Olivia's Story

Olivia was born May 5, 1996 to Gary and Michelle in Oklahoma City. She was 3 1/2 months premature and weighed 1 lb. 2 oz. at birth. This story, in pictures and words, documents Olivia's successful graduation from the NICU to a loving home. Gary and Michelle are the founders of the Neonatal Parents Network of Oklahoma, Inc. Their active involvement in helping other parents of premature and ill newborns is appreciated throughout the state. We would like to thank Gary, Michelle, and especially Olivia for allowing us to tell her story. They hope this helps you help your baby.

 

2 Hours Old
2 hours old Olivia was born 3 1/2 months premature weighing 1 lb. 2 oz. (511g). Olivia's skin is shiny and very red in this photo. The redness is because her skin is very thin and transparent, which allows her blood vessels to show through.
4 Days Old
4 days old At four days old, Olivia's condition has stabilized somewhat. The shiny, almost transparent skin of the 24 week premature infant is apparent in this picture. If you look closely, you can see a cotton ball and an I.V. site on Olivia's left foot. It is normal to provide multiple sites for administering I.V. medications, fluids, and blood products to an infant such as Olivia.
16 Days Old
16 days old Olivia is still being cared for on her radiant warmer. Electrodes monitor Olivia's heart rate and breathing. It is typical for a premature infant to have this many wires and tubes attached to their body. These wires and tubes help to monitor how healthy Olivia is and to help determine if any medications are needed. The special boundaries help to make her feel more comfortable.
30 Days Old
30 days old Olivia is 30 days old in this picture (Olivia's mom made the little bow on Olivia's head. She keeps it in place with KY Jelly). Her skin color is more normal and has lost the shiny bright red color as seen as in her Day 1 and Day 4 pictures. Despite all the special care given by Olivia's nurses and doctors, her face is red from taking off and on the tape which holds the endotracheal tube. The small tube coming out of Olivia's mouth is her feeding tube. Premature infants often receive formula or breast milk from a syringe pump connected to a tube.
31 Days Old
31 days old Michelle (Olivia's mom) is holding Olivia on her chest. This skin to skin contact is beneficial for both mother and baby. This method is called Kangaroo Care. Note Olivia's endotracheal and breathing circuit, as well as her I.V. site on her left hand.
34 Days Old
34 days old

Olivia is doing very well. She is still on mechanical ventilation and connected to monitors. The white tab on her side helps to monitor her heart rate.

Olivia is doing so well, she seems to be saying "Hey, no big problem, I'm doing just great."
49 Days Old
49 days old

Olivia has been taken off the ventilator. The soft plastic prongs at her nose are a way of providing supplemental oxygen. It is not unusual for premature infants to have these nasal cannulas providing oxygen for many months. Many times, babies will go home on oxygen given by nasal cannula. Olivia's dad, Gary, placed his wedding ring on Olivia's arm. This is done with the help of Olivia's caregivers and under their supervision.

The bruising on Olivia's left hand is not unusual. It is caused by the I.V. tubes being placed in her tiny veins. The bruising does go away over time and causes no permanent discoloration or discomfort for Olivia
57 Days Old
57 days old Olivia has been taken off the ventilator. She continues to receive oxygen through the soft cannulas (tubing) at her nose. Notice how Olivia's skin color is normal, and that she has shown considerable weight gain. Olivia clearly enjoys the love and attention she gets from her mother Michelle and her father Gary.
95 Days Old
95 days old
95 days old

August 8 is a big day for Olivia. 95 days after her premature birth she is getting ready to go home. Not only is Olivia excited and happy, but the entire staff of the Baptist Medical Center is involved in wishing her a successful transition from the NICU to home.

As with some premature infants, Olivia is going home on supplemental oxygen supplied by her nasal cannula. She is also being sent home on an apnea monitor.

Olivia is being carried home in her car bed/car seat. Premature infants should always be checked by the hospital to make sure that they are medically stable before being transported.
105 Days Old
105 days old

This is Olivia (on the left) and her cousin, Madeline. Olivia was born 3 1/2 months premature on May 5, 1996. Madeline was born at full term of 38 weeks on July 8. Olivia's corrected age (chronological age) and Madeline's age are only about three weeks apart.

Notice how much smaller Olivia is than Madeline. It is normal for premature infants to take many years to catch up in size to full term babies. Many premature infants remain smaller than other children. However, their size is also influenced by the size of their parents.
111 Days Old
111 days old At three months two weeks, Olivia is 5 pounds of happiness.
A Hospital Reunion
Hospital reunion

Olivia is Michelle and Gary's little angel. They had her dressed up for a reunion held at the Baptist Medical Center NICU. Your hospital may also have reunion. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other parents who have experienced the ups and downs of having premature and sick newborns to care for and love.

 
Two Years Old
Two years old Olivia continues to grow with love and attention from her family and friends. She recently celebrated her second birthday. Since discharge from the Baptist Medical Center, Olivia has had her share of ups and downs, but continues to make great progress.

 

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