While being on bedrest at a hospital up north, my water broke at just 24 weeks gestation with triplets. This hospital knew they didn’t have the means to care for three 24-week preemie babies, so they sent me by ambulance to University of Utah Hospital hoping to give my babies a better chance at survival.
Shortly after my arrival I delivered three very tiny babies via cesarean section. I wasn’t able to hear that normal initial cry after delivering, as they were unable to breath on their own. Each baby was quickly passed through the window in the OR that went straight into the NICU.
Baby ‘A’, Jaxon, was born weighing 1 pound 11 ounces and was 13 ¼ inches long. Baby ‘B’, Gavin, weighed 1 pound 5 ounces and was 12 inches long. Baby ‘C’, Jacee weighed 1 pound 7 ounces and was 12 1/4 inches long.
Our NICU journey was long, and was the biggest roller coaster of emotions I have ever experienced. All three were on ventilators for an extended amount of time, had to have the PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) heart ligation surgery, PICC lines, and numerous blood transfusions—just to name a few.
Jaxon had to have eye surgery while in the NICU (God bless having Primary Children’s doctors and facility right next door). Gavin ended up having to have a G-tube placed and hernia repairs to be able to come home. Were able to participate in clinical medical trials.
We also experienced what might be considered the smallest milestones to most being our greatest joy and triumph.
We learned that all the little things matter, every single one of them.
We learned that the nurses and doctors would become our best friends as we learned to put the lives of our tiny miracles into the hands of complete strangers.
After 108 days in the NICU, two days before my original due date, Jacee was able to come home. She didn’t require any oxygen or specialized care.
After 126 days in the NICU Jaxon was able to join us at home. Also not requiring oxygen or specialized medical care.
Then finally after 165 days in the NBICU, Gavin was able to come home and complete my trio, making my family whole again. He needed the use of his G-tube to eat but didn’t require oxygen.
We gained countless friendships with other the parents going through similar experiences and have remained in contact with some of the nurses who still maintain relationships with Jaxon, Gavin and Jacee to this day.
I credit the grace of God and the knowledge and skills of the medical staff at the University of Utah for the amazing life my triplets get to live and experience.
My miracles.
Meet Our NICU Alumni
This is a special project that documents our NICU alumni. We are so grateful to watch these amazing young patients grow into their lives, despite a challenging start.