Help Nikolai Thrive with Family Care Support

We are raising funds to help with expenses while taking the full 12 weeks of FMLA time to help Nikolai get through the NICU and start his life with our family. We originally planned on not taking any additional time past our short term disability, but our circumstances have changed.

Nikolai was born on 9/14/2024 by emergency c-section. He was severely growth restricted, there was a significant loss of amniotic fluid, and he managed to wrap his entire body up in the Umbilical cord. Due to his growth restriction, he weighed only 3 pounds at birth.

So far, Nikolai has shown just how strong he is regardless of how tiny. He no longer needs assistance with breathing, his UVC line was removed, and his sugar levels are under control. He’s taking bottles and is fed through a tube for the time being.

However, Nikolai still has a long way to go. He has a brain scan this weekend. He also needs to gain a lot more weight and must meet many milestones before he can leave the NICU and go home with us.

We will need an additional 4 weeks of time past the time we receive short term disability. We are asking for help to get through 4 weeks of bills and other expenses that we did not account for.

If you are able to donate, we appreciate you so much. If you’re unable to donate, please share, that helps us too. Either way, thank you.

Update: Nikolai passed his brain scan tests, which is big news. He’s slowly gaining weight and practicing taking from the bottle. He’s doing about 20% bottle feeds and 80% tube feeds. This will take time and practice for a little guy, but I know he will get there. He’s so strong!

Thank you to all who have donated. We appreciate you!