. Even then it can be longer depending on their prematurity issues. We watched the monitors and held our breath when he stopped breathing or his heart stopped beating for a second or two. We waited in agony over every brain scan and blood culture. Even though he had ups and downs as expected, Leo had his own ideas about things, he was only intubated for 24 hours and came home 4 weeks before his due date. He amazed the doctors and nurses in the NICU with his strength and determination to get home. After being told of all the complications that can arise, blindness, lung disease, deafness, heart problems, we are happy to say, Leo has none of them. He is bright, funny, energetic and doesn't have any ideas that the deck was stacked against him 6 years ago. To him, he was born just like any other baby and he continues to grab each day with both hands and live it to the fullest. We love you little man and thank God for you each and every day!
Though it has been 6 years, none of us will ever forget that day when Leo came into this world so early and tiny. It still makes me cry when I remember how tiny he was and how brave you both were. In a very short time you and Leo were faced with learning to be the parents of a 2lb 4 oz preemie who would spend his first few weeks of life in NICU, not at home as you had planned for your first baby.
ReplyDeleteHe overcame all obstacles and today is a walking miracle. He is a joy and delight and lights up every room he walks in with his sunny smile. The fierce determination and spirit that got him through all the odds against him will take him to greater heights than we can probably imagine. He was meant to be here for sure and only time will tell all that he is capable of and will accomplish
in his life and in this world.
I look forward to all the years and accomplishments to come.
He is nothing less than a blessing from the very hand of God.
I am blessed to be his grandmother.
All my love, mom/GK
just amazing. i remember praying so hard for him. clearly the Lord answered prayers! happy birthday leo!!!
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