Past Message Archive . . .
| Hi Tommy: Your a cute little kid and your story really brightens my day! Good Luck
towards the future!!!!!!! Michelle Borys -
Waterford - MI - USA -
Wednesday, March 11th, 1998 at 7:52 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy:My daughter,grace was born in addenbrookes hosopital cambridge england, 16th
march 1996.She was born at 26 weeks and 5 days gestationa and weighded 2 pound and 31/2
ounces. She is nearly 2 and is well . I really enjoyed reading your page as it is
interesting to read about someone elses similar experiences. alex - chelmsford - essex - england -
Saturday, March 7th, 1998 at 3:48 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am a nurse practitioner in an NICU here in St. Louis. I wanted to say hi
and here about how your web site was started. This is so-ooo helpful for the many
wonderful families we work with. I am certainly not looking to compete but just offer
something locally helpful. Thank you & best of luck always ! Jeanne TFisch @aol.com Jeanne Fischesser - St. Louis - MO - USA -
Saturday, March 7th, 1998 at 10:34 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am a PhD student at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. I
work at the Perinatal Research Centre, where for the past 4 years I have been studying
lung development and the causes and possible preventions/treatments for bronchopulmonary
dysplasia. Working in a lab, I sometimes lose sight of the real reason I am doing the
research I am doing. Web pages like yours help to remind me.
Thank you and all the best!!! :)
Jackie - Edmonton - AB - CANADA -
Friday, March 6th, 1998 at 4:12 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Ali was born at 24 weeks gestation on 2/26/96. She has been healthy and
active but has mild cp which makes her legs and ankles stiff. She has worn splints to help
her learn to walk and did it ever. She runs now. We are now investigating new ways to
treat the stiffness and she participates in physical and speech therapy. It was nice to
visit your page. I am new at all this computer stuff and was surprised to see the amount
of info on preemies and cp. Missy - - OK - -
Friday, March 6th, 1998 at 2:48 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: RE: Fire Injury Prevention – From Newborns to Seniors A mother and
her two children, ages nine months and two years, are alive today because of the warning
from a smoke alarm. The hospital where her baby was born gave away free smoke alarms to
the parents of newborn babies through a S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms For Every) Home Program.
“I didn’t have a smoke alarm until the hospital gave me one. I was always
meaning to get one.” According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 90% of the children
and 75% of the seniors who die in fires do not have working smoke alarms. Residential
fires kill 1,200 children (3 each day) and over 1,300 Americans over 65 each year. 18
lives have been saved through S.A.F.E. Home Programs across the United States. The
National S.A.F.E. Home Foundation is a 501 © (3) public charity, dedicated to helping
fire and public safety educators reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries due
to residential fires. The S.A.F.E. Home partnerships tie many organizations together,
working for the common cause of protecting lives: fire departments, civic and fraternal
organizations, hospitals, health departments, Red Cross chapters, corporations and local
businesses. Help fire educators teach the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety to
the parents of newborn babies, pre-school and grade school children, handicapped children,
corporate employees, and our Senior Citizens. Please contact The National S.A.F.E. Home
Foundation to learn how we can help you establish a S.A.F.E. Home Partnership in your
community. Sincerely, Janice Budzinski Public Relations Coordinator e-mail :
safehome.buffnet.net 1-800-877-1250 1333 Strad Ave., N. Tonawanda, NY 14120
National S.A.F.E. Home Foundation - N.
Tonawanda - NY - USA -
Monday, March 2nd, 1998 at 4:09 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Averi Michelle Litherland was born Jan. 20, 1998 at 32 weeks gestation. She
came into the world squawking and hasn't stopped since! She weighed 3 lbs 13 oz and was
16.5 inches long. What a little miracle! She only spent 2 days under the oxyhood at 35%
oxygen! She had absolutely no complications and came home in two weeks! As of now she is
up to 4 lbs 10 oz. I was so pleased to find such wonderful information on preemies. I hope
our story is encouraging to others as well. Averi is nothing short of a miracle as are all
preemies, but with God on our side, how can we go wrong? Tracey Litherland - - IN - -
Thursday, February 26th, 1998 at 9:00 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Lucy India Ruth was born at 26 weeks gestation on 19th December 1997,
weighing 2lbs. She is now 35+ weeks, weighs just over 5lbs and is attempting to go it
alone with her breathing (completely off CPAP). Her oxygen requirements are still quite
high though. She has been a very brave, determined little girl who has made her Mummy and
Daddy very proud. Will keep in touch Amanda
Bennett - Wolverhampton - - England -
Wednesday, February 25th, 1998 at 9:41 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Well my little nephew was born today and i'm looking up information for
his mommy, and I am so glad there are little boys like you with wonderful parents who can
share their information! Slade was 29 week gestation, he weighs 3lbs. 1 oz. and was about
16.5" long. He's doing pretty good..he's on vent. right now, but has no major
complications as of yet ( and we hope to keep it that way!) THANKS 4 THE GREAT INFO.
SHERRY, LISA & SLADE
sherry - beaumont - tx - U.S. -
Monday, February 23rd, 1998 at 12:05 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am a 13 yr. old girl that was born 4 months premature. I was born in Nov.
12, 1984 and was supposed to be born on Feb. ?, 1985. I have seen poictures of my self. My
dad would tell me that I could fit in the palm of his hand. I weighed 1 lb 7 oz. I was put
in an incubator and many doctors said that I would have many difficulties through out my
life and might not even live but now I am a PERFECT 13 year old in Junior High. I was
wondering if you could send me info. on premature babies because I am doing a report on
premature babies because I was one myself and I want to find out more about it. THANK YOU!
-Jessy :-) Jessy Berger - - IL - usa -
Wednesday, February 18th, 1998 at 7:52 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I want to say something about your disclamer to expectant couples reading
Tommy's story, I am 32 wks now, (high risk)and expect to deliver in 2 wks. My first baby
was born at 37 wks, and after fighting for her life from a bout with RSV has turned out to
be an above average 1 yr old. I just want you to know, at least for women like me who know
from the start that they will not go full term, it is a VERY uplifting story, I think that
there is nothing better as therapy for high risk mothers than to know that an NICU can be,
and often IS a WONDERFUL place. It may be stressful, and down right terrifying, but it
saves the lives of one of our most precious natural resourses, OUR BABIES!!!In the last
few wks of my pregnancy, when I didn't know if I would make it to 34 wks, the only comfort
I've had was the success stories of people who have survived the NICU. I thank you for
sharing your story, and my husband thanks you also, he is the one who has to deal with my
basketcase fears, and knowing that babies littler than AJ have servived, my fears are not
as great. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, you have without effort helped me more than you know!
Sarah Barger - Cooperstown - PA - USA -
Tuesday, February 17th, 1998 at 11:46 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: OUR SON BENJAMIN WAS BORN SEPT. 16, 97. HE WAS 25 WEEKS GESTATION. HE LIKE
MANY OTHER PEMIES HAS HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS WITH DEATH. HE HAS HAD 5 SURGERIES FOR ABD AND
HEART PROBLEMS. HE WAS ON THE VENTILATOR FOR 3 1/2 MONTHS BEFORE WE FINALLY FOUND WHY HE
WAS SO SICK....BEN HAS CYSTIC FIBROSIS. HE HAS SPENT THE PAST 5 MONTHS IN NICU. WE WERE
PLANNING TO BRING HIM HOME IN 2 WEEKS BUT HE IS SEPTIC AGAIN. I GUESS ITS BETTER IT
HAPPENED NOW THAN AFTER COMING HOME. BENS
MOTHER - greensboro - nc - usa -
Sunday, February 15th, 1998 at 3:43 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am glad to see you progressing so well. I also had a little girl who was
born at the same gestation as you were. She was born here in MN back in June of 1991 so
she will be 7years this summer. I would like to ask your parents though how it was that
they help you develop your gross and fine motor skills. Take good care of yourself and it
is nice to see such wonderful sites such as this on the WEB. Good luck to you and your
family! Sincerely, Christina Butler Christina
Butler - St. Paul - MN - USA -
Sunday, February 15th, 1998 at 12:49 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My name is Karen Kelley. I had a premature baby 3 weeks ago. She was 10
weeks early. Here is her birth info. Hope Michelle Kelley January 21, 1998 1lb 14oz
13.25in. I find having a premature baby and being a teen mom very difficult. I am only 15.
The reason I named her Hope is that I have hope that she will live. Have fun! You are in
my heart! Karen Karen Kelley - - PA - -
Thursday, February 12th, 1998 at 6:06 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: We had Jeremy Kendall Fouts on January 11, 1998. He was also 15 weeks
early. What a scary surprise!!!
Thank you so much for the site, story and pictures as I have been desperately looking
for someone with thoughts and feelings such as ours. Through we have only been in NICU 4
weeks, we can relate to most of what you talked about and the pictures you have shown
(Jeremy is currently on CPAP). We are so looking forward to when we can bring him home,
you have helped keep our dreams alive!
Thank you again so much!! -- Sheena
Sheena Fouts - Brandon - MS - USA - http://www.sheena.fouts@wcom.com
Monday, February 9th, 1998 at 3:15 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My name is Shaun and my daughter, Becca (Rebecca) was born 9/12/96 at 28
weeks and 2# 1oz. She is our first child, and she is a perfectly healthy (although small)
beautiful girl. I lost Becca's twin at 8 weeks, and continued to bleed throughout the
pregnancy. I was on VERY limited activity throughout, and at 24 weeks my water broke and I
went on total bedrest. I got the steroids for her lungs, but at 28 weeks I was put in the
hospital on oxygen because she stopped moving, although she was still growing.
I had a complete placenta previa, so we knew all along that Becca would be a C-section.
On Sept. 12th I went into labor (28 weeks gestation) and Becca was born. She was only on a
respirator for 36 hours, and in the isolette for 5 weeks. She was in the NICU for 10 weeks
and came home two weeks before her original due date.
Becca has never had any serious complications, other than being on the heart and lung
monitor for the first six weeks. She only had 2 apnea attacks at home, and pulled herself
out of these immediatly.
We will always be grateful to the NICU staff, and Becca brought them a birthday cake on
her first birthday. We felt she wouldn't have had that birthday without them, so we had to
include them in the celebration.
Parents of preemies have so much to celebrate every day, and we try not to forget that
when we get tired or have been up all night with Becca when she's ill or restless. I love
this website and will visit often!
Shaun Kuffel - Minneapolis - MN - USA -
Tuesday, February 3rd, 1998 at 1:55 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My granddaughter weighed exactly the same as Tommy at birth. Jaydah will be
a year old February 17th. She weighs about 13 pounds, has 2 teeth, taking a few steps, and
she is extremely hyper. My daughter has the hardest time getting her to go to bed at
night, Jaydah does not want to slow down and rest, even during the day. Did Tommy or other
people talk about preemie sleep patterns? I believe these babies deserve a chance and the
doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt Hospital here in Nashville did a wonderful job. Jayday
stayed in the hospital for 2 months she did not have any complications - just too small to
go home. THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE> A.
Armstrong - Nashville - TN - USA -
Friday, January 30th, 1998 at 2:30 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I think your web page is wonderful! All the stories of other babies
struggles has given me a lot of hope at a time when we really need it! Our son Liam was
born on November 4, 1997 at 1lb 4oz, 24 weeks gestation. He has had a very tough time. But
the doctors and nurses at the Foothills Hospital here in Calgary have been fantastic! Liam
was born early because I had an incompetent cervix and my membranes ruptured on October
31st. I woke up and found that I was leaking amniotic fluid so I called the doctor at 6:30
am. She told me to come in and get examined. That's when I found out that my membranes had
pushed through my cervix. So I went straight to the hospital where I wound up flat on my
back with my feet elevated. We were told that I could have the baby that day or months
from then, they had no way of telling! I was absolutely terrified! I managed to stay on
bed rest for four days, long enough to get the full steroid and antibiotic treatment.
Thank goodness, because Liam decided that he wanted to come out! Monday evening I went
into labour, and my water broke. I think that 5 nurses pushed me in my bed down the hall
to labour and delivery. My poor husband was terrified! Liam went into distress about 2
hours later. We were told I had to have an emergency c section right now! Liam was born at
1:11 am and had to be intubated imediatley, but the doctors said he was in fairly good
shape. We were not prepared for what we saw in the NICU. Liam was so small and looked so
helpless! We didn't know what to think or do. The doctors told us he had a 50 50 chance of
survival. We just decided that we would take what we could get and that every moment he
was with us was a miracle. Well, it now 12 weeks later and Liam now weighs 2lb 11oz.! He
has been through surgery for PDA, intubated 3 times, pneumonia 3 times, ROP and
Broncopulminary Dysplasia (chronic lung disease) He is now on low oxygen and has graduated
to a bassinet from his isolette. He is doing wonderful!! He will graduate to the Special
Care Nursery later this week. We cannot believe how far he has come! The doctors are
hopeful that if all goes well he will be discharged by his due date of February 20th. He
is certainly our miracle baby and we love him! Sue and Martin Hawthorne-Bate Calgary,
Alberta Sue Hawthorne - Calgary - AB - Canada -
Tuesday, January 27th, 1998 at 2:21 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My story begins on May 18, 1991, when our first child was born at 24 weeks
gestation weighing 1 lb. 4 oz. Chelsey was 11 inches long and was immediately put on a
ventilator to assist her breathing. We were given statistics of a 40% chance survival
rate. At that time Chelsey was the smallest and earliest gestation to survive in our area.
At 5 wks. age, she developed pneumonia and we were sure we'd lose her. However, like all
preemies, she was a fighter and managed to fight her way through yet another obstacle.
Chelsey had brain bleeds (blood in the ventricles) of Grades II on one side and III on the
other. That brought numerous unknowns such as may never walk, talk, feed herself; may have
cerebral palsy; or may have severe learning disabilities. In 1991 kangaroo care had not
yet been introduced so it wasn't until July 22, 1991 when Chelsey extubated herself that
we were able to hold her for the first time. Finally, after 5 months in hospital we were
able to bring her home. Chelsey is now in Gr. 1 and doing as well as any other child. She
has no apparent learning or physical disabilities. She is, however, small for her age,
weighing in at 31 lbs. After having a premature baby and discovering the high cost of
clothing for preemies, I started to make and sell preemie clothing. Should anyone be
interested I can be reached at (204) 261-7671 in Manitoba, Canada. Ruth
B. - Winnipeg - MB - Canada -
Sunday, January 25th, 1998 at 8:51 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: As a peridatric nurse, I am constantly amazed at the strenght and will of
infants. As the parent of a former preemie, I am thankful every day for it. When my son
was born 14 1/2 years a go there was little resources available to me. I was scared to
death, and had no idea so many other people had gone thru the same experiences as we did.
This web site is wonderful, I wish I had it back them. God Bless!
Connie Aubuchon - Aiken - SC - -
Thursday, January 22nd, 1998 at 10:36 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: What a great web site! We are another NICU miracle family. Meghan was born
at 27 weeks, 2 lbs, 4 oz and is getting ready to celebrate her 4th birthday on 2/15 and
she is doing great, no problems whatsoever. A lot of times people don't get to hear any
happy stories related to premature births like Tommy's. Thanks! P.S. Tommy, Meghan says
"HI" Karen - - VA - -
Wednesday, January 21st, 1998 at 12:11 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am glad to see you are such a healthy happy little boy! Danielle
Danielle - Boca Raton - Fl - USA -
Tuesday, January 20th, 1998 at 1:44 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy:Your website is great, my mom has it bookmarked and uses it to get to alot of
her favorite places on the internet. Our names are Stephen & Nicole and we were born
at 32wks on March 13, 1997. We spent 9 weeks in the NICU and have been doing great ever
since. darlene - albany - ny - usa - http://tardis.union.edu/~buttnerg
Sunday, January 18th, 1998 at 6:55 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: How nice it was to find your page. My little Emily was born on 1/16/93.
She was 1 1b 13 oz. 13" 27 weeks gestation. Yesterday she celebrated her 5th birtday.
The internet and such were not as common than as it is now. I would have loved to have had
resourses such as your page to have gone to at a time when one has so many questions. I am
glad you are doing so well. Emily is also doing great, with no complications or effects
from being premature.
Lisa - - - -
Saturday, January 17th, 1998 at 11:15 pm (CST) |
| Hi; My name is Brenda, and I am a new mom of a preemie. My son, Paxton, was born on
October 30, 1997, weighing in at 1 lb. 11oz. and 14 1/4 in. He was 15 weeks premature,
born during the 24/25th week of gestation. I had an incompetent cervix, only I did not
know it. This is my first child. One night, I began to have some mild cramps, and
then...IT GOT WORSE!!! I called the doctor at 3:15 am. She said to come in and get checked
out, but she was not too worried. Luke and I went to the Family Birthing Center in Bend,
Oregon and arrived at 3:51 am. I was checked out. I felt nothing, and actually felt like I
was a hypochondriac. The nurse said she needed a second opinion. She came back in about 3
minutes with about 5 other nurses and a doctor. They said " You are having a baby
now." I was fully dilated "10." Paxton's 2 feet were hanging out, but had
not ruptured the "bag." I was rushed to the Operating Room, and Luke was sent
out of the room to call our family. The Neonatologist, Dr. Merritt, rushed in to get my
consent to have my baby intubated. Of course I said "yes." I was pretty much in
a daze at this point. It was too early in the morning, and I was not due to have a baby
until February 5, 1998. IT is only October 30, 1997. I began to panic as they strapped my
arms and legs down to the tiny table. I yelled at them to knock me out now!!! When I
awoke, about 1 hour later, I was told I had a son. I was still in disbelief. Luke came in
to see me. He said we should name our son. I was so scared and feared the our son may not
make it. We named him Paxton "Peaceful Town." Dr. Merritt told us Paxton may
have a 40% chance of survival, but it is a minute by minute ordeal at this time. I had a
very hard time bonding with Paxton. I really thought he would die. He had Chronic Lung
disease. Almost none of his organs were fully functioning. He had all kinds of problems
with his Kidney's, Pancreas, Liver, Lungs, ect. He had 2 cases of pneumonia that would not
go away. He also had a severe yeast infection that encased his whole body inside and out.
We attempted to take him off the ventilator at about 3-4 weeks old. I ended up helping
resucitate him. I watched the nurse "bag" him while I gently shook his body. At
the longest moment, it took 15 minutes of "bagging" to get him to breath on his
own. Needless to say, he was reintubated. After almost 3 weeks of fighting our last
case of pneumonia, he finally made it off the ventilator. We held him for the first time
at 6 weeks and 6 days old. This was right before Christmas; that was the best gift ever.
After he came off the ventilator, everything seemed to go much better. He began to grow
quickly, take a bottle, attempt breast feeding, get off oxygen, go to a crib, and now we
are ready to go home. The once 1 lb 11 oz, baby boy who was very very sick, is now 4 lb. 2
oz. and fairly healthy. We are already preparing for his bi-lateral inguinal hernia
surgery when he gets to be 10 lbs. He will come home on an Apnea monitor and maybe oxygen
( he tends to desaturate while eating.)
The NICU experience was one that I will never forget. I challenged the doctors and
nurses, but also ended up with some great friends and support.
Brenda Betsch - Bend - or - usa -
Friday, January 16th, 1998 at 7:45 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I really enjoyed your site, the pictures are great! I hope a lot of
parents with premmies will be able to see the amazing improvements you have come thru! I
am a respiratory therapist who works in the NICU with babies like yourself. It is a very
rewarding experience! Tony Gooding
Tony Gooding - Selma - IN - USA -
Friday, January 16th, 1998 at 1:45 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I enjoyed the segment on breastfeeding. My son, Reeve, was a 31 weeker
weighing 2 pounds 13 oz. I was committed to breastfeeding, and we struggled, he was
frustrated and I shed a lot of tears. However, I refused to introduce a bottle until after
he was fully established at the breast and able to eat at least an ounce (we used a
breastfeeding scale). I had HELLP syndrone and had a very week milk supply there were many
times when he sucked for 45 min and got 2ml. But soon his suck grew strong enough and we
both enjoyed our breastfeeding time (even in the hectic NICU!)
Reeve is now 2 and half months corrected (nearly 5 months actual) and weighs 12 pounds.
He eats like a champ. Did you ever think you would see chubby legs and cheeks during those
NICU days?
Bonnie Kee-Bowling - Minneapolis -
MMMmn - USA -
Friday, January 16th, 1998 at 11:31 am (CST) |
| Zachary was born after Mom spent two long weeks in the hospital, 12 weeks early and
only 2lb 14oz . He is now read to celebrate his one year anniversary of being home, jan17.
Those 90 days in the hospital seem to be a lifetime away. Hi Tommy: sandi
- louisville - ky - -
Friday, January 16th, 1998 at 12:58 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Our daughter Amanda was born at 34.5 weeks and is doing wonderfully. I had
HELLP and severe pre eclampsia and I would love to know what your Mom thought when she
wanted to have another baby. I have been thinking about this for quite some time and I am
so scared about facing this disease again, if it were to happen. I wish you continued fun
and health and I am so glad to see that so many people are inspired by your story. And
this is just the beginning! Happy New Year. Joyce
- Bronx - NY - USA -
Thursday, January 15th, 1998 at 4:01 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My name is Erykah Lashon and i was born at 30 weeks. My mom had H.E.L.P.
syndrome which means her red blood cell count was very low, and on the end of ding.I
weighed in at 1161 grams which is 2lbs 9oz,and was 15 1/2 inches. I had a PDA and
corarctation repair of the heart only 10 days old. My lungs got very weak later on after
surgery and had to go on the highest ventalater, with high settings for 4 days and
gradualy came off.I am now 8 months old and currently weighing 13lbs 3oz, and cutting
teeth real bad. My heart is real good now. My dr.'s call me there little wild woman cause
I can't sit still. I look at it this way it saved my life being so strong, and i am a
FIGHTER. Thank you for having a support system like this it lets other people know that
they aren't alone. God blees you.
ssgt kevin and kimberly dorsey - camp lejeune - nc - usa -
Tuesday, January 6th, 1998 at 9:24 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I have twin boys who were born at 26 1/2 weeks. Joe weighed 1 lb 13 oz and
Jake weighed 2 lbs 1 1/2 oz. They are now almost 10 months. Jake is doing great
(terrorizing the dog and the christmas tree!) Joe has a trachtube and is on CPAP at home.
No oxygen since end of Sept. Yea!! Hopefully the trach comes out in Apr. after RSV season.
Then he can get around and help his brother chase the dog! Reading your story brought me
to tears. I love hearing about other little miracles. Best Wishes, Angie Conner Angie Conner - Evansville - IN - usa -
Tuesday, January 6th, 1998 at 8:34 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Very good to hear that you are doing fine. But preemies have to be good
fighters; or else they wouldn't survive.
Your site helped my wife and me a lot, when our son Michael was born on January 25th,
1996 due to a heavy pre-eklampsia (two days later and mother & child would not have
survived). Michael weighed nearly exactly the same as you, Tommy (570g which is 1 pound
and some ounces). I found your Cyber nursery on the web and printed all the messages from
your guestbook. These printouts did I give to my wife while she was still in the hospital,
and reading them gave us a lot of strength and confidence in Michael.
Michael did very well from the beginning on, but he had to be under artificial
respiration (including some short breaks) until October 1996, when he pulled out the tube
by himself! From this moment on, he never had to be intubed again. Michael went home on
December 16th, 1996 (the most wunderful christmas gift of all times) and has never been in
hospital since then. He had to get additional oxygene at home for about half a year, and
by now, he is a perfectly normal child of 2 years with even the same size as other
children of his age. The only drawback ist that he never learned to eat and we have to
feed him artificially. But as soon as he will understand some more words, we will tell him
how to eat.
Thanks again, dear Tommy, for giving us such hope and strength with all these mostly
positive stories in your guestbook. Greetings and thanks to your caring and loving
parents, too, from another preemie in good ol' Germany. By the way, if there is anybody
understanding german language, he can visit Michaels homepage at
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/4146/index.html
Guido, Anke + Michael.
Guido Coenen - Duesseldorf - NW - Germany
- http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/4146/index.html
Tuesday, January 6th, 1998 at 5:33 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: It is nice to know that there are other positive premie stories out there.
My son Nikalos was born at 32 weeks on 10-12-97. He weighed 4 lbs. 7oz. He came home after
5 weeks in the hospital and on several medications. We had several times we came close to
coming home, but the doctors realized he had apnea and was treated accordingly. He is off
the caffine now which is nice. Today Nik is working on 5 weeks corrected age. He is doing
well and is begining to smile and laugh. He is up to a grand weight of somewhere over 10
lbs. He is still suffering from GERD. (gastroeshphageal refulx disorder) If anyone knows
of coping stragies or helpful hints for the refulx and gassy baby please write, I've about
maxed out all of my ideas. To all of the other premie perants: premies are amazing
fighters as I'm sure you all know. Nik amazes me every day!
Andrea - edmonds - wa - usa -
Monday, January 5th, 1998 at 4:49 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy:Hi, My name is Terri and I'm a NICU nurse. I have been caring for premies for
10 years, and though there are sad stories to relate, there are also lots and lots of
wonderful ones just like that of your family. I intend to bookmark this page and refer
some of my parents to it as it's a wonderful resource. Thank you for all your effort, and
much joy to you and your family. Terri Hupfer -
SF - CA - USA -
Monday, January 5th, 1998 at 12:16 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am a fifteen year old girl who is doing a project for Advanced Biology.
I was doing my report on Premature babies and your website helped me a ton. I just wanted
to let you know how much I appreciated it. Thank you, Anne Roth
Anne Roth - Gridley - Il - McLean -
Sunday, January 4th, 1998 at 1:14 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My son Andrew was born at 33 weeks. After a 21 day stay in the NICU with
the typical preemie problems, he is now a healthy 5 year old. After his birth, I became
very involved with a support group at the hospital where he was born, St. John's Mercy.
Our group is called the NICUPs (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parent Support) and we're
here to help other parents with a shoulder to cry on and a very sympathetic ear. As I'm
sure your parents know, no one can imagine what it's like to have a sick baby. It is so
emotional. Everyone seems to think that the baby is just small... they're not the ones who
live the As and Bs, the gavage feedings, the small miracle of being taken off of the
respirator. Thank you for this great web page. I am going to recommend it to the parents
that come to our support group. Best of all to you and your family.
Jill - St. Louis - MO - USA -
Sunday, January 4th, 1998 at 12:28 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: We are the parents of Jacob Henry Howerton. Jake was born on August 7, 1997
at KUMC in Kansas City at 24 weeks and 1 pound 7oz. He came home on 26 November and is up
to 6 1/2 pounds. We have really been through the ringer withour tiny guy. He has had PDA
surgery, ROP treatment, and really bad lungs. He also has to have one skull suture on his
head reopened after it fused early. They do not know why that happened. Really love your
site Tommy. Keith would love to help in keeping it up if you need help. You see we are all
connected now as preemie kids and parents. We are all kindred spirits as preemie families.
Keith, Rebecca, Shea (daughter 8), and Jacob 4 weeks corrected. Keith and Rebecca Howerton - Ft. Leavenworth - KS - US -
Thursday, January 1st, 1998 at 11:13 pm (CST) |
| HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!! Clark (Tommy's Dad)
- Royal Oak - MI - 48067 -
Thursday, January 1st, 1998 at 5:56 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Your story is surely a blessing. My son Jeremy was born on 11-17-97 at 23
weeks of gestaion crying, moving, and weighing only 1lb and 1oz. After having a pda
ligation on his one month birthday, he is now doing extremely well. He was move to a
isolette and off the repirartor the Saturday after Christmas, still only weighin 1lb 5 oz.
I know my son is a blessing just like all of the children God puts on this earth. Your web
page was wonderful to read, beacuse not only did I not expect a preemie, but my son was
not even planned. I am a healthy, respondsible, college senior ( five years out of high
school) and fulltime social worker. I will keep you posted on Jeremy and i will
defineitely be contacting your dad for assistance with my son's page. Take care of your
sister. Nicole Nicholson - Tallahassee - FL - USA -
Wednesday, December 31st, 1997 at 6:02 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My name is Kristen and I was born 10 weeks early (10/31/97). Although I
was early I had no problems after birth, but when I was in my mommys stomach I got very
sick. I developed a CCAM and become hydropic. When I was 23weeks GA I had a surgery in my
mommys belly and the doctor took out my CCAM(along with 2/3's of my left lung)! With that
out of the way my hydrops went away. I was able to stay in my mommys stomach 7 more weeks
and grow back most of my lung.
Now I am two months old. I was able to come home on December 8. Just before Christmas
and I am doing GREAT! Hope you all have a Happy New Year! Kristen Nicole
christopher Richardson - Fort Walton Beach
- FL - united states of americaa -
Tuesday, December 30th, 1997 at 9:05 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My daughter, Alyssa, was born at 24 weeks. She weighed 1 lb 9 ozs at
birth. No one expected her to live. When she came out screaming at the top of her lungs I
had faith everything would be ok. She was a fighter from the start. She was born on April
19, 1997. She was in the hospital till mid-August. She is now 9 months old and weighs 13
1/2 lbs. She has been in the hospital a few times with breathing problems, pneumonia, RSV,
etc., but recovers. The older she gets, the stronger she gets. She is adorable and the
whole family loves her a lot. We all have faith that she will be fine.
Michelle - Victorville - CA - USA -
Tuesday, December 30th, 1997 at 3:10 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I (hopefully) just fixed a problem with this guestbook. Hopefully, we
didn't loose any messages.
Tommy's Dad - - - -
Sunday, December 28th, 1997 at 9:19 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My name is Jacob, and I was born 12/24/97! I am 32 weeks gestationally (2
days old today). I hope I do as well as you have done. My mommy found this page when she
was 26 weeks with me and thought it was a great resource your parents put together. Take
care of yourself and give your parents a big hug for us for making this site such a
pleasure. Jacob, Mom (Tina), Dad (Paul), and my big sister (Savannah). Jacob Paul Steblein - Tuckahoe - NJ - USA -
Friday, December 26th, 1997 at 1:36 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My name is Michelle, This August we gave birth to twin girls born at 26
weeks gestation. Megan was 1 lb 15.3 ozs and Kaci was 1 lb and 10.4 ozs. We had a rollar
coaster ride with lots of surgeries and infecitons and setbacks. BUT, we are home for
Christmas with our family. You should be proud of your Daddy doing this. You are a very
special little boy. Even with Happy Endings we like support. Michelle West Palm Beach
Michelle - West Palm Beach - FL - USA -
Wednesday, December 24th, 1997 at 11:33 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Great web site! I went into labor at 26 weeks and delivered little Nicholas
on September 2 at 27 weeks, 3 days. We were on vacation in Chicago, visiting my family at
the time. Nicholas was 2 lbs., 7-1/2 oz. at birth and he came out screaming. I was so
happy because I wasn't expecting any crying at all. Little did we know that that was just
the beginning of a really long ordeal. They had told us all about the honeymoon phase, but
he was doing so well, we thought it had to be real progress. But, of course, we had the
inevitable setbacks--but fortunately they were smalls setbacks. It was especially hard
because my husband had to go back to Fort Worth after a few weeks, but at least my family
was with me in Chicago. I was reading your story and so many things sounded SO familiar.
There were many times I thought I was going to go crazy, but each time he reached a
milestone--no matter how small--I was so excited. It really makes you appreciate all the
little things that you would have taken for granted with a full term baby--like breast
feeding or eating from a bottle for the first time or breathing without oxygen for more
than a few hours. With Nicholas, desats and bradycardias were the biggest hurdles to
overcome. He was discharged from the hospital on November 14, still on Theophylline and an
apnea monitor. We took the flight home to Fort Worth the next day. He wasn't even remotely
impressed with the flight--he slept through the whole thing. I, on the other hand, was
terrified something would happen. He's doing great right now. He's 9 lbs., 3 oz. and we're
about to discontinue his Theophylline in two weeks and if everything goes well, his
monitor in another two weeks. Thanks again for all the information. Geri Best - Fort Worth - TX - USA -
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1997 at 9:42 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Finding your nursery has given me hope and makes me feel less lonely with
our problem. My daughter lives in the US and is so far away from me, and she is about to
have her 4th baby at something like 27-28 weeks. I am told it weighs about 2 lbs. She is
worried sick, so am I. She had an abruption of the placenta 4 weeks ago and everybody
agrees it's a miracle she has kept going for as long as she has and that the baby is still
fine. She is in Albany (NY) hospital now and in very good hands, they are waiting to see
how much longer she can hang on - but the doctors think it will just be a matter of days.
I will keep you posted, but would appreciate news from anybody who has had the same
experience, an abruption and birth at about this stage. Naegele, Christine - Frankfurt/Main - - Germany -
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1997 at 1:33 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My little precious girl came at 34 weeks and I was devestated. I felt that
no one else in the world understood what I was going through - and now I know differently.
I think in some way these precious little miracles come in a way that make us all a little
stronger and a little closer. I see this now with time. She is now 11 lbs and 4 oz and
developing her unique little personality just like you did. God Bless you and your family
for helping me feel not so all alone. Dawn
Dawn Grosvenor - Mexquite - TX -
USA -
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1997 at 11:40 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am 25 weeks in my first pregnancy and am scared to death that I may
deliver prematurely. Your website was very inspirationally and comforting. This is a great
website :) Good luck and Happy Holidays to you and your family. Love, Latha.
Latha - Santa Clara - CA - USA -
Monday, December 22nd, 1997 at 12:42 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy:I really like your web site. I wish we had gotten our pc last year when our
son, Cameron, was born. He was only 28 weeks when he decided to enter this world 11/17/96
at only 3 lbs 1 ounce. He is completely perfect and at 13 mos. now, he is about ready to
take his first steps! I believe that guardian angels really do exist!! We are very blessed
and thankful! Marci - - - -
Saturday, December 20th, 1997 at 1:42 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My son was born on September 9, 1997 due to HELLP. His name is Aaron Isaac.
He was a 34 weeker and had to stay in the hospital for ten days. He had a few problems
breathing and learning how to eat. He did not know how to suck either. He was on caffiene
nitrate for three weeks. He still has reflux and does not eat very well yet. He is still
on the apnea monitor and proably be on it until he is six or eight months old the doctors
said. He also has a hydrocele that the doctors say I have to keep in eye on until he is
one years old because it could also turn into a hernia. The doctors are saying he was big
for a 34 weeker. He is about 10 lbs 6 ozs now. He will celebrate his first Christmas
pretty soon with his older sister AnnaLisa. She adores him and trys to help with
everything and she will be three in February. She loves him very much but we all do. Tommy
and all the premies are a special bunch of children. Priscilla Ramseyer - - - -
Thursday, December 18th, 1997 at 2:56 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Your Daddys web site is very good. He is very clever. My girlfriend has just
had a little girl Jessica. Jessica was born on 7 November, 14 weeks early and weighed 1lb
11oz. Jessica is now 37 days old and weighed in this morning at 2lb 12 &1/2 oz.
Jessica is still having problems with her breathing but this is only to be expected. The
doctors say that hopefully she will be home for her due date of 10 Feb 98. I am glad
that we have found this site because there is a lot of information and links on it that
are very useful to parents of premature babys. This Xmas is our first of hopfully many
with our little Jessica. Happy xmas to you and all your family. Mike, Joanne &
Jessica.
Mike + Joanne - Manchester - - England -
Sunday, December 14th, 1997 at 1:02 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: my name is barbara and i have a little girl,she had open heart had open
heart surgery at 10 months old.now i am trying to become pregneat again,do you have any
interesting information you could spare?
barbara ellison - louisville - ky - united
states -
Wednesday, December 10th, 1997 at 9:24 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: Our little preemie, Liliana ("Lili" for short) was born five days
ago. She's a 27-weeker, weighing in now at 1 pound, 15 ounces. I love the URL your daddy
made for you, because it's reassuring to hear that you're doing so well. I also admire how
your Mom and Dad kept their sense of humor and hung in their with such great attitudes. I
hope we can, too. (12-10-97) Robin Stojanov - St.
Joseph - MI - USA -
Tuesday, December 9th, 1997 at 10:48 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I was very impressed with your web page. Your Daddy is extremely talented
and obviously very in love with his little boy. I have twin little girls who came into the
world 13 weeks early in Sept 1996. Nicole, who weighed 2lbs, 2oz, came home from the
hospital one year ago this week, a week before her due date. Her only problem then and now
is ROP. She wears little pink glasses that she constanly pulls off. Her Daddy is thinking
of using duct tape. Her little sister Andrea was born at 1lb, 5oz and had to stay in the
NICU for 155 days. She had lots of problems, mainly an extended addiction to the
respirator, but she came home on my birthday with only an apnea monitor. While both little
girls are still small, they are progressing well and we are very hopeful that they'll turn
out just like you, NORMAL. Kathy - Fort
Lauderdale - FL - USA -
Saturday, December 6th, 1997 at 11:13 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I'm a mother of twins that were born 12 weeks earlier. reading you story
made me much stronger. It gave me hope that my twins will be OK too. They are 8 months old
now, and they progress wonderfully. Thanks to NICUs all over the world. Sarit Haim - Tel-Aviv - - ISRAEL -
Thursday, December 4th, 1997 at 6:04 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I am a nurse in a NICU. It's nice to see a success story. I hope to see more
pictures as you grow. Melissa
Melissa M. - Shreveport - La - USA -
Thursday, December 4th, 1997 at 12:35 am (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: I first came across your web site back in May when I received the news that
a friend of mine had delivered her baby 11 weeks early. I was so worried because I didn't
know that babies born that early could survive. It was so reassuring to find your site and
learn that you were born much earlier than that and are doing so well! Little did I know
that the baby I was carrying at that time would also be born 11 weeks early. My son Kenny
was born on Sept. 9, 1997. He came home from the hospital on Nov. 19 and is doing really
well! Sometimes we get frustrated with his home monitor though because he is still skinny
and has loose skin. This causes lots of false alarms! I can't wait until he graduates and
we can send the monitor back! Thanks for all the info in preemies. I have learned so much
and I'm looking forward to loving and nurturing little Kenny as he grows. Ruth Estes Mom
to Emily (4 yrs.) and baby Kenny (9/9/97 @ 29 weeks, 2 lbs. 5oz.) Ruth
Estes - Austin - TX - -
Monday, December 1st, 1997 at 8:57 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: My wife and I have a baby that is one month old. Her name is Kimberly Ann
and she was born October 29, 1997. She was the same gestational age as you as well as
exact weight- 1 lb 10 oz. (744 grams). Your story gave us inspiration as well as the
energy to keep thinking positively. Thank you!
Tim Mclagan - Fargo - ND - Cass -
Sunday, November 30th, 1997 at 6:28 pm (CST) |
| Hi Tommy: This is the Archive page which will automatically receive the
oldest message when a new message is posted.
The previous archive can be found at - http://www.flash.net/~cyberkid/guests19.htm.
A complete list of archives from the past few years can be found at The Living Room page of this site.
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Tommy's Dad
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Clark - Royal Oak - MI - USA
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