30 wks 1.16 lbs of steel

My son Wesley came early, a tiny fighter weighing barely over a pound. The emotions following his birth were overwhelming, shadowed by worry and sadness. Therapy helped, but the lingering question of depression remained. Regardless, my focus became helping Wesley thrive.

Eight years later, immense pride fills my voice when I say Wesley defied expectations. He's brilliant, resilient, and my absolute miracle.

Trouble started around 4 months pregnant when measurements showed slow growth. Doctor visits became increasingly frequent, leading to constant monitoring at the hospital. Bedrest for weeks followed.

At the six-month mark, a birth defect – a bicornuate uterus – explained why I couldn't carry Wesley longer. Anger flared, but there was no time for it.

Fear took over when I checked in for an emergency C-section. The surgery was a blur, punctuated by the chilling silence after the doctor announced Wesley was stuck. The next day confirmed my fears – Wesley had coded but was revived.

For 90 days, I spent countless hours with Wesley in the NICU, a tiny warrior battling through machines. The first two months were brutal, but a glimmer of hope emerged when he moved to the outer wing with sunlight.

Another hurdle emerged – surgery for hernias. The constant beeping of machines, the alarms, and nightmares of his struggles became a blur.

Finally, we brought Wesley home. The next two years were a whirlwind of therapies and love.

Today, Wesley is an amazing eight-year-old. Born in the bottom percentiles, he's now in the 30th. He's full of energy, excelling in jujitsu, tennis, and even playing the piano. Reading is a passion, and he's writing his first book with dreams of becoming a published author.

Wesley, our "2 million dollar baby" (referencing his hospital bill), is a reminder of our journey, his fighting spirit, and the love that carried us through the toughest times." NICU mom, Gail