11 heartwarming photos of former NICU babies show how far they've come
These babies — ranging from 7 months to 2 years old — proudly hold photos of their former selves to celebrate their amazing progress since graduation from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Scroll through the gallery to see more.
Ember spent 36 days in the NICU after being born with gastroschisis, which means her intestines were outside of her body. Today, she loves to watch Paw Patrol, blow bubbles and chase the family cats.
Declan, 18 months old
Born in November 2017, Declan stayed in the NICU for 42 days due to an intestinal obstruction. Now, Declan loves to swim, go to the park and play with his dog Max.
Harmony, 7 months old
Harmony left the NICU in November 2018 after a four-week stay. Shortly after birth, she was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which affects the adrenal glands located at the top of each kidney. Today, Harmony loves to watch "Wheel of Fortune," eat Cheerios and strawberries, and crawl around with her big sisters.
Ezra, 11 months old
After coming into the world a week early, Ezra spent nearly three weeks in the NICU. Now, he loves to crawl around, chase his big brother and eat! As his mom said, "That boy loves food!"
Kade, 2 years old
Kade was admitted to the NICU immediately following an emergency C-section and spent three months in the hospital. He suffered from meconium ileus (a bowel obstruction) and needed surgery to repair it, which came with several complications. Today, he's healthy and enjoys dancing and singing, playing with his brother and going to the school farm with his dad.
Kara, 8 months old
Kara was born with gastroschisis, which means her intestines were outside of her body. She spent seven weeks in the NICU and went home in November 2018. Kara loves being outside, playing with her big brother and laughing at her dad.
Macie, 22 months old
Born in July 2017, Macie spent seven months in the NICU. Today, she loves to play with her cousins, take baths and help her mother with everything.
Omareya, 8 months old
Born a micro-preemie, Omareya spent four months in the NICU. Her parents received the best holiday gift when she went home on Christmas Eve 2018. Now, she likes to smile, roll over and nibble on her fingers.
Opal, 18 months old
Born in November 2017 at 31 weeks, Opal stayed in the NICU for nearly six months due to breathing issues related to her abdominal organs in her chest causing underdeveloped lungs. Today, she loves finger painting, crawling and playing with her siblings.
Thiago, 11 months old
After an operation for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which occurs when the diaphragm does not form properly, Thiago spent a month in the NICU. He went home on July 30, 2018. Now, he loves to eat, dance and crawl.
Ward, 13 months old
Born in April 2018, Ward had a five-day stay in the NICU after a partial transfusion due to high iron in his blood. His mom said he's been "rocking ever since" and now enjoys stomping around, climbing and playing with his cars.