After already having two children — my first arriving two weeks past her due date and needing induction, and my second arriving two weeks early but weighing 9 pounds — I never imagined that I would experience a premature birth again. Yet on June 5th, 2024, our lives were changed forever. That morning, after leaving my mother-in-law’s house, I began feeling slight pains. We lived nearby, so I made it home quickly, tried to ease the discomfort, and even settled my two-year-old daughter for her nap. Nothing seemed to help. Anxiety mounting, I called the local labour ward for advice, and requested an assessment. Little did I know that in less than an hour, our baby’s life — and ours — would be transformed.
At 12:20 p.m., I made that call. By 1:12 p.m., Cody James was born, weighing just 1,100 grams. There was no time to prepare — physically or mentally. My partner was away at work, my son was at school, and my two-year-old daughter was with me at the hospital. Everything happened so fast that before I could even lay eyes on Cody, he was whisked away and transferred to
KEMH NICU. The shock, the fear, and the helplessness were overwhelming. The first week of Cody’s life was terrifying, as we found ourselves holding our breath constantly, unsure of whether he would continue to fight. On day two, the news was devastating: Cody had suffered two brain bleeds and had extremely high infection levels. Every hour felt like a lifetime, but each day he grew stronger, more resilient, and more determined to survive.
As weeks passed, Cody continued to make progress. Week by week, he gained weight, improved his feeding, and reached small milestones that gave us hope. Yet just as we began to imagine a light at the end of the tunnel, Cody became extremely unwell. He contracted Rhinovirus and a second strain called Enterovirus. His condition deteriorated quickly — he became lethargic, almost nonresponsive, and his body swelled due to dangerously low sodium levels. He was moved back into an incubator and placed in isolation for five days. On day three, after a lumbar puncture, the doctors discovered that Cody was also fighting viral meningitis. It felt like taking twenty steps backward.
During this critical period, Cody was placed back on CPAP, TPN, and eventually high-flow oxygen. But despite the setbacks, he began to show signs of recovery. By day five, he was becoming more alert, responsive, and once again starting feeds. The CPAP was removed, high-flow oxygen weaned, and the first glimpses of hope returned. Each improvement felt like a victory, no matter how small. Slowly, we began to believe that Cody might truly make it home.
Four weeks later, after a total of 101 days in the hospital, Cody was finally discharged. We brought him home to meet his big brother and sister for the first time. That moment was unlike anything we had imagined — a culmination of fear, hope, exhaustion, and love. Holding Cody in our arms, seeing him finally safe and surrounded by family, was more than we had dared to dream.
Although our NICU journey ended, Cody’s story is far from over. One of the brain bleeds he suffered at birth did not fully resolve. The affected brain tissue has been replaced by fluid, leaving him at high risk for cerebral palsy. While his future carries uncertainty, Cody continues to defy expectations each day, showing incredible strength and resilience. Every tiny milestone is a testament to his courage and determination.
Before Cody, I didn’t personally know anyone who had experienced the challenges of having a premature baby. The isolation and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, organisations like Miracle Babies provide a community of support and understanding, reminding families that they are not alone and that miracles do happen, even in the darkest times.
Cody’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the unwavering dedication of parents, doctors, and nurses. He is our tiny fighter, a living reminder that strength is not measured in size but in heart. From a fragile 1,100-gram newborn to a thriving child at home, Cody embodies the miracle of survival, the courage of the human spirit, and the boundless power of hope. Every day, we are grateful for him, for his resilience, and for the medical teams who helped him reach this day. Cody has shown us that even the smallest beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary triumphs.
