Kenneth's Story

Kenneth William Heinbaugh

Where do I begin? I was diagnosed with PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome...which means the chance of conceiving a child are very slim...After many years of trying we were about to give up and I started to get morning sickness.. We couldn't believe it I WAS PREGNANT! What a happy day!

My due date was 10/09/02 and my husbands birthday is 10/16 so of course it would of been a wonderful birthday gift...most pregnancies are late....but not mine. I was so sick through out the pregnancy and had terrible headaches but I assumed this was normal. I learned it definitely was not. During a regular check up at 31 weeks we found out that my blood pressure was up very high. I was admitted to the hospital.  I was showing early signs of toxemia.

After 4 days on bed rest I started contractions but I wasn't getting any better. They transported me to a larger facility and six days later my son was born at 32 weeks.  Of course we prayed and hoped for the best and were happy and sad all at the same time. But, Kenneth did remarkably well...He was born on the 15th of Aug. and weighed 3 pounds and 8 ounces. He was on the CPAP for less than 24 hours and he was breathing on his own after that.  He spent 4 days in NICU and then only 12 days in the step-down unit....He got to come home on Aug 31st...He is now a year old and continues to amaze us everyday...He has so much determination and spirit I love him more everyday.....He is OUR small miracle---he is my miracle baby.....

Amber Thompson, Mother