Under the “Take A Breath Boy” heading on the Royal Family Birth Weight Challenge page, more details about the need for Eric to meet some milestones and successfully overcome two brain bleeds, blood in his spinal fluid, Apnea, and Bradycardia, before he could be released from the NICU was shared.

The NICU doctors and nurses also let us know that Eric still had several milestones to meet and treatments to undergo. During the first three months after being released from the NICU, Eric was not allowed to go out in public places, so a traveling nurse would come by the house to administer a series of shots to help boost his immune system. We would have Taylor, Eric’s 3-year-old big sister at the time, visit our neighbor, so she would not have to see the large needle used and hear “Little E’s” cry when receiving these shots.

Taylor, who is nearing her 21st birthday, is studying to be a Child Life Specialist. She explains that today she would tell her 3-year-old self, “Little Taylor”,… “Eric has to get a little poke to give him medicine. Eric’s body is not as strong as yours, and this medicine will help make him stronger. When you get a poke, it hurts for a little bit and that is why Eric cries when the poke happens.” I would then facilitate a medical play activity with my younger self using Little Taylor’s favorite baby doll named Big Josh. I would give Little Taylor all the appropriate medical supplies that the nurse used to give Eric his shots, and allow her to pretend to be the doctor giving Big Josh a little poke like Eric was getting. I would explain in very simple, three year old language what each tool was and its purpose. After participating in this activity, Little Taylor would be much more familiar with the supplies and the process of Eric’s frequent pokes, which in turn, would decrease her fear. Having this information could allow Little Me to stay present during Eric’s pokes and not be scared of his crying. However, going over to our neighbor’s house was a great distraction technique. I would give Little Taylor the choice of staying during the poke, or going over to our neighbor’s house in order to support her in the way she chooses.”

Starting school was another important milestone that would allow us to gauge Eric’s progress towards catching up with his full-term classmates.

Pictured above is Eric all dressed up for his first day of kindergarten and Taylor ready for her first day of third grade. Mom and Dad are both very proud of our children for the school milestones they have achieved and future milestones they are still working towards.

Since Eric is on schedule to complete high school this spring, this week’s suggested donation amount is $20.24.

You can use this link to make a donation to March of Dimes.

You can use this link to read all the March of Dimes post that will be added to the Blind Canine Sports site between November 5 and December 24.