Nicholas – 24 weeks

On August 13, 2014, our son, Nicholas James Sivulich, came into this world at a very early 24 weeks, weighing only 1lb 14 oz. My pregnancy had been going along smoothly up until that evening. I was home relaxing when all of a sudden, I began feeling uncomfortable back pain which was increasing in intensity. At 8:45, after speaking to my doctor who instructed me to call 911, my water broke.  My husband, Michael, a Yonkers fireman who was working that evening at the firehouse down the road, was my first responder. He got me downstairs to the ambulance and we headed for Westchester Medical Center. Upon my arrival it was apparent that this was a critical situation and I was brought in for an emergency c-section. Nicholas was born at 10:07 pm.

For 12 weeks Nicholas was in the NICU at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. He was a remarkable fighter! It was an emotional roller coaster and a new mother’s nightmare. But, Nicky was progressing nicely and was deemed a ‘rockstar’ by the nurses and doctors! We are very thankful for the quality of care Nicholas received at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

One of the first doctors we met with told us this journey will be 20% medical and 80% the fight in the baby and the love and support of the family. Nicholas, Michael, and I were very lucky to have had an extensive support system who rooted on our little man. We knew that this journey would not end with his discharge from the NICU, and Michael and I were prepared to tackle whatever road blocks came our way. We felt hopeful that Nicholas will be nothing but remarkable!

Nicky is now an active and healthy 4 year old who loves exploring outdoors, listening to music and playing with trucks.