On December 8, eight months into pregnancy, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. Over the three weeks since, I have been hospitalized 4 times. During the third hospitalization on December 24, it was decided that I needed to be induced due to dangerously high blood pressures, at just 34 weeks gestation.

My perfect baby boy Kirin was born via C-section on Christmas Day at 10:10 pm, weighing just 4lbs 2oz and measuring 16.5 inches long.

Kirin is amazing, and strong, and making leaps and bounds every day. He has been in the NICU since birth, working on learning to breathe by himself (he managed to get off of oxygen support within just one day!), getting his magnesium and bilirubin levels under control, regulating his blood sugar and body temperature, and finally learning to eat. He still has a naso-gastric tube in place to feed him what he cannot take by bottle. He is practicing eating every day, but it is hard work for such a little man. We haven’t been given a time frame for when we might be able to bring our little boy home yet.

Kirin was also diagnosed with a heart defect prior to birth. He has two small holes in his heart. So far, his heart and lung function are strong despite the defects (an atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus). We will be following up with cardiology in the coming months. The hope is that the holes will close on their own and Kirin will not feel any ill effects. However, if they don’t, he could face lung issues, struggle to eat, struggle to gain weight, and ultimately need heart surgery. We are desperately hoping that will not be the case. Little love has been through enough. 

As for me, I was originally discharged from the hospital on Sunday, December 29, once it seemed like my blood pressure was under control. However, Monday night, I ended up in the ER with a dangerously high BP, and was readmitted. Spending Christmas in the hospital was worth it, to meet my son and ensure his safety. However, ringing in the New Year by being hospitalized a fourth time was much scarier. While being near Kirin is always a relief, it felt like I was never going to be safe or normal again.

I was finally able to go home again on New Year’s Day. Here’s hoping it sticks this time! However, between my four hospitalizations and Kirin’s stay in the NICU, hospital bills are going to be a very real concern soon. I am hoping that we can use this platform to offset some of the medical cost we are facing, so that my family can focus on healing and bringing home our little boy safely. Anything helps.