Her lungs were not yet functioning and she was kept alive by an injection of an artificial lung fluid, which opened the lungs up enabling her to breath. I too was seriously ill and didn't actually get to see my baby for 4 whole days, when she was wheeled in to my room in an incubator on her way to another hospital without me. The following few days were a nightmare, with me fighting constantly with the hospital authority to let me join my daughter. Eventually they agreed and I moved with her to the Special Care Baby Unit at Fazakerley Hospital in Liverpool. My poor baby had tubes everywhere. I remember the first time I was allowed to hold her that was all I could actually feel!
Looking at this photo still makes me want to cry.
You can see in this photo just how small she was compared to her dad's hand. Note her little prem baby hats in each of these photos made by some wonderfully caring, unknown knitter.
After 9 whole weeks in hospital she was finally allowed home weighing just under 5 lbs. 18 years ago it was very difficult to buy prem baby clothes or to get knitting patterns for them either, so my little love came home in Tiny Tears clothes bought in Toys 'r' us...
I still have many of her tiny clothes and they are so small its unbelievable. Please ignore the worn out woman on the right. I hadn't slept very well for a few weeks!
Forgive me if I've told this story before but I am so, so proud of my Charlie and so grateful to have her in my life. She really is the best daughter any mum could ask for. And look at her now, so beautiful! (and short!)
We are off now for a family meal and tomorrow evening I am out on the town with my little girl and her friends!
but for now,
Ruby xxx
9 comments :
Blimey, I didn't realise her arrival was so traumatic for you both...many HuGS
She is truly a beautiful young woman, takes after her Ma of course, hehehe, and I hope she has much success and happiness in her life :D
Have a great Birthday Pretty Lady!!
S xXx
I was so pleased to read this post. I too, have a special daughter who was born early because of pre-eclampsia. She is now 20. Aren't we lucky.
Happy Birthday Charlie!
Many Hugs for both of you!
Love Julieta
so sweet...
Happy happy birthday Charlie! That story brings tears to my eyes.
What a lovely post.
Every time you mentioned your daughter as a knit model, I wondered if it was that gorgeous girl with the nose stud and the brown hair - and it is! A happy belated birthday to her!
Warmest wishes to you both, she is a lovely model for your lovely designs!
Being a mother myself this brought tears to my eyes. To all mine were carried to term one is reminded of all the things that could go wrong. Especially since I talked with a friend yesterday who lost one of her twins after a week.
She's very pretty and congratulations to both you and her.
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