N.I.C.U.

N- Neonatal-
Of or pertaining to the period of time. immediately following birth, or to the newborn.

I-Intensive-
1 : marked by special effort
2: serving to give emphasis

C- Care-
1 : a heavy sense of responsibility
2 : serious attention
3 : PROTECTION
4: supervision: an object of one's care

U- Unit-
1: an individual thing or person regarded as single and complete but which can also form an individual component of a larger or more complex whole. "the family unit"

You put this all together and you have NICU - an extremely terrifying place at a hospital where your baby might have to reside because of a premature birth or a baby that becomes critically ill due to a virus, disease, accident or any number of reason you may never have to think of, and we pray you never will have to.

For our family, our granddaughter was born 1 pound 15 ounces at 25 weeks. Kaydence was in the NICU for 112 days.

This is where the NICU doctors. Medical staff, clerical staff, and Children's Miracle Network became part of our extended family.

Our Granddaughter Kaydence decided she wasn't waiting to be born full term. At 25 weeks along, our daughter and son-in-law were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, even though it was a bit to soon.

The nurses whisked Kaydence away to the NICU.

To see the anguish and fear on mommy and daddy's is face was almost more than we could bear.

This is where Kaydence's life journey began.

All staff treated mommy and daddy AND grandparent's and family as if we were ALL family to them as well.

Kaydence was so very fragile. She was considered a Micro-preemie. She had several infections, 6 surgeries, a hole in her heart and other problems as well.

There was never a time when the medical team did not have time to explain what was going on, no matter how many times or different ways, was needed. Did not matter what time night or day either.

The fear was sometimes paralyzing. Not knowing how she would do, yet, there was always someone there that would have all the support and encouragement possible.

Nothing was ever sugar coated regarding her condition but there was always the undeniable knowledge that anything and everything that could possibly be done for her would be.

Kaydence is now a thriving 11 year old beautiful young lady who is a loving and protective big sister, full of love, smart as a whip, has a great sense of humor, is very loving and kind.

She does have a shunt in her head as the cerebral fluid does not drain correctly. She will have it for the rest of her life but you would never know it.

When Kaydence's sister was born, she too had to go to the NICU but only for an hour or so to be sure her breathing was ok.

Alayna will be 4 December 6th and as much of a pistol as her sister is.

Kaydence absolutely adores Alayna and the feeling is mutual!

There is a true commitment, love, compassion, caring, 100% will do ANYTHING possible for these little patients 24 hours a day.

It is because of the amazing blessings from God and the unconditional love, care, and dedication from St. John's Children's NICU that Kaydence is here today.

While this is a very scary place, if you are ever in need of care from the NICU, you must be sure to become acquainted with all involved. NEVER fear about asking questions, and know your little blessing is in the greatest of care and the family will be as well.

We truly adore our granddaughters and are so very grateful they are now healthy, happy and full of life, laughter and joy!

Grandma and Grandpa Reed will never be able to thank all involved with the care of our granddaughters and their mommy and daddy enough.

It takes a special calling to be able to work in the NICU and I thank God for those who do and for those there for our family.

From our hearts to theirs - ❤❤❤