Part One

The NICU journey of my firstborn son, Zyion, was an experience I’ll never forget—a true test of resilience, faith, and love. Zyion entered the world on May 1, 2015, weighing just 3 lbs 10 oz, at 9:38 p.m. at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. After a 52-hour bed rest, I delivered him, only to have him taken straight to the NICU. I was exhausted, disoriented, and heartbroken, with no immediate chance to hold or bond with my son. It felt like I had been robbed of those precious first moments, leaving me with an emptiness and uncertainty that I wasn’t prepared for.

Five hours later, I finally got to see Zyion for the first time, just past 2 a.m., though the visit was a whirlwind of NICU protocols and procedures: signing in, washing up, sanitizing, and preparing myself mentally for the sight of my tiny, fragile son in his nursery. It was a moment that made motherhood real, but also highlighted the reality that he wouldn’t be going home with me right away.

Each visit, which quickly became routine, was a mix of awe, joy, and fear. I remember my first time touching his delicate hand, needing permission to even reach out. Although it was surreal and overwhelming, I knew I had to stay strong. I wasn’t prepared for the roller-coaster of emotions and the toll that each day in the NICU would take on me, physically and emotionally.

In those early days, I was exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I hardly knew what rest was anymore, juggling updates, family visits, and the effort to keep my job in the loop. The days blurred together as I tried to keep going, fueled by love and a strong support system that kept me grounded. Despite the struggle, there was a blessing in the nurses who encouraged me, like Caitlin, who taught me the importance of pumping colostrum for Zyion’s growth and progress. For the first time, I felt a glimmer of excitement amidst the fear, as if I could contribute to his recovery in a tangible way.

But then came the hardest moment—discharge. I went home on May 3 without my baby in my arms. It felt like an empty victory, leaving the hospital no longer pregnant but also not with Zyion in my care. The NICU became our home for the next 36 days, each one a mix of hope, exhaustion, and prayer. I struggled, scared and uncertain, yet determined to be there for him in every way possible, visiting every chance I got, holding on to those precious moments by his side.

Looking back, I realize just how much God was guiding me, even when everything felt out of control. My journey with Zyion showed me the strength I didn’t know I had and deepened my faith. I’m proud to have walked that journey, even with all its heartache and challenges, because it taught me the depth of love and resilience that motherhood requires.

Part Two

Zaine's NICU Journey: A Timeline of Resilience and Strength

Born: January 12, 2020, at 1:46 pm, Zaine entered the world at 24 weeks and 6 days, weighing 1lb 10oz at LakePointe in Rowlett, Texas. He was just a few hours shy of the 25-week marker but made a strong impact from the moment he arrived.

The First Days:

Zaine faced significant challenges from the start, including apnea spells and requiring several interventions, including caffeine treatment and a failed attempt to place a PICC line. He endured multiple blood transfusions due to his red blood cell count dropping to 23, but despite all this, his strength began to show. His PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) required medication, but it closed on its own by January 18th, bringing hope to the journey ahead.

Early Milestones:

Day 11 (January 17, 2020): After many challenges, including apnea spells, Zaine’s heart showed signs of improvement. He had a successful procedure to insert a PICC line, and the critical dopamine and insulin treatments were stopped.

Day 14 (January 19, 2020): Zaine’s sugar levels were stable, and he began to show signs of improvement. He was off of phototherapy, a sign that his bilirubin levels were finally dropping. The Battle to Breathe: Zaine required high-level respiratory support, including CPAP and later, a nasal cannula. By Day 75, he had a few setbacks due to bottle feeding but continued to fight. On Day 107, Zaine was extubated and transitioned to a high-flow nasal cannula.

Setbacks and Triumphs:

There were times when Zaine's condition became more critical, such as on March 1st, when he had to be bagged after stopping breathing despite being on oxygen. Zaine's strength was evident when he removed his own breathing tube, speeding up the extubation process, which showed his resilience. Throughout his time in the NICU, Zaine faced various challenges like viral infections, respiratory distress, and struggles with bottle feeding.

A Moment of Joy:

Zaine’s progress continued as he reached significant milestones, such as moving to an open crib and beginning to bottle feed on March 8th, 2020. He gained weight, surpassing 4lbs by March 1st, and was taking more of his feeds by bottle, which was a huge victory.

Progress & Discharge:

Zaine’s journey came to a beautiful conclusion on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, when he was discharged at 6lbs 15.6oz after 119 days in the NICU. Zaine had overcome so much, including respiratory struggles, blood transfusions, and bottle feeding difficulties. He passed his car seat test with flying colors, and his ability to breathe on his own without a ventilator for eight days was a testament to his strength.

Despite all the ups and downs, Zaine proved time and time again that he was a fighter, never giving up. His journey became a symbol of hope for his family, and he continues to be an inspiration to others, showing that even the smallest fighter can accomplish big things.