Ruby May, Ruben and Lauren Olivares in front of Coffee on Main where they celebrated Ruby May’s homecoming.
Weighing 1 pound and 4 ounces at birth in July, Ruby May came home 127 days later weighing 8 pounds and 1.3 ounces on Saturday.
“Over four months,” said Lauren. “Longest four months of my life.”
Ruby May was born to Lauren of Coffee on Main and Ruben Olivares on July 30.
Born at 25 weeks and 4 days, Ruby May weighed 1 pound and 4 ounces at 11 inches long at birth.
Lauren said there were complications with her placenta which made her a high-risk pregnancy. During an appointment, she was quickly admitted to Renown Labor and Delivery where one complication led to another, and Lauren had an emergency cesarean.
Ruby May had to meet many obstacles and milestones, including breathing on her own or at least with low flow oxygen, drinking six bottles in a day, and sitting in a carseat for two hours without having any drops in oxygen levels before she could return home.
Lauren said the day before Ruby May was brought home, she and Ruben stayed in the hospital with her for 24 hours to learn everything they need to know for a successful transition home for Ruby May.
“They provided us with a really nice private room where we could take care of her and be able to give her every feeding for those 24 hours,” said Lauren.
Lauren said there was a lot to learn, as Ruby May sent home on oxygen and several medications.
“She had to gain weight in those 24 hours and she had to drink a certain amount of milk and she did so well,” said Lauren. “I am so proud of her.”
Lauren thanked the doctors, nurses and respiratory technicians at Renown.
“We are so lucky that she did as well as she did in the NICU, considering how small she was born at,” said Lauren. “I really contribute her success to the doctors, nurses, and respiratory techs at Renown. They took care of her like she was their own. I feel like I owe them so much more than I could ever give.”
She also thanked her family, friends, and the community for the positive thoughts and encouragement sent during the last four months.
“Thank you to everyone who has ever said a prayer or had a positive thought for Ruby and her journey,” said Lauren. “I think all of the support and positivity helped not only her, but my entire family as well.”
Since the beginning when Ruby May cried out in the delivery room, Lauren has said she is a warrior.
“She is a stubborn little fighter,” said Lauren. “She continues to be strong and she’s growing along.”
