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 On June 23, 1998, Lexi was born via emergency C-Section. She was 26 weeks gestation, weighing just one pound, and only 11 inches long. We were prepared for the fact that she would not be born alive. Thankfully, the neonatal team was able to insert a breathing tube, and we began to hope for a miracle. Along with Lexi’s premature birth came many problems. She suffered from severe IUGR, BPD, Apnea, ROP and calcium deficiencies. In her first few weeks of life, Lexi failed to thrive. She was too premature to even digest a half of drop of breastmilk.  She was on a ventilator for one month, C-Pap for two months and a nasal canula even after her discharge. There were numerous times that we did not believe that she would survive through the night.
After 89 days in the NICU, Lexi was released. She weighed 4lb 10 oz, and came home on oxygen, an apnea monitor and seven medications. She was seen by her pediatrician for weekly weight checks and monthly synigis injections to prevent the RSV virus.  She was also monitored by a surgeon for a hernia, an endocrinologist for mineral deficiencies, and her neonatologist for her development. She spent her first month home on oxygen and her first year on medication. Her major problem during her first year and a half was “Hyper Gag Reflex” and “Reflux” that made her throw up after most feedings.
Today, Lexi is a very active eight year old. She is currently
48 inches and 59 lbs. She is in the second grade and is active
in Brownies and ballet. She loves listening to music, watching
disney channel, and
playing with her friends.  She currently receives speech therapy
for a stuttering problem that is believed to be hereditary
and not related to her prematurity. Lexi has been diagnosed
with hypothyroid disease
(also not related to her prematurity) that is managed well.
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