UPDATE: Parker's NICU Journey

Update time!!

Today is Parker - aka - Sweet P’s official due date, and we wanted to take a minute to thank you so much for all your support!

Parker hit the 5lb mark recently and continues to grow healthier every day. Deemed a drama queen by her lovely NP, Andi, Parker still has some health challenges to overcome before heading home. But we feel all your love and prayers rooting her on right along with us.

Her NICU team continues to be a true blessing. She is fortunate to be in a good place, with good people.

Again, thank you for everything.

Original post:

Courage is knowing when the load is too much to bear, and having the strength to ask for help.

I'm asking.

On April 24th, Miss Parker Tess, the most perfect little bundle of feisty, came into the world at 2 lbs 1 oz. Now I can hear a lot of you gasping. HOW SMALL? It's OK to exhale; she has an amazing medical team, and despite a few hiccups in the road, Sweet P has done exceptionally well. Today's weight was 4 lbs 3 oz!

Lauren and John have phenomenal medical insurance through the police department, but there are coverage limits. The pending bills, especially after discharge, will be significant.

And because life is, well, life... in addition to Lauren's multiple surgeries and Parker's long-term Neonatal Intensive Care stay, they have experienced what can only be described as a sitcom-level series of new homeowner woes. But hey, who needs central air conditioning in North Carolina in the summer, right? And that tree that fell on the house this week? Absolutely perfect for the firepit! Who doesn't love s'mores?

Kidding aside, this has been an incredibly rough time. The ups and downs are almost insurmountable some days, but the outpouring of love and support from friends and family is truly heartwarming.

If you would like to help John and Lauren offset the financial challenges, every bit is a blessing. And as the saying goes, "Many hands make for light work."

Thank you,

Kathy Elliott and Annette Armand