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My sone CJ was born 6 1/2 weeks premaature weighing a mere 2 lbs 13 1/2 ozs.... He was in the NICU for 2 weeks. He came home on August 9th 2009. He had no breathing issues, feeding or developemental problems... He is now 12 lb 6 ozs at 3 1/2 months old. Thanks to the Northside NICU and alot of prayers he is thriving daily.. I thank GOD for him every day.

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Jabarie Moleek Battle: 5/11/09, 3pds 9oz: PITT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: Greenville,NC (excellent services) ***************************************************** THANK YOU GOD & PITT (he is now 6mths, thank you so much)

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I gave birth to a 34 week preemie on 10/2/09. My first child, who will be 3 tomorrow was a 35 weeker who spent no time in the NICU, so this was a very difficult thing to digest. Just one week difference in gestational age and they are completely different cases. Emmett has been in the NICU for 6 weeks officially and is being transferred to a research hospital this week. This has been an overwhelming situation for all 3 of us. My boys have different fathers and I have no idea how to even tap into what my husband is feeling or thinking. The night Emmett was born he got home from work about 5 min after I discovered I was bleeding. I had an abruption of the placenta. I was highly scrutinized b/c this is common with drug users, but anyone who knows me knows that wasn't the case. I have spent more time away from my 3 year old in the last 6 weeks than I have in his entire 3 years of life. We talk about the baby often, but I can't even begin to imagine what is going through his mind. I still spend a lot of one on one time with him, talking, reading, playing and taking naps, just to keep him close. This has been one of the most difficult times in my 30 years. A couple of younger moms in the NICU asked me how I cope. I was at a loss for words. After a few minutes I shared how I just keep going. Our house is pretty much immaculate b/c when I get home and put my older boy to bed I can't sit in my room and look at the empty bassinet. My in-laws have been pretty pessimistic about doctors and the care Emmett is receiving, so its difficult to hear some of the stuff they say. My mom has this innate desire to be here for me to comfort and help. Both of our families have never had a situation like this, and I know there is no right or wrong way to deal, but it is something my husband and I have to stay optomistic about everything. Emmett has been diagnosed with acid reflux, but NOTHING has worked. He had apnea episodes after eating but now has bradycardia about an hour after eating. If anyone has ever had an issue to this magnitude it would be helpful to know.

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I would like to share my poem with you, dedicated to my son Alexander, born at 27 + 1 weeks in June 2009. I’M HONOURED TO BE YOUR MUM Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful son What? I’m not ready. It wasn’t supposed to be like this I’m not due until September, it’s only June, you must be wrong Isn’t he lovely, who does he look like? How can I tell? Surrounded by plastic walls, wrapped up in wires Please take me away from here. I can’t deal with this today Hello mummy, your boy’s doing so well He started his milk today, you must be so proud Are you talking to me? I don’t feel like a mum Please don’t call me that, not yet. Why did this happen? What did I do wrong? So many questions, I’m lost in this world. Home at last, but home alone. Last time I was here I was pregnant I walk into your nursery and put my hand on my belly Both empty. I scream in pain – Give me back my baby! The first night is the worst, and they don’t get much better Desperately listening for the phone to ring Living for the moment when I can return to your side Would you like to hold him? Are you kidding? Of course I would. But wait, surely he’s too small I might hurt him, I can’t do this. Here you go, your baby in your arms at last I cannot speak, so tiny, so fragile but yet so perfect. Nurse, my baby’s not breathing! It’s ok, he just forgot. It’s quite normal for his age Hold his hands, touch his feet, he will soon remember. What? Are you people crazy? How can this be normal? I need some time out, my head is spinning. For hours, I sit and stare at you Enclosed in your plastic box I’ve learned the beeps, I know when to worry I feel like we’ve been here forever. Will we ever get out? Will I be able to cope? I cannot wait for the day to come, when you leave here with me. 3 months on and your finally home Now you’re bigger and stronger we can finally be a family Free from wires, your new life begins So many achievements for such a little one Breathing by yourself, drinking from bottles The simple things, others take for granted are so special to me. I still have so many questions though, Everyday I continue to ask why me? But when you look at me and smile, You have given me the answer no-one else can I’m the luckiest person to be granted a preemie And I’m honoured to be your mum.