Brady, our little fighter

carriehensel - 04:22am Mar 3, 2011 EST

When I was 18 weeks pregnant I lost all my amniotic fluid. The doctor's said most women go on to deliver within 48 hours to 1 week. So there really wasn't anything to do at this point. If I carried him till 24 weeks, he would have a 1% chance of survival. If he did survive he would have many problems(lung disease, deformities due to lack of fluid, ect.) I went into the hospital at 23 weeks because I started bleeding more than I had been. They kept me on bedrest and I made it 3 more weeks before having to have an emergency c-section because of fetal distress. Brady was born at 1 #4oz and 12 inches long. He of course had severe lung problems and was put on a ventilator right away. Things were very touchy for the first month and always got better. Brady stayed on the vent for 2 months and finally he was able to be on c-pap which meant we could finally hold him. He stayed in the NICU for a total of 5 months and went home on oxygen and a mickey feeding tube. He is now 2 1/2 years old and off his oxygen but still has a feeding tube. Brady is getting stronger everyday and amazes his therapists and us at how well he is doing. He is such a little fighter and such a character, we are very blessed to have him with us. It's been a long road, but it is so worth it in the end.