Lexi

 

Lexi was born at just 24 weeks gestation, weighing less than two pounds. She spent more than three months in the Phoenix Children's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). By the time she left the Hospital, she weighed nearly seven pounds. Her parents call the first year of Lexi's life "an interesting journey."

 

Her mom Ginger tells us more:

 

How is Lexi's doing now?

The doctors have given her a clean bill of health. They didn't think she'd be doing that well. We'll follow up until she's two, going in every six months.

 

What were you feeling when you knew Lexi was going to be born so early?

We are very strong in our faith. When we came into the operating room, we thought that if the Lord was going to take her, then he would take her now. When he didn't, it was his way of telling us she would be okay, and that we could work through whatever problems she would have as she grew older.

 

What was it like in the NICU after she was born?

At first, it was really hard for me in the NICU. But most of it was my own fault. I was trying to protect myself. I didn't realize until later that during the first couple of weeks I had distanced myself. I struggled in the very beginning knowing that if it didn't get better she might not make it.

 

How would you describe the care you and Lexi received in the NICU?

The nurses were awesome and the doctors were great. We adore them. We couldn't have done it without them. There are so many things that are incorporated into the care there. During that first little while you can't feed them … can't change their diapers. I didn't feel like she was mine. They really gave us the freedom to be in charge of our own child. For me that was really important.

 

The NICU renovation at Phoenix Children's will mean that families will have private rooms. How do you think that will improve the NICU?

I've seen the new rooms, and they're beautiful. It's nice that the families will have the perks of having their own room to sleep in, their own phone, and to just do their own thing without being interrupted. But I also loved the community and the people coming and going. Since I didn't get to show Lexi off to my friends and family, it was nice to have other people appreciate your child and celebrate the milestones other families celebrate at home.