DH39 Full Story

MEET DESTINATION HOME FAMILY 41

May 12, 2017

When I was born, I was only 26 weeks old.  Being born that early you could imagine that I wouldn’t weigh that much. Well, I was 1 pound 15 ounces. I didn’t get to see my mommy for one whole day because she had to heal a little before coming to see me.  Thank goodness I wasn’t alone, my daddy’s face was the first I saw and he never left my side. My journey started off rough, I couldn’t gain weight; I had jaundice and I had tubes going into all parts of my body.  With the love and support of my parents and family I have slowly gotten better.  I am now 34 weeks old and I can drink from a bottle; I don’t need oxygen to help me breathe; I’m 4 pounds and 3 ounces and as adorable as I can be! All I need to do now is gain a little more weight and I will be ready to go home with my parents. That will be a happy day for all of us!

DH55 Full Story

MEET DESTINATION HOME FAMILY #35

November 30, 2016

Hello! I'm 6 months old & have spent my entire life in the NICU. My birthday was a really difficult day and I was so sick at the beginning that my Mom didn't get to hold me until I was 3 months old. Now we get to snuggle all the time :) I have a special tube in my airway that helps me breath and a feeding tube that ensures that I get all my nutrition.  I'm so glad that I'll be going home from the hospital soon!

DH25 Full Story

MEET DESTINATION HOME FAMILY 25

March 9, 2016

I was born this past May at 24 weeks gestation weighing only 1lb 4oz. I had a very rough start and it took time to diagnose my Scimitar Syndrome. It is extremely rare and doctors could not find a documented case in a preemie or extremely low birth weight baby. I needed open heart surgery but was not big enough or healthy enough. The doctors wanted me to weigh about 5lbs before they would operate.

In September, I reached 5lbs and was ready for my big surgery. The operation went well but my lungs are not fully developed and my left lung is small. In October I had another surgery for a Tracheostomy, a Gastrostomy Button (G-Button), and hernia repair. I've also had multiple eye surgeries and procedures for Retinopathy of Prematurity. The doctors think the vision in my right eye will be saved.

I'm doing better every day but need a ventilator to help me breathe. My family feels extremely blessed that I am getting stronger and healthier. I am happy to have many wonderful people who care for me!